Best Navigation Training Available
"Skills gained gave me the confidence to go out to the backcountry alone…" — CWNC Graduate
"…the skills taught progressively take you from knowing next to nothing to being confidant in wilderness navigation." — CWNC Graduate
The Complete Wilderness Navigation Course (CWNC) allows you to Learn World Class Hands-on Wilderness Route Finding in the forests and mountains of the Canadian Wilderness. This is a one-of-a-kind 5-day long professionally taught wilderness navigation course. If you are or are hoping to spend time anywhere in the world as a backcountry traveller or adventure racer, are an inspiring wilderness guide, wilderness instructor or outdoor educator or have aspirations to become an effective GSAR Volunteer, then this is the professional wilderness navigation training you need to take.
"Being in the mountains, Navigating with all the tools, the Night Navigation!" — CWN Graduate
BWI Keeps Classes Small, so no more than 6 Participants, meaning that you will have the time and instructional help to learn and master wilderness navigation correctly. This will allow you to master wilderness route finding quickly and easily. During the CWNC expect to learn constantly and become a confident wilderness navigator. Participants will earn BWI's Navigation Certificate upon successful completion. Bruce Zawalsky will be the principal instructor for this course, ensuring a high level of professional instruction throughout.
Hands-on Map and Compass Skills
"No bullshit, straight goods – Practicality was quintessential!" — CWN Graduate
The Complete Wilderness Navigation Course is a hands-on land navigation course that teaches Topographical Map & Air photo interpretation, Magnetic Compass, GPS Receiver, Pace Bead & Altimeter Use. The course covers Contour Interpretation, Route Planning, Wilderness Travel Skills, Latitude & Longitude, MGRS & UTM Grid References. We take the time to learn Map & Compass skills including Magnetic Declination, Inclination, Bearings, Back-bearings, Orienting Maps & Air Photos, Pacing and Resections.
"Skills learned from the course already helped during an ocean kayak trip. Could not have done it without them." — CWNC Graduate
Emphasized throughout the CWNC are Wilderness Route Finding, Learning Topographical Interpretation and Developing Safe Wilderness Travel Skills. We also cover GPS Programming, GPS Map Integration, Altimeters use, Clinometers use, Night Navigation Techniques and practical real-world Natural Navigation techniques in the field.
Progressive Wilderness Route Finding
"Take the Courses all at once." — CWNC Graduate
Due to the innovative syllabus and small class size, it is perfect for those new to the subject of wilderness navigation along with those with experience who are hoping to raise their level of training. The CWNC provides the right mix of in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice you need. This course covers the entire content of BWI’s other three main land Navigation Courses, the Navigation Core Seminar, Navigation Field Session and the Navigation Mountain Session.
"Loved the Courses…" — CWNC Graduate
Course Fine Print
- Cost Includes: Instruction, Pace-beads, Course Materials, Use of; Compass, GPS Receiver & Topographical Maps
- NOT Provided: Transportation, Accommodation, Food, Outdoor Gear & Outdoor Clothing
- Please Read the Equipment List and Ask Questions before you arrive to Avoid Problems
- In Edmonton on 1st & 2nd Nights you will need to Arrange Your Own Accommodation
- In Nordegg on 3rd & 4th Nights the Instructional Staff will be Camping at Dry Haven Provincial Recreation Area and you are encouraged to camp at the same site (2023 Fee $24 per Night) or stay nearby at Shunda Creek Hostel or other Accommodation.
- To keep overall cost down and our environmental impact low we Encourage Participant Car Pooling and will Help to Facilitate it on the 1st Day of the Course