Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate

Program Overview

The ATBO program is an adventure itself. As a student, you’ll complete academic courses geared to prepare you for the business component of the industry, but you’ll also take part in several field courses that will challenge you and let you learn from your own real-life experiences. What will the field courses look like if you enroll in the program? Well, that’s part of the adventure. There are many variables that will impact your own experience, but you can expect to venture out in many different environments, in a variety of weather conditions, and be faced with an array of challenges, and different group situations. But don’t take our word for it. A few of our former students share some of their most memorable moments. Check out their stories.

This program starts in September each year. Part-time students applying in the Winter or Spring semester should select University General Studies as their program when applying.

1 year certificate program
Credits can be used towards a tourism degree program
A combination of academic and field courses and six-week practicum

Certificate Program Requirements

Required Courses:

Course	Title	Credits
ATBO 101	Principles of Tourism	3
ATBO 105	Wilderness Travel	3
ATBO 106	Experiential Leadership & Guiding	3
ATBO 107	Natural Interpretation	3
ATBO 109	Risk Management	3
ATBO 121	Backpacking Level 1	2
ATBO 123	Introduction to Outdoor Skills	2
COMP 153	Introduction to Data Processing	3
ENGL 100	English Composition	3
ATBO 114	Wilderness First Aid	2
Total		27

Plus three elective courses (6 credits) chosen from:

Course	Title	Course
ATBO 131	Whitewater Kayak Level 1	2
ATBO 132	Canoe Guide Skills	2
ATBO 133	Sea Kayaking Level 1	2
ATBO 141	Rock Climbing Level 1	2
ATBO 142	Ice Climbing Level 1	2
ATBO 151	Ski/Snowboard Instructor Level 1	2
ATBO 152	Winter Back Country Travel Level 1	2
ATBO 171	Mountain Bike Skills Level 1	2
Total		6

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

Certifications:

In addition to earning a college certificate, you may also be eligible to obtain a variety of recognized outdoor industry certifications. These may include:

Advanced Wilderness First Aid – Slipstream Wilderness First Aid
Swiftwater Rescue Technician – Rescue Canada
Level 1 Ski Instructor – Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance
Level 1 Snowboard Instructor – Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors
Day Canoe Guide – Recreational Canoeing Association of BC
Level 1 & Assistant Overnight Guide – Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 & 2 – Avalanche Canada
Interpretive Specialist – Interpretive Guides Association
Field Leader Hiking – Outdoor Council of Canada

Practicum

ATBO students have completed their six week practicum in a variety of work environments, including the following operators:

Course Descriptions

ATBO – Year 1 – Required Courses

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

ATBO-101 – Principles of Adventure Tourism

This course provides an overview of Adventure Tourism from a local, national, and international perspective. Students will explore the conception, growth, past/current trends and the future of Adventure Tourism. A variety of assignments, presentations, and guest speakers will help guide students to investigate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of Adventure Tourism within communities.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus
Cost: $372.57
Course Outline

ATBO-105 – Wilderness Travel

The Wilderness Travel course uses the classroom learning environment to teach academic theory to support the practical skills learned on ATBO field courses on complex topics such as navigation and weather interpretation. Students will also explore special topics such as nature philosophy, avalanche skills training, and marine radio use.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus
Cost: $372.57
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $733.90
Course Outline

ATBO-106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding

This course relates leadership theory with the practical application of leadership in the adventure tourism industry. Innovative activities are used to help students explore group leadership and group management strategies, and to build an awareness of the professional standards expected of outdoor guides. Experiential Leadership and Guiding is a CORE theory course (Guiding Leadership and Group Management) as described in the Provincial Core Curriculum Handbook for the British Columbia Adventure Tourism Certificate Program.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Corequisites: Enrolment in the ATBO Program
Delivery Method: ? On-campus
Cost: $372.57
Course Outline

ATBO-107 – Natural Interpretation

This course is an introduction to the natural history of the Rockies and Columbia Mountains of BC: the landscape, geology, flora and fauna, species identification, ecosystem relationships and biogeoclimatic zones of the interior mountain environment. Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal #15—Life on Land, students will develop knowledge and skills in the interpretation of natural landscapes through place-based experiences, writing, and peer-group presentations. The course promotes an understanding of natural ecosystems, and the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial landscapes by the tourism industry.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Enrollment in the Adventure Tourism Business Operations Program
Delivery Method: ? On-campus
Cost: $372.57
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $733.90
Course Outline

ATBO-109 – Risk Management

During this course, students focus on learning risk management strategies for the adventure tourism industry. They study concepts such as legal liability, risk mitigation, and standard of care. additionally, students learn how to develop a risk management strategy that covers techniques for risk reduction, risk transfer, risk avoidance, and risk acceptance from both a management level and an employee level.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus
Cost: $372.57
Course Outline

ATBO-121 – Backpacking Level 1

This experiential learning course will expose students to the basic skills required for successful wilderness travel. Backpacking and camping techniques, equipment, trip preparation, navigation, route finding, group management, and leadership skills are covered. Mountain environment and natural history topics will be presented. The students will learn minimum impact wilderness travel techniques. This course incorporates backpacking and overnight camping in a wilderness environment. The emphasis on this course is in learning the skills and knowledge required of a professional backpacking guide.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 48 hours
Prerequisites:
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
  - ATBO106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding (3)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-123 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills

This course introduces the student to the core outdoor skills required of professionals in the adventure tourism industry. Students learn how to care for self and other group participants in a wilderness setting. The many outdoor skills learned in this course significantly enhance the student’s ability to spend time in the wilderness or pursue a career as a professional in the adventure tourism industry. This course also engages concepts from the Outdoor Council of Canada and Leave No Trace Canada.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 40 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

COMP-153 – Introduction to Data Processing

This course allows students to develop knowledge and skills in the field of information technology. Students will explore the operation and application of professional productivity software. Students use four applications of the Microsoft Office 2019 suite: Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. The theory component develops a broad and general understanding of current computer technology, methods and models.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $372.57
Lab Fees: $85.38
Total: $457.95
Course Outline

ENGL-100 – English Composition

English 100 focuses on composition strategies for writing across academic disciplines. Over the course of the term, students will develop an awareness of how rhetorical situations affect composition and refine their understanding of the fundamentals of essay writing (and clear communication more broadly), including paragraphing, thesis statements, essay structure, and citation methods. Students will also learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and analysis, persuasive writing techniques (including rhetorical appeals and modes), scholarly research, and academic reading.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Hybrid, Online
Cost: $372.57
Course Outline

ATBO-114 – Wilderness First Aid

The Wilderness First Aid course covers in-depth principles in medical and legal aspects relative to injury prevention and care, including: regulations; legislation; contagious/infectious disease; assessment; communication; anatomy and physiology; airway management; respiratory emergencies; cardiac arrest; circulatory; soft tissue and wound management; injuries to eyes; ears; nose; throat; burns; poisons; and environmental emergencies including other considerations in wilderness survival. This WFA course meets the certification requirements for adventure guides working in the adventure tourism industry.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

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.

ATBO-131 – Whitewater Kayaking Level 1

This course is designed to introduce and develop whitewater kayak skills and develop confidence and self-reliance in the whitewater environment. Students are educated in equipment design and selection, trip preparation, evaluation of hazards, conservative decision-making and leadership in the sport of whitewater kayaking. Instruction begins on flat water, and then moves to grade 1 whitewater as student skill levels increase. As skills are further developed, students will progress to grade 2 whitewater and potentially on to grade 3 whitewater if appropriate for the student.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 48 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ATBO106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding (3)
    - ATBO123 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills (2)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-132 – Canoe Guide Skills

This course is designed to teach general knowledge of the sport and history of canoeing, and to develop canoeing skills on flat water, and on moving water. Instruction is provided in teaching canoe strokes first on flat water, and then progressing to develop these strokes to be effective on moving water. This is a Canoe Guide Certification course with the Recreational Canoe Association of BC. Successful students who pass the certification exam are certified as RCABC Day Guides.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 48 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-133 – Sea Kayaking Level 1

This course is an introductory course designed to teach students the fundamental skills and knowledge of sea kayak guiding, and to improve sea kayak paddling technique. Emphasis is placed on navigation, rescue techniques, marine radio operation, and coastal natural interpretation. Client care, risk management knowledge, and safety awareness are also covered.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 80 hours
Prerequisites:
- Completed the following:
  - ATBO105 – Wilderness Travel (3)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-141 – Rock Climbing Level 1

This course introduces the student to the basics of top roped climbing. Students learn the basic knots, safety procedures, equipment use, and rope handling skills, group management, and climbing techniques to safely set up and climb basic top roped climbs.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 40 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ATBO106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding (3)
  - Prerequisites: Students must be 19 years old to take this course.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-142 – Ice Climbing Level 1

This course introduces the student to the techniques and skills used in waterfall ice climbing. Safety and hazard management is the focus as the students learn anchor building, ice evaluation, belay considerations, and moderate and vertical ice climbing techniques.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 40 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Completed the following:
    - ATBO141 – Rock Climbing Level 1 (2)
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ATBO106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding (3)
    - ATBO123 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills (2)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-151 – Ski/Snowboard Instructor Level 1

This certification course allows students to become certified to work as a ski or snowboard instructor. Topics include the fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding technique, the responsibility code, learner progressions and the use of ski area lifts. The alpine skiers take the CSIA Alpine Ski Instructor Level 1 Certification course. The snowboarders take the CASI Snowboard Instructor Level 1 Certification course.

This course remains consistent with the standards expected of the CSIA and CASI certification courses.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 48 hours
Prerequisites:
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
  - ATBO106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding (3)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-152 – Winter Back Country Travel Level 1

This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary for backcountry skiing and snowboarding in avalanche terrain. Topics include appropriate equipment selection and use, uphill and downhill travel techniques, navigation and route finding in the mountains. A large focus of this course is learning about travelling in avalanche terrain, and learning how to identify and manage the avalanche risk.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 40 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Completed the following:
    - ATBO151 – Ski/Snowboard Instructor Level 1 (2)
  - Or equivalent experience.
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ATBO105 – Wilderness Travel (3)
  - Students must be 19 years old to take this course.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

ATBO-171 – Mountain Bike Skills Level 1

In this course, students will begin by learning about the sport of mountain biking. Students will be taught basic and intermediate riding skills, through a structured lesson plan. This course will also give an overview of different bike types and components, and how to set up and maintain these bikes with simple repairs on the trail.

This course provides the necessary training to work as a Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association Ride Guide. PMBI Ride Guides are responsible for organizing a ride, performing bike checks and safety talks, assessing rider skills, and managing their clients on appropriate trails. The goal is to be able to lead clients on safe, enjoyable rides.

Minimum Credits: 2
Length: 40 hours
Prerequisites:
None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
Cost: $248.38
Lab Fees: $361.33
Total: $609.71
Course Outline

Admission Requirements

Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students

Equipment Requirements:

The following is a required & recommended personal equipment list for all ATBO students.

Review carefully – the exact items you will require will depend on what elective courses you choose to take, personal preferences, comfort in inclement conditions, and willingness to rent/share equipment.

View or download Required Equipment List

Tuition and Fees:

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$4,098.27
Lab Fee:	$85.38
Field Fee:	$2,890.64
Ski Pass:	$339.09
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Student Association Fee:	$69.00

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

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 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.

Tuition and Fees for International Students

Equipment Requirements:

The following is a required & recommended personal equipment list for all ATBO students.

Review carefully – the exact items you will require will depend on what elective courses you choose to take, personal preferences, comfort in inclement conditions, and willingness to rent/share equipment.

View or download Required Equipment List

Tuition and Fees:

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Application Fee:	$100.00
One-time International Education Fee:	$100.00
Tuition:	$12,971.67
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Ski Pass:	$339.09
Lab Fee:	$85.38
Field Fee:	$2,890.64
Health and Dental Fee	$240.00
Guard.me Insurance	$270.00

*_{Tuition and Fees for international students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook and supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

_{Refer to: International Education Fees Schedule for 2026/27 tuition.}

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 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.

Career Info and Pathways

Meet Your Instructors

Don Webster, ATBO Program Coordinator

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.

Dave Wan, Program Faculty

I initially earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Melbourne, Australia but spent a lot of my free time with the local SCUBA diving and bushwalking (back packing, rock-climbing, white-water kayaking, and skiing) clubs. I was first drawn to outdoor adventure sports for exactly that reason – the adventure. I also appreciate the challenge, the personal development, and the connection to the outdoors. My passion for outdoor adventure inspired me to complete a post-graduate diploma in Outdoor Education.

I have continued to pursue outdoor adventure because of the friendships and close personal bonds that are developed with others. You are often responsible for each other’s safety and that creates a long-lasting, deeply caring connection. Outdoor adventures became such an important part of my life, after a decade working in the field, I completed a master’s degree in Outdoor Education.

In 2006, I joined the College as coordinator and instructor for the Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) program, held at the Golden campus. I am very close with my students and get great joy from sharing my love of adventure sports with them and from helping them succeed. If you’re thinking of enrolling in the ATBO program, I look forward to having the opportunity to get to know you.

Away from work, I continue to be active. Adventure sports are what I do for work, what I do for play, and are what I do with my family. I’m exactly where I want to be, doing what I want to do and surrounded by the people I love. Life is good.

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.

Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate

Certificate Program Requirements

Required Courses:

Plus three elective courses (6 credits) chosen from:

Certifications:

Practicum

ATBO – Year 1 – Required Courses

ATBO-101 – Principles of Adventure Tourism

ATBO-105 – Wilderness Travel

ATBO-106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding

ATBO-107 – Natural Interpretation

ATBO-109 – Risk Management

ATBO-121 – Backpacking Level 1

ATBO-123 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills

COMP-153 – Introduction to Data Processing

ENGL-100 – English Composition

ATBO-114 – Wilderness First Aid

Choose three (3) elective courses from the following:

ATBO-131 – Whitewater Kayaking Level 1

ATBO-132 – Canoe Guide Skills

ATBO-133 – Sea Kayaking Level 1

ATBO-141 – Rock Climbing Level 1

ATBO-142 – Ice Climbing Level 1

ATBO-151 – Ski/Snowboard Instructor Level 1

ATBO-152 – Winter Back Country Travel Level 1

ATBO-171 – Mountain Bike Skills Level 1

Academic Requirements:

Non-Academic Requirements:

Equipment Requirements:

Tuition and Fees:

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Textbook Fees:

Additional Costs and Supplies:

Equipment Requirements:

Tuition and Fees:

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Textbook Fees:

Additional Costs and Supplies:

Don Webster, ATBO Program Coordinator

Dave Wan, Program Faculty

Gideon ‘Montana’ Smith, Computer and Natural Interpretation Instructor

Visit the ATBO Image Gallery

Program Details

Contact Details

Golden Campus