​​​​There are a few important things you need to do before you head into the backcountry.

• Learn to read a map before you go and always take one with you.
• Take a first aid course and always carry a first aid kit with you. To learn about what other equipment you should bring, see the Parks Canada Equipment Checklist.​
• ​Tell a responsible person where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Make sure you let the person know when you get back.
• Check the weather for the backcountry area you’ll be travelling in. Wear the right clothes and shoes, and bring the right equipment for the conditions, like tents and tarps.
• Make sure there are no restrictions for the area you’ll be in. Restrictions could include area closures for wildlife or a ban on open fires.
• To learn about bear safety in the backcountry, see Parks Canada visitor safety.
• Avalanches are a risk when you go hiking in the winter. Avalanche conditions are available from your local Parks Canada​ office or online at Parks Canada avalance information.
• Remember that river crossings, difficult terrain, and bad weather will all add time to a trip.
• Give yourself extra time for rest and meal breaks.