Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate
The name says it all. Get out of the classroom for some real, hands-on experience in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This program is big on adventure but also focuses on those business skills you need to work in the tourism industry or to start your own tourism business, including entrepreneurship, marketing, sustainability and business training.
Your ATBO instructors are highly skilled guides in avalanche safety, rock climbing, mountaineering, whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, canoeing, and sea kayaking.
Adventure Tourism Business Operations Information guide
Program Overview
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.
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
- Classroom study, lab work 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 and 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 135 | Raft Guide Skills 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 Backcountry 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.
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:
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 Tourism
This course provides an overview of the variety, products and infrastructure of adventure tourism in the province. Students explore past trends and discuss the future of adventure tourism. A variety of assignments, presentations, and guest speakers will help guide students to investigate the ecological, economic and cultural impacts of tourism on the community. This course also helps students to evaluate the scope of career options, and to define their own role in this exciting industry.- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $365.28
- 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 Corequisites: ATBO elective field courses as selected.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $365.28
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $719.53
- 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: None. Corequisites: Enrolment in the ATBO Program.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $365.28
- Course Outline
ATBO-107 – Natural Interpretation
This course helps participants acquire knowledge and develop skills in the interpretation of natural landscapes. It 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. This course is for front-line interpreters involved in the preparation and presentation of interpretative topics related to the Adventure Tourism industry.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: None. Corequisites: Enrolment in the Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate Program.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $365.28
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $719.53
- Course Outline
ATBO-109 – Risk Management
This course focuses on learning risk management strategies for the adventure tourism industry. Students study concepts such as legal liability, risk mitigation, and standard of care. They 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: $365.28
- 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: None. Corequisites: ATBO 106
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- Course Outline
ATBO-123 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills
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.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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: $365.28
- Lab Fees: $83.73
- Total: $449.01
- 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: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
- Cost: $365.28
- 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: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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 – White Water Kayaking Level 1
This course is designed to introduce and develop white water 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 white water kayaking. Instruction begins on flat water, and then moves to grade 1 white water as student skill levels increase. As skills are further developed, students will progress to grade 2 white water and potentially on to grade 3 white water if appropriate for the student.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 48 hours
- Prerequisites: Students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 106
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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. This is a Level I Certification Course with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC. Successful students are certified as SKGABC Level 1 Guides.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 80 hours
- Prerequisites: ATBO 105
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- Course Outline
ATBO-135 – Raft Guide Skills Level 1
Students will learn practical introductory skills in white water rafting and operations for professional outfitters or for personal trips. This course is the first step to professional raft guide certification. Students will learn and practice all aspects of the white-water raft guiding industry, from pre-trip preparation to on water raft handling skills and river reading and safety skills. Students will learn to navigate the upper glacier-fed waters of the Kicking Horse River and other Rocky Mountain rivers around Golden, BC.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites: Students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 230 Swift Water Rescue
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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: Students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 106
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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: ATBO 141. ATBO 123 and ATBO 106 must be taken either prior to or concurrently. Students must be 19 years old to take this course.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- Course Outline
ATBO-151 – Ski/Snowboard Instructor Level 1
This course is a certification course to become certified to work as a ski or snowboard instructor. Topics include the fundamentals of skiing or boarding 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.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 48 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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: ATBO 151 Ski/Snowboard Instructor, or equivalent experience. Also, students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 105
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- 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 is designed to introduce students to the professional standards, leadership and teaching philosophies, riding competencies, and curriculum of the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA).
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $243.52
- Lab Fees: $354.25
- Total: $597.77
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
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.
Your Costs
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.
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
| Tuition: | $4,018.08 |
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Lab Fee: | $83.73 |
| Field Fee: | $2,834.00 |
| Equipment Fee: | $332.45 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $69.00 |
| Total | $7,607.26 |
*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:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
| Tuition | $12,562.23 |
| Application Fee | $100.00 |
| International Fee | $100.00 |
| Student Association Fee | $69.00 |
| Equipment Fee | $332.45 |
| Lab Fee | $83.73 |
| Field Fee: | $2,834.00 |
| Health and Dental Fee | $240.00 |
| Guard.me Insurance | $270.00 |
| Total | $16,591.41 |
*These prices are for international 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.
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.
Additional Info
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
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.
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:
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
On-campus, Off-site
Credential:
Certificate
Categories:
Business, Finance & Accounting, Industry & Trades Training, Tourism, Recreation & Hospitality
Interests:
Adventure, Not Have a Desk Job, Start or Run Your Own Business, Teach Others, Work Outdoors, Work With My Hands
Contact Details
Golden Campus
1305 South 9th Street
PO Box 376, Golden, BC, V0A 1H0
Phone: 250-344-5901
Email: golden@cotr.bc.ca