Safety tips
The North has always been a magnet to adventurers, partly because travelling our land is a challenge. For this very reason, a few reminders are in order.
Travelin groups. Do not travel into the wilderness with only one canoe. On most rivers it's a long walk back to civilization if your canoe is lost, and there's no guarantee that aircraft may be in the vicinity to answer distress signals.
Follow safety regulations. When it comes to safety on the water, gear required by law includes a PFD (personal flotation device) and a whistle for each person in a canoe or boat, as well as a bailer. Additional safety equipment should include throw bags, signaling mirrors, and flares. For optimum safety, consider an ELT (emergency locating transmitter) or a two-way radio.
Avoid hypothermia, the very dangerous condition of decreased internal body temperature. The most frequent cause is a dunking, combined with cold air temperatures and cold wind. The best prevention is to keep dry and warm by using common sense about running rapids or paddling across large lakes. A few precautions will help if you do suffer a dunking. Wool clothing retains some warmth even when wet. Survival floater jackets retain warmth around the body.
Avoid bears. They're not usually a problem for canoeists on the move. But when you choose a campsite, always be on the lookout for bear sign, such as tracks and droppings. Don't camp where you see them. Bears will stick to mostly to river valleys, so camp higher up on ridges. Keeping your campsite clean and caching food away from tents will help keep them away. Dispose of scraps, including fish entrails, by burning or burying. Try not to catch a bear by surprise: when you're out walking, it's a good idea to make a lot of noise.
NWT Tourism Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada
Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788
International: +1-867-873-7200
Email: info@spectacularnwt.com
