Tips for traveling: Canada Part 2: The Backcountry. 

Before you continue, read part 1 here. Or just jump right in. 

Canada’s cities are quite nice, but what would a visit to the true north be without some good, old fashioned backcountrying, eh? It would be like you weren’t even there!

So here are my tips for some successful hiking/ canoeing or fishing trips. 

What to pack:

• Heavy duty hiking boots.  
• A utility knife/ pockettool. 
• Bear bells and bear spray. You should also know how to use the bear spray. 
• Enough food and drink (preferably water/ non alcoholic in reusable containers) for the time you intend to stay.
• A map and compass. 
• A waterproof bag. 
• A good backpack. 
• Waterproof matches. 
• A backcountry license by Parks Canada. 
• A camera and monopod. 
• Spare batteries and memory cards. 

Depending on what you want to do:

• Fishing gear and a fishing license. 
• Boat safety equipment. 
• A tent/ hammock and a sleeping bag. 

What you need to consider before going:

• There’s probably no cell coverage whatsoever. 
• You need a license for your vehicle and yourself (you can get those at the Visitor Centre) if you’re in a national/ provincial park. 
• Tell the people at the visitor centre/ RCMP or good friends who aren’t accompanying you, where you go and how long you intend to stay. So that people will search for you if something goes wrong. Don’t forget to check in with those people after your trip. 
• You’re far away from any civilization. 
• Inform yourself about the current wildfire situation. Always consider the rating to be one category higher. Watch out for no fire zones. 

Safety rules:

• In case of a bear encounter, make loud audible noises, so that the bear knows that you are there. Stay away from the animal, back of slowly and carefully. Never try to outrun a bear. 
• If you’re lost, don’t wander off the track. Stay in the area where you are, look out for signs and markings, those may lead you back to civilization. 
• Don’t camp in unsafe places/ near wild tracks. 
• Don’t leave food in your car/ tent. Bears are more intelligent than you may think, and they have good noses. Tie your food container 12 feet from the ground and 5 feet away from any trees. Ty your rope to another tree. 

General tips and advice:

• Leave the place as it was when you came. 
• Don’t litter. Take all your trash with you. 

Useful websites:

• Fire restrictions Ontario
• Canadian Wildland Fire Information System
• Parks Canada
• Parks Canada Fees
• Ontario Parks
• BC Parks

As always: stay safe and enjoy your trip. 

What’s your backcountry experience? Would you like to add some tips? Do so in the comments down below.