Take a geocaching vacation in Ontario

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When I was a kid we used to call it orienteering and would take off on hiking weekends with a map and a compass and look for waymarks and signs to prove we had found the right route. Geocaching is all about much the same using a GPS unit to find hidden caches in the countryside. Whole vacations or just getaway weekends can be spent exploring parts of Ontario in search of the next cache. And there's a lot around to help you do it.

What is geocaching?

Geocaching is a great way to get out and enjoy the countryside for the whole family. Find out a little more about it here.
Geocaching in Ontario
Surround yourself in the beauty and heritage of the Ontario countryside and more wilderness areas, while "exploring" natural and community attractions. Find interesting and informative stories at each cache that highlights the natural and cultural heritage of the area. There are natural, virtual and commercial caches - some easy to find, others more challenging - you choose!
Ontario Geocaching Association
The Association exists to promote geocaching in Ontario, educate enthusiasts and landowners, and to encourage more people to get out and about in this wonderful province.
Buxley's Geocaching Waypoint
Want to find out more about geocaching? This great site tells you what geocaching is, how you can get started, what equipment you need, and much more.
About Geocaching
Full of resources, events, and geocaching guides, this is a comprehensive site for budding geocachers and anyone wanting to develop their geocaching expertise.

How to go geocaching

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Geocaching essentials

Geocaching is not an expensive hobby. The biggest outlay is for a GPS unit, and a simple model is around $100. Then you'll need some treasure to leave in a cache and there's some ideas for that too!
GPS Central - a Canadian source
There are so many GPS units available it can be difficult to decide on the one that will be just right for you. This site has price and feature comparison charts that will make the choice easier.
How to choose a GPS
More information on making the choice as to what unit is right for you. Determine what your needs are - hiking, biking, motoring, boating etc., and find your ideal GPS
How to hide a cache
Geocaching is not just about finding a cache - you can have great fun creating your own cache, adding a log book and then seeing how many people can find it. This guide tells you everything you need to know about getting your first cache up and running.
GPS Information
Just about everything you need to know about GPS units is here. Stacked with reviews, tutorials and other 'must have' information about navigating with GPS.

Go Geocaching at the Cottage

Take a break from the city and enjoy a weekend or midweek at a cosy waterfront cottage. Rental specialists, CottageLINK Rental Management
have a unique programme with each cottage having a geocaching package including a list of local caches; instructions on how to find them; a gps unit for rent; and a travel bug to track on Geocaching.com

Send a Travel Bug on a mission

This is great fun! Buy a Travel Bug from Groundspeak and decide on a mission for it. I deposited our first Travel Bug in a cache in Jenner, California with the mission of making it back to Ontario via at least 5 US states. Having registered its code on the web site, we can follow the little guy online as he is picked up and dropped off in caches along his journey home.

GPS Units for geocaching

You will need a gps unit when you go geocaching. A basic one will do all you really need to get started. As you become more enthusiastic and want to hunt out the more difficult caches you might want a more advanced unit.
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cottageguru

Author of Renting for Profit - the Guide to Successful Cottage Rental, Heather has more than 20 years experience in managing vacation rentals.

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