How to Survive in the Wilderness of Canada

Be prepared. Before you set off on a wilderness trip in Canada, research the area: understand weather patterns, topography and wildlife. Bring a map of the area you'll be visiting and have at least a basic knowledge of the nearest major roads. In a survival situation, even a small amount of preparation can go a long way in self-rescue efforts. For maps, a good starting point is the Natural Resources Canada site.

Find shelter. The Canadian wilderness can experience unexpected weather year-round, and exposure to the elements can be a serious threat to your health and rescue efforts. Even if it is summer, find shelter as soon as possible to prevent the chance of getting stuck in bad weather. Look for sheltered areas under rock outcroppings, in shallow caves, or in densely-wooded areas. Large pine trees are common across much of Canada, and you can build a lean-to shelter using the base of a tree and large branches. Try to find branches with good needle density and stack them together to create a thick wall to keep out precipitation. You can see photos of more complicated shelters at the Canadian Wilderness Survival site.

Build a fire. Nights in the Canadian wilderness can be exceptionally cold regardless of daytime temperatures, and you'll need a fire to stay warm and keep wildlife at bay. Any time you are backpacking in Canada, you should carry a lighter, matches and/or a flint. To start a fire, gather small twigs and other dry material like bark. Light them and build a tepee over the top of the fire with thin sticks so the fire will catch. Continue putting progressively larger pieces of wood on top as the last layer begins to burn. Try to keep the fire going as long as you can, and be sure the area around the fire is clear to avoid starting a forest fire.

Prevent wildlife attacks. Canada is full of bears, moose and other critters. Don't make a survival situation worse by provoking an animal; follow basic rules to deal with animals. Never get between a baby and its mother, particularly with bears and moose. Hang all food that you have from a high tree branch a good distance from your shelter area, and keep all scented products, including lip balm, with your food to prevent curious bear visits.

Stay calm and make a plan. In a survival situation, it is crucial to avoid panic. To keep your peace of mind, plot a rational course of action. How far are you from the nearest road? Are there people who know about your likely location and who will come searching? If your itinerary is well known to family or friends, it may be wisest to stay put and concentrate on staying warm. If you are in an unexpected place or if you are very far from any humans--which is possible, since so much of Canada is unpopulated--think carefully about the surrounding area and the nearest roads before moving. Use the sun's motion as a rough compass, and be sure to move only during warmer daylight hours. For more information on navigating without a compass, see the Wilderness Survival Skills site.