Hiking in Ontario’s wilderness offers incredible experiences, but requires careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines. 

Before you go

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research your chosen trail and area thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the route, terrain, difficulty level, and estimated duration. Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before booking, being prepared to postpone or modify your hike if conditions are unfavourable (e.g., strong winds, rain, ice, snow).
• Inform Someone: Share your detailed trip plan, including location, route, and estimated return time, with a trusted person who will know when to raise an alarm if you don’t return as expected. * We are not responsible for any injuries, lost or stolen items. *We will send a text 1h before your return departure.
• Know Your Limits: Choose a hike suitable for your experience level and physical fitness, as well as that of everyone in your group. Opt for shorter trails with minimal elevation gain if you’re a beginner.
• Hiking with Others: Hiking with a partner or group is generally safer than hiking alone, especially in challenging or remote areas. If solo hiking, consider choosing popular, well-marked trails and informing someone of your plans.
• Essential Equipment: Pack essential safety gear including a first-aid kit (with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications), map, compass, navigation device (GPS, if available, but don’t rely solely on it as cell service is limited in some areas), flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries, fire starter, whistle, and sufficient food and water. * We carry a first Aide kit in our vehicles at all times.
• Dress for Success: Dress in layers, choosing moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics (wool or synthetics, avoid cotton). Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking footwear with good ankle support appropriate for the trail and terrain. Bring extra layers, including a warm hat and gloves, especially in cooler weather, as conditions can change rapidly. Consider gaiters in wet or snowy conditions to keep your lower legs and feet dry.
• Sun and Insect Protection: Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas and use insect repellent with DEET to reduce the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease. Check for ticks after hiking. 

During your hike

• Stay on Marked Trails: Sticking to marked trails helps you avoid getting lost, protects wildlife, and prevents damage to fragile vegetation.
• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and watch for hazards like slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, cliffs, caves, and crevices.
• Wildlife Encounters:
  • Give wildlife space and never approach or feed animals. Maintain a distance of at least 100 meters (10 buses) from bears, bison, cougars, and wolves, and at least 30 meters (3 buses) from other large animals like moose, elk, deer, sheep, and goats.
  • Make noise (talk, sing, clap) to avoid surprising wildlife, especially in areas with limited visibility. Bear bells are not considered effective.
  • If you encounter a bear, stay calm and slowly back away while facing the animal. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and speaking in a firm, loud voice. Never run. In the rare event of a predatory attack, fight back. If the bear is defensive (protecting cubs or food), play dead. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • If you encounter a moose, maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters (165 feet) and watch for warning signs like laid-back ears. If a moose charges, run and try to place a large object between yourself and the animal.
• Food Storage: Store food and scented items in sealed, wildlife-proof containers or bags. In the backcountry, consider hanging food packs at least 4 meters above the ground and 2 meters from tree trunks to deter bears.
• Emergency Procedures:
  • If you get lost, remember the “STOP” principle: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan.
  • For emergencies, dial 911. Use a satellite communication device if cell service is unavailable.
  • Use a whistle (three sharp blasts) to signal for help if lost or in distress.
  • Carry a list of emergency contacts.
• Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Pack out everything you bring in, including garbage. Stay on trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and minimize campfire impacts. 

Additional tips

• Consider a Wilderness First Aid Course: Learning wilderness first aid can provide you with valuable skills to handle injuries and medical emergencies in remote settings.
• Stay Hydrated and Fuelled: Carry plenty of water and high-energy snacks, even on shorter hikes. Your body burns more calories in cold weather, so proper fueling is even more important.
• Be Aware of Seasonal Challenges: Adjust your safety precautions based on the season. Winter hiking requires extra attention to staying warm and dry, while summer hiking focuses on hydration and sun protection. Be cautious of thin ice in winter and stay off frozen bodies of water.
• Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers and trail users. Yield to others on the trail and keep noise levels down. 

By following these safety guidelines, you can significantly enhance your hiking experience in Ontario’s stunning natural environments and ensure a safe and enjoyable adventures.