Cross-triathlon is an off-road variant of the sport, where the swim is followed by a mountain bike leg and then a trail run.

McQuaid was among a lead group of four who exited the swim in Okanagan Lake first.

They enjoyed a healthy advantage over the chasing pack and McQuaid then powered away on the dirt paths during the cycle leg.

It meant she had an unbeatable advantage by the start of the run, eventually coming home to win in 2 hours 34min 35sec.

Silver went to Britain's Jacqueline Slack in 2:36.40 with Ladina Buss of Switzerland ending in 2:39.08 for bronze.

"I think it is really special when you can win a World Championships in your home country because you just have that extra support and more of your family and friends around, so it is awesome," said McQuaid.

"I told my coach Kelly that this was the World Championship course I always prayed for when I was focusing on the off-road stuff, so I really knew it was going to be a great course for me. 

"Then when I went out there it just was one of those magical days where I just was having so much fun, nothing hurt and I just was loving it."

In the men's event, Mexico's Francisco Serrano edged Ruben Ruzafa of Spain to gold.

Ruzafa, who was aiming for a fourth title in a row, enjoyed a 30 second lead going into the second transition.

However, the Mexican had the legs to overtake him on the run, finishing in 2:09.25.

The Spaniard clocked 2:09.35 for silver as bronze went to New Zealand and Kyle Smith, in 2:10.16.

"I can't believe it, it is a great feeling," said Serrano.

"I really worked hard for it, I trained for it."

Penticton is also hosting the ITU Aquathon World Championships on August 25, and the Aquabike and Long Distance World Championships on August 27.