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Ecotourism
Program Code Campus Program Length Start Date
010405 College Drive Two semesters (one year) September, January
Ecotourism
 

Picture yourself learning in Northern Ontario’s largest classroom - the great outdoors.

Ecotourism workers organize and deliver nature-based programs and experiences that promote the enjoyment and appreciation of our environment.

As a student in Canadore’s eight-month Ecotourism certificate program you will acquire the skills and knowledge that will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career. Students receive 400 hours of classroom theory and 200 hours of hands-on training and practical experiences.

A few program highlights are: canoe tripping, hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and participating in a variety of workshops including: search and rescue training, camping skills, cross country skiing, nature identification, earth science, native customs and traditions, and outdoor games and activities.

Field trips are an important program feature and typically include visits to the Canadian Ecology Centre, Smoothwater Resort and Ecolodge, North Bay Canoe and Kayak, Science North, Eau Claire Gorge, and Wolf Within Adventures etc.

Students will receive certification in a nationally recognized GPS training course.

Admission Requirements


Ontario Secondary School Diploma at or above the general level or its equivalent. Grade 12 English or equivalent is required.

Mature Students:
Applicants aged 19 or over without OSSD will be considered on the basis of their results on the College’s Mature Students Test.

Graduates of the new Ontario Secondary School Curriculum:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) preparation levels.

Required Courses:
Grade 12 Compulsory English (ENG 4C or ENG 4U).

 
PROGRAM ENDORSEMENT
 
“The training and experiences that the professors give their students are very relevant to ecotourism. The transition into the real world is very apparent.”
Andre Leblanc
Owner of North Bay Canoe and Kayak
 
“The program is experiential: They live it; they see it; they experience it; they touch it. As advisors and participants in the training, we use the five E’s to define the program. It is the hallmark of what the program does: Educational - Ecological - Experiential - Entertaining - Exciting.”
Bill Steer
Manager of Education, Canadian Ecology Centre
 
Other Canadore programs that may interest you:
 

Interesting Notes

Canadore’s Ecotourism Program was nominated for a National Program Excellence Award, Canadian Community Colleges Association, 2004/05.

Canadore College is the only college in Ontario that offers a one-year Ministry approved Ecotourism Certificate Program.

 
CURRICULUM
 

Note: Students must have appropriate clothing, hiking boots, and personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, etc.) to participate in outdoor activities throughout the year. Some agencies may require a police check for program practicum.

 
CERTIFICATE TO DIPLOMA OPTION

The program curriculum is designed to offer students the opportunity to obtain an Ecotourism Certificate and a related recreation diploma within two years. Ecotourism graduates are eligible to transfer directly into Year II of any of these diploma programs:

 
PROGRAM PRACTICUM

Students complete over 200 hours of practical experience and participate in a variety of specialized workshops, training sessions, and field trips.

PERSONAL ASSETS
  • Physically fit
  • Passion for the outdoors
  • Enjoy working with people
  • Enthusiastic, adventurous
  • Effective communicator
  • Team player
 
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

In the past, employment has tended to be seasonal; however, an increasing number of ecotourism businesses are now operational year-round. Exciting jobs may be found in a variety of public and commercial settings. Graduates may also choose to be entrepreneurs and operate their own ecotourism businesses.

  • Tourist resorts, parks, camps
  • Outfitter companies
  • Ecotourism specialty stores and businesses
  • Trail development
  • Outdoor education centres
  • Outdoor adventure
  • Interpretive centres
  • Conservation authorities
 
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Students have opportunities to participate in additional certification programs including: ORCA, mountain biking, wall climbing, aquatics, scuba diving, Smart Serve, First Aid, CPR, NCCP, High Five etc.   Students complete these certifications at their own expense and generally outside of scheduled class time.

 
STUDENT QUOTES
 
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“Great program…I completed my placement in Costa Rica and enjoyed every moment of it…Canadore’s Ecotourism program rocks.”
Lisa Horner
Ecotourism Graduate 2006
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“The program was very helpful. It helped me to connect with ecotourism professionals and provided me with a variety of excellent learning opportunities. I really appreciated how flexible and responsive the program faculty were to accommodate my interests. A year well spent!”
Alex Needleman
Ecotourism Graduate 2007
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ECOTOURISM CLUB

This student-operated club organizes environmental awareness and educational programs for the college, local schools, and community groups. In addition, the club plans a variety of outdoor adventure activities, for example: horseback riding, campfires, white water rafting, wall climbing, hiking, camping, and canoeing. The club offers opportunities for students to enhance their leadership and organizational skills.

 
For Program Information Contact

Dave de Jourdan
Professor
(705) 474-7600 ext. 5223
dave.dejourdan@canadorec.on.ca

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100 College Drive, P.O. Box 5001, North Bay, Ontario  P1B 8K9
Telephone: 705.474.7600 · Fax: 705.474.2384 · E-mail: info@canadorec.on.ca