Outdoor Leadership
Certification
Bring your outdoor skills to the next level.
Field Leader
4 Season Hiking Certifcation
Four Season Guide Certification (16hrs) - 2 day
This certification includes both Field Leader Hiking and Winter courses. Students will receive two certifications.
Schedule 2025:
Sept 27th - Open for registration
Oct th - Open for registration
Nov 8th - Open for registration
This course is only offered on weekends. Contact us for dates if not listed. above.
4-Season Field Leader:
Join us for an Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader Course combined with a specialized winter component, held in the scenic town of Canmore. This comprehensive program is designed for individuals aspiring to enhance their leadership skills in outdoor settings, particularly in winter conditions. Completing this combination is essential for obtaining the Professional Guide Group Management Certification.
Throughout the course, participants will engage in hands-on learning that covers essential skills for safely leading groups in various outdoor environments. The curriculum includes topics such as navigation, risk management, emergency response, and environmental stewardship. You'll gain practical experience with leadership techniques aimed at fostering group dynamics and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
The winter course component focuses on the unique challenges and considerations of outdoor activities during the colder months. You’ll learn about winter-specific gear, layering systems, snow safety, and techniques for traversing snow-covered terrain. Understanding how to adapt to winter conditions is crucial for effective leadership, and this course will prepare you to confidently guide groups through snowy landscapes.
This program is ideal for aspiring outdoor leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about sharing their love for nature while ensuring the safety and well-being of their participants. Join us in Canmore for an enriching and inspiring experience that will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to lead outdoor adventures with confidence and achieve your Professional Guide Group Management Certification!
A minimum of 4 participants are required for the course to run.
From:
$200CAD
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Field Leader
3 Season Hiking & Map Navigation
Certification
Backcountry Guide Certification (16hrs) - 2 day
This certification includes both Field Leader Hiking and Map reading. Students will receive two certifications.
Schedule 2026:
May 2026 - Open for Registration
June - Open for Registration
This course is only offered on weekends from April 15th to June 1st and from Sept 1st to Oct 15th. Contact us for dates if not listed.
3-Season Backcountry Field Leader:
Join us for an enriching Outdoor Council of Canada Maps and Field Leader Hiking Course combination offered in the stunning setting of Canmore. This unique program is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring leaders who aim to develop essential navigation skills while also enhancing their group management capabilities in the field.
The Maps and Navigation component of the course will teach you how to effectively use topographic maps, compasses, and modern navigation tools. You’ll learn how to read terrain features, understand elevation changes, and plot routes while gaining confidence in your ability to navigate various landscapes. Practical, hands-on activities will reinforce your learning, ensuring you're well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
In addition to navigation, the Field Leader component focuses on the skills necessary to lead groups on hiking adventures. Topics covered include risk management, group dynamics, emergency response strategies, and environmental stewardship. You’ll learn techniques to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants while fostering a positive outdoor experience.
This combined course is ideal for those looking to enhance their leadership skills in the outdoors while becoming proficient in navigation. Participants will benefit from the knowledge of experienced instructors, as well as the breathtaking landscapes of Canmore. Join us for this comprehensive course that prepares you to lead hiking excursions with confidence and skill!
A minimum of 6 participants are required for the course to run.
From:
$250CAD
Multi-day
Field Leader
Overnight Camping & Hiking
Certification
Multi-day Guide Certification (16hrs)
Schedule 2025:
August 16th Open for Registration
This course is only offered on weekends from June 15th Sept 15th. Contact us for dates if not listed.
Multi-day Field Leader (Overnight):
Graduates of the Field Leader Multi-day (Overnight) course are qualified to lead multi-day trips in the outdoors.
The overnight course is designed to enhance outdoor skills and knowledge in beautiful settings of Canmore/Kananaskis. These courses typically focus on key activities such as leading multiday hiking trips and backcountry camping. All set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
Participants can expect a mix of practical skills training and theoretical knowledge. Instruction is often provided by experienced outdoor leaders who emphasize safety, environmental stewardship, and outdoor ethics. The courses may cover essential topics such as navigation, wilderness first aid, gear selection, and survival skills.
Overnight accommodations are usually in tents or rustic cabins, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the natural environment. Evening activities could include group discussions, campfire building skills.
Overall, this experience not only builds outdoor competencies but also fosters camaraderie among participants, making it an excellent choice for those looking to connect with nature and others who share a passion for the outdoors.
A minimum of 4 participants are required for the course to run.
From:
$450CAD
Paddling Field Leader Module
3 Season
Flat Water Paddling Certification
Paddling Leadership / Water Certification (16hrs)
Schedule 2025:
July 12th Open for Registration
This course is only offered on weekends from June 15th to Sept 1st.
Paddling Field Leader (Water Group Management):
This course is designed to train and certify people to lead others in a Low Risk Water Environment and/or Class 1 Hiking Terrain. We have defined criteria for what constitutes a `Low Risk Water Environment` and ‘Class 1 Hiking Terrain’ in Chapter 3. Since this is a certification course, successful completion of this course will certify you to lead others on a one-day event in both Water and Land based environments.
Students will be required to read a 40 page manual and complete attached quizzes before attending the module. Module length is 16 hours (2 days), all of which is spent outside. Graduates of the FL (Paddling) module are qualified to lead one day trips in low-risk environments as defined by the OCC Hiking Terrain Matrix.
A minimum of 4 participants are required for the course to run.
From:
$285CAD
Courses and modules include both classroom and outdoor lessons. Lessons include lectures, inquiry based learning, case study analysis, group discussions and field practice. Students’ own experience is used to deepen learning and strengthen the understanding of principles supporting good leadership. A final exam tests the knowledge elements of the course.
Class Cancellations
We reserves the right to cancel classes that do not reach the minimum enrollment requirements or for extenuating circumstances. Every effort will be made to notify all registrants in a timely manner prior to the class start date. Fees for cancelled classes will be refunded in full or applied to another course upon request.
Student Withdrawals
Students may formally withdraw from a class by contacting us prior to the class start date by telephone, fax, or email. Students and companies are held responsible for courses in which they are registered until they formally withdraw from the course(s) within the refund deadline dates. Please note: Non-attendance does not constitute a formal withdrawal.
Refunds
Students are eligible for a 100% refund less an administrative charge of $40 if they formally withdraw at least five business days prior to the class start date The withdrawal refund may be applied to another course upon request.
Students may transfer to another course right up to the beginning of the original course. Once the original course begins and no transfer request has been made, it is considered a “no show”.
For private group course registrations, companies and groups are eligible for a 100% refund less the administrative charge of $150 if they formally withdraw at least two business days prior to the class start date.
Failure to formally withdraw from a course within the published deadlines above will result in no refund provided.
Students who attend but are unsuccessful in courses are not eligible for refunds.
Course Information
