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Be AdventureSmart.

Select your activity to learn the essentials

Be AdventureSmart.

Select your activity to learn the essentials

Be AdventureSmart.

Select your activity to learn the essentials

Be AdventureSmart.

Select your activity to learn the essentials

Land Activities

There is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy Canada’s incredible terrain in a variety of ways – running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, climbing, caving, and the list goes on. At AdventureSmart we love to see people out clambering up mountains, ripping through trails and generally enjoying everything this wondrous country has to offer! Our goal is to give you the tools and knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable outing, regardless of your outdoor adventure passion.

 

Know Before You Go!

  • Wear or carry suitable clothing and proper footwear: dress in layers to regulate body temperature and adjust to sudden changes in weather conditions.
  • Be aware of cellular and satellite coverage in the area: it may be limited to highway corridors or impacted by physical obstacles which can block the signal.
  • Avoid wildlife conflicts: Know which animals are in the area and how to react if you cross their path.
  • Know your limits: Avoid injury and exhaustion.
  • Take a course: Familiarize yourself with the area and activity in which you are engaging.

List of Essentials

  • Flashlight
  • Fire making kit
  • Whistle or mirror
  • Extra food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • Navigational / communication aids
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency shelter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun protection

Water Activities

Cold, clear and inviting…three words often used to describe the vast and various bodies of water in and around Canada. Watersports addicts from around the globe flock to Canadian provinces/territories to share the beautiful lakes, rivers and ocean shorelines with local enthusiasts. From fishing and boating to paddling and diving; from the sail sports to the board sports, Canadian waters have all the bases covered.

Know Before You Go!

  • Wear your lifejacket: it’s the most effective piece of safety equipment you can use while on the water. Most marine incidents occur quickly and without warning.
  • Be prepared: carry the required safety equipment and ensure vessel preparedness. It could save your life on the water.
  • Be aware of cold water risks: the immediate effects of cold water immersion can be life-threatening.
  • Don’t drink and boat: for your own safety and the safety of others, you must be attentive and responsive.
  • Take a course: familiarize yourself with the area and activity in which you are engaging.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. If the body’s core temperature drops too low, it will become a life threatening situation.

Hypothermia is easy to avoid: hydrate, keep dry, snack and avoid excessive heat loss.

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is the term we use for illnesses related to too much heat. Our body perspires to cool our rising core temperature as we paddle.

In the event of hyperthermia, take a break, find shade, hydrate or go for a swim.

1-10-1 Principle — Cold Water Immersion

1-10-1 relates to the three phases of cold water immersion and the approximate time each phase takes.

  • 1 minute—cold shock: An initial deep sudden gasp followed by hyperventilation that is 6 to 10 times more rapid than normal breathing. You have one minute to get your breathing under control.
  • 10 minutes—cold incapacitation: Gradual loss of effective use of your fingers, arms, and legs. If not wearing a lifejacket, drowning is likely because of swim failure.
  • 1 hour—hypothermia: Even in ice water it could take 1 hour before becoming unconscious due to hypothermia. In order to lose consciousness the body core temperature has to go below 30 degrees; this time can vary depending on the temperature of the water.

The longer one spends immersed in cold water, the less the chance of survival. Self-rescue skills and the ability to alert SAR usually dictates whether the outcome is a rescue or a recovery. Practice self rescue methods to reduce the use of SAR and lower the risk of distress during water incidents.

List of Essentials

  • Flashlight
  • Fire making kit
  • Whistle or mirror
  • Extra food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • Navigational / communication aids
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency shelter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun protection

Winter Activities

​Be safe while adventuring during winter activities, and learn everything you need before leaving.
In wintertime, many of Canada’s millions of lakes and ponds call many adventurers to come out and play. Frozen bodies of water offer great opportunities for sports such as ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. Because no ice surface is without some risk, ensure you become ice aware and take all necessary precautions before you venture out. If not, you could literally find yourself on thin ice!

Know Before You Go!

  • Wear or carry suitable clothing and proper footwear: dress in layers to regulate body temperature and adjust to sudden changes in weather conditions.
  • Be aware of cellular and satellite coverage in the area: it may be limited to highway corridors or impacted by physical obstacles which can block the signal.
  • Avoid wildlife conflicts: Know which animals are in the area and how to react if you cross their path.
  • Know your limits: Avoid injury and exhaustion.
  • Take a course: Familiarize yourself with the area and activity in which you are engaging.

List of Essentials

  • Flashlight
  • Fire making kit
  • Whistle or mirror
  • Extra food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • Navigational / communication aids
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency shelter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun protection

Trip Planning

Canada is a country of extremes – rugged mountains, glistening waters, lush rainforests, vast prairies, icy glaciers, extensive coastlines. Though Canada’s scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, it also plays host to unpredictable and potentially dangerous terrain, weather and wildlife.

We rarely head out for an outdoor adventure with the expectation that something will go wrong, and, most times, everything will go right. However, that one time that the unexpected happens…your investment in Trip Safety can mean the difference between a successful outcome and becoming a statistic.

Trip Tips

  • Travel with a companion:  a companion can give you a hand to overcome difficulties or emergencies.
  • Be prepared: ensure everyone with you understands what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Don’t depend solely on technology: equipment failure and lack of reception are very possible in the outdoors. Consider carrying a map and compass as a backup.

In an Emergency

  • Don’t panic: stay calm and maintain a positive attitude.
  • STOP: Sit, Think, Observe and Plan.
  • Stay Put: it reduces time and search area for the authorities looking for you.
  • Seek Shelter: Protect yourself from the elements by staying warm and dry.
  • Signal for help: think BIG, Think CONTRAST, Think 3’s. Use whistle blasts x 3, mirror flashes x 3, horn blasts x 3, signal fires x 3 or rock piles x 3 to signal distress. Create a ground-to-air symbol by making the letter “V” or “SOS”, at least 3 meters in length.

Trip Plan

Training

Taking the Essentials

Wildlife

Health & Safety

Communication and Signaling

Kids

At AdventureSmart, we love to see kids enjoying the great outdoors! There’s nothing like fresh air to help keep kids healthy. While you’re teaching your kids to enjoy outdoor activities, be sure to give them the proper knowledge and tools for their safety. 

Visit our Kids Page

Programs

Hug-a-Tree and Survive

PaddleSmart

Survive Outside

Snow Safety & Education

Survive Outside – Snowmobiling

Heading outdoors?

Leave a Trip Plan.

AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to ”Get informed and go outdoors”. AdventureSmart balances key safety messages with an individual’s responsibility for safety; encouraging the public to obtain the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary for them to enjoy their outdoor pursuits. By being AdventureSmart, outdoor recreationalists make informed decisions, reducing the frequency, severity and duration of search and rescue (SAR) incidents.

   

Heading outdoors?

Leave a Trip Plan.

AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to ”Get informed and go outdoors”. AdventureSmart balances key safety messages with an individual’s responsibility for safety; encouraging the public to obtain the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary for them to enjoy their outdoor pursuits. By being AdventureSmart, outdoor recreationalists make informed decisions, mitigate risk and ultimately reduce the number and severity of search and rescue (SAR) incidents.

   

Prepare yourself for the outdoors and put your skills to the test

Enroll in our new E-learning and Educator Training courses today

Events

BC AdventureSmart WINTER Series 2023-24

BC AdventureSmart’s 2023-24 winter series is back for another sensational season!  With 10 special events and 13 unique guests, including a rescued skier sharing his overnight story and pet safety during emergencies, our events will set you up for success this winter....

News & Tips

Planning to be out on the ice?

Planning to be out on the ice?

Make sure you have at least 10 centimetres of ice under you. If your work or recreation activities take you out onto the ice, wear a personal flotation device and take safety equipment with you. Do NOT go out onto the ice alone. Know the recommended minimum depth for...

read more
This holiday season understand cold water shock..

This holiday season understand cold water shock..

It's that time of year again for Swift Water Rescue and Ice Rescue teams across Canada to test their gear and get trained as in-land water (such as lakes and rivers) begin to ice up for the winter. WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK THROUGH: Do not panic. Your clothing will trap...

read more
New Release of Indigenous Language Materials

New Release of Indigenous Language Materials

We're proud to share the translation of readily available AdventureSmart Hug-A-Tree and Survive materials now available for download on the AdventureSmart Educator Portal including: Michif (the Métis language): Colouring book, Crossword puzzle, 4 Rules PPT, True/False...

read more

Are you prepared for the outdoors?

PLAY THE GAME!

AdventureSmart Marketplace

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Common issues and solutions

Is there a cost to receive an AdventureSmart presentation?

Generally, there is no cost to receive a presentation, however there are times when a presenter may have to charge a fee to cover cost for rental space to provide a presentation. Please note that this rarely happens, would be discussed with you ahead of time and the fee would only cover the cost to provide the presentation and never for profit. 

How do I request a presentation?

To request a AdventureSmart presentation, click the “Request a Presentation” link found on most pages throughout our website, or at the bottom of any of the program pages. Once you access the link, provide us with a much detail as possible, your request will then be sent to the appropriate Regional Coordinator who will delegate your request to the nearest presenter. Please allow three weeks for request to be processed.

Can anyone become an AdventureSmart Outdoor Educator?

Yes, provided the individual is associated with an organization/company that is willing to accept liability should anything happen during a presentation. This ensures that all Outdoor Educators have access to insurance coverage should it be needed.

How do I become an Outdoor Educator?

Click the “Register as a Presenter” link found on most pages throughout our site. This link will bring you to the presenter registration portal. Once you have completed the registration request our system will send you a verification email (if you don’t see it right away, check you junk/spam folder). You will not be able to gain access to the site until the appropriate Coordinator has approved your registration; you will be notified when your registration has been approved. This may take a few days so please be patient. Note: only trained presenters will be approved, if you have not received AdventureSmart training, please request training.

How do I order or purchase AdventureSmart outreach material?

When logged in, head to the ”File” section and under “Presenter Material”, there you will find the order form for AdventureSmart outreach material. Please note that this material is only provided free of charge to select organizations and other organization must purchase their own material. If you wish to purchase material, contact [email protected] to receive contact info for suppliers. 

How many AdventureSmart Outdoor Educators are there?

Currently we have just over 1000 Outdoor Educators across Canada. Annually these presenters provide almost 2,000 presentations to over 90,000 individuals with a total of 10,000 presenter hours.

Avid adventurer?

Outdoors dreamer?

Stay connected with AdventureSmart to learn all the latest news.

Register as an Outdoor Educator

*In order to become an Outdoor Educator with AdventureSmart, individuals need to be associated with an organization and must receive presenter training prior to registering.

Request Outdoor Education

More questions?

Contact us.

We invite your feedback on the AdventureSmart Program and our website! You can complete a survey if you have taken one of our programs or use the feedback form below for other topics.

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