Wilderness Navigation Courses
Open up a world of opportunity for you to adventure!
Duration
1 Day (compass)
1 Day (tech)
Level
Beginner
Cost
$165 + GST
Location
Upcoming Dates (compass)
May 2
May 30
June 6
Upcoming Dates
(tech)
May 3
May 31
June 7
Explore with Purpose
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"I signed up for the Navigation course with Uplift so that I would feel comfortable using a map and compass in the backcountry. I learned how to read topographic maps, navigate by compass, and how to check my work to confirm I'm on the right path. Heather is an extremely knowledgeable, patient, and fun teacher! I feel confident planning my multi-day hikes now!"
Overview
Step beyond the trailhead and into the wild. By taking a navigation course, you’ll gain the outdoor knowledge that unlocks the backcountry and the confidence to explore it on your own terms. Once you master this fundamental skill, the mountains open up in a whole new way.
Our mission is simple: help you get outside and build the skills that turn curiosity into adventure. Leave the blue dot behind and learn to read the landscape itself by interpreting terrain, choosing your own routes, and making confident directional decisions using a map and compass.
In these small-group, hands-on courses, you’ll combine classroom learning with real outdoor practice. Dive into the details of each course, but by the end, our goal is for you to be able to:
-
- Navigate confidently on and off trail in the mountains by choosing your own routes
- Use a compass and read topographic maps with ease
- Plan trips and estimate adventure time by analyzing the terrain
- Turn two-dimensional maps into real-world exploration
- Create your own maps for future journeys
- And much more
Both courses have a pre-course module to complete online and must be completed before your start day. This online learning is the same for both courses and includes the fundamentals about map reading.
You can pick from two navigation courses. Book both courses at the same time and save 10% on the second course.
- Map & Compass (Saturday)
- Tech (Sunday)
MAP & compass navigation
Set the stage for confident backcountry travel with this hands-on Map and Compass Course, designed to teach you the essential skills of topographic map reading and compass navigation. In this one-day course, you’ll learn how to understand the landscape through map reading and interpret the information found on a topographic map. You will then step outside to put your skills into practice in real terrain.
The day typically begins with a morning classroom session where we break down the fundamentals of navigation. In the afternoon, we head outdoors to practice what you’ve learned, applying navigation techniques directly in the field.
To help you get the most out of your time with the instructor, you’ll receive a pre-course map reading module before the course date. The pre-work can take up to five hours to complete and is designed to strengthen your foundational knowledge. By arriving with these basics in place, we can spend less time in the classroom and more time developing practical navigation skills like designing routes, interpreting terrain, and navigating confidently.
Key Course Objectives
- Read and interpret topographic maps (legend, scale, grid references, symbols, and terrain interpretation)
- Plan and create your own navigation routes
- Identify terrain features in the field using your map
- Take and follow a compass bearing
- Understand and apply magnetic declination
- Orient yourself accurately on a map
- Use key navigation techniques for backcountry travel
- Follow a bearing outdoors to reach your destination
2026 Dates:
Group Dates: May 2, May 30, June 6
* If you don't see a date that works, then book a private lesson. Contact us directly to book.
Time: 8am – 4pm
Location: In Crowsnest Pass, the exact location will be confirmed leading up to the course date.
You will need to acquire the following before the course:
- Maps
- (Required) Blairmore 82 G/9 (1:50,000)
- (Optional, but helpful) Crowsnest Pass 82 G/10 (1:50,000)
- If you purchase a map from us, we will bring it to the classroom and you do not need to pick it up in advance. If you want to pick it up in advance, please make arrangements with Uplift Adventures.
- Compass (expect to spend around $80-$100 for a good compass, or you can rent one from us)
* A more thorough list of what to bring will be sent out upon registration.
tech navigation
The Tech Navigation Course will focus on using modern day technology to navigate. This is much more advaned than following a blue dot on your phone to navigate. During this course there will be a morning session in the class, followed by an afternoon outdoor session. During the morning, we will work on apps and laptops. You will want to bring both a smart device and laptop to class, and ensure you have downloaded the recommended tools prior to showing up.
Pre-Course Work (same for both navigation courses). To help you get the most out of your time with the instructor, you’ll receive a pre-course map reading module before the course date. The pre-work can take up to five hours to complete and is designed to strengthen your foundational knowledge. By arriving with these basics in place, we can spend less time in the classroom and more time developing practical navigation skills like designing routes, interpreting terrain, and navigating confidently.
Key Course Objectives
• How to use a GPS and/or smart phone apps
• Create waypoints and tracks using these systems
• Use Google Earth to help with trip planning
• Create your own topographic maps
• Navigate online tools to create your own customized maps
2026 Dates:
Group Dates: May 3, May 31, June 7
* If you don't see a date that works, then book a private lesson. Contact us directly to book.
Time: 8am – 4pm
Location: In Crowsnest Pass, the exact location will be confirmed leading up to the course date.
A list of apps and software to download will be sent to registered students. You will need to bring the following to the course:
- Smart phone with apps and/or GPS
- Laptop with software
* A list of what to bring will be sent out upon registration.
Inclusions
Included:
Course booklet Online tutorial to build your skills prior to the course date Small group sizes to maximize on learning Safety equipment (carried by guide: first aid kit, satellite communication device)
Not Included:
🗶 Transportation
🗶 Outdoor gear and personal items (a recommended gear list will be sent out upon registration)
🗶 Accommodations (if needed)
🗶 Cancellation insurance
🗶 Gratuity
POLICIES
Navigation Courses have a strict cancellation policy due to the complexities of organizing. Please review our FAQs page for further details including the guest cancellation policy and weather policy.