Bachelor's in Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Lakehead University is a reputable institution of higher education located in Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia. Founded in 1965, Lakehead offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and health. The university is renowned for its exceptional research initiatives, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing real-world challenges. Lakehead provides students with a supportive and inclusive learning environment, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and community engagement. With a commitment to sustainability and Indigenous education, Lakehead University prepares graduates to become future leaders and make a positive impact in their chosen fields and society at large.

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.