Map & Compass Navigation Clinic

This one day ORC clinic is intended to provide the participants with a hands-on introduction to using a compass and topographical map to navigate. Still a very important skill as backup to smartphone gps navigation. 

The cost of the course is $15. Each participant must bring a compass with declination adjustment. At the bottom is a list of 3 quality compasses for hikers. 

The clinic will cover 3 navigation topics for hikers:

• Using a compass to locate your position on a map
• Using a compass and map to navigate from point to point
• Developing a route on a topographical map and then hiking the route

The clinic includes an in-class session from 8:30am to 11:30am, and then a practical session in the field from 12 noon to approximately 4pm. There will be a maximum of 9 participants and 3 coaches to help with using the compass and map and to lead the practical session.  

Clinic coaches are: Ron Hughes, Serge Marguerie, Dave Anderson

The clinic will be held on April 26, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 537 Quebec Rte 105, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1L2. The afternoon field work will leave from P11. The clinic will be held rain or shine! Bring appropriate clothing and footwear (the ground can be wet) for hiking in the Gatineau Park, including eye protection and your lunch and water.

Registration will initially be open for ORC trip leaders starting on Wednesday 12th March and will then be open to any ORC member after one week on Wednesday 19th March.   

Compass:  The following three quality compasses have declination adjustment and a sighting mirror.  Compasses can come optimized for the northern hemisphere (NH) or southern (SH) or Global use. Most compasses have no hemispheric or global designation and have acceptable accuracy except in the far north or south. The following compasses are available locally at MEC, Sail and online at Amazon.  

• Sun Company Sighting Compass $50
• Silva Expedition S Compass $80-$90
• SUUNTO MC-2 Compass $95-$120