Golden Leaf Orienteering Fest
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Golden Leaf Orienteering Fest
The Golden Leaf Orienteering Fest takes place in the Golden Horseshoe Area on November 21 and 22, 2026 and includes Ontario Cup number 1. The event weekend comprises three events: a Classic distance, a Sprint, and the Ontario Cup mass start. At the time of posting, the specific venues were pending approval.
The Classic distance offers four course categories: novice, intermediate, short advanced, and long advanced. Terrain for the Classic is flat with rocky ground, mostly open forest and many trails, with some highly detailed sections and featureless areas that require compass work.
The Sprint is set in a city park in Burlington with a single course. The sprint area is open grass surrounded by baseball diamonds and soccer fields; fences and a creek create route choice challenges.
The Ontario Cup uses a mass start and courses are handicapped by age and gender. Due to construction the course was adjusted so the Thomass box and the common part are in an area with a dense trail network; that area is physically demanding with ridges and valleys while the final kilometer is faster and flat.
Entry fees vary by date and category. Regular prices before November 5 and late prices November 6 to 12 are published for adults and juniors or students, with multi-race packages available. Entry fees include race maps and a DontGetLost membership to cover race insurance; HST and online transaction charges are not included. The posted refund policy is 80 percent before November 12 and no refunds after that date. Registration closes on November 12.
A waiver is required before participation and a parent or guardian must sign for any minor. A family friendly Saturday social is planned at Nickel Brook Brewing Co. A few extra maps have been printed for each course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
