How to prepare for a hike

1. Know your limits

Choose your hike based on the experience and physical ability of everyone in your group. Some trails are well-marked with little difficulty and elevation gain and some are more technical and require navigation. Check the trail rating: easy is a green circle, moderate is a blue square, difficult is a black diamond, and route is two black diamonds.

Properly estimate the length of your hike before you leave. The average speed of travel on a nature trail is 2 to 2.5 km per hour for a beginner.

First time hiker? Opt for shorter trails with little elevation gain.

2. Check the trail conditions and map

Familiarize yourself with the trail map and bring it with you. This will help you find your way and avoid getting lost. Check the current trail conditions and weather forecast before heading out.

For backcountry hikes, bring navigation tools like a map, compass and GPS and make sure you know how to use them!

Cell service is limited in many places, so do not solely rely on your phone’s GPS!

3. Hike with others

Avoid hiking alone for safety reasons. Hiking solo should only be attempted by seasoned hikers or on easy, popular trails.

4. Always tell someone where you are going

Plan your route well and tell someone your trip plan with information including: location, when you expect to be back, and who to call if you don’t return on time. This will make it easier for emergency personnel to locate you should something go wrong.

5. Bring safety equipment

You are responsible for your own safety. Make sure you have the essentials; like a first aid kit and basic safety equipment such as a multi-tool, flashlight, fire starter kit, whistle, etc. Every hike has its own unique challenges, so find out what the conditions are before you go and adjust your packing list accordingly.

6. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing

Footwear: Wear proper footwear and try to keep your feet dry. Your footwear should provide support, grip, protection, and should be comfortable and appropriate for the trail you choose. Even on easy trails you might find yourself walking on slippery surfaces like roots, wet grass or rocks. Leave the flip flops for the beach!

Clothing: Choose lightweight, breathable items that keep you dry and can be easily packed in your bag. Bring several layers of clothing even if it's sunny and warm because the weather can change quickly. Don't forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun!

7. Bring enough food and water

Hydration is essential: plan on drinking about half a liter of water per hour and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink up.

Bring nutritious, high energy snacks - you will be burning lots of calories! If you are going longer than a few hours, pack a more complete meal.

8. Dispose of garbage properly

Put your trash and recyclables in designated bins or take it home. Leave no trace of your visit!

9. Use the designated paths

Stay on marked trails. Going off trail not only disturbs wildlife but can also damage fragile vegetation. Learn more by consulting the ten golden rules in the complete guide to visiting Parks Canada.

10. Keep your distance from wildlife

Do not feed, touch, or approach wildlife. Stay at least 100 metres (10 buses) away from bears, bison, cougars and wolves, and at least 30 metres (3 buses) from other large animals such as moose, elk, deer, sheep, and goats.

Seeing wildlife on your hike is an awesome experience, but with this comes the responsibility to treat wildlife with the space they need to keep you, and them, safe. For more wildlife safety tips, check out our top tips to respect wildlife and stay safe.