5 ways to stay safe on the Great Trail of Canada

Stretching over 24,000 kilometres across Canada, comprising over 400 Trail sections on land and water, in urban, rural and wilderness areas, it’s no surprise that The Great Trail of Canada is a bucket list for many adventurers.

 

“As the world’s longest network of recreational multi-use trails, The Great Trail of Canada has something for every kind of trail enthusiast – from seasoned wilderness adventurers to those who are just beginning to explore the outdoors,” said Jérémie Gabourg, Vice-President, Communications and Marketing at Trans Canada Trail, the non-profit organization that raises funds for the continued development of the Trail.  

 “However, as with all experiences outdoors, ensuring your personal safety and peace of mind while on the Trail is crucial. That’s why we value our collaboration with Globalstar Canada and its SPOT line of satellite messenger products.”

 

Ready to take on the world’s longest network of recreational trails? Check out these top 5 tips.

1. Start with a plan.

Staying safe begins long before you actually step foot on a trail. Preparing a plan for your trip on The Great Trail is essential, and it’s crucial to share that plan with someone you trust before your departure.

Why? If something goes wrong on your trip and you require urgent assistance, you will have a direct contact who will know where to find you. It’s also important to add all your contacts to your SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger before heading out. The device allows users to update their contacts on their situation at the touch of a button – no matter where they are in the world. It also provides users with a unique Canadian cellphone number for two-way text messaging. With SPOT’s tracking features, family and friends can also track your progress in near real-time on a Google Map.

2. Dress for success

Wearing sensible clothes and footwear should be a given for any adventure on the Trail, but this tip shouldn’t be taken for granted. In fact, clothes can be the most important line of defence against tick bites – and Lyme disease. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks before hitting the Trail. Packing a change of clothes, as well as waterproof gear, is also essential.

3. Hike in groups

Going on your first wilderness trip is always a memorable and exciting experience. But, if you go alone, it can be extremely daunting. If you’re new to the outdoors, always arrange to go on a hike with a group – or better still, with an experienced guide.

4. Keep your gear organized

A first aid kit, travel-size bottles of bug spray and sunscreen, snacks, water and your SPOT X 2-Way Messenger are all essential items in your outdoor arsenal. However, bringing these items is just the first step to ensuring your Trail adventure goes well. Make sure you know where each item is stored, and always put it back in the same place. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find them in an emergency. Your SPOT X 2-Way Messenger should always be kept on your person, and not in your backpack, to prevent it from getting lost.

5. Know when to use your SPOT X 2-Way Messenger

Emergency scenarios can be frightening for everybody involved, but never be afraid to initiate contact with your family, friends or emergency services. The beauty of the SPOT X 2-Way Messenger is its simplicity – just by pressing the SOS button, you can trigger an immediate emergency response.  In the event of an emergency, SPOT X users can maintain direct contact with responders via 2-way satellite messaging, allowing for updates on the situation and rescue operations progress while they wait for emergency services to arrive on scene. Having a SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger with reliable access to 9-1-1 emergency response services isn’t just useful for physical injuries either. The ability to call for immediate help can also be reassuring for people suffering from an anxiety attack and can provide peace of mind for family members.
 

About The Great Trail  
Stretching for more than 24,000 kilometres and profiling Canada’s diverse landscapes and cultures, The Great Trail is the world’s longest network of recreational multi-use trails. With the valued support of our partners, donors, volunteers and all levels of government, The Great Trail links over 15,000 communities from coast to coast to coast. Moving forward, our mission will be to continue to enhance and improve the Trail. This involves creating more adventures by developing new Trail sections, converting more roadways to greenways, making the Trail more accessible, funding emergency repairs and strengthening our relationship with Indigenous communities. We will promote and assist in the development and use of The Great Trail by garnering support and continuing to nurture valuable relationships with Trail enthusiasts and partners across the country. For more information visit www.thegreattrail.ca.

Globalstar Canada Satellite Co. is a proud partner of The Great Trail.