Your passion for the outdoors has never been more important, and can lead to a rewarding life and career providing and managing outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism experiences, institutions, and destinations.

Develop the skills and knowledge to identify, develop, critically assess, and sustainably manage human leisure activities such as ecotourism, adventure recreation, and wilderness travel that are happening in diverse and contested landscapes where nature and culture are both valued.

This program appeals to those who are enthusiastic about the outdoors and want to ensure it will be used in a sustainable manner for future generations to enjoy.

You will examine the provision of nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation, with an emphasis on sustainability issues, social and environmental justice, and an entrepreneurial perspective. Students choose from areas of specialization including: Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Outdoor Education and Leadership, Communities and Tourism, or Environment and Society.

Raise your critical consciousness and explore best practices regarding ecotourism, adventure tourism, and Indigenous tourism in B.C., Canada, and around the world.

Experiential learning is integrated into almost every class and involves outdoor learning, case studies and practical projects. You can also participate in faculty supervised research, undergraduate research and field schools.

Tourism has become the largest industry and employer in the world. One of the most important and fastest growing sectors in tourism is nature-based tourism, which comprises attractions, activities and experiences involving interaction with natural and cultural resources (e.g., ecotourism, adventure tourism, indigenous tourism). This degree examines the various components of the nature-based tourism system, giving emphasis to the entrepreneurial perspectives and sustainability issues in the industry. Reflecting the interdisciplinarity of the field, and related career directions, students select from the following Areas of Specialization: marketing and entrepreneurship, outdoor education and leadership, communities and tourism, or environment and society.

Career Paths
Business owner, guide outfitter
Tourism manager
Outdoor educator
Recreation or camp director
Economic development officer
Park warden
This degree provides a strong foundation for further studies at the master's and PhD level in Education, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, and Health Sciences.