Local Trails
Hike Ontario Fact Sheet
OUTDOOR SKILLS TRAINING

The following companies or programmes offer training of interest to the hiker in Ontario. Other courses may be available and we would welcome any additional information.

Hike Ontario Hike Leader Certification Programme

The Hike Ontario programme is presently under revision. Contact Hike Ontario for status and details of course availability.

Wilderness Experience Certificate Programme
Loyalist College, Georgian College and Survival in the Bush, Inc. have combined their resources to offer the adult learner a series of outdoor oriented courses. The certificate is comprised of five core courses and two electives. Courses are run at Loyalist College - Bancroft Campus, Georgian College - Barrie Campus, or other locations.

Sample courses:

  • Basic Wilderness First Aid
  • Wilderness Survival
  • Backpacking
  • Orienteering

Contacts:

Barrie Campus, Georgian College
One Georgian Drive, Barrie, ON L4M 3X9
Tel. (705) 728-1968, ext. 1617 Suzanne Copeland
scopeland@central.georgianc.on.ca

Bancroft Campus, Loyalist College
195 Hastings Street North, Bancroft, ON
Tel. (613) 332-1743 Tom Malloy
malloy@loyalistc.on.ca

Survival in the Bush, Inc.
Dr. Gino F. Ferri, Ph.D., Director
RR#3, Hanover, ON N4N 3B9
Tel. (519) 364-4433
Fax (519) 364-4829
gferri@wcl.on.ca
www.survivalinthebushinc.com

Outdoor Discovery Programme, McMaster University, Hamilton
Wayne Terryberry, Coordinator
Tel. (905) 525-9140, ext. 23879
Fax (905) 526-1573
outdoor@mcmaster.ca
www-athrec.mcmaster.ca/outdoor/index.htm

  • Non-academic, instructional courses for student skill development or career development, e.g. ORCA canoe tripping certification, Wilderness First Aid Outdoor Leadership Certificate, designed for part-time and weekend courses, includes hiking, horseback riding, canoe tripping, first aid, leadership skills, etc.
    Sustainable Outdoor Recreation, Cambrian College, Sudbury
    Joe Hamr, Coordinator
    Tel. (705) 566-8101, ext. 7256
    jxhamr@cambrianc.on.ca
    www.cambrianc.on.ca
  • 4-semester diploma course
    Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie
    Jason VanSlack
    Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program
    Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology
    443 Northern Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5L3
    Tel. 1-800-461-2260
    Tel. (705) 759-2554
    Fax (705) 759-1319
    jason.vanslack@saultc.on.ca
    www.saultc.on.ca
  • Unique in Canada, two-year Parks & Outdoor Recreation Technician program offers instruction in three major fields including Parks, Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness-based Tourism.
    Outdoor Recreation Program, Seneca College, King City Campus
    Clare Magee, Coordinator
    Outdoor Recreation Program
    Seneca College King Campus
    13990 Dufferin Street, King City ON L7B 1B3
    Tel. 905-833-3333 ext. 5061
    FAX 905-833-2085
    Clare.Magee@senecac.on.ca
    www.senecac.on.ca/tls/outdoor.htm
  • A variety of challenging jobs are available in the outdoor recreation field. A partial list of opportunities include: work in skill instruction programs such as canoeing, kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, nature interpretation, outdoor education centres, year-round camps geared toward outdoor education and recreation, eco-tourism programs, wilderness adventure programs, operation of outdoor facilities such as ski centres and camps, retail sales of outdoor clothing and equipment and outdoor programs for "special populations."

  • Please note that ORC is offered as a specialized post-diploma program. You require an accredited college diploma or university degree with related work experience to enter this program.
    Introduction to Map & Compass, Level One, KennKart Digital Mapping
    Stuart Kenn, Box 580, Beeton, ON L0G 1A0
    Tel. (905) 729-4273
    Toll free 1-888-355-3313
    Fax (905) 729-4273
    maps@kennkart.com
    www.kennkart.com
  • 4-hour course available on Saturday morning or afternoon
    Wilderness Medical Associates Canada
    1100 Main Street West, Suite 106
    Hamilton, ON L8S 1B3
    Tel. (905) 524-5531
    Toll free (877) WILDMED
    Fax (905) 524-3598
    office@wildmed.ca
    www.wildmed.ca
  • Wilderness medical training offered at various locations in Canada. Wilderness First Aid (16 hours); Advanced Wilderness First Aid (36 hours); Wilderness First Responder (72 hours).