Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate

The Adventure Tourism and Business Operations (ATBO) program is ideal if you are passionate about adventure, sustainability, the environment, the outdoors and are interested in working in the Adventure Tourism industry.

• 1 year certificate program
• Credits can be used towards a tourism degree program
• Classroom study, lab work and six-week practicum

Required Courses:

Plus three elective courses (6 credits) chosen from:

Note: A student who meets the prerequisites may choose instead to do any elective that is offered to the ATBO diploma students.

Total Credits for Certificate: 33

View official program outline.

Careers:

As a graduate of the certificate program you are qualified to secure positions in many entry-level positions such as lodge assistant interpreters, ski patrol, river rafting guide assistants, camp counsellor, office managers, service drivers & guides, river guides, assistant camp program directors and small business operations.

Certifications:

Our program includes the latest industry-developed training material, and includes BC provincially-endorsed programs’ standards. These include:

• Adventure Tourism – BC Standards and Certification for the Tourism Professional
• Marine Radio Operator License
• Commercial Recreation Management Plan
• Wilderness First Aid
• Business Plan Development

Possible Certifications

• Advanced Wilderness First Aid
• Aid in Obtaining a Class 4 Drivers License
• Swift Water Rescue-Rescue Canada
• Flat Water Canoe Instructors-BCRCA
• Alpine Ski Instructors-CSIA
• Snow Board Instructors-CASI
• Sea Kayak Level 1 Guide, SKGABC
• Sea Kayak Assistant Overnight Guide, SKGABC
• Apprentice Interpreter, IGA

Outdoor Technical Skills

• Backpacking
• White Water Kayaking
• Rock Climbing
• Technical Mountaineering
• Ice Climbing
• Winter Camping
• Tele-marking
• Back Country Ski Touring
• Canoeing
• Ocean Kayaking

Practicum

Some potential practicum placements include:

• Backroad Adventures BC Inc.
• Three Bars Ranch
• Panorama Resort
• Silver Star Resort
• Canadian Mountain Holidays
• Glacier Rafting Ltd.
• Crux Climbing Centre
• University Of Calgary, Outdoor Program Centre
• Reo Rafting Adventures
• Waskesiu Marina Adventure Center
• T’ai Li Lodge
• Parks Canada

ATBO – Year 1 – Required Courses

Students must complete all required courses listed below and a minimum of three elective courses.

Choose three (3) elective courses from the following:

Note: A student who meets the prerequisites may choose instead to do any elective that is offered to the ATBO diploma students.

Academic Requirements:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
• Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
• Recommended: Minimum 60% in either MATH 080, MATH 082, Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Essentials 11, Applications 11, Principles 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent.

Non-Academic Requirements:

• 19 years of age prior to the start date of the program.
• Completion and submission of ATBO Program Admissions Package, which includes the ATBO Admissions Questionnaire, the ATBO Physical Fitness & Abilities Agreement, the ATBO Medical History Questionnaire, medical insurance, and the general program release and waiver.
• Students will be required to sign a general program release and waiver form before attending any outdoor activity.

Tuition and Fees:

_{*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Tuition and Fees for International Students

 Textbook Fees:

• Certificate program text book costs are approximately $800.00

Note:

• Tuition fees do not include living expenses. You are responsible for all living expenses.
• If you have applied for student loan funding and have not received confirmation of approval, you must make alternate arrangements for tuition payment.
• Students who are not eligible for government funding may wish to approach private lending institutions to discuss their student lines of credit.

Additional Costs and Supplies:

The College provides:

• Transportation during all out-trips
• All equipment except as noted on personal list
• Some shelter during out-trips which may include tents, tarps or Alpine huts
• Most certification and exam fees
• Free access to college computers and library services
• Seasons Pass at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

You can expect to incur the following expenses:

• Out-trip Food:
  You are responsible for food and personal maintenance costs during out trips.

• Accommodation:
  You are expected to have your accommodation situation settled by the first day of classes.

Equipment Requirements

The following is a required personal equipment list for all ATBO students. There is also a recommended personal equipment list. Your equipment will, with care, last you for years. And remember – the lighter and the smaller it packs, the better!

Note: Course equipment should not be purchased before receiving notification of valid course registration. Please note that for recommended equipment, much of it can be rented, borrowed, or purchased used.

Required Personal Gear (required within the first week of class)

• Quality hiking boots (broken in) or
• Mountaineering Boots (able to accept strap on crampons for Mountaineering and/or Ice Climbing)
• Outerwear, Gortex jacket and pants or equivalent
• Base Layers (synthetic/wool long underwear)
• Insulative mid layers (synthetic/wool/fleece/down etc.)
• Hat, toque, Socks plus spares (wool or synthetic)
• Four season sleeping bag rated to -20
• Sleeping pad – compact thermarest style or equivalent
• Overnight pack 55L-70L
• Day pack 25L – 40L
• Compass with adjustable declination setting and flip up sighting mirror (Silva Ranger or Suunto)
• Headlamp
• Water bottle
• Personal eating utensils/bowl
• Good quality gloves plus spares
• Sunglasses (UV blocking)
• Personal first aid kit
• Pocket Knife or Leatherman
• Rain Resistant Log Book (Rite in the Rain)
• Watch (wrist)

Recommended Personal Gear (not required but highly recommended)

• Lightweight Nylon/Sil Tarp with lines
• Gaiters
• Stuff Sacks (waterproof is nice)
• Camp Stove, Pots
• 3 – 4 Season Alpine or Backpacking Tent
• Rain Resistant Log Book
• Watch or Altimeter
• Trekking Pole(s) (or old ski pole)

Note: Not every person needs to purchase a tent, stove, pot set because you may be able to share with other students, however they are important pieces of gear that you will be able to use for many years.

Additional Equipment (only required for electives you choose)

Climbing Gear
The following gear is required only if you have selected this as an elective.  The College does carry a supply of climbing helmets, ropes, crampons, carabineers, belay devices and harnesses. You may choose to purchase your own or use College equipment.

• 5 metres of 1″ webbing or 1 long sewn sling
• Rock Climbing Shoes, climbing harness (with adjustable legs)
• Climbing helmet. two locking carabineers (one locking pear shaped), two non-locking carabineers
• Belay device (suitable for a variety of rope sizes)

Paddling Gear
The following gear is required only if you have selected this as an elective. The College does carry a supply of Farmer John/Jane Wetsuits, spray tops, PFD’s, kayaks, canoes and helmets.

• Neoprene booties or socks
• Wetsuit
• Paddling jacket or dry top
• Thin neoprene gloves and hat

Ski Touring Gear
The following gear is required only if you have selected this as an elective. The College does carry a supply of snowshoes, however we recommend renting, borrowing or purchasing proper ski/snowboard touring equipment. The College is not able to provide skis or snowshoes.

• Alpine Ski touring equipment or a suitable split snowboard and skins (alpine gear or full randonee or free heel setups)
• Touring / Climbing skins

Avalanche Gear
The following gear is required only if you have selected this as an elective. The College does carry a supply of avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels. If you are pursuing ski/snowboard  touring we would recommend purchasing your own equipment.

• Avalanche probe
• Shovel with metal blade
• Avalanche transceiver

Since tuition includes a seasons pass to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort you may want to have snowboard, ski or telemarking equipment.

If you own your own equipment:

If you own your equipment or have personal preferences every opportunity will be made to allow for its use, as long as the item meets all appropriate safety standards.

Graduate Success Stories

James Major

“After 5 years working as a tour guide in Europe, I realized that it was the wilderness where I wanted to be guiding. But, I was woefully under-qualified for any adventure tourism jobs. I can’t tell you how happy I was when I discovered that the ATBO program not only existed, but that its status as a diploma program allowed me (a British citizen), to get a Canadian study permit and work permit so I could help support myself over the 2 year course. I took a gamble giving up a good career to come back to school, but so far it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.” Read more about James on our blog.

Greg Snell

In 2013, Greg beat out more than 600,000 applicants to win one of six spots in Australia’s “Best Job in the World” contest as Kangaroo Island’s wildlife caretaker. For six months, Greg swam with great white sharks, hung out with kangaroos and helped to conserve the pristine natural environment of
the island. After leaving Australia, Greg went on to his next best job in the world – launching an online documentary series called Travel Global Think Local. The travel series focuses on community projects that encourage empowerment, and sustainability and the actions of people who are making the world a better place.

Steve Cloke

Steve Cloke was always active and interested in outdoor recreation. As he grew older,that interest developed into work opportunities. Loving the industry, he decided to pursue a diploma that would give him the professional skills needed to thrive. “I researched several programs and this one was the perfect blend of small business studies and guide training,” says Steve. “I was interested in learning about the business side of the industry and not just the hard skills so this program was a great choice.” Through his practicum, Steve began guiding for 1000 Islands Kayaking in Brockville, Ontario. He is now the General Manager of the company and has helped the company grow from 10 boats to a fleet of 85.

Meet Your Instructors

Dave Wan, Program Coordinator

Dave holds a Masters Degree in Outdoor Education, and has worked professionally in the Adventure Tourism Industry in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland, and the USA.

Dave was the Coordinator of The Outdoor Leadership Program at Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts for 4 years directing a one year certificate program that trains students for careers as outdoor education instructors, and adventure tourism guides.

Prior to that position, Dave spent 5 years as Director of the Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training Centre (COLT) in British Columbia, an intensive 100 day guide training program with a focus on technical skills and leadership.

Twenty years of whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and back country ski expeditions have taken him throughout North America, the Himalayas, the Karakorum, and other parts of the world. You will appreciate his warmth and humour.

Don Webster, ATBO Faculty

Don has spent the last twenty years working as a guide, educator and outdoor professional across five continents.  From 2009 – 2016 he was Convenor of the Advanced Wilderness Leadership Certificate at Capilano University.

He has a diverse skill set in the adventure tourism industry, including expertise in: program management, guide training, curriculum design, sea kayaking, wilderness skills, risk management, and backcountry recreational conflict management.

Credentials: Certificate in Adventure Tourism Business Management (COTR), Diploma in Adventure Guiding (TRU), Bachelor’s Degree in Adventure Tourism Management (TRU), Master of Arts in Environment & Management (RRU), Guide Examiner (SKGABC).

Notable Experience: President, SKGABC; Chair, Adventure Tourism Articulation Committee; Adventure Programs Representative, Link BC; Director, Tourism Squamish; guiding, instructing and consulting internationally in Alaska, Patagonia, Australia, China, Antarctica, Oman, Norway, and Greenland.

Gideon ‘Montana’ Smith, Computer and Natural Interpretation Instructor

Gideon ‘Montana’ Smith, Computer and Natural Interpretation Instructor Gideon completed a geology program at Cambrian College (now the Sault College) in Ontario.  He worked professionally for four years as a field geophysicist and topographic surveyor in various parts of Canada.

He then completed an archaeology program at the University of Calgary.  After working in archaeology for several years, Gideon returned to the field of geology, and worked with the Geological Survey of Canada for eight years.  While with the Geological Survey he participated in two field expeditions, one to the high arctic, and one to the Rocky Mountains on the northern edge of Jasper Park.

Gideon has participated in archaeological projects throughout Alberta and in the Northwest Territories.  During trips to Mexico he has also extensively photographed some 25 Mesoamerican archaeological ruins.

Gideon moved to Golden in 1990, and began teaching with College of the Rockies in 1991.  An earth sciences background, along with field work, and many years experience hiking, mountain climbing, ski-touring, and canoeing have given Gideon a wide knowledge of the natural environment.

Over the years he has also worked as a professional ski patroller, and has acquired expertise in computer spreadsheet and database design.

Glen Reisenhofer, Backpacking Guide/Instructor

Glen Reisenhofer, Backpacking Guide/Instructor Glen Reisenhofer has been climbing, hiking, skiing and backpacking all over North America since 1982. However, his favourite place to play is in the Columbia and Rocky Mountains of Canada. Somehow, Glenn managed to find the time to finish a science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Calgary.

The lure of the mountains changed his direction and prevented Glenn from getting stuck in a laboratory. He started guiding officially in 2004. Glenn received his backpacking certification in 2005 from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

He also went on to become a professional interpreter with the Banff based Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association.

Glenn is a freelance photographer and writer with 36 published articles and various published photographs. Glenn is often found at the crags or in the great outdoors with his partner Colleen and daughter Elsa.

Careers, Certification and Practicum

Careers

As a graduate of the certificate program you are qualified to secure positions in many entry-level positions such as lodge assistant interpreters, ski patrol, river rafting guide assistants, camp counsellor, office managers, service drivers & guides, river guides, assistant camp program directors and small business operations.

Completing the diploma program qualifies you to seek work as an entrepreneur, to seek entry into mid-management positions in the tourism industry, to work as a recreation or program coordinator, as an assistant guide, for Parks Canada and more.

Certification:

Our program includes the latest industry-developed training material, and includes BC provincially-endorsed programs’ standards. These include:

• Adventure Tourism – BC Standards and Certification for the Tourism Professional
• Marine Radio Operator License
• Commercial Recreation Management Plan
• Wilderness First Aid
• Business Plan Development

Possible Certifications

• Advanced Wilderness First Aid
• Aid in Obtaining a Class 4 Drivers License
• Swift Water Rescue-Rescue Canada
• Flat Water Canoe Instructors-BCRCA
• Alpine Ski Instructors-CSIA
• Snow Board Instructors-CASI
• Sea Kayak Level 1 Guide, SKGABC
• Sea Kayak Assistant Overnight Guide, SKGABC
• Apprentice Interpreter, IGA

Outdoor Technical Skills

• Backpacking
• White Water Kayaking
• Rock Climbing
• Technical Mountaineering
• Ice Climbing
• Winter Camping
• Tele-marking
• Back Country Ski Touring
• Canoeing
• Ocean Kayaking

Practicum

Some potential practicum placements include:

• Backroad Adventures BC Inc.
• Three Bars Ranch
• Panorama Resort
• Silver Star Resort
• Canadian Mountain Holidays
• Glacier Rafting Ltd.
• Crux Climbing Centre
• University Of Calgary, Outdoor Program Centre
• Reo Rafting Adventures
• Waskesiu Marina Adventure Center
• T’ai Li Lodge
• Parks Canada