How to prepare for a hike

Check out these hiking tips and learn how to plan and prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Remember: you are responsible for your own safety. You need to be self-sufficient at all times, even in an emergency situation. Check the visitor safety section of Parks Canada’s website, and also of the place you are visiting to learn about emergency protocols.

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.

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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!

 Four young adults with a map next to the water.

3. Hike with others

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

 Five young adults jumping for a photo on the top of Opal Hills in Jasper National Park.

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.

 Two young women, one with a phone, are walking in a park.

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.

 Two people sling an injured woman with first aid equipment.

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!

 A visitor enjoying a downward view of the White River Suspension bridge high above Chigamiwinigum Falls in Pukaskwa National Park.

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.

 Two visitors have a snack while taking a break during their day hike near Tanquary Fiord in Quttinirpaaq National Park.

8. Dispose of garbage properly

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

 A woman and a man putting garbage in a bag in Banff National Park.

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.

 A view of the sun setting over the Atlantic ocean from the top of the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park National Park.

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.

 Two visitors observe a herd of bison in Grasslands National Park.

 

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