Whether you are just driving to another community on winter highway conditions, or you are going on a week long hunt or canoe trip, you have to make sure you have the essential gear, and that you have some wilderness know-how.

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Outdoor Travel Tips

Be prepared for your trip: Have a trip plan and stick to your turnaround time. Take the necessary equipment for your outing, take the essentials, bring guidebooks and maps. Be sure you are physically prepared for your adventure.

Complete a trip plan (such as the Yukon Smart Travel Plan) and leave it with a responsible individual: the trip plan explains where you are going, how you are getting there, what you brought with you, who is with you and when you are returning. If you do not return at your indicated time, the person you left it with can contact the RCMP to initiate a search if necessary.

Never travel alone: If at all possible never travel alone. Go at the speed of the slowest person, and do not get separated. Keep in eyesight of each other when travelling.

Communicate with trip partners: Ask how people are feeling throughout the day. Pushing someone past their physical or mental limits could be a recipe for disaster. Individuals might not feel comfortable voicing their fears or acknowledging they are tired - so be sure to ask and rest, turn back or end your trip early for the day if needed.

Learn how to use your gear: Items like a compass, GPS, satellite phone or avalanche beacon will not be useful to you if you don't know how to use them. Before you head out practice using them. Reading the instruction booklet is likely not enough - hands-on practice will ensure you know how to use them if needed.

Navigate: be sure to have a navigational aid such as a map, compass,  or GPS. As you travel through the wilderness, pay attention to your surroundings. Take note of landmarks, and periodically look back the way you came. Be aware of the distance you have travelled and the time. Reassess your destination goals and travel plans throughout the day.

If you become lost, or can’t find your way - don’t panic: Try to keep a positive mental attitude, remain calm and control your fears. Being lost is not dangerous if you are prepared.

Stay put: if you do become lost, stay put. People who continue on after they have become lost usually make it more difficult for the people trying to find them. Save your energy and stay in the vicinity where you lost your bearings.

Use signaling devices: blow a whistle, light a flare or a fire or use a signal mirror. Help searchers find you (even if you are embarrassed or afraid). Stay visible to help searchers find you.

Stay sober: Alcohol and drugs affect clear thinking, coordination and reaction time. Unwise decisions could be made.

Build or seek shelter: protect yourself from the wind, rain, snow and excessive sun. Remember to try to keep yourself visible to searchers in helicopters or planes. It can take several hours to build a shelter or collect fire wood, so do this early while you still have energy.

Stay warm: In Yukon, no matter what time of year you are traveling, you have to be prepared for all types of weather. Bring a warm jacket, toque, mitts/gloves and rain protection.  Also bring a fire-starting device such as waterproof matches.

The most common mistake: Is people thinking “it could never happen to me.” By being prepared you can enjoy your trip no matter what nature decides to throw at you!