Fees & Financing
Invest in yourself. Invest in your future.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN – Next Program: April 24th – June 4th, 2025
River Roots Program
Tuition: $10,595 CDN (Approx. $7795 USD)
Program Fee Includes:
- Shuttles to and from all of the training locations
- All meals (from dinner on Day 1 – banquet lunch on final day)
- All group safety equipment (SAT phones and SPOT devices, first aid kits, rescue kits)
- Canoes, paddles, PFD’s and helmets
- Professional guides / instructors
- Tents & Thermarests
- Interior camping permits & provincial park fees
- 21 day expedition
- Polar Bear Express train tickets (passengers and canoes)
- Boat tour to James Bay from Moose Factory
- Parking for duration of trip
- All certification costs
Does Not Included:
- Transportation to and from MHO before and after the course
- Personal camping gear (see gear list)
- Personal river gear (see gear list)
You should factor in buying some equipment and clothing to keep you comfortable – see the Equipment List.
Program Cost Breakdown
If you were to seek out each certification and trip on your own, the cost of everything you will do on this program can range between $13,000-21,000, plus the cost of food, lodging and travel. Below is a breakdown of what each training block would cost if it was a stand-alone course or trip. Certification prices do not include the cost of travel, lodging and food you would have to pay for while on these courses. Expeditions include the cost of food and travel.
BLOCK | Cost | Time |
4 Day Expedition | $1,500 | 4 days |
WRT | $ 759 | 5 days |
Moving Water Skills | $420 – $1,100 | 2 days minimum |
Paddle Canada Camp skills / ORCKA CT 2 or 3 | $800 – $1,600 | 3 days minimum |
LNT | $ 200 | 2 days |
OCC Field Leader (Hiking, Paddling and Overnight) | $400 – $650 | 4 days |
21 Day Expedition | $9,000- $15,000 | 21 days |
OPTIONAL ADD ON; Wilderness First Responder Course
Retail Price: $1155, River Roots Student Price $693
Financial Assistance
MHO can help individuals finance up to 50% of the course fee by way of a loan, to be paid back over time with minimal interest. Please reach out to discuss your options with us if needed. MHO Bursary: Qualified applicants can receive up to a $1000 Bursary to provide financial assistance. Applicants are subject to a case review. Please send us an email with a letter of interest stating your financial position and how this course will impact you. If you are currently enrolled in post-secondary education and you are able to gain credits through this course, you may also be eligible for OSAP or able to use RESP’s. You can direct your employer to learn about the Canada-Ontario Job Grant to start a conversation on paid job skills training.
