Adventure Studies Menu
Adventure Guide Diploma
The Adventure Guide Diploma is a fast-paced, two-year course of study comprised of field trips, outdoor skills instruction, and self-directed expeditions. Courses cover a wide range of adventure activities and theoretical topics. Field trips make up 60 percent of the course load.
This 60-credit diploma is made up of 36 required credits and 24 elective credits. The diploma transfers into Adventure Studies concentrations in the Bachelor of Tourism Management degree (BTM) or the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree for students who wish to complete a degree.
The Adventure Guide Diploma is a well recognized credential for those who wish to go directly into employment in the adventure tourism industry. The private sector is a major supporter of this program through training, certifying, and helping students build a network for future employment. Graduates work as outdoor skills instructors, mountain or river guides, and in other wilderness-related leadership occupations.
Areas of study
The Adventure Guide Diploma builds upon the technical skills and leadership within each of the activities achieved in the first year of study. Students will develop focus and refinement within their areas of interest, while having the option to add new technical skill areas as well. Areas study by activity type include:
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Ice Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Ski Touring and Avalanche Education
- Rope Rescue
- Expedition Skill Development
- Canoeing
- Sea Kayaking
- White Water Rafting
- White Water Kayaking
- Swift Water Rescue
- Surfing
Program structure
Students apply to complete the Adventure Guide Diploma after they complete the Adventure Guide Certificate. Completing a second year at the Adventure Studies Department the Adventure Guide Diploma provides students with a solid foundation in adventure activities and adventure industry experience. Compressed, modularized classroom course instruction complements the seasonal field activities. Theory courses include the following:
| Theory courses — required (18 credits) |
ADVG 1010 The Adventure Tourism Industry (3,0,0) ADVG 1010 The Adventure Tourism Industry (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course offers an overview of the tourism industry and the adventure tourism sector. Upon completion of this course, students have a comprehensive understanding of the origins of tourism, the industry today, land management issues, future considerations, the guide's role, career paths, literature review, terminology, and definitions.
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ADVG 1020 Wilderness Travel (2,0,0,80F) ADVG 1020 Wilderness Travel (2,0,0,80F)Credits: 3 credits This course consists of a classroom theory component and two field modules in the fall term. Course content includes theoretical and practical aspects of wilderness travel and is an introduction to the organization of wilderness trips. Theory relates to clothing and equipment, navigation, environmental concerns, travel techniques, route plans and trip planning and field modules that includes navigation, route selection, group management, pacing, minimum impact camping and hazard awareness. This course is the prerequisite for most other introductory level ADVG courses.
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ADVG 1050 Guiding Leadership 1 (3,0,0) ADVG 1050 Guiding Leadership 1 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course explores the role of leadership as it applies to guiding in the adventure tourism industry. Topics include philosophic approach, qualifications profile, group dynamics, communication skills, leadership styles, problem solving, and decision-making.
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ADVG 2010 The Natural Environment (3,0,0) ADVG 2010 The Natural Environment (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course studies the natural resource base upon which the adventure tourism industry depends; these include geographic features, mountain geomorphology, geology, fluviology, meteorology, ecology, flora and fauna species identification, nature interpretation and current environmental concerns.
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ADVG 2030 Advanced Wilderness First Aid (80 hours) ADVG 2030 Advanced Wilderness First Aid (80 hours)Credits: 3 credits This is an advanced wilderness emergency response course that provides detailed instruction in wilderness emergency response and pre-hospital care. Course content includes situation assessment, anatomy, physiology, airway management, respiratory emergencies, cardiac arrest, circulation emergencies, burns, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
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ADVG 2850 Instructional Skills Workshop (0,3,0) ADVG 2850 Instructional Skills Workshop (0,3,0)Credits: 3 credits The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) is a laboratory approach to the improvement of the teaching and learning process. Participants review basic ideas about teaching, check current practices, and within the safe environment of the workshop, try new strategies and techniques.
Prerequiste: ADVG 1050 |
| Field courses — required (4 credits) |
ADVG 1530 Kayak 1 (60F hours) ADVG 1530 Kayak 1 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits This course is designed to introduce students to the foundational techniques and concepts of whitewater kayaking.
Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and manage river hazards and successfully
navigate whitewater rapids up to class 3. Skill development in this course lays a foundation for future whitewater
kayaking, rafting, sea kayaking, and swift water rescue courses.
Prerequisite/ |
ADVG 1570 Rock Climbing 1 (50 hours) ADVG 1570 Rock Climbing 1 (50 hours)Credits: 2 credits Students participate in a rock climbing personal skill development course designed to build a foundation in industry standard systems. Activities include gym climbing, outdoor top roping and sport climbing. Course content emphasizes hazard management, communication skills, technical movement skills, rope & equipment handling, knots and systems, fixed protection use, belay systems, anchors, and sport leading strategies. By the end of the course, students lead climb on bolted routes. Upon completion of the course, the student may be recommended for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Climbing gym instructor course and may participate in more advanced TRU rock climbing courses.
Prerequisite/ |
| Field courses — required minimum of one of the following four courses (2 credits) |
ADVG 1510 Flatwater Canoe Instructor (60F hours) ADVG 1510 Flatwater Canoe Instructor (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits This is an introductory Flatwater Canoe instructors' course in which the successful students may be granted either the Paddle Canada, Intro Lake Tandem Canoe Instructor certification or the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC Lake Water Instructor Level 1. It is also preparation for the Moving Water Instructor course. The Flatwater Canoe Instructor course provides a national certification of competence in the instruction and administration of Flatwater Canoe courses.
Prerequisite/corequisite: ADVG 1020 |
ADVG 2070 Ocean Surfing 1 (60F hours) ADVG 2070 Ocean Surfing 1 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits This is a five day ocean surfing development course intended to introduce ocean surfing skills, techniques and instruction in moderate ocean swell conditions.
Prerequisite/ |
ADVG 2640 Sea Kayaking 1 (60F hours) ADVG 2640 Sea Kayaking 1 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits Upon completion of this course, students gain an understanding of sea kayaking techniques and the ocean environment, tides, ocean flora and fauna, sea kayak equipment, and ocean safety. Students perform rescues, navigate in a variety of ocean environments, and execute various guiding techniques.
Prerequisite/ |
ADVG 2660 River Rafting 1 (60F hours) ADVG 2660 River Rafting 1 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits The general objectives of this course are to enable the participants to competently guide a raft in a safety conscious
manner and operate as a member of the guide crew knowing standard whitewater rescue techniques in Class 2+
rapids. This guide training program will include topics such as: rafting techniques, crew training and management,
emergency and rescue techniques, knowledge of equipment, safety and emergency procedures, rapid theory,
leadership, and river signals.
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| Field Courses — required minimum of one of the following two courses (2 credits) |
ADVG 1560 Ski Tour 1 (70 hours) ADVG 1560 Ski Tour 1 (70 hours)Credits: 2 credits Students participate in a ski touring skill development course. This is preparation for the ACMG training scheme. Students will focus on the following skill areas: navigation, tracksetting, emergency winter camping, downhill skiing, basic avalanche terrain assessment and avalanche rescue skills. It is mandatory that students have prior downhill skiing experience.
Prerequisites: ADVG 1020 |
ADVG 1580 Mountaineering 1 (80F hours) ADVG 1580 Mountaineering 1 (80F hours)Credits: 2 credits This is a mountaineering skill development course which includes mountaineering equipment, mountain safety, belays, anchors, mountaineering techniques, and crevasse rescue.
Prerequisite/ |
| Electives — minimum of two more elective activity courses (4 credits) |
ADVG 1550 Skiing 1 (60 hours) ADVG 1550 Skiing 1 (60 hours)Credits: 1 credits This course is an introduction to downhill ski techniques and equipment. Students participate on alpine skiing equipment. The purpose is to develop strong downhill skiing techniques on groomed and variable snow conditions, and to progress towards instructor level abilities and/or backcountry skiing. CSIA teaching progression and techniques are utilized.
Prerequisite/ |
ADVG 1600 SRT 3: Swiftwater Rescue Technician 1 (60 hours) ADVG 1600 SRT 3: Swiftwater Rescue Technician 1 (60 hours)Credits: 2 credits Students develop a comprehensive understanding of river rescue instruction as it pertains to canoes, kayaks, and rafts, hypothermia, and drowning. Students are able to perform rescues in moving water, create improvised rescue and rope system rescues, and participate in numerous rescue simulations.
Prerequisites: ADVG 1020 |
ADVG 2260 Ocean Surf 2 (60F hours) ADVG 2260 Ocean Surf 2 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits Students focus on the development of intermediate surf skills, including advanced paddling skills, enhanced wave judgment, proper positioning in the line up, and intermediate wave riding techniques. Additionally, students develop a deeper understanding about the effects wind, weather and swell have on surf conditions.
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ADVG 2500 Rock Climbing 2-Traditional (52 Hours) ADVG 2500 Rock Climbing 2-Traditional (52 Hours)Credits: 2 credits This is a rock climbing personal skill development course. Students will build skills based on industry standard systems. The students' primary goal of the course will be to develop their traditional climbing skills. Students will practice and demonstrate the placement of protection, hazard management, crack climbing movement skills, and leading strategies. Students will lead climb traditional routes by the end of the course. Upon completion of the course the student may be recommended for the A.C.M.G Climbing Gym and, or Tope Rope instructors program.
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ADVG 2570 Ski Tour 2 (80F hours) ADVG 2570 Ski Tour 2 (80F hours)Credits: 2 credits A successful Ski Touring Leader combines the ability to recognize and deal with the various winter hazards; and the
ability to choose terrain and snow conditions to ensure fun, efficient travel on ski touring equipment. The leader uses
his or her snow hazard evaluation, terrain evaluation, group interaction and management skills, ski technique and
ultimately sound judgement to ensure safe and enjoyable winter travel.
Prerequisites/Corequisites: ADVG 1560 and ADVG 1590 |
ADVG 2750 River Rafting 2 (60F hours) ADVG 2750 River Rafting 2 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits The objectives of this course are to prepare the participants to competently guide a raft in accordance too British
Columbia River Outfitter (BCROA) and International Rafting Federation (IRF) Class 3 river guide standards. This
course is designed to prepare students for industry certification exams. This guide-training program will include
topics such as: international rafting standards, provincial rafting standards, advanced rafting techniques, advanced
crew training and management, advanced emergency and rescue scenarios, advanced safety and emergency
procedures, rapid and hazard identification, guiding leadership, and communication.
Prerequisite/ |
| Theory courses — required (18 credits) |
ACCT 1000 Financial Accounting (3,0,0) ACCT 1000 Financial Accounting (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students develop a basic understanding of financial accounting, which involves recording a variety of financial transactions for an organization and then preparing and evaluating its financial statements. Topics include financial statements; accounting events and journal entries; accounting adjustments; internal controls and cash; accounts receivable; inventory purchases and sales; inventory costing methods; long-term assets, liabilities; shareholders' equity; statement of cash flows; and financial statement analysis.
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ADVG 1110 Emergency Situation, Search and Rescue Management (3,0,0) ADVG 1110 Emergency Situation, Search and Rescue Management (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course explores the guide's role in emergency situations and search and rescue management. Course content includes identifying hazards, hazard avoidance, managing hazards, emergency situation management, developing response plans, and the BC Provincial Emergency Program Search and Rescue Management Course.
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ADVG 1276 Business and Marketing for Adventure Operations (3,0,0) ADVG 1276 Business and Marketing for Adventure Operations (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course focuses on business and marketing aspects of an adventure operation. Course participants will investigate corporate structures, budgeting, creating business growth, land access methods, business income and tax, and business management, along with marketing planning, promotion, advertising, and identification of preferred media strategies. Case studies specific to adventure sports will be used.
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ADVG 2040 The Business of Adventure Tourism (45 hours) ADVG 2040 The Business of Adventure Tourism (45 hours)Credits: 3 credits An in-depth study of adventure tourism as a business. The aspects of corporate structures, administration, budgeting, marketing, creating business growth, land access methods, business income and tac, issues and trends, business plans, and business management will be studied.
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ADVG 2060 Legal Liability and Risk Management (45 hours) ADVG 2060 Legal Liability and Risk Management (45 hours)Credits: 3 credits An in-depth look at the legal issues surrounding liability and risk management in adventure tourism. Includes the Canadian legal system, owner liability, guide liability, risk management and mitigation, insurance, legal releases and the development of risk management plans.
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ADVG 2830 International Expedition Planning and Leadership (3,0,0) ADVG 2830 International Expedition Planning and Leadership (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course is concerned with the planning and leadership of international adventure expeditions. Aspects of expedition planning include identification and research of international expeditions; planning timelines and implementation schedules; permit acquisition; sponsorship; socio-political considerations; leadership; training; legal implications; food and equipment acquisitions; cargo shipping; and local ground handling. Students also explore cultural considerations surrounding guiding and leading expeditions in an international setting. Topics include examining the impact of international expeditions on culture, minimizing the cultural impact of international expeditions, cultural considerations of foreign guiding, and stewardship and global citizenship.
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| Field Courses — required (2 credits) |
ADVG 2000 |
| Students specialize in activity areas, refining proficiency and developing a deeper understanding of that industry sector. |
| Field Courses (minimum of 10 credits) |
ADVG 2270 Ocean Surf 3: Surf Instructor (100F hours) ADVG 2270 Ocean Surf 3: Surf Instructor (100F hours)Credits: 3 credits Students focus on developing their intermediate surfing skills, surf rescue, and the required surf instructional skills leading to Life Saving British Columbia's Bronze Cross and instructor qualifications, recognized by Parks Canada.
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ADVG 2460 Swiftwater Rope Rescue (60 hours) ADVG 2460 Swiftwater Rope Rescue (60 hours)Credits: 2 credits Students gain a comprehensive understanding of rope systems as applied to the moving water environment. The course is structured parallel to the Provincial Emergency Program Rope Rescue Team Member course, however, it is intended for participants from paddling backgrounds, and is required prior to entry into the Swiftwater Rescue Instructor course. Students become proficient at rope handling skills and principles and communication on the river. Students set up rescue anchors, belays for multi-person loads, lowering and raising systems, patient and stretcher ties and attachments, recovering vessels, and highline systems and telfers. Students also participate in numerous rescue simulations.
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ADVG 2510 Moving Water Canoe Instructor (60F hours) ADVG 2510 Moving Water Canoe Instructor (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits Students are taught advanced moving water canoeing skills, required for the Paddle Canada Moving Water (Tandem) Instructor certification, and/or Recreational Canoe Association of BC Moving Water Instructor. Solo skills in moving water will also be practiced in this course.
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ADVG 2530 Kayak 3 (60F hours) ADVG 2530 Kayak 3 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits Upon completion of this course, students have developed advanced whitewater kayaking and leadership skills. Students participate in the Level 1 Flatwater Kayak Instructor Certification course through Canoe Kayak British Columbia, leading to the Assistant River Kayak.
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ADVG 2540 Senior River Kayak Instructor (60 hours) ADVG 2540 Senior River Kayak Instructor (60 hours)Credits: 2 credits Students gain in-depth whitewater kayaking instructional skills. Students participate in the Level 2 and/or Level 3 Whitewater Kayak Instructor and Leader Certification Course through Canoe Kayak British Columbia.
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ADVG 2570 Ski Tour 2 (80F hours) ADVG 2570 Ski Tour 2 (80F hours)Credits: 2 credits A successful Ski Touring Leader combines the ability to recognize and deal with the various winter hazards; and the
ability to choose terrain and snow conditions to ensure fun, efficient travel on ski touring equipment. The leader uses
his or her snow hazard evaluation, terrain evaluation, group interaction and management skills, ski technique and
ultimately sound judgement to ensure safe and enjoyable winter travel.
Prerequisites/Corequisites: ADVG 1560 and ADVG 1590 |
ADVG 2650 Sea Kayaking 2 (110F hours) ADVG 2650 Sea Kayaking 2 (110F hours)Credits: 3 credits Upon completion of this course, students perform advanced sea kayaking instruction, understand guiding leadership
and leadership criteria, talk knowledgeably about ocean safety, execute complicated ocean rescues, and are able to
plan an extended overnight trip. Students participate in the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC Assistant Overnight
Guide Exam as well as Paddle Canada, Sea Kayak Skills Level 2.
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ADVG 2730 Swiftwater Rescue Technician 4: Swiftwater Rescue Specialist (60 hours) ADVG 2730 Swiftwater Rescue Technician 4: Swiftwater Rescue Specialist (60 hours)Credits: 2 credits This is the Swiftwater Rescue Technician 2 course which includes low and high angle rope applications; night SAR operations in river canyons; use of advanced techniques such as live bait rescues in steep creeks; and use of advanced equipment (including helicopters and self-bailing rafts).
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ADVG 2760 Ice Climbing (60 hours) ADVG 2760 Ice Climbing (60 hours)Credits: 2 credits This course includes ice climbing techniques for both waterfall ice and mountaineering. Topics include systems for leading, anchors, and steep ice techniques.
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ADVG 2790 Ski Tour 3 (70F hours) ADVG 2790 Ski Tour 3 (70F hours)Credits: 2 credits This is an advanced ski tour guiding course, for those students who are in the process of working towards meeting the prerequisite requirements for the ACMG Guide Training-Skiing course. Topics covered will include guiding ski tours, terrain assessment, snow stability assessment, route finding, track-setting, decision-making, and hazard management, crevasse and improvised rescue, transceiver searches, and navigation. The daily tours will be student led and organized, with instructors providing coaching and feedback.
Prerequisites: ADVG 2570 and ADVG 1580
Co-Requisites: ADVG 2570 and ADVG 1580 |
ADVG 2800 Rock Climbing 3 (60F hours) ADVG 2800 Rock Climbing 3 (60F hours)Credits: 2 credits This is an introduction to multi-pitch gear climbing. It is designed to introduce competent rock climbers to industry-standard multi-pitch climbing and descending systems. Students participate in a non-threatening learning environment, flexible enough to meet the needs of a variety of individuals, and structured to provide a progression of skills and concepts that build on each other in a logical sequence. Upon completion of the course students may be recommended to enroll in the ACMG's Top Rope Instructor certification course.
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ADVG 2810 Mountaineering 2 (70 hours) ADVG 2810 Mountaineering 2 (70 hours)Credits: 2 credits This is a skill development course in alpine climbing techniques. Students travel in simple to moderate alpine terrain, conducting peaks ascents of semi-technical and technical routes. This course involves multi-pitch climbing on rock, snow, ice, and mixed terrain.
Prerequisites: ADVG 1580 and ADVG 2800 |
ADVG 2930 Rock Climbing 4 (70 hours) ADVG 2930 Rock Climbing 4 (70 hours)Credits: 2 credits This is a preparation course for The Association of Canadian Mountain Guides - Guide Training Rock course. It is designed to introduce advanced rock climbers to professional guiding skills. Students are coached and instructed in order to attain entry-level guiding, standard rope management, technical systems, movement, and high angle rope rescue skills. Students receive feedback upon completion of the course as to their competency to proceed to the ADMG Guide Training Rock course.
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Requirements
Completion of the Adventure Guide Certificate.
Application to Adventure Guide Diploma including:
- Cover letter expressing intent
- Summer work/practicum plans
- Outdoor Experience Log
- Revision of Certificate transcripts and GPA
Admission to the Adventure Guide Diploma is competitive and based on technical skill and experience level. Applications are screened to ensure an adequate level of skill and experience.
