湖首大学

Outdoor recreation plays an increasingly important role in our contemporary lives, contributing to our health, family cohesion, enrichment of culture, environmental appreciation, and economic development. Our Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism program is the only one of its kind in Canada due to our integration of both theoretical and applied perspectives.

With mountains, lakes, and trails at our doorstep, our program takes advantage of this unique terrain as well as our campus’ proximity to world-class kayaking, climbing, hiking, and other recreational pursuits that are ideal for the practical experience required to excel within the discipline. Our field trips and outdoor schools take place locally and expose you to a variety of landscapes, weather patterns, and populations preparing you to work in any environment.

Many of our courses involve interaction with experts in the field as well as technological elements such as geographic information systems, computer programs and multimedia/video. It is our goal to prepare you for success in this challenging and rapidly changing industry, from planning and leading guided tours to assessing and creating visitor experiences for communities and parks organizations.

Our program offers a one-of-a-kind concentration in Nature-Based Therapeutic Recreation, as well as double degree options with Geography, History, Women’s Studies, and Natural Science (Biology). Concurrent Education is also an option, allowing you to complete your Outdoor Recreation degree and immediately enter into the two-year professional Education program.

Future Careers

• Tourism Development and Planning Officer
• Small Business Owner
• Outdoor/Field Instructor
• Adventure Guide
• Interpretive Programmer
• Municipal Recreation Manager
• Outdoor Education Coordinator
• Conservation Officer
• Events Manager
• Youth Camp Director
• Primary/Secondary Teacher
• Various Parks Canada/Provincial Park positions