2026 Canadian Orienteering Festival

Who’s Coming?

The 2026 Canadian Orienteering Festival will be held the week of July 25 through August 3, 2026. The Festival will start with the Fishbones Weekend featuring top-notch orienteering near Moncton, New Brunswick. This will be followed by a week of other exciting orienteering and social activities. The Canadian Orienteering Championships will round out the festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

News and Updates
2025-05-01

Subsections of COF2026

Schedule Overview

Fishbones Weekend (Moncton & Hillsborough, NB)

DateTimeEventLocation
Friday, July 2416:00-19:00Registration / Package pick-upRiverview Lions Club, 701 Coverdale Rd, Riverview
Saturday, July 2509:00-15:00Registration / Package pick-upHillsborough Golf Club, Hillsborough, NB
10:00-15:00Fishbones Middle
Sunday, July 2609:00-15:00Registration / Package pick-upHillsborough Golf Club, Hillsborough, NB
10:00-16:00Fishbones Long
19:00-21:00Learning Summit: Livelox PresentationRiverview Lions Club, 701 Coverdale Rd, Riverview
Monday, July 2708:00-15:00Registration / Package Pick-upUniversité de Moncton, NB
09:00-15:00Fishbones KnockOut Sprint

Mid-Week

DateTimeEventLocation
Mon July 27 - Thu July 3017:00Mon-10:00ThuSass Peepre Training CampBroadleaf Ranch, Hopewell Hill

Canadian Orienteering Championships (Halifax & Bedford, NS)

DateTimeEventLocation
Thursday, July 3017:00-19:00Registration / Package pick-upSir Sandford Fleming Park, Halifax
18:00-19:00Team Canada Fundraiser
Friday, July 3110:00-14:00Model mapSandy Lake Park, Bedford
15:30-18:30Registration / Package pick-upDalhousie University, Halifax
17:00-19:30COC Sprint
Saturday, August 109:00-11:30Registration / Package Pick-upSandy Lake Park, Bedford
10:00-15:00COC Long
18:00Banquet and Silent AuctionUniversity of King’s College, Halifax
Sunday, August 209:00-11:00Registration / Package Pick-upSandy Lake Park, Bedford
10:00-14:00COC Middle
2026-03-25

News and Updates

Details
2025-05-01

Registration

Who’s Coming?

Register Now!
(Information about Sass Peepre training camp registration is available here)

Thank you from Orienteering Canada

25% of your race registration fees (for championship events and associated events) goes to Orienteering Canada. This levy is a key funding source to Orienteering Canada which allows the national organization to provide programs and services to help maintain and grow the sport in Canada. Orienteering Canada is grateful to the participants for this critical funding.

Tip

Save money with our multi-race discounts. The more races you register for, the greater the discount. However, the Team Canada Program Fundraiser and Model event are not subject to discount.
Note: Discounts only apply to race registrations. Additional mechandise, SI rentals, and non-race events are priced separately (see below).

Note: All fees are in Canadian dollars. The rate time periods close at 23:59 (Atlantic) on the dates specified below.

Race Registration Fees

Adults

Adult FeesEarly
(to April 30)		Regular
(to June 15)		Late
(to July 19)
Fishbones Middle (Jul 25)$35.00$45.00$55.00
Fishbones Long (Jul 26)$35.00$45.00$55.00
Fishbones Sprint (Jul 27)$30.00$40.00$50.00
  
TCP Fundraiser (Jul 30)$25.00$25.00$25.00
  
Championship Model$10.00$10.00$10.00
Championship Sprint (Jul 31)$35.00$45.00$55.00
Championship Long (Aug 1)$40.00$50.00$60.00
Championship Middle (Aug 2)$40.00$50.00$60.00
  
Multi-race discount: 3 races10%10%10%
Multi-race discount: 4 races12%12%12%
Multi-race discount: 5 races14%14%14%
Multi-race discount: 6+ races16%16%16%
Note: Model and TCP events are counted toward discounts, but discounts do not apply to them.
Note

Seniors (80+) should contact the registrar@cof2026.ca to obtain a discount code before they begin registration.

Juniors

Juniors are those aged 20 or under, as of December 31, 2026

Junior FeesEarly
(to April 30)		Regular
(to June 15)		Late
(to July 19)
Fishbones Middle (Jul 25)17.5022.5027.50
Fishbones Long (Jul 26)17.5022.5027.50
Fishbones Sprint (Jul 27)15.0020.0025.00
  
TCP Fundraiser (Jul 30)$25.00$25.00$25.00
  
Championship Model10.0010.0010.00
Championship Sprint (Jul 31)17.5022.5027.50
Championship Long (Aug 1)20.0025.0030.00
Championship Middle (Aug 2)20.0025.0030.00
——  
Multi-race discount: 3 races10%10%10%
Multi-race discount: 4 races12%12%12%
Multi-race discount: 5 races14%14%14%
Multi-race discount: 6+ races16%16%16%
Note: Model and TCP events are counted toward discounts, but discounts do not apply to them.
Rule 6.1.3: Participants aged 16 and under must obtain formal approval from the Event Director or Controller to compete in a class that is more than one level above their normal age class

Please register in the highest available class and email registrar@cof2026.ca to coordinate an exception with the Event Director.

SI card rentals

All events will use SportIdent™ electronic punching for all courses. The Fishbones Sprint and all Championship events will have “touchless” punching enabled. Fishbones Middle and Long events may enable touchless punching (tbd).

Regular SI
(eg SI-8)
3 FB events, or
3 Championship events (plus TCP event)		$5
All FB and Championship events$10

Other Registration Items

Adult
(11 years++)		Child
(under 11)
Festival Banquet (Details)$40$30
Event Beach Towel (Details) (Only available until June 15)$35$35

Additional Items

If you forget something during registration or change your mind later, additional items may be purchased separately at the standalone storefront (while supplies last).

VISIT THE STORE

Refund Policy

Contact the registrar (registrar@cof2026.ca) to request a refund.

Available untilRefund
2026-06-1390%
(covers admin fees)
2026-06-2775%
2026-07-1150%
final 2 weeks0%

After July 11, 2026, emergency situations may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

2026-03-25

Subsections of Events

Fishbones Weekend

Info

This is our Maritime take on the “Barebones” style of event organization. The goal is to do the least amount of work possible while still hosting a technically sound and completely fun weekend of orienteering.

2025-08-01

Subsections of Fishbones (July 25-27)

Fishbones Middle

Quick Reference
Date:Saturday, July 25, 2026
Map:White Rock Recreation Area
Location: Hillsborough Golf Club, Hillsborough, NB
Start Window:10:00 - 12:00
Course Closure:15:00
Parking to Arena:300m
Arena to Start:600m (back past parking)

Course/Class Information

Course12345a5b678
Age ClassM10
F10		M11-12
F11-12		M13-14
F13-14		M15-16
F15-16		M80+
F70+
F75+		M85+
M90+
F80+
F85+
F90+		M65+
M75+
F45+
F55+
F65+		M17-18
M45+
M55+
F19-20
F21
F35+		M19-20
M21
M35+
Recreation ClassOpen1Open2Open3Open4Open5–Open6Open7–
Map Scale1:75001:75001:75001:75001:75001:75001:75001:100001:10000
Length(km)2.62.72.92.92.42.03.23.94.2

Quarantine: There will be no quarantine for this event.

Clothing Drop: There will be a clothing drop at the start. Please limit the clothing you leave at the start as it all needs to be carried back to the arena by volunteers. Note that any clothing left at the start will not necessarily be at the finish by the time you finish your race.

Map Information

Contours: 5 m
Scale: 1:7500 or 1:10000
Terrain: The White Rock Recreation area was an abandoned gypsum quarry. The forest is mature with dense areas of new growth. Evidence of mining on the surface and underground is quite prominent. The abandoned mines are collapsing, forming sink holes and ponds throughout the landscape. The elevation change is moderate with short steep inclines.

The remains of an old timber dam, used to provide water for mining operations, are still visible. There is a plaque near the dam commemorating the discovery, in 1936, of the skeletons of an 18 year old mastodon.

Mapper/Setter Comments

The Hilsborough Golf Course is located on the edge of the map. The entire golf course (with the exception of our Arena) is out of bounds.

The original map of the area was named The Pits of Despair – this should provide a clue what to expect.

Safety Notes

Mountain Bikes and ATVs: Expect to encounter mountain bikers on the hiking and mountain bike trails. ATVs use the major trails. Vehicles may use the quarry access roads.

Sink Holes: The sink holes and ponds have unstable bottoms. Do not walk into sink holes or cross ponds.

Caves: The caves are out of bounds. The caves are habitat for bats which are in danger due to white nose syndrome.

Cell Phones: The area has cell phone coverage.

Arena / Parking

The Middle Arena is located beside the first tee at the Hillsborough Golf Club.
Arrive at the Golf Club from Hillsborough travelling south along Golf Club Road.
Parking is available along East side of Golf Club Road and the South side of Taylor Lane.
Limited parking is available in a small field adjacent to the Arena at the intersection of Taylor Lane and Golf Club Road.
Follow instructions from the Volunteers directing traffic.

Additional Activities

O-Store: The O-Store will be set up in the arena during this race

Food/Drink: The Hillsborough Golf Clubhouse Bar and Restaurant will be open during and/or after this race for normal operations.

Fishbones Long

Quick Reference
Date:Sunday, July 26, 2026
Map:White Rock Recreation Area (old Quarry)
Location: Hillsborough Golf Club, Hillsborough, NB
Start Window:10:00 - 12:00
Course Closure:16:00
Parking to Arena:800m (from Golf Club Road)
Arena to Start:50m

Course/Class Information

Course12345a5b678
Age ClassM10
F10		M11-12
F11-12		M13-14
F13-14		M15-16
F15-16		M80+
F70+
F75+		M85+
M90+
F80+
F85+
F90+		M65+
M75+
F45+
F55+
F65+		M17-18
M45+
M55+
F19-20
F21
F35+		M19-20
M21
M35+
Recreation ClassOpen1Open2Open3Open4Open5–Open6Open7–
Map Scale1:75001:75001:75001:75001:75001:75001:75001:100001:10000
Length(km)2.02.5.253.02.21.53.44.15.0

Quarantine: There will be no quarantine for this event.

Clothing Drop: There will be no clothing drop at the start as it is adjacent to the Arena.

Map Information

Contours: 5 m
Scale: 1:7500 or 1:10000
Terrain: The White Rock Recreation area was an abandoned gypsum quarry. The forest is mature with dense areas of new growth. Evidence of mining on the surface and underground is quite prominent. The abandoned mines are collapsing, forming sink holes and ponds throughout the landscape. The elevation change is moderate with short steep inclines.

Mapper/Setter Comments

The Hilsborough Golf Course is located on the edge of the map. The entire golf course is out of bounds.

The original map of the area was named The Pits of Despair – this should provide a clue what to expect.

Safety Notes

Mountain Bikes and ATVs: Expect to encounter mountain bikers on the hiking and mountain bike trails. ATVs use the major trails. Vehicles may use the quarry access roads.

Sink Holes: The sink holes and ponds have unstable bottoms. Do not walk into sink holes or cross ponds.

Caves: The caves are out of bounds. The caves are habitat for bats which are in danger due to white nose syndrome.

Cell Phones: The area has cell phone coverage.

Arena / Parking

  • The Long Arena is located in a quarry near the Hillsborough Golf Club.
  • Limited parking is available near the arena for participants with mobility issues (Request a pass when registering).
  • General Parking is available along one side of Golf Club Road.

Arena / Parking

The Long Arena is located in a quarry behind the Hillsborough Golf Club.
Arrive at the Golf Club from Hillsborough travelling south along Golf Club Road. Continue south, keeping to the right at New Road. Stay alongside the golf course. At the right-angle corner proceed directly forward onto the woods road for about 1km to the old Quarry.
Parking is available beside the Arena near the Quarry.
There will be Orienteering signs. Follow instructions from the Volunteers directing traffic.

Additional Activities

O-Store: The O-Store will be set up in the arena during this race

Food/Drink: The Hillsborough Golf Clubhouse Bar and Restaurant will be open during and/or after this race for normal operations.

Fishbones Knockout Sprint

Quick Reference
Date:Monday, July 27, 2026
Map:Université de Moncton
Location: Université de Moncton, NB
Start Window (Qualification race):9:00 - 11:00
Course Closure:15:00

Competition Details

In a knock-out sprint, athletes race several shorter than normal sprints in the same day:

  • Qualifier: The first stage is a qualifier sprint which is run like a typical orienteering race. Each participant will be assigned to one of three forks of a qualifier course with pre-assigned start times. This qualifier sprint has a winning time of around 10 minutes. The top 12 male and female atheltes from each fork move on to the knockout portion…

  • Quarter Final: From the qualifier, the top athletes are seeded into 6-person heats for a quarter final. Each heat has a mass start and all heats run the same course. This course has a winning time of 6-8 minutes. The top 3 from each heat advance to the…

  • Semi Final: The semi-final round also has heats of 6 athletes. This course also has a winning time of 6-8 minutes. The top 2 from each heat will compete in the…

  • Final: The final is another short 6-8 miunte race. First over the finish line is the overall winner.

Note: there will be separate male and female races (running the same courses).

  • Consolation: Everyone who does not qualify for the Knockouts will be assigned to a 10-person consolation heat which will be similar to the knockout stage races. These mass-start heats will be run between the Knockout stages (eg 3 heats between Quarter and Semi finals, 3 heats between Semis and Finals)

Subsections of Championships (July31-Aug2)

TCP Fundraiser

Quick Reference
Date:Thursday, July 30, 2026
Map:“The Dingle”
Location: Sir Sandford Fleming Park Halifax, NS
Package Pickup:17:00
Mass Start:18:00
Course Closure:19:30

Farewell Predator-O, Bonjour Summer Solstice!

Due to difficulties planning a Predator-O for the range of abilites attending, we have pivoted to another Ottawa favorite: the Summer Solstice format.

The Summer Solstice is an adjusted Score-O.

In a standard Score-O there are a number of controls scattered about the map that you can visit in any order – but there is a time limit. Everyone starts at the same time and the more controls you get, the more points you get. But if you run out of time, it will cost you!

From there it gets complicated! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Adjustments will be pre-calculated and printed on your Race bib. All you need to do is a bit of simple math to decide how many controls to visit!

Adjustments

Using an adjusted scoring system gives everyone a chance end up on top. Your adjustment is based on your age and gender. You will be given credit for the number of controls equal to your adjustment. For example, with 28 controls on the course and an adjustment of 5, you will only have to get 23 controls in order to get max points.

Additionally, returning early gets you bonus points, and running late earns a penalty.

NOTE: Visiting additional controls is allowed but you will not get extra points for them.

Course Information

Type: Adjusted Score-O
Total controls: 28
Time limit: 45 or 60 minutes (TBD)
Map: Scale: 1:5000, 5m Contours, ISOM-2017
Technical difficulty: There will somnething for everyone: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced

Map Information

This forest park is an urban gem, phenomenal terrain only 10 minutes from downtown Halifax. You will find surprisingly detailed topography among the few large hills, generally open forest, an expansive trail network, and an exceptional amount of boulders.

Scoring

Course PointsDescription
+5per control visited (capped at [Total Controls - Adjustment Points])
+5per Adjustment Point
[max available points]5 x Total Controls
Bonus/Penalty
+1per full minute early (if you max out your points)
-2per partial minute late

Adjustment Points

AgeMaleFemale|AgeMaleFemale
80+912|21-3403
75-79811|17-2024
70-74710|15-1635
65-6958|13-1445
55-6436|11-1266
45-5425|9-1077
35-4414|<988

Model Map

Quick Reference
Date:Friday, July 31, 2026
Map:Sandy Lake Park, Main Parking Lot
Location: Sandy Lake Park, Bedford, NS
Available:10:00 – 14:00 (on your own)
Start/FinishAt main parking lot. Please use caution and yield to vehicles.
Package Pickup:not available

Map Information

Course Planner: Pam James
Controller: Greg Nix
Mapper: Jeff Teutsch
Contours: 5 m
Scales: 1:5000, 1:7500, 1:10000, 1:15000
Additional information on the map can be found on the Map Notes page.

Safety Notes

Mountain Bikes and ATVs: Motorized vehicle traffic is prohibited in the park. However, participants may still encounter ATVs. Expect to encounter mountain bikers and other casual park users on trails.

Off-leash dogs: Sandy Lake Park does allow off-leash dogs. Efforts have been made to inform and educate dog owners about the event in advance, however we are not able to control the presence of off-leash dogs in the park. Although off-leash dogs are required to be under control of owners, please use caution when emerging onto trails and open areas, and be aware that you could encounter an unleashed dog.

Cell Phones: The area has cellular phone coverage.

First Aid: St. Johns Ambulance volunteers will be on-site.

Ticks: Ticks are present in Atlantic Canada, particularly in wooded areas, tall grass and leaf litter. Ticks are known to carry Lyme Disease and other infections. Be sure to check yourself and others for ticks. More information can be found at https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety

2025-08-01

Championship Sprint

Quick Reference
Date:Friday, July 31, 2026
Map:Dalhousie University
Location: Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
Start Window:17:00 - 18:30
Course Closure:19:30
Parking to Arena:~200m-1km

Course/Class Information

Course123456
Age ClassF10
M10		F11-12
F13-14
M11-12
M13-14		F75+
F80+
F85+
F90+
M80+
M85+
M90+		F45+
F55+
F65+
F70+
M65+
M70+
M75+		F15-16
F17-18
F19-20
F21
F35+
M15-16
M55+		M17-18
M19-20
M21
M35+
M45+
Recreation ClassOpen1Open2Open3Open4Open5
Map Scale1:3000 or
1:4000		1:3000 or
1:4000		1:3000 or
1:4000		1:3000 or
1:4000		1:3000 or
1:4000		1:3000 or
1:4000
RWT10-1210-1215
(RFT 20min)		12-1512-1512-15
(15+ for M45)

Quarantine: There will be no quarantine for this event.

Bag/Clothing Drop: Bags/Clothing can be left in a designated indoor space adjacent to the arena, the Studley Dance Studio. This is located in the basement of the Studley Gym area. This may only be accessed by the entrance facing the arena.

Washrooms: Are also available in the basement of the Studley Gym building, and may be accessed using the entrance facing the arena.

Map Information

Course Planner: Emily Secord
Controller: Pam James
Mapper: Jeff Teutsch
Contours: 2m
Scale: 1:4000
Additional information on the map can be found on the Map Notes page.

Safety Notes

Foot and Bike Traffic: Expect to encounter foot or bike traffic on campus, and please yield.

Road Crossings and vehicular traffic: There may be a small number of vehicles on campus (in parking lots or maintenance roads). Some courses will have unmarshalled road crossings. Participants must use care, and cross only when safe to do so.

Cell Phones: The area has cellular phone coverage.

Arena / Parking

Parking for this event will be on your own. There are a number of lots that are free after 4pm, as well as street parking. A map will be posted with the best nearby parking options and routes that avoid the embargoed area. Most parking is within a 1km walk of the arena.

COC Long

Quick Reference
Date:Saturday, August 1, 2026
Map:Sandy Lake Park
Location: Sandy Lake Park, Bedford, NS
Start Window:10:00 - 12:00
Course Closure:15:00
Parking to Arena:350m - 2km (come early!)
Arena to Start:350m

Course/Class Information

Course12345A5B67891011
Age ClassF10
M10		F11-12
M11-12		F13-14
M13-14		F15-16
M15-16		F75+
F80+
M80+		F85+
F90+
M85+
M90+		F55+
F65+
F70+
M75+		F45+
M65+
M70+		F17-18
F35+
M55+		*F19-20
M17-18
M45+		F21
M19-20
M35+		M21
Recreation ClassOpen1Open2Open3Open4Open5–Open6–Open8Open9––
Map Scale1:75001:75001:100001:100001:50001:50001:75001:75001:10000*1:15000
1:10000		1:150001:15000
TD123345555555
RWT30-3530-3530-3545-5550-5550-5550-5550-5565-7065-7088-9288-92

Quarantine: There will be no quarantine for this event.

Bag/Clothing Drop: Bags/Clothing can be left in a designated area in the arena.

Map Information

Course Planner: Jim Blanchard
Controller: Greg Nix
Mapper: Jeff Teutsch
Contours: 5 m
Scale: 1:7500 or 1:10000
Additional information on the map can be found on the Map Notes page.

Safety Notes

Mountain Bikes and ATVs: Motorized vehicle traffic is prohibited in the park. However, participants may still encounter ATVs. Expect to encounter mountain bikers and other casual park users on trails.

Arena/Beach area: The arena area is shared with a small public beach. Please gather in the section designated for the Arena unless you have finished competing and wish to use the lifeguard-supervised beach to cool off.

Off-leash dogs: Sandy Lake Park does allow off-leash dogs. Efforts have been made to inform and educate dog owners about the event in advance, however we are not able to control the presence of off-leash dogs in the park. Although off-leash dogs are required to be under control of owners, please use caution when emerging onto trails and open areas, and be aware that you could encounter an unleashed dog.

Cell Phones: The area has cellular phone coverage.

Ticks: Ticks are present in Atlantic Canada, particularly in wooded areas, tall grass and leaf litter. Ticks are known to carry Lyme Disease and other infections. Be sure to check yourself and others for ticks. More information can be found at https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety

Arena / Parking

Parking at Sandy Lake is limited and shared with the public, so we will need your cooperation to eliminate long walks to the start and arena.
PLEASE CARPOOL with as many people as possible!

Here is what to expect:

  • A small number of parking spots at the main parking lot (~350 walk to the arena) will be designated for those with mobility needs. Please contact info@cof2026.ca if you require a designated spot.
  • Roughly 60 spots will be available in the main parking lot on a first-come-first-served basis starting at 8:30am on race days
  • An additional 50-70 spots will be available on the parking lot access road starting at 8:30am on race days (up to ~400m walk to parking lot)
  • PLEASE FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OF PARKING ATTENDANTS to help us maximize the number of spaces available!
  • Help us maintain good relations with our neighbours and Halifax Regional Municipality.
    There is absolutely NO PARKING:
    • On Smiths Road between Hammonds Plains Road and the park entrance signs
    • On Killarney Drive
    • At Sandy Lake Academy on Killarney Drive
  • If you miss out on the parking spots in Sandy Lake Park (see above), there are ample spots at the Greenfoot Energy Centre (2.2km), the West Bedford Park and Ride (1.8km - risk of ticketing if not taking transit), or Charles P. Allen School (2.2km)
  • We will flag the walk (from a location to be announced).
  • If you love a good warmup and cooldown, parking outside of Sandy Lake park will be appreciated by those who do not.

Additional Activities

O-Store: The O-Store will be set up in the arena during this race

COC Middle

Quick Reference
Date:Sunday, August 2, 2026
Map:Sandy Lake Park
Location: Sandy Lake Park, Bedford, NS
Start Window:10:00 - 12:00
Course Closure:15:00
Parking to Arena:350m - 2km (come early!)
Arena to Start:TBD

Course/Class Information

Course12345A5B67891011
Age ClassF10
M10		F11-12
M11-12		F13-14
M13-14		F15-16
M15-16		F75+
F80+
M80+		F85+
F90+
M85+
M90+		F55+
F65+
F70+
M75+		F45+
M65+
M70+		F35+
M55+		F17-18
M45+		F19-20
F21
M17-18
M35+		M19-20
M21
Recreation ClassOpen1Open2Open3Open4Open5Open6
Map Scale1:7500TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD1:10000
TD123345555555
RWT20-2520-2520-2520-2535-4535-4530-3530-3530-3525-3030-3530-35

Quarantine: There will be no quarantine for this event.

Bag/Clothing Drop: Bags/Clothing can be left in a designated area in the arena.

Map Information

Course Planner: Pam James
Controller: Greg Nix
Mapper: Jeff Teutsch
Contours: 5 m
Scale: 1:5000, 1:7500 or 1:10000
Additional information on the map can be found on the Map Notes page.

Safety Notes

Mountain Bikes and ATVs: Motorized vehicle traffic is prohibited in the park. However, participants may still encounter ATVs. Expect to encounter mountain bikers and other casual park users on trails.

Arena/Beach area: The arena area is shared with a small public beach. Please gather in the section designated for the Arena unless you have finished competing and wish to use the lifeguard-supervised beach to cool off.

Off-leash dogs: Sandy Lake Park does allow off-leash dogs. Efforts have been made to inform and educate dog owners about the event in advance, however we are not able to control the presence of off-leash dogs in the park. Although off-leash dogs are required to be under control of owners, please use caution when emerging onto trails and open areas, and be aware that you could encounter an unleashed dog.

Cell Phones: The area has cellular phone coverage.

Ticks: Ticks are present in Atlantic Canada, particularly in wooded areas, tall grass and leaf litter. Ticks are known to carry Lyme Disease and other infections. Be sure to check yourself and others for ticks. More information can be found at https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety

Arena / Parking

Parking at Sandy Lake is limited and shared with the public, so we will need your cooperation to eliminate long walks to the start and arena.
PLEASE CARPOOL with as many people as possible!

Here is what to expect:

  • A small number of parking spots at the main parking lot (~350 walk to the arena) will be designated for those with mobility needs. Please contact info@cof2026.ca if you require a designated spot.
  • Roughly 60 spots will be available in the main parking lot on a first-come-first-served basis starting at 8:30am on race days
  • An additional 50-70 spots will be available on the parking lot access road starting at 8:30am on race days (up to ~400m walk to parking lot)
  • PLEASE FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OF PARKING ATTENDANTS to help us maximize the number of spaces available!
  • Help us maintain good relations with our neighbours and Halifax Regional Municipality.
    There is absolutely NO PARKING:
    • On Smiths Road between Hammonds Plains Road and the park entrance signs
    • On Killarney Drive
    • At Sandy Lake Academy on Killarney Drive
  • If you miss out on the parking spots in Sandy Lake Park (see above), there are ample spots at the Greenfoot Energy Centre (2.2km), the West Bedford Park and Ride (1.8km - risk of ticketing if not taking transit), or Charles P. Allen School (2.2km)
  • We will flag the walk (from a location to be announced).
  • If you love a good warmup and cooldown, parking outside of Sandy Lake park will be appreciated by those who do not.

Additional Activities

O-Store: The O-Store will be set up in the arena during this race

Subsections of Competition

Courses and Classes

While the same age-based competition classes will be used for most events, they will be distrbuted among the available courses as recommended in the Orienteering Canada Course and Class Guidelines. For Fishbones, we will follow the recommendations for Smaller Canada Cups while the Championship will follow those for Large Events. Additionally, there will be a set of non-competitive classes available.

Age-based Competition Classes (all races except FB KO Sprint)

There are age class championships for all age groups (2 year age groups for 20 and under, 10 year age groups for 35 to 75, 5 year age groups for 70 and over) at the festival. There is an F and M class for each age class.

CategoryAge Classes (M & F)
Junior classesM/F10, M/F11-12, M/F13-14, M/F15-16, M/F17-18, M/F19-20
Senior/Elite classM/F21
Masters classesM/F35, M/F45, M/F55, M/F65, M/F70, M/F75, M/F80, M/F85, M/F90
Rule 6.1.3: Participants aged 16 and under must obtain formal approval from the Event Director or Controller to compete in a class that is more than one level above their normal age class

Please register in the highest available class and email registrar@cof2026.ca to coordinate an exception with the Event Director.

Due to issues with liability, the following decision was reached:
Where a request to run up two or more age classes results in a substantial increase in technical difficulty (Middle, Long), it will not be approved. Where the requested age-class change does not result in additional technical difficulty beyond what would already be permitted with a one-age-class run-up (Sprint), it may be approved. This approach allows us to apply the same standard fairly and consistently to all competitors.

Rule 18.2.1: Medal Eligibility

For Canadian Championship events:

  • Medal winners of the Canadian Championships must be full members of a provincial/territorial association; and
    • Canadian citizens; or
    • permanent residents as defined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

For Fishbones and Other events:

  • In the Fishbones spirit of Keeping it Simple, no medals will be awarded (a small token may be provided)

Non-Competitive Classes

For participants wanting a course outside their age class, there are recreational (non-competitive) options (and no medals).

  • Open classes allow participants of any age to choose the course they wish to run on. You can choose a course appropriate to your orienteering skill-set and physical fitness.

    • Fishbones (middle/long): Open-1,2,3,4,5,6,7
    • Championships (middle): Open-1,2,3,4,5,6
    • Championships (long): Open-1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9
    • Championships (sprint): Open-1,2,3,4

  • Special Case: All registrations for the Fishbones Knockout Sprint will be into the same Male/Female Qualifier and will proceed towards the M/F Finals from there. Everyone runs the same course at each stage, but each stage will have a different course.

Since the terrain for orienteering courses, and the speed at which the terrain can be traversed, varies significantly from event to event, Orienteering Canada has uses Technical Difficuly (TD) and Recommended Winning Times (RWT) instead of using distance guidelines for setting courses.

Orienteering Canada defines five Technical Difficulty (TD) levels for orienteering courses. TD1, TD2, TD3 range from Beginner to Intermediate and typically target youth who are building their skills. TD5 targets the Expert and Elite participants which leaves TD4 aimed at Veteran racers.

Courses will be shorter on slower terrain (thicker forest, more hills) so that winning times remain relatively consistent for a given age class. For Middle events, courses are designed so that the RWTs are around 30 minutes (for elite classes on those courses), Long event RWTs fall closer to 60 minutes, while Sprints are typically designed to take about 15 minutes.

More information can be found in Orienteering Canada’s Course and Class Guidelines

Transgender and Non-Binary

The Orienteering Canada Board recently approved a Transgender and Non-Binary Inclusion policy. The gist of the policy is:

At both recreational and competitive levels, a Participant is able to participate in either their sex assigned at birth or the gender category in which they identify or choose in the case of a non-binary Participant.

This means a participant may declare their gender (Male, Female or Unspecified) during registration and enter classes appropriate for that declaration.
More information can be found at Orienteering Canada’s Transgender and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy

2026-03-15

Embargoes

Info

To ensure unfair advantage is not gained by people visiting the competition areas prior to competition taking place, an embargo restricts athletes’ access to these areas. All athletes attending these events must abide by these embargoes, and anyone breaching them risks disqualification.

Embargo: Sandy Lake Park (Middle and Long)

Because this area encompasses a public park, access is permitted for limited recreational purposes (i.e. stay on marked trails). However, the possession or use of maps, and route choice testing during the term of the embargo is not allowed. Competitors are encouraged to just stay away.

Embargo: Dalhousie University (Sprint)

Because the event takes place in public areas people may need to access for legitimate reasons other than orienteering, access to the embargoed areas is permitted. However, the possession or use of maps, and route choice testing during the term of the embargo is not allowed.

All competitors must use only the routes specified by the organizers to reach the Event Arena on the day of the competition (to be advised in the final Bulletin).

2025-08-01

Safety and Potential Hazards

General Safety Rules

  • Observe all event specific rules, cautions and advice.
  • You must carry a whistle. The emergency signal is three blasts.
  • You must abandon your course if you hear a distress whistle and must help participants in need.
  • Always return to registration at the end of the event and sign out!
  • Stop immediately if you become injured. Running through the pain will only make your injury worse. Return to the start area and seek medical treatment for all injuries.
  • If you are lost or hurt, stay still and blow the distress call (three whistle blows) until help arrives.
  • In case of an overdue person, the organizers will initiate a search. You can help by following the directions of the organizers.

Hazards

Vegetation

Full leg covering is recommended for all races in wooded areas and open fields due to the possibility of encountering:

Poison Ivy: Contact with poison ivy oil can cause skin irritation and blistering that will often last for 10 days or more. If you have made contact with poison ivy, handle clothing carefully and immediately wash down clothing and skin with soap and water. More details at this Health Canada site .

Wildlife

Ticks: Black-legged ticks (deer ticks) which are found most often in long grasses may carry Lyme Disease and may infect you after burrowing into your skin. Always do a thorough tick check after every event. For more information see these provicial public health pages: New Brunswick , Nova Scotia

See also: Orienteering Canada’s General Guidelines for Personal Safety in Orienteering

2025-08-01

Training Opportunities

2025-08-01

Subsections of Training

Sass Peepre National Junior and Family Training Camp 2026

We are excited to be hosting a 3 day, 3 night national junior training camp next year at a great sleep-in facility close to the Canadian Orienteering Festival site. To make the most of this opportunity, in addition to the usual training for juniors, we will once again be offering intermediate-to-advanced training for family members as well.

About the camp

WHAT: The Sass Peepre National Junior Training Camp brings together young orienteers across the country for technical training, games, and social activities, aiming to cultivate camaraderie among participants and sustain their interest in the sport. The camp will include large group activities, time to socialize and technical sessions where participants will be divided into small groups for training targeted at their skill level. 

WHO: The camp is for juniors ages 10 – 20 of all orienteering abilities. Non-Canadian juniors are welcome. 

Once again this year, we will also open up the training to family members – either parents alone, or younger children accompanied by a parent. There will be separate groups/coaches for adult training sessions. Have you been orienteering for a couple years but still don’t feel totally comfortable with tricky legs off trail? Are you comfortable orienteering in the woods but would like to learn some advanced techniques?

WHERE: The camp will be located at the Broadleaf Ranch , just outside Moncton and on nearby orienteering maps.

WHEN: The camp will be from 5pm Monday, July 27th, until noon, Thursday July 30, 2026. Accommodation and food included. 

REGISTRATION: Registration is now available on Uplifter/2Mev Register Now

Logistics and cost:

Accommodation: Broadleaf Ranch has dorm style accommodation for 63 participants and coaches (with mattresses included but BYO sheets/sleeping bag).* We encourage juniors to take advantage of the dorm accommodations as part of the camp experience. However, we also welcome juniors who prefer to arrange their own accommodations. We encourage families arranging their own accommodation to check out the options available at Broadleaf Ranch itself (tenting, serviced RV sites and Glamping close to the dorms, as well as one 5 bedroom lodge 2km from the dorms). You can also stay off site. Families (participating in training or not) are welcome to stay on site, space permitting. 

* Some of the beds will be in the bedrooms of the 3 cabins we are renting for kitchen facilities.

Supervision: We will be counting on all the juniors to demonstrate their maturity and respect, and will provide age-appropriate supervision for participants aged 10-17. Kids 9 and under must have an accompanying parent overnight and during training. Kids 11 and under must have a supervising adult (a parent or other designated adult) on-site overnight (see adult accommodation options below). Parents of juniors aged 12-17 need not stay on-site, but we ask that they, or an emergency contact, be available to pick up their child within an hour if needed.

Costs

(including meals and accommodation) for the full 3 days

  • Participating juniors 20 and under: $120 for first junior, $80 for any subsequent junior in a family. (Subsidized price)
  • Adults receiving training: $175
  • Accompanying family member aged 12 and over (not receiving training): $125 (discounts will be offered for full time volunteers – see below!)
  • Accompanying family member 11 and under (not receiving training): $100

Participants arranging their own accommodation (either at Broadleaf Ranch or off-site) will get a $30 discount each.

Volunteers

Sass Peepre is entirely volunteer run. If you are able to coach, cook or volunteer in some other way please let us know! Contact Amanda and Timothy and they can provide a discount code to use when you register.

Interested?

If you’d like to get in touch to talk about volunteering, get more information, or join our email list to get notifications, including when the registration form goes live, please email us to let us know at SassPeepre@gmail.com.

Thank you!
Amanda Edmunds (Coordinator) and Timothy Edmunds (Head Coach)

2025-11-01

Orienteering Canada Learning Summit

Note

The Orienteering Canada 2026 Learning Summit requires a separate registration process. Registration closes by July 19!
Full details about the summit can be found at orienteering.ca/posts/2026learningsummit .

Orienteering Canada will host the Orienteering Canada Learning Summit on July 26-28, 2026 in conjunction with the Canadian Orienteering Festival.

The Orienteering Canada Learning Summit is an opportunity to bring together coaches, officials, organizers, athletes, and club volunteers for several days of learning and connection during the 2026 Canadian Orienteering Festival. Through coaching development, officiating education, and hands-on exploration of tools like Livelox, the Summit aims to strengthen skills, spark new ideas, and support the continued growth of orienteering across Canada. Whether you are new to these roles or bringing years of experience, the Learning Summit is a chance to share knowledge, build confidence, and invest in the future of the sport.

DateLocationSession
Sunday, July 26, 7-9 pm Riverview Lions Community CentreDiscover Livelox: Explore, Compare, Improve
Monday, July 27, 5-9 pm AND
Tuesday, July 28, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm		 Riverview Lions Community CentreOfficiating: O300 Course Planner (cancelled)
Tuesday, July 28, 1:30-5:00 pm Broadleaf RanchIntro to Orienteering Coach Training (cancelled)

There is no fee to attend the Livelox session, but we do need you to register in advance to help us plan. There is a $40 fee for each of the Clinics.

Full details and a link to register can be found at orienteering.ca/posts/2026learningsummit .

2026-05-15

Subsections of Other

Travel and Accommodations

Travel time from airports

FromFishbones ArenaCOC Arena
Roméo LeBlanc International Airport
Moncton, NB (YQM)		40 minutes2.5 hours
Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Halifax, NS (YHZ)		2.75 hours0.5 hours

Driving distances

Access to events outside the cities without a car will be difficult. There is no public transit. The following are estimated driving time and distance between events at different locations.

From…To…DistanceTime
Fishbones Arena to FB Sprint (U de Moncton)30 km40 minutes
Moncton (Fishbones) to Halifax (Championships)250 km2.5 hours
COC Arena to COC Sprint (Dalhousie University)25 km0.5 hours

Accommodation

There are many Hotel, Motel, and independent accommodations within 50km of the event locations. We expect to finalize and list a small selection for which we have obtained special rates. Camping accommodations should be booked early, as they are difficult to secure during the summer. These are within 60km of the event locations.

2025-08-01

Subsections of Travel

Fishbones Weekend Accommodations

There are many Hotel, Motel, and independent accommodations in the Moncton area. We have not obtained special rates but a list of interesting locations available here.

Camping (RVs, Tents, Glamping)
(open field camping not available)
White Rock Cabins (~1km from FB Middle arena)

Chamionship Weekend Accommodations

There are many Hotel, Motel, and independent accommodations in the Halifax/Dartmouth/Bedford area. Halifax also boasts several university campuses which offer dorm-stlye summer accommodations. Where we have obtained special rates, booking procedures are noted below.

Hotels
The Barrington (Halifax Downtown)To book by May 30, 2026, online at https://reservations.travelclick.com/108025?groupID=4988778 or call (902)429-7410 and request block 2607ORIENT (from: $219/night)
Sandman Hotel (Dartmouth Crossing)To book by July 2, 2026, online at https://reservations.sandmanhotels.com/115488?groupID=4957327 or use Web Booking code: 2607ORIENTEERING (from: $229)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Bedford)To book by June 15, 2026, call 902-444-6700 and request block: “2026 Canadian Orienteering Championship” (from: $239)
Campus/Dorm-style
Dalhousie University*To book by May 1, 2026 (available from Jan 2026), reserve online at https://stay.dal.ca/ or call (902)494-8840 or 1(855)DAL-STAY using promo code COC26 (Rates from: Single@$74.29).
University of Kings College*
St. Marys University
Granville Hall Student Residence
Mount St. Vincent University
Nova Scotia Community College - Ivany and Akerley CampusThese newly built residences may offer accommodations closer to summer 2026; as yet no information on their websites.

*NOTE: Dalhousie and Kings College are under embargo; guests may be restricted to spcific areas of the campus (See: Embargoes).

Camping (RVs, Tents)
(open field camping not available)
Woodhaven RV Park+Camping, Hammonds Plains
Shubie Campground, Dartmouth
Halifax West KOA, Upper Sackville
Laurie Provincial Park, Waverley
Wilderness Stays, Big Lake
Porters Lake Provincial Park, Porters Lake
Wayside Campground, Glen Margaret
Porters Peak Adventure Getaway, Porters Lake
Beech Brook Campground, Ellershouse
Hubbards Beach Campground+Cottages, Hubbards
King Neptune Campground, Indian Harbour
Coles Campground, South Rawdon

Tourism and Attractions

Discover Halifax

Discover Halifax—a city where warm hospitality, coastal beauty, and vibrant culture come together to create unforgettable events. Between races, you can stroll along the scenic waterfront boardwalk, explore historic sites, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this walkable seaside destination. In Halifax, every step offers a new opportunity to connect, experience, and be inspired. Show your race bib at participating local businesses and save!

DiscoverHalifax

Join a Full Moon Paddle the night of Wednesday July 29th!

The tour launches out of Peggy’s Cove, a 40 minute drive from Halifax. The cost is $60 per person. Group size is about 12 people, so if you are interested, call in advance to secure your spot. Please contact East Coast Outfitters directly at 902-852-2567. If weather is bad, they may cancel and/or suggest an alternative date, such as the day before or day after. You will not be charged if they cancel.
https://www.eastcoastoutfitters.com/sea-kayak-tours-halifax-nova-scotia/seakayaktourpackages
(Thanks to Jenny Kuenz for this find!)

2026-05-30

Banquet and Silent Auction

Quick Reference
Date:Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time:16:30 - 20:00
Location: University of King’s College
(Prince Hall, 6350 Coburg Rd)
TicketsAvailable during race registration OR VISIT THE STORE
Adults (11 and older)$40
Youth (under age of 11)$30
Schedule
16:30Doors open to banquet attendees
18:00Team Canada Silent Auction commences
18:00Banquet
19:00Doors open to non-banquet attendees for Awards and TC Silent Auction
19:30Awards for Sprint and Long-distance races
Following the awards, last-minute bidding will take place, followed by table closures and wrap up of TC Silent Auction.

The banquet for 2026 Canadian Orienteering Festival participants and their guests will be held at the University of Kings College on Saturday, August 1st, following the Long event. Awards for the Canadian Orienteering Championship Sprint and Long events will be presented at the banquet.
We hope you will join us!

Tickets must be purchased in advance (deadline: July 28, 2026). Prices are $40 for those 11 and older, and $30 for youth under the age of 11.

Additional tickets are available through our stand-alone store if you have already registered for your races.

Support the Team Canada Silent Auction

While attending the banquet, be sure to take part in Orienteering Canada’s always-popular annual silent auction. The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, with proceeds supporting athlete and coaching costs for the Team Canada program.

You can support the auction in two ways: donate an item or bid on one. Donated items can be dropped off at the registration desk at any event (which is our preference as it gives us time to prepare), or brought directly to the banquet.

Thank you for your support!

Merchandise

Logo Beach Towel

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and style with this custom logoed towel. Made from a soft velour and terry cotton blend, it promises a plush, absorbent feel every time you dry off. Generously sized at 24 by 48 inches, this towel offers ample coverage, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

This towel is perfect for drying off after a race, maintaining modesty while changing out of your sweaty gear, or stretching out comfortably in the arena, at the beach, or poolside as you enjoy your Maritime adventures. Its generous size and soft, absorbent fabric make it an essential companion for active and relaxing moments alike.

Order now! Due to production timelines, the Towel will only be available for sale until the end of Regular pricing (June 15)!

Image shown is for illustration purposes; final product may vary.
2026-02-01

Volunteer Opportunities

Help us in making the 2026 Canadian Orienteering Festival an unforgettable experience!

Volunteers are the backbone (or Fishbone) of this event, bringing passion, expertise and enthusiasm to every aspect. Your support in lead and day-to-day volunteer roles is essential to ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

If you have skills in any of the areas we are trying to fill, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below to communicate your interest and availability:

COF2026 Volunteer Recruiting Google Form

Thank you for your interest and continued support!
2026 Canadian Orienteering Festival Organizing Committee

2025-08-01

Event Team

No orienteering event can happen without a dedicated group of volunteers to pull it all together. Here is the team bringing you this great festival of orienteering.

RoleOverallFishbonesCOCs
Project ManagerCheryl Smith
Event DirectorHarold McQuadeCheryl Smith
ED Controllers
Middle Course PlannerHarold McQuade
Middle Controller
Long Course PlannerHarold McQuade
Long Controller
Sprint Course PlannerSteve Heron
Sprint ControllerHarold McQuade
Timing / ResultsSteve Heron
Start
First Aid
Safety
Arena / Site
Post-Race Refreshments
Juryn/a
RegistrationSteve Heron
Mappers
WebsiteSteve Heron
2025-08-01

Land Acknowledgement

Fertile Sun

The land on which our activities occur is the the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik Peoples. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik and Peskotomuhkati Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

These Indigenous nations have inhabited and cared for these lands for millennia, and their way of life, culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture these lands today. We honour these lands and their Indigenous stewards, past and present. We thank them for their stewardship of the land and pledge to be respectful and grateful for the bounty of this land on which we all live, work and play.