Earn Your Diploma in Adventure Tourism in Just 8 Months!

Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors Into a Career

Westcoast Adventure College offers a recognized Adventure Tourism diploma designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the outdoor industry.

Train on the ocean, in forests, and in real wilderness environments while earning industry-recognized certifications. Build practical skills, gain real guiding experience, and graduate ready to work as a professional guide in Canada’s growing adventure tourism industry.

 

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Success Stories

Most of our students will have a job working in the industry before they even graduate – in the last few years, we have been approached by more employers than we have students!

Where Westcoast Adventure College Graduates Get Hired

With a 99% hire rate, WAC graduates go on to work with top employers in guiding, marine tourism, wildlife interpretation, and outdoor leadership.

Facts About The Program

LEARN BY DOING, NOT JUST SITTING IN A CLASSROOM

Located on Beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, Steps Away From the Ocean

Westcoast Adventure College is unique in that we offer our students the benefit of learning in the most pristine natural habitat imaginable! Located in Cooper’s Cove, there is 0 transition time between practical application and the classroom theory behind it.

Your training takes place in the same environments where you’ll work professionally. You’ll build real-world experience through practical field training on the coast, in the forest, and on the water.

You’ll develop skills in:

  • Outdoor leadership and group management
  • Wilderness safety and rescue
  • Navigation and expedition planning
  • Marine operations and seamanship
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Professional guiding and interpretation

This hands-on approach builds the confidence and competence needed to lead others safely in remote environments.

REINFORCES YOUR SKILLS IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL MANNER

Our program involves experiential and integrated learning, which means that all of our courses work harmoniously together throughout the 8 months to ensure all students get the most out of the program. Our curriculum is designed so that students continue to learn and practice specific courses and skills over a full semester, rather than cramming all the information into a 2-week span.

Our students also learn firsthand just how tough things can be, weathering the elements. Students are put in real-life scenarios under controlled supervision to learn through hands-on experience.

TRAIN ALONGSIDE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Since 2005, Westcoast Adventure College has established an incredible connection with companies in the tourism industry.

Throughout the program, you’ll meet and learn directly from experienced guides, operators, and adventure tourism professionals. These connections help students understand the industry and often lead directly to employment opportunities.

Our diploma graduates are highly sought after by leading adventure tourism companies across British Columbia and beyond.

OUR DIPLOMA PROGRAM HAS OVER 900 HOURS OF CLASSROOM AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Our Adventure Tourism Diploma combines hands-on training, industry certifications, and real guiding experience to prepare you for careers in:

  • Sea Kayak Guides
  • Wildlife & Whale Watching Guides
  • Hiking and Expedition Guides
  • Commercial Bear Viewing Guides
  • Sailing and Marine Crew
  • Outdoor Adventure Leaders

With a 99% graduate hire rate, many students secure employment before completing the program.

GRADUATE WITH YOUR DIPLOMA IN ADVENTURE TOURISM IN JUST 8 MONTHS

Our program at Westcoast Adventure College runs for 8 months over two semesters (September to April). On top of your diploma, you will gain recognized credentials and industry certifications in:

  • Advanced Wilderness First Aid
  • Marine First Aid
  • Domestic Vessel Safety
  • Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP)
  • Canadian Marine VHF Restricted Radio Operator
  • ISP Academy Competent Crew
  • Domestic Vessel Safety

Learn more about Courses & certifications.

WE ARE A DESIGNATED AND REGULATED DIPLOMA PROGRAM

PTIRU Private Training Institutions Regulatory UnitWestcoast Adventure College is a designated institution with the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU), the provincial regulatory body that oversees private career training institutions in British Columbia.

PTIRU designation ensures that our diploma program meets established standards for quality, student protection, and accountability. This includes:

  • Oversight of education and training standards
  • Eligibility for student financial aid through designated programs
  • Protection through the Student Training Completion Fund (STCF)

This designation reflects our commitment to delivering trusted, high-quality training that prepares graduates for real careers in the outdoor industry.

Read more about PTIRU.Student Aid BC

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About Westcoast Adventure College

Canada’s Premier Adventure Tourism College

Westcoast Adventure College‘s mission is to provide knowledgeable, confident, certified graduates who are sought after in the industry. Providing a blend of local and national certifications, experience and outdoor leadership training and risk management skills. Through a variety of learning environments, scenario-based situations and leadership styles, we give our grads a competitive advantage for employment in the Adventure Tourism industry.