Re: [81attendees] hiking/bushwalking in Quebec?

[Joe Abley <[e-mail]>]

On 2011-07-21, at 13:39, <[e-mail]> wrote:

> But don't know if it's safe enough to bushwalk alone (especially 
> for female) in this place.I have my hiking shoes with me, which 
> almost takes up half room of my luggage! It'd be such a pity not 
> using it.;)

Pay attention to ranger stations' reports about bear sightings, and take appropriate precautions to keep food/utensils far away from your tent if you camp, ideally wrapped in a groundsheet and hoisted up a tree some distance away. Be aware that raccoons are clever little monsters and will happily unscrew containers and open bags to forage in your supplies. Do not attempt to pet skunks. Oh, and the insect repellant you think is hard-core elsewhere is probably inadequate, and you should buy the most DEET-laden spray you can find locally [1]. Mosquitoes in Canada are the size of small cats [2]. And then there are the deer flies.

If you're planning to hike any distance overnight, make sure people elsewhere know your itinerary in case you get lost and need people to come and find you. If you're canoeing, make sure you have the prerequisite bailers and lifejackets, and that you can lift the canoe for portage. Fishing in Ontario requires a licence (not sure about Québec, but no doubt the intertubes will inform you).

In my experience (in Ontario, not Québec, but still) apart from reasonable precautions about animals and the usual measures about food, water, route, etc, hiking alone is safe.


Joe

[1] really
[2] no, not really
[3] really