Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Whether you already have extensive experience in outdoor recreation or you are just starting out on your path to adventure, our program will show you that outdoor recreation plays an increasingly important role in society, contributing to mental and physical health, family cohesion, culture, environmental appreciation, and economic development. Our experiential program provides you with the opportunity to think critically about the world around you and what it means to live in a more environmentally and socially just world.

Many of our courses involve interaction with experts in the field and engage students in experiential, service learning projects that make a difference in our communities. It is our goal to prepare you for success in this challenging and rapidly changing industry, from planning and leading guided tours to assessing and creating visitor experiences for communities and parks organizations.

Our program offers a one-of-a-kind concentration in Nature-Based Therapeutic Recreation, as well as double degree options with Geography, History, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Natural Science (Biology). Concurrent Education is also an option, allowing you to complete your Outdoor Recreation degree and immediately enter into the two-year professional Education program.


 

 

Transfer Options 

It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both. 

There are a number of ways to transfer to Lakehead. Let us help you achieve your degree completion goals. For more information regarding specific admission requirements from college or university, check out the “Admissions Requirement” tab above and select your most recent level of study.

 

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Outdoor Recreation
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy the English prerequisite requirement.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Outdoor Recreation & BA (Gender & Women's Studies)
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation & BA (Gender & Women's Studies)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Outdoor Recreation & BA (Geography)
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation & BA (Geography)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Outdoor Recreation & BA (History)
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation & BA (History)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Outdoor Recreation & BSc (Natural Science)
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation & BSc (Natural Science)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U), 2 from: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, 2 from: Anatomy and Physiology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Environmental Science 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Physics 12, Pre-Calculus 12, or Statistics 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English, 2 from: Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Math, or Physics
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S, 2 from: Applied Math 40S, Advanced Mathematics 45S & Introduction To Calculus 45S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S, or Pre-Calculus 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U), 2 from: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to these requirements are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122, 2 from: Biology 121 or 122, Calculus 120, Chemistry 121 or 122, Foundations of Math 120, Introduction to Environmental Science 120 or Advanced Environmental Science 120, Physics 121 or 122, or Pre-Calculus A120 or B120
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, 2 from: Academic Math 3201, Advanced Math 3200, Biology 3201, Calculus 3208, Chemistry 3202, Environmental Science 3205, or Physics 3204
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, 2 from: Biology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Mathematics 12, Physics 12, or Pre-Calculus 12
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    Biology, Chemistry or Physics is recommended

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A, 2 from: Biology 621A, Calculus 611B, Chemistry 621A, Environmental Science 621A, Foundations of Math 621A, Physics 621A, or Pre-Calculus 621B
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604), 4 from: Biology I (NYA), Biology II, Calculus I (201-NYA or 201-103), Calculus II (201-NYB or 201-203), Chemistry (NYA, NYB, or NYC), Linear Algebra I (201-NYC, 201-105, or 201-106), or Physics (NYA, NYB, or NYC)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U), 2 from: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Equivalent courses to the Ontario prerequisite requirements will be considered.
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B, 2 from: Biology 30, Calculus 30, Chemistry 30, Computer Science 30, Earth Science 30, Physics 30, or Pre-Calculus 30
  • Outdoor Recreation & Concurrent Education (I/S)
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation and Education (IS)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Outdoor Recreation & Concurrent Education (P/J)
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation and Education (PJ)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Outdoor Recreation with Concentration in Nature-Based Therapeutic Recreation
    Degree:
    Outdoor Recreation
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy the English prerequisite requirement.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B


As a first year student you will be required to take:

  • Outdoor Recreation 1010 – Group Dynamics in ORPT
  • Outdoor Recreation 1070  Foundations of Outdoor Recreation
  • Outdoor Recreation 1150  Land Relations
  • Outdoor Recreation 1310  Outdoor Skills and Theory I
  • English 1016 – Introduction to Professional Writing

Additionally, you will take a course within the Humanities or Social Sciences and one and a half electives.

This breadth of study will expose you to various topics and subject matter that will enhance your ability to interact with people, conduct research and communicate effectively.

These courses set the stage for upper year topics including:

  • Risk Management and Legal Liability
  • Nature-based tourism
  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Programming
  • A two-week expedition course
  • Career Explorations

Practical, Hands-on Learning

As Canada’s #1 Undergraduate Research University, we make research in your undergraduate years a reality.

We have fostered great relationships with various regional communities, parks and organizations due to our ideal location, and reputation as a leading institution in the Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism industry.

We are regularly contacted to participate in research and other projects that are integrated into course content as they arise. This facilitates great hands-on learning opportunities for you and value-added outcomes for the region.

Placement Opportunities

In fourth year, Outdoor Recreation 4920 – Career Explorations – will provide you with a supervised placement in outdoor recreation, parks or tourism. You will have the opportunity to apply the theories, skills and practices gained throughout your undergrad with an external organization. This is a great way to network in the industry and potentially secure a professional position post-graduation.

Clubs & Societies

Our Outdoor Recreation Student Society (ORSS) is a non-profit, volunteer club for Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism students dedicated to building a community and expanding student knowledge within the discipline. They regularly host events and excursions as well as oversee the Development Fund that distributes funding to students for professional development opportunities. We encourage you to get involved to get to know your classmates and everything the Thunder Bay area has to offer.


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