Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership

Located at Fanshawe’s Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus in Norfolk County, our program is at the heart of Canada’s Carolinian Zone, known as the country's most biodiverse region. Surrounded by forests and wetlands that are home to a remarkable diversity of bird species, wildlife, and flora, our campus provides a living classroom for hands-on conservation education. Here, students have unique access to leading organizations, including The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve, Birds Canada National Headquarters, Long Point Eco-Adventures, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Long Point Bird Observatory. These connections provide students with unparalleled networking opportunities, direct exposure to conservation work, and a strong foundation for career pathways in guiding, conservation, and outdoor education.

Core skills include:
1.    Expedition Planning and Leadership: Planning and leading backcountry expeditions with a focus on safety, group management, and environmental stewardship.
2.    Ecological Knowledge and Interpretation: Studying ecosystems, flora and fauna, geology, and conservation to better understand and protect natural environments.
3.    Business and Entrepreneurship: Gaining essential business skills, including marketing, grant writing and proposal writing, corporate partnerships and project management, to prepare for work in outdoor tourism, conservation, and environmental organizations.

•    Skill Development
From paddling to wilderness first aid and environmental interpretation, students earn more than 16 outdoor certifications, making them ready for a variety of roles in the outdoor industry.

•    Experiential Learning
In this program, learning goes beyond the classroom. With field-based training, multi-day expeditions, and skill-building workshops, students gain real-world experience that prepares them to work in the dynamic field of ecotourism and outdoor adventure.

•    Holistic Outdoor Education
When you complete the program, you’ll have a comprehensive view of the natural world, grounded in conservation principles and backed by skills in outdoor guiding, environmental education, and business. You’ll graduate with the confidence and qualifications to work in roles locally, provincially, nationally, or internationally as Outdoor Leaders and Interpretive Naturalists.

•    Skills for Lasting Impact
With Fanshawe’s unique learning approach, you’ll develop the skills to manage trails, interpretive centres, and outdoor projects. You’ll be able to design, deliver, and evaluate nature-based programs that inspire and educate others, fulfilling a mission to foster respect and appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our natural world.