Canada has long stories of trails and hikers, from natives who first explored the terrains to those that were discovered and developed for urbanization and commerce. With its vast land area, Canada has a fruitful offer of hiking trails for all sorts of hikers.
Recently, Canada has prepared itself with more hiking trails through its coast-to-coast trails for recreation purposes, known as the National Hiking Trail and Trans Canada Trail. Canada has an array of under developed and already existing trails varying in distances.
With so much prepared for you, it is but appropriate that you are prepared for them too. You may find that this area has a lot in common with other areas popular for hiking but you would also discover lots of differences that are both wonderful and mystifying.
To help you get prepared for Canada hiking, we have a few reminders here for you that you could follow as guidelines:
See to it that your back pack is complete with all gears and items you would need during the hike. Unnecessary items must be left behind. As a rule of thumb the following should be found in your bag before you leave the camp:
First aid kit which includes an insect repellant, sunscreen lotion and toilet paper
Food and drink enough for the entire trail and camp. Estimate your supply according to the length and distance you would be hiking.
Pocket knife, flashlight, water-proof matches or lighter, candles, a whistle, duct tape
Enough clothes for the entire tour and extra clothing appropriate for both sudden rise and drop of temperature
A compass, a map of the trail and a GPS device
Refrain from going off the trail. Switching to a new trail might help increase erosion while detouring on a muddy trail would likely destroy the surrounding vegetation.
In Canada particularly, it is best to stay above the tree line unless you want to find yourself struggling on fragile wildflower, alpine moss and lichen.
Certain places in Canada have high forest fire index. In case you are in such places or anywhere near it, please refrain from building fire without using special camp fire containers.
If you have brought a dog with you, please be careful that he is watched so that he wont chase off wildlife.
Always travel in three or more. This will ensure that there are enough people to act on different circumstances. Say in case of accident, the injured person could be attended to while someone goes for help.
To minimize trail erosion, it is advisable not to hike on early spring when the trails are wet.
Never drink untreated water, always boil the water you get from streams and lakes.
Some hiking trails in Canada are within private properties. Many owners allow hikers so long as it is clear that they are not allowed to stray over their land.
Be sure that nothing is left behind, including your garbage and other materials you have brought with you.
Refrain from feeding the wildlife, interfering in their natural food chain might disturb the balance of nature.
These are just some of the reminders you should always keep in mind. They serve both the purpose of allowing you to enjoy your Canada hiking while keeping you away from certain dangers and unwanted incidences.