HOW TO GET UN-LOST: Navigation Course

compass sitting on map
WAIT...WHERE AM I??? MOM!!!!!
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Learn how to be independent! No need to follow your GPS or your partner, they're just pretending they know where they are going anyway! Join us outside for a day of getting un-lost.
 
By the end of the day you'll be able to find north without a compass (or GPS), match the terrain around you to the map, use a compass to orient the map to north, and tell your friends what the squiggly lines on a topo map mean! Phew, that is a lot to cover, but are we ever going to have fun!


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Topics to be covered include
  • Map Reading (legend, scale, grid reference, map symbols, map interpretation)
  • Determining a grid reference or UTM
  • How to plan out a route
  • Identifying map features in the field
  • How to take a compass bearing
  • Declination
  • Orientating yourself on the map
Dates & Price
  • Adventure Dates for 2021: 
    • April 24
    • June 19
    • July 24
    • August 21
    • ​September 18
  • Investment for a day: C$95 + applicable taxes
  • Information Package will be given upon registration​
  • We value small groups - limited to 8 adventurists
  • ​​​This is a co-ed trip

Searching Availability...
Planned Itinerary
  • 8:30am - Meet the group outside of Elevation Place on the "patio" in Canmore, AB. Here at Elevation Place we will meet everyone in the group, fill out waivers, and start the fun!
  • 10:30am - We will drive to the trailhead and put out newly acquired knowledge to the test. Due to COVID-19 everyone is expected to drive themselves unless from the same household.
  • 11:00am - Arrive at trailhead, regroup, refresh some of our instruction, and head off in search of our destination. We will work in groups finding our way off trail. Trail intersections will challenge you as the group determines which way to go. Using the mountains around you you'll learn how to determine where you are on the map. Get ready for a day of doing and seeing! 
  • 3:30/4:00pm - Assuming we didn't get lost we will safely arrive back at our cars
Gear
Included:
  • Backcountry skills learning
  • Instruction from an ACMG guide
  • All safety equipment - bear spray, communication device, first aid kit
Participants must provide:
  • Transportation to Canmore and the trailhead
  • Canmore Kananaskis Gem Trek Map
  • Compass with adjustable declination
Level of Difficulty
All fitness levels are welcome on this trip. The focus of the course will be on brain power and not physical endurance. One will need to be able to walk 8km at a "stop and go" pace over uneven terrain. We will be stepping over logs and travelling through thick bush. Pro Tip: Wear pants!