The Outdoor Council of Canada is the national industry association for outdoor programs. We provide training and certification, support the development of professional practices, and advocate for stronger recognition of outdoor leadership across Canada.
Our work allows outdoor professionals and organizations to focus on what they do best: delivering safe, meaningful experiences in nature.
We serve as a collective voice to push for policies and systems that reflect the realities of outdoor programs and support the people who lead them. Our goal is a national environment where outdoor programs are properly valued, professionally supported, and able to operate with long-term stability.
Outdoor programs play a vital role in Canadian society. They:
- Promote sustainable economic growth,
- Support mental health resilience,
- Build stronger community connections,
- Foster personal growth and reflection,
- Contribute to healthy, active living,
- And deepen the human-nature connection.
Yet too often, outdoor programs are undervalued.
Across the country, they struggle to access fair insurance premiums, face fragmented certification systems, lack recognition from governments and institutions, and face ongoing challenges in obtaining permits and securing funding. These are not isolated problems. They are national, systemic challenges that undermine the ability of outdoor programs to operate and grow.
The OCC exists to address these barriers and build the conditions outdoor programs need to succeed.
Five strategic priorities shaping the future of outdoor programs
Since launching our advocacy efforts in 2018, the OCC has focused on laying the groundwork for systemic change. We led national consultations and built partnerships across disciplines to identify the most persistent and widespread barriers affecting program delivery, professional recognition, and long-term viability. From that work, we identified five national priorities with the greatest potential to create lasting, system-level change.
- Improving access to permits on public lands for outdoor programs
- Increasing recognition of the skills and professionalism of outdoor leaders
- Supporting outdoor learning through training and tools for educators
- Establishing a national funding strategy for outdoor programs
- Building federal understanding and policy support for the outdoor sector
These priorities shape how we engage with governments, insurers, land managers, and funders, helping ensure that outdoor professionals and programs can do their work without unnecessary barriers.
Flagship Initiatives
To move these priorities forward, we’ve launched targeted initiatives that address critical gaps:
Alberta Parks Requirements – A collaborative process that revised permitting to better align with the outdoor industry’s certification mechanisms. (Completed)
Project Elevation – An initiative focused on strengthening the recognition of professional practices across the outdoor sector. (ongoing)
Present to Protect – A storytelling campaign highlighting guides’ contributions to environmental stewardship. (Ongoing)
Canadian Outdoor Summit – A process that brought the outdoor community together to define shared priorities and future direction. (Completed)
These initiatives tackle the real issues that impact outdoor professionals every season: unclear permits, limited recognition, funding gaps, and fragmented standards. The OCC exists to remove systemic barriers and elevate outdoor leadership as a respected, sustainable, and fully recognized profession in Canada.
Becoming a member is how outdoor professionals and organizations gain a voice in national decisions. It also provides access to the tools and support they need to do better work today.
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Shape the future of the outdoor sector by being part of it
If you are running programs, training staff, hiring guides, or delivering outdoor experiences, the OCC is working on your behalf. Our advocacy focuses on the systems that affect your daily work—permits, insurance, recognition, and funding.
Membership gives your organization a seat at the table. It also comes with tools and recognition that help your programs thrive.
Become a member →