The straight grid roads in Saskatchewan can give us a false sense of confidence when it comes to navigation. Out here, we’re used to roads running clean and straight—until they suddenly don’t. Correction roads, dead ends caused by sloughs and lakes, or unexpected detours from construction or accidents can quickly throw us off course, even when we think we’re “just taking the highway.”

Travelling into mountains or unfamiliar regions outside of Saskatchewan—where roads curve, twist, and climb—can be even more challenging if we’re relying solely on instinct or “feeling.” And with cell coverage being unreliable in many parts of Canada, even short distances off a main highway can leave us without navigation support.

So how do we navigate safely when the usual tools fail us? Weather, daylight, fatigue, and stress can all affect our decision-making. In a survival situation, these factors can quickly compound. That’s why having reliable navigation skills matters.

Navigation Essentials for Survival

STOP. Don’t make a bad situation worse!

Pull over to a safe place, take a breath, and assess. Determine where you went off track and whether backtracking to a known location is possible. Many situations—survival or otherwise—can be avoided simply by recognizing problems early.

When using a map—digital or physical—it’s important to understand the basics of North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W). Every map uses North as its reference point. Knowing your cardinal directions helps you translate what you see on the map to what you see on the land.

Working with a compass or GPS receiver, finding direction without either tool, and using natural landmarks all contribute to stronger, more confident decision-making. Whatever method of navigation you default to, practice it often and always learn a backup method.

Map and compass skills are taught and practiced in every Hoagy’s Outdoor Survival – Basic Navigation course. The more you know, the more confidently you can respond when the unexpected happens.