Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership

Kayaking, mountain climbing, back country skiing, biking and backpacking — it may sound like a fantastic vacation, but it is all part of the Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership (ETOL) program. Yes, fun is definitely a part of this four-year program, but it also includes serious courses that will help prepare you for a career in the fast-growing fields of ecotourism, adventure tourism and outdoor pursuits. You will be able to combine your love of the outdoors and adventure with entrepreneurial savvy.

News and Upcoming Events

Oil and Water - ETOL students share their thoughts on Alberta's controversial oil sands after an eight-day float down the Athabasca River. Read the full article

Going the Distance to Learn
Mount Royal University Students Adam Luciuk and Mike Overend in the Applied Bachelor of Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership (ETOL) program are embarking on a trip of a lifetime May 7, 2011. Read the full article at www.mtroyal.ca/facetime.
Put what you learn into action
 

Part of the popularity of this program — which is unique in Western Canada — is the work terms. A Practicum is included in two semesters, giving you the opportunity to get some real world experience. The ETOL program also includes an expedition. Recently students combined five days of rock climbing in the British Columbia interior with five days of sea kayaking on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Experience wanted

This program gives you a combination of hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills; you’ll have a solid base in:

• tourism and business
• sociocultural heritage
• outdoor pursuits
• environmental science and leadership
• communication

Career choices

You will likely be working with both the public and fellow professionals in and out of an office. Demand is high for well-trained people.
Your job title could be:

• Outdoor guide — lead groups of hikers, bikers, fishers, kayakers, skiers or climbers through the great outdoors.
• Park warden — you can care for Canada’s parks, assisting visitors, and enforcing rules.
• Ecotourism program planner — work internationally or locally on sustainable tourism initiatives. Plan programs, develop marketing plans or consult on sustainable operations for tourism agencies.

Valedictorian 2009

Mount Royal’s 2009 valedictorian, Meghan Stalker, has set the bar high for future students with her exceptional commitment to her studies and her dedication to bettering the community around her and impacting future generations of Albertans and Canadians.

“It’s certainly a humbling experience,” says Stalker on learning she was named valedictorian. “My time at Mount Royal gave me direction, taught me how to be a good leader and helped me discover my personal strengths.”

The journey that brought her to Convocation began on the other side of the world. As a free-spirited 19-year-old, Stalker embarked on “the most unplanned travelling trip ever.” Her spontaneous nature took her to exotic spots like Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. By the end of her year-long adventure, Stalker had discovered her passion for the outdoors and a desire to teach.

“I started to see the world and I definitely went on a lot of guided tours led by knowledgeable individuals and thought: ‘Hey, I could be that person,’” says Stalker.

— Jondrea De Ruyter
June 1, 2009

Valedictorian 2007

ETOL student Ryan Correy was Mount Royal’s valedictorian in 2007. As part of his program, Correy cycled the entire Pan American Highway, from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina on the southern tip of South America. The 25,000 km, 131-day trip was not just a great adventure — it allowed Correy to raise money for children’s charities. Check out the video of his valedictorian speech.