Walk on the Wild Side

IF YOUR SUMMER PLANS include visiting a national park or conservation area, you’re in for a great adventure and, potentially, wonderful encounters with wildlife. “Canada’s parks are gateways to discovering nature,” says Claudia Crépeault, Parks Canada’s media relations officer. A walk in the wilderness, however, is not a walk in the park. Whether you’re off to explore grasslands, a forest, a shoreline or a mountain, these guidelines will help you stay safe, maximizing your outdoor experience and, at the same time, minimizing your impact on the environment.

Respect wildlife. Encounters with wild animals can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Avoid catching them by surprise. Make your presence known as you hike — speak in a loud voice, make noise and always be mindful of your surroundings. If you do spot wildlife, skip the selfies. Instead, opt for binoculars or a telephoto lens to view animals from a safe distance. Stay at least 100 metres (the total length of 10 buses) away from bears, bison, wolves and cougars and a minimum of 30 metres (three bus lengths) away from sheep, deer, moose and elk. To avoid disturbing wildlife or causing damage to fragile flora, stay on designated trails. In bear country, Parks Canada advises carrying bear spray for use (as a last resort). The non-lethal spray will sting the eyes and skin of the bear and encourage it to retreat. (Parks Canada’s guide to using bear spray is here.)

Snack responsibly. Wild animals are drawn to human food, so it’s crucial to store and dispose of your snacks properly. When camping, always store food and used cookware in bear-proof containers or inside your vehicle. And while it’s a given that you shouldn’t litter, keep in mind that no littering also applies to compostable organics. Resist the temptation to feed those cute chipmunks and birds, and that includes even “natural” foods like seeds and nuts. Feeding wildlife is illegal and you could be charged under the Canada National Parks Act. “Feeding or approaching animals too closely causes them to lose their natural fear of people,” explains Crépeault. “Animals that become habituated or food-conditioned stop looking for their natural foods, may come too close to humans and [can] become increasingly aggressive.”

Prep right. Don’t get caught on the trail without the essentials you’ll need to stay warm, dry, well nourished and safe, advises Crépeault. Summer weather can be erratic, so bring along rainwear, sun protection and extra layers of clothing (but avoid cotton, which insulates poorly and dries slowly). Plan on drinking at least half a litre of water per hour as you hike, and keep your on-the-trail eats portable and nutrient-dense. When packing for more intense and longer day hikes, Parks Canada’s advice is to include “in case of emergency” gear — a whistle, a flashlight with spare batteries, bear spray and a first-aid kit. Cellphone service can be spotty in wilderness areas; consider bringing a satellite communication device with GPS. And before heading out, let someone know your exact travel plans. Pro tip: download your trail map offline through the AllTrails app, which provides up-to-date info on weather and trail conditions and closures, as well as levels of hiking difficulty on the trails. Finally, think realistically about your capabilities and limitations, “whether it’s paddling a canoe or how far [you] can walk on the terrain,” says Crépeault. “Visitors should make sure they understand all the activities they’re planning to do.”

If you see something, say something. If you witness someone breaking the law by harassing wildlife, poaching, fishing without a permit, littering, flying a drone or off-roading in a Canadian national park, report it to Parks Canada’s wardens immediately. Contact their 24-hour dispatch service at 1-877-852-3100. Ultimately, you’re doing local wildlife a favour — and helping protect the wilderness for years to come. CAA