Multiple students in canoes on the water

Nature-Based Tourism Management

Your passion for the outdoors has never been more important, and can lead to a rewarding life and career providing and managing outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism experiences, institutions, and destinations.

Develop the skills and knowledge to identify, develop, critically assess, and sustainably manage human leisure activities such as ecotourism, adventure recreation, and wilderness travel that are happening in diverse and contested landscapes where nature and culture are both valued.

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Campus
Prince George
Credits
120 credits,  4 Years,
Part-time available
Experiential Learning
Faculty Supervised Research,  Field School,  Undergraduate Research Experience
Honours Option
Yes
Intakes
Jan,  May,  Sep

Program Details

This program appeals to those who are enthusiastic about the outdoors and want to ensure it will be used in a sustainable manner for future generations to enjoy. 

You will examine the provision of nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation, with an emphasis on sustainability issues, social and environmental justice, and an entrepreneurial perspective. Students choose from areas of specialization including: Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Outdoor Education and Leadership, Communities and Tourism, or Environment and Society. 

Raise your critical consciousness and explore best practices regarding ecotourism, adventure tourism, and Indigenous tourism in B.C., Canada, and around the world.

Experiential learning is integrated into almost every class and involves outdoor learning, case studies and practical projects. You can also participate in faculty supervised research, undergraduate research and field schools. 

 

Program Website Academic Calendar

Career Paths

  • Business owner, guide outfitter
  • Tourism manager
  • Outdoor educator
  • Recreation or camp director
  • Economic development officer
  • Park warden
This degree provides a strong foundation for further studies at the master's and PhD level in Education, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, and Health Sciences.

Why at UNBC

  • Focus on interdisciplinary applications of tourism, recreation, and sustainability
  • Participate in practicums offered by the program, and in partnership with National Outdoor Leadership School
  • Engage with both natural and cultural history and resources
  • Participate in experiential learning in the heart of British Columbia’s amazing landscapes
  • Choose from four areas of specialization: marketing and entrepreneurship, outdoor education and leadership, communities and tourism, or environment and society
  • Gain outdoor activity and leadership skills
UNBC motto

'En Cha Huná

UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.

Admission Requirements

High School Requirements (applicable for B.C. and Yukon)

Overall average of 65% minimum in the following:

  • English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)

View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses

More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)

Transfer Requirements

  • Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
  • Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
  • Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
  • For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested

Detailed transfer requirements

Tuition and Fees

Approximate Costs per Academic Year

(30 credit hours, 10 courses)

  Domestic International
Tuition* $5,985 $26,750
Student fees* $1,125 $1,315
Books* $1,400 $1,400

* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

  • 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
  • $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.
Awards and Financial Aid Information for Indigenous Students

We Are Here to Help

This is your personal guide through every step of the admissions process. We are here for one reason: to support you. We help every part of the admissions process make sense. Just ask us.

Email: futurestudents@unbc.ca
Phone: 250-960-6306

Contact a Student Recruitment Officer