Survivalist Series: Introduction to Navigation

Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on our website.

Navigation isn’t a lost art - it’s a life-saving skill. Whether you’re exploring remote backcountry or just trying to orient yourself on a trail, knowing how to read the land can make all the difference.

Join us for this one-day navigation workshop, which will equip you with the skills needed for safe and confident adventures.

Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures.

Morning: Theory
We’ll start with hot beverages and a hands-on classroom session where you’ll learn:

• Why maps still matter in a GPS world
• How to read a topo map and visualize the land
• What contours tell you about your route (and your legs)
• How to orient yourself when you’re turned around
• Compass skills that could save your life

Afternoon: Practice
After a quick lunch, the real fun begins. With only a map, compass, and your brain, you’ll work in teams to complete a real-world navigation challenge. Each team gets a unique course and a grid reference sheet to plot and follow. Fastest (and most accurate) team earns top bragging rights as Wilderness Union’s best navigators.

You’ll build and follow a route card, learn to trust your instincts, and develop the kind of confidence that only comes with practice.

Your Instructor: Former Canadian Army Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor, Captain Buckingham is a decorated Pathfinder and the Canadian Infantry School’s top navigation instructor, he’ll guide you every step of the way.

Who It’s For: This course is for beginners and intermediate explorers alike. No military mindset required—just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from a world-class expert but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price.

About this series: The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable, and life-saving skills in the wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses that become available.

Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.

Highlights
Expert Instruction - Our amazing expert guides will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and fun way.
Practical Skills - Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild.
‍Local Adventure - Just 45 minutes from Toronto, this adventure is close to home for anyone living in the GTA.

Event cost: $80+HST - optional transport available.
Register here.

About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people.

Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad.

Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming!

Learn more at our website www.wildernessunion.com