Outdoor safety: boating, camping, fire, wildlife and ticks

A pre-trip checklist for water activities, public land, fire restrictions, wildlife encounters, ticks and changing conditions.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

Plan the outing

Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Check a detailed map, forecast, wind and water conditions, access restrictions and whether your route has reliable communications. Carry enough water, food, warm layers, light, first-aid supplies and a way to navigate if your phone loses signal. Choose a route and activity that match the least experienced person in the group.

Boating and paddling

Do not confuse a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (proof of competency) with a pleasure craft licence (an identification document for certain boats). Requirements depend on the vessel and how it is powered. Check Transport Canada's rules, carry the required safety equipment and wear a properly sized personal flotation device. A canoe, kayak or paddleboard still requires appropriate safety equipment and a plan for cold water, wind and distance.

Camping and fires

Public land is not automatically an unrestricted campground. Parks, wildlife reserves, controlled harvesting zones and municipalities can have different access, overnight-stay and waste rules. Check the land manager before setting up. Consult SOPFEU and local authorities for current fire prohibitions before lighting or maintaining any fire; temporary restrictions take precedence over routine practice.

Ticks and wildlife

Use clothing and insect repellent according to their labels, check people, pets and equipment after a trip, and follow public-health instructions for removing an attached tick. Store food, garbage and scented items securely. Never feed wildlife or approach an animal for a photograph. If you encounter a bear or coyote, follow current species-specific guidance from wildlife authorities rather than improvising.

Ice and cold water

There is no single thickness that makes every lake or river safe. Current, snow cover, warm spells, springs and changing ice can create weak spots nearby. Do not travel on ice that has not been assessed, and turn back if conditions are uncertain.

Sources and limits

Confirm current rules and restrictions with the land manager and relevant authorities before departure.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.