Victoria Park - Truro NS
September 5th 2026 11:00am - 1:30pm
Organizer: Paul Bottomley (Event Director)
Oh yeah we're finally coming back to Truro (again) -
It will be a Barebones style event, meaning the approach will be casual in order to minimize the amount of volunteer capacity required, while still providing an enjoyable event for orienteers.
The Venue:
Victoria Park is a natural woodland park that spans 3,000 acres and is located only minutes from downtown Truro. The extensive trail system winds through natural gorges, waterfalls, tall trees and inspiring look-offs.
The Courses:
Point to Point
To complete any of the courses participants must visit a series of control points in the order shown on the map provided. Maps will be provided at the start which will be staggered to space competitors and limit following.
The terrain in Victoria Park is varied and exciting, and some effort has been made to add new features to the map, but the area has not been mapped recently, as such this event will focus more on the large trail network in the park.
Distances given below are an estimate only and will vary due to the nature of the event.
- Beginner participants will typically follow marked and easy to follow trails to controls on trail for the easiest navigation and shortest distance to cover. Basic map following required. The beginner map will be limited in size to encourage success. 2km.
- Intermediate participants, will exercise route choice along trails while also using map features and basic compass skills to find controls located that are possibly off trails but with typically clear features to ease navigation. 3km.
- Advanced participants will tackle the entire map and should expect to be on trail and off, following longer route choices through more difficult terrain; good navigation skills required. 6km.
A beginner’s clinic may be offered. Let us know in advance at the email below if you are interested, and we can provide some form of instruction, if not a formal clinic. Please check-in at 10am if you require instruction.
Special Note #1: A small film crew from Sport Nova Scotia will be active at the event. Participants are not expected to be interviewed on camera and should only be in the background of the recording.
Special Note #2: The Railyard in the south end of Victoria Park has some of the best and most accessible mountain biking in Nova Scotia. Beginner and Intermediate trails abound. If there is sufficient interest, a ‘small’ second stage MTB-O may be offered; i.e. run the O-course on foot, then head out on your MTB to find some unique controls. What an Adventure! Contact the organizer at the email below.
The Schedule:
10:00 Registration Opens
10:15 Beginner Clinic (if required)
10:45 Safety Brief
11:00 am Staggered Starts
13:00 pm Foot O Time Limit
Start will be nearby the registration table.
Registration:
Prior to participating in an event, all participants must have completed the one time Orienteering NS registration form and the Orienteering Canada waiver as part of registration process.
Once membership and waiver are completed, register for courses by completing the process at the registration site.
Please ensure you register via this link by midnight THURSDAY, Sep 3, 2026 to ensure a map is printed for you. On-site check-in will take place on site from 10:00 to 10:45 am.
Last minute registration: This can be done on site, but we typically only have a few extra maps; because we didn’t know you were coming. Also, pre-registration allows the on-site details to move more quickly.
Questions:
(some may be answered below)
To Paul @nsorienteering.com
Snacks:
A small post race treat will be available, but participants should bring their own water if needed.
Parking:
Parking will be at Victoria Park, or on the adjacent streets. NOTE if it’s sunny adjacent streets may be the best option as the parking area fills quickly.
Washrooms:
There are public washroom facilities on site.
Weather:
We run rain, snow or shine. Local thunder will typically be accommodated by a short delay. That said any weather involving a Hurricane or Tropical Storm coming straight over will result in a reschedule.
Entry Fees:
The following are the fees for this event* (pre-registered), add $5 for day-of registrations:
$15 per adult (21+) participating as an individual
$8 per youth (7-20) participating as an individual
Children under 7 participate free
*If you are registering four or more family/household members at the same time (including at least one adult), please use the discount code FAMILY_2026 at checkout to receive a discount.
How to Pay:
In advance (preferred):
- By credit card as part of the process at the registration process site
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the following email: nsorienteering@gmail.com
- If you choose this method, complete the online registration process. At checkout, please enter the following coupon code: PAY_EFT_2026 so that you appear on our registration list.
In person:
- In cash; a payment container will be available. Please bring correct change.
- If you choose this method, complete the online registration process. At checkout, please enter the following coupon code: PAY_CASH_2026 so that you appear on our registration list.
Note: all of the above is restated in the registration process.
Need Orienteering Kit before the event?
Visit the O-Store!
Extracurricular:
The Railyard Mountain Bike Park
Directions:
Event is in Victoria Park in Truro NS, the hub of mainland Nova Scotia. Registration and Start Finish will be at or near the bandstand at the location shown in the map below.