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. And truthfully? It just feels good to know where you are.
Join us for a one-day navigation workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for safe, confident adventures. You’ll leave with the know-how to join us on our more remote trips—or head off on your own with a map, compass, and solid plan.
Morning: Classroom & Cookies at MEC Queen Street
We’ll start with hot coffee, cookies, and a hands-on classroom session where you’ll learn:
Our friends at MEC are also offering a navigation prize pack to one lucky participant.
Afternoon: On-the-Ground Skills at the Toronto Islands
After a quick lunch, we’ll ferry to the Toronto Islands where 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: Captain Robert Buckingham (RETD)
Former Canadian Army Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor, Captain Buckingham brings deep expertise—and a refreshingly clear teaching style. 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.
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. And truthfully? It just feels good to know where you are.
Join us for a one-day navigation workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for safe, confident adventures. You’ll leave with the know-how to join us on our more remote trips—or head off on your own with a map, compass, and solid plan.
Morning: Classroom & Cookies at MEC Queen Street
We’ll start with hot coffee, cookies, and a hands-on classroom session where you’ll learn:
Our friends at MEC are also offering a navigation prize pack to one lucky participant.
Afternoon: On-the-Ground Skills at the Toronto Islands
After a quick lunch, we’ll ferry to the Toronto Islands where 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: Captain Robert Buckingham (RETD)
Former Canadian Army Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor, Captain Buckingham brings deep expertise—and a refreshingly clear teaching style. 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.
Expert Instruction
Learn from one of the military's top navigation instructors
Practical Skills
You'll learn the skills you need to feel confident navigating in the wild
MEC Prize Pack
We've got a navigation prize pack to giveaway to one participant
Sunday 27th April
09:00 -12:00 - Class based learning at MEC Toronto
12:00- 13:00 - Lunch and move to the Islands
13:00 - 14:30 Exercise briefing and route card planning
14:30 - 1700: Navigation Exercise
17:00 -17:30 - Debrief and return to the mainland
Please note that you'll be responsible for your own TTC fare and Ferry ride over to the islands ($9.11 return)
Gear Provided
Compass and Map
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
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Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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