Hike Ontario is holding Navigation: Map and Compass, a beginner-level, one-day course on reading maps and using a compass, on Saturday, November 21, 2026. It runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre, in the main tract of Durham Regional Forest near Uxbridge, Ontario, and costs $60. The session is for people who want to plan and follow a route without depending only on a phone.

Why you should go

  • It starts from zero. The course is described as introductory, so no prior navigation experience is needed. Participants learn the basic concepts, then put them into practice.
  • You practise outdoors. Part of the day happens outside in the forest, so skills are tried on real ground rather than only discussed indoors.
  • You leave with a backup plan. A paper map and compass keep working when a phone battery dies or a map will not load. Bill Conn, a Pennsylvania surveyor who teaches navigation to scouts, told the Evening Sun that technology gives an answer, but without a background you cannot tell whether it is right.
  • The group is small. Hike Ontario caps the course at 20 people, which leaves room for questions and hands-on help.
  • The price is modest. At $60 for a full day, the fee covers instruction and use of the forest site, with free parking on arrival.

What to know before you go

  • Register and pay: Sign up online through Hike Ontario, then send a $60 e-transfer to info@hikeontario.com. The organizer asks for prompt payment.
  • Bring your own compass: A basic base-plate model is required and can be bought at stores such as Canadian Tire or Decathlon.
  • Pack for the day: Bring a lunch and clothing suited to the weather, since the course runs rain or shine. Some exercises take place outside.
  • Getting there: Driving instructions go to registrants, and parking at the site is free.
  • If it fills up: Join the wait list. Hike Ontario says cancellations are common, so spots often open.
  • Questions: Email info@hikeontario.com.

FAQ

When and where is the Navigation: Map and Compass course?

It takes place Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre near Uxbridge, Ontario.

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

The fee is $60. Register online, then send a $60 e-transfer to info@hikeontario.com.