How to Survive in the Wilderness of Canada

Surviving in the mountains and forests is a test of mental and physical endurance.

Canada is the largest country in the world, if you include water mass. Most of the country is uninhabited wilderness, with mountains, lakes and forests. To survive, it is important to know how to keep yourself warm, build a shelter, find and cook food and, most importantly, how to make your way to safety. Survival courses are available that will teach skills necessary to survive in the Canadian wilderness.

Things You'll Need

• Map
• Compass
• Flint
• Knife
• Food
• Suitable clothing
• Edible plant guide

Instructions

1. 

   Being physically fit is important to survive the Canadian wilderness.

   Work out. It is important to be in good physical shape to survive the wilderness of Canada. Winter temperatures can hit minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer lows can be in the high 30s. Traversing the difficult terrain of the wilderness is strenuous on the body, and to survive you must be able to keep going.

2. 

   Proper thermal clothing is important.

   Keep warm. Knowing how to keep warm is important. Wear suitable clothing such as thermal gloves, scarfs and socks. Layer your clothing, as it provides insulation against the cold. Water proof clothing is important. Build a shelter by piling wood up around behind you and in front. Leave enough room to build a fire next to you, between the two piles of wood. This will trap more of the heat.

3. Start a fire. Gather kindling, dry grass and strike your flint with metal to produce sparks. Blow gently onto the sparks to encourage a flame. Once fire has taken hold, slowly add more fuel until it is burning well. Keep the fire going by ensuring you have enough dry wood nearby. Dry out wet wood by stacking it off the ground and placing near the fire.

4. 

   Knowing which plants are edible can be a matter of life or death.

   Have an edible plant guide to find suitable plants. Be careful to identify each plant and if you are unsure, do not eat it. Some plants need to be cooked before they can be eaten. If drinking water, choose water from a stream that is fast flowing, preferably shallow with rocks. This will ensure the water is as pure as possible. Boil the water if you can.

5. Use a compass and map to guide yourself toward help. If you do not have a map, using a compass to walk in one direction will allow you to find help. Place the compass on a flat surface and allow it to stop spinning before making your decisions on direction. Using the North Star is not advisable unless you are familiar with the star because planets and satellites are easily mistaken for the North Star.

Tips & Warnings

• Being prepared is the most important thing to remember when traveling into the Canadian wilderness. Check that you have all supplies you need before setting out.

• Do not enter the wilderness without informing someone of your intentions. Leave a detailed list of where you intend to go and when you will be back. If you don't have a close friend or family member you can trust contact local authorities.

References

• Canadian Survival: Information
• Wilderness Survival: Wilderness Survival Introduction
• Canadian Wilderness Survival: Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Resources

• Lunatic Adventures: Wilderness Guiding Trips