Flights
Toronto and Ottawa are the closest international airports. Flying into Toronto and out of Ottawa would be ideal. Americans may want to consider flying into Syracuse or Buffalo and renting a car there as it is likely to be cheaper than flying into Canada. Many flights from Europe fly into Montreal.
Driving times to/from the big airports:
| | | |
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) | | | |
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) | | | |
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) | | | |
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) | | | |
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) | | | |
Driving Distances
Travelling to Kingston from Ottawa or Toronto is possible by bus or train. The events in Kingston will be accessible by public transit in Kingston (or potentially walking). The events in Calabogie and Mansfield will be difficult to get to without a vehicle. If you are interested in trying to get a ride with someone, contact us and we might be able to help.
Entry Requirements to Canada
Check the links below for Canada's entry requirements.
Accommodations
Imagine waking up in the heart of the action right at the finish arena! Sleeping in until the last possible moment before your start time! Walking a mere two minutes to get back to your bed after Saturday night's social event! Both weekend events have accommodation options right on-site.
Mansfield
Accommodations are available conveniently right at the COC site at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre. There is a social being planned on-site for Saturday night and you can wake up just steps away from the start/finish arena.
While staying at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre you can enjoy an eat-in or take out hot breakfast, lunch, or snack at the Pine River Café & Public House, open weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are also many other accommodations in the greater Toronto area. Keep in mind that driving from downtown Toronto is 1.5 - 2 hours depending on traffic.
Kingston
The sprint events are all within a 5km radius to historic downtown Kingston. There are many hotels and other accommodation options available in Kingston.
Queen's University Dorm Rooms:
We have blocked off a number of dorm rooms on campus at Queens University in the brand-new Endaayaan - Tkanónsote building (which is not in the embargoed area).
Our group rate is: $129 for each 2 bedroom-unit. Parking is $10 per day.
Virtually the entire Queen's main campus is under embargo for the Knock-Out Sprint event on Thursday August 8, and all participants must refrain from venturing onto the campus prior to the event.
Newly built in 2022, all rooms have air-conditioning
Two-bedroom unit with a private washroom
Bedrooms include; one extra-long double bed, linens and towels, desk and chair, wardrobe, mini-fridge, and flat-screen cable television.
Lounges on each floor contain kitchen facilities equipped with a microwave, stovetop and fridge (kitchenware not included), televisions and social seating areas.
Regular housekeeping services, certain exceptions apply to long-term stays.
Free local telephone calls in the lobby area
Friendly and knowledgeable front desk staff
Vending machine available
Smoke and pet-free buildings (service animals permitted)
Access to complimentary wireless internet
There is a cafeteria 200m away that will be open (Leonard Hall). Prices this past summer were: $14 breakfast / $16 lunch / $19 dinner. Meal tickets will need to be purchased the week before the event.
Use the button below to be sent to a URL with our group code applied. If you do not see the group code applied, you can read these instructions on how to use the code from their main booking system. Our group code is: 94383.
June 6: Queens U is sold out for Tuesday, August 6th. There is another group there as well. They will let us know if any rooms free up in our block. You can still book rooms for the $129 rate for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. You need to select those specific dates to see the $129 rate.
Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront Hotel:
A block of 20 rooms at a preferred rate of $229/night is available at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront Hotel (link) from 5-8 Aug. The Kingston Waterfront is a newly renovated hotel located on a pier jutting into the Lake Ontario in a choice downtown location a stone's throw from Kingston city hall and the market square. All rooms feature 2 Queen beds or 1 King and most have balcony's and excellent lake views. Note that parking and breakfast are not included in the preferred rate, which expires July 5, 2004. To reserve your room:
Navigate to Orienteering Room Block Booking
Click on the direct booking link. It will open up to an overview of the hotel's website.
Either click “BOOK NOW” located in the top right hand corner – this will slide the page down to a search for dates. OR, scroll down to this section.
Enter in the group dates – under check in, select the dates on the calendar. By choosing these dates, you will see the group code generated just below the date information. Hit SEARCH.
The rooms available will open with the option to select a room type for booking.
Hit select rate; it will then take you to the reserve page, where you will fill out the appropriate information.
Note that the hotel is located just outside the north edge of the embargo area for the Knock-Out Sprint Qualification race. Competitors must refrain from entering the embargo area before noon on August 8, 2024. Act fast to secure a nice comfy room before they are all gone!
There are two campgrounds within 20 minutes:
There are also many hotels in Kingston and likely suitable accommodations on Vrbo or Airbnb.
Calabogie
Nestled in the heart of a downhill ski area and a sought-after summer cottage destination, Calabogie Peaks sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend of orienteering and socializing! The arena for both days awaits you at the foot of the ski hill, just a stone's throw from a picturesque Ontario lake beach. Saturday night's banquet promises to be a feast of excitement, hosted right at the ski lodge.
Our favourite offering for accommodation at Calabogie is camping with tents and RVs in the field at the foot of the ski hill. How perfect is it to camp right on site!
No driving each day, no worrying about timing of different start times for your group, everything is just right at your doorstep. Indoor washrooms in the lodge will be available all weekend (no showers, but who needs those when there is swimming at the beach across the road?), picnic tables are on site, a beach is within walking distance, there will be breakfast, lunch, and Friday night supper options available at the ski lodge cafeteria or you can cook your own meals outside.
Camping can be booked when you register for the events online with Zone4 or through the Shop.
We've blocked-off rooms in the adjacent hotel and condos next door at Calabogie Peaks Resort that can be booked using the button below. Rates are $207 per room and up. (Note: Both the indoor pool and outdoor hot tub at the hotel are currently closed, but there is that beach across the road.)
June 27: The rooms at Calabogie Peaks Resort have all been booked. You can always double-check their website in case there is a cancellation.
There are also hotels in two nearby towns: Renfrew and Arnprior. Both are approximately 30 minutes away. You might also find suitable accommodations on Vrbo or Airbnb.
Carpooling and Accommodation Sharing
Feel free to use this document to add your carpooling or accommodation sharing requests and offers.
