Orienteering


Do you like a little mental challenge mixed in with your outdoor physical activity? Prefer to wander off the beaten path – but carefully navigate your way? Orienteering combines exploration of the beautiful Canadian wilderness with navigation using detailed maps and a compass. Many people are finding a passion for this challenging sport and Canada offers countless opportunities to participate!

Whether your orienteering plans are for a low-key experience in a local park or a high-energy adventure through the backcountry wilds, ensure you are well-prepared by practicing and honing key skills:

The Right Gear

Trip Plan

The 10 Essentials:
1. Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
2. Firemaking kit – waterproof matches/lighter, firestarter/candle
3. Signalling device – whistle or mirror to signal searchers if you become lost
4. Extra food and water – 1 litre/person
5. Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque)
6. Navigational/ Communication Aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cellular phone, satellite phone, hand held radio – fully charged battery) – know how to use them
7. First Aid kit – know how to use it
8. Emergency shelter – orange tarp or large orange garbage bag. These can also be used as signalling devices
9. Pocket knife.
10. Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)

Comfortable, warm clothing

Appropriate footwear

Small backpack/camel back water system

Bug spray

Moleskin for blisters

  • Strong map reading skills are a must! Have a detailed map of your destination and ensure you know how to read it.
  • Got a compass? Know how to use it! Be sure you can take bearings and triangulate.
  • Ensure you can use your map reading and compass skills together to plan and follow routes, and to relocate if you go astray.
  • If you’re new to the sport, or your skills need a tune-up, take a course or workshop with your local Orienteering club. Many clubs also organize orienteering events for all levels of experience.

Before you set out:

  • Check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
  • Be bear aware and cougar aware. Bears and cougars aren’t just in the backcountry – our parks and cities encroach on their habitat. Ensure you know what to do if you meet one.

Cool Links

GENERAL
Canadian Geocaching Association
Parks Canada Welcomes Geocachers
The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site
International Orienteering Federation
Canadian Orienteering Federation
Weather Office

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Orienteering Association of British Columbia
Greater Vancouver Orienteering Club
BC Geocaching Association

ALBERTA
Alberta Orienteering Association
Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club
Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club Calgary
Calgary Area Cachers

SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan Orienteering Association
Saskatchewan Cachers

MANITOBA
Manitoba Orienteering Association
Manitoba Geocaching Association

YUKON
Yukon Orienteering Association

 

ONTARIO
Orienteering Ontario
Toronto Orienteering Club
Ontario Geocaching Association
Central Ontario Geocachers

QUEBEC
Orienteering Québec
Association Géocaching Québec

EASTERN CANADA
Atlantic Canada Geocaching Association

NEW BRUNSWICK
Orienteering New Brunswick

NOVA SCOTIA
Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia
Geocaching Nova Scotia

NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR
St. John's Orienteering Club

Photo: NWTT/Terry Parker (banner); Canadian Orienteering Federation

Mobile site                            © 2004 - 2010 AdventureSmart     Privacy Statement