The Right Cut: Starting off with a quality steak is the first step. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you do want the best you can get for what you can afford. Talk to a butcher or visit a farmer’s market and take advantage of their knowledge.

Ready For The Heat: Let the meat come to room temperature and then rub it with olive oil. If you’re using a less-tender cut, you can marinate it ahead of time to tenderize the meat. Many cooks prefer to save the seasoning until the meat has cooked, while other lightly season before it hits the grill.

Grill Time: Get the barbecue very hot with the lid closed, but cook the steak with the lid open. When the barbecue is hot, put the steaks on. A quarter-turn after a few minutes will result in attractive cross-hatched grill marks. Flip only once during cooking, when the grill-side of the meat is about 75% cooked. This is usually when juices begin to bubble up on the red top. With experience, you’ll learn when a steak is reaching your desired level of doneness, but a meat thermometer can help until you get there.

Rest Period: Once your steak is nearly done, remove from the grill and tent with foil. Let it rest for five minutes so juices are reabsorbed into the meat. Serve and enjoy.

Original article via newscanada.com

Prior to heading out on the trails, snowmobilers must ensure that they follow the regulations as outlined by the province and the sport’s governing agency, the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Firstly, all snowmobiles operating on the province’s trails must be licensed and registered from the point of origin. Liability insurance is mandatory and it is also recommended to have theft, collision and fire coverage.

U.S. visitors bringing sleds into Canada must conform to all customs regulations as they apply to regular automobile border crossings. The province has implemented a mandatory trail permit system and passes are available—in daily, three-day, seven-day and seasonal denominations—at all Service New Brunswick offices, an array of business outlets and snowmobile clubs province-wide.

Riding a high-performance snowmobile is a thrilling and unique way to enjoy the season and the outdoors

For the benefit of all riders, safety is top priority while exploring the trail systems. Planning and common sense are imperative for any adventure via snowmobile. Trails operate much like an automotive roadway, complete with traffic signs. Riders should be familiar with basic hand signals, observe posted speed limits and be aware of the dangers of riding in darkness and navigating ice crossings. All riders (and their passengers) must wear approved helmets and it is recommended to travel in groups, in case of mechanical failure or other urgent situations.

Snowmobiling Zones

Riding a high-performance snowmobile is a thrilling and unique way to enjoy the season and the outdoors, and New Brunswick offers these experiences like no other. Thousands of km’s of snowmobile-only trails criss-cross the province. High snowfalls, especially in the northern regions, are conducive to excellent riding. Depending on the region, annual snowfall amounts can range from 200 cm (6.5 ft) to 400 cm (13 ft).

Eight trail zones comprise the system and are organized into north-western, north-eastern, south-western and south-eastern sections. The zones are maintained by over two dozen volunteer-led clubs, some of which operate lodges with snowmobile-friendly amenities. Many of these clubs also put on an array of fundraising riding events and family-friendly get-togethers throughout the season.

Zones One & Two
Located in the north-western region of the province, these zones interconnect numerous towns and villages and offer riders an intimate encounter with nature. Notable stops within the zones include Campbellton, home of the annual Sno-Fest winter carnival, and Edmundston, which co-hosts the International Snowmobile Festival with Maine. The pristine, snow-covered wilderness of the Appalachian range provides access to the mountainous regions surrounding Mount Carleton Provincial Park and towns along the upper St. John River valley, including Grand Falls and Perth Andover.

Zones Three & Five
The heart of snowmobile country lies in this north-eastern district, where snow is known as white gold and consistent, heavy snowfalls ensure favorable riding. Bathurst, the indisputable snowmobiling capital of New Brunswick, offers an ideal starting point for many snowmobiling adventures. The trail-side Atlantic Host Hotel offers snowmobile loading ramps, heated self-repair bays and access to some of the best trails in the province. Not far from Bathurst are many snowmobile lodges providing gas, food and warm beds.

The areas surrounding Miramichi and trails along the Miramichi River valley also offer an array of trail pit stops and amenities for snowmobilers, including the Country Haven Lodge and Cottages in Blackville.

Zones Four & Seven
The trail system of south-western New Brunswick, which includes stops in and around Woodstock, McAdam, Mactaquac, Fredericton, Oromocto and the covered-bridge capital of Hartland, offers a diverse selection of itineraries. This wide-ranging area provides access to picturesque landscapes, quaint villages and well-maintained, meandering routes through Acadian forests.

Zones Six & Eight
The high elevations of the Caledonia Highlands, paired with snow accumulations churned by the onshore winds of the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Strait, make south-eastern New Brunswick another excellent destination for snowmobiling. Its proximity to the seaside and rolling uplands provide unique coastal experiences.

A stream is just a stream to a casual observer – a pretty flow of water with life on its surface and growth on its banks. To a sport-fisher, the stream consists of pools and runs and riffles, hidden rocks, sunken weed beds, gravel bars, log jams and cut banks. Its temperatures, flow and colour all have special meaning to the experienced fisher. The fishing sportsperson looks at the surface and reads the depths, judging where the big fish should lie and where there could be smaller ones. The fisher studies the stream; planning a cast that will reach far under the over hanging brush of the far bank or hang briefly near the sheltering rocks that break a run of fast water. Fly-fishers like surgeons, need to look below the surface (or skin) of the stream; they need to become interns as they learn the “anotomy of a stream”.

According to Roderick L. Haig-Brown, author of “A Primer of Fly-Fishing”, streams are highly complex. No stream has an even bottom or an evenly distributed flow from bank to bank. Some streams change from year to year as each season’s floods and freshets gouge new pools, build new gravel bars, cut away banks and tear out new channels; others are relatively stable. The rocks and and banks and gravel bars of a stream slow and direct its flow. Each curve shifts the flow from one bank to the other. Each rapid speeds and aerates the water; each pool slows it down again.

Fish will be found holding either in resting places or feeding places. Feeding places are likely to be in runs of current, which gather the feed from wider and shallower stretches of quieter water above. But they may also be found in the easy water along the edge of a run or even in the back eddy formed by a run. Resting places may be at the bottom of deep pools or under cut banks or almost anywhere that the fish find sheltered water near bottom with a good flow of current over it.

Where can a sports fisher find clear, clean stream harbouring several species of fish for the catch? Southern Ontario offers some of Canada’s best and diverse fly fishing. Regardless of the type of fly fishing experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it right here in Northumberland County.

Fly Fishing in Ontario

Some of the best smallmouth bass fishing is right here! In Campbellford a town that is bisected by the Trent River, you are just a 1.5 hour drive away from Toronto or Kingston. With the wide variety of bass fishing sites, you will always be able to find a location that is angler free. The Trent River is reported to hold some trophy smallmouth bass. The experienced fly fisher would also be pleased to learn that Northumberland County offers excellent speckled and occasionally brown trout fishing within a short drive. Located in the small to medium creeks in this area are native and naturalized stocks eager to take flies of the variety of hatches occurring each spring, summer and fall. According to Northumberland Tourism, fly fishing for carp in Northumberland rivers and lakes is superb. They report the Trent and Ganaraska Rivers have excellent carp fishing. Carp are one of the hardest fresh water species to get on a fly. When they do bite, they will test your gear in every way possible.

With the many streams in the watershed within Northumberland county, this area is prime for fly anglers. There are many species of fish and diversity of river waters. Flowing south from Rice Lake, the Trent River is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, a 386 km-long waterway first navigated by First Nations and later an important route for fur traders. Between the village of Hastings and the town of Campbellford, the river stretches 29 km (18 miles) before continuing south through Ferris Provincial Park and Percy Reach which is located just east of the historic hamlet of Meyersburg. The Trent River at Meyersburg is abundant with walleye (pickerel), carp, muskie, panfish, pike, and small and largemouth bass. Down Percy Boom Road, in Meyersburg there are areas where you can launch a boat, shore fish, or fly fish.

Home for sale at $409,999

Another option would be to buy a home that can be your very own fishing resort located on the babbling Trent River in Meyersburg with fly fishing opportunites right on your doorstep! This country family retreat is set on 3.39 acres on the scenic Trent River by Meyersburg.

This 7-bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-storey, home with 2 double detached garages, and detached workshop with hydro has a fenced above-ground swimming pool, surrounded by landscaped gardens with fruit trees, flagstone paths and gazebo. This home has several wheel chair ramps, would be a wonderful Bed and Breakfast retreat, excellent for fishing vacation rentals or family compound. It is for sale at $409,999.

If you have any questions about locating properties in Ontario please feel free to contact our realty expert Astrid Hood of Remax Eastern Realty Inc., Brokerage at astridhood@remax.net or by toll free at 1-800-567-4546

Follow Astrid on TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/AstridHoodRemax
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Today, the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), or quad, is one of the area’s most popular past times that combines this culture of exploration with a helping of adventure and a healthy dose of adrenalin.

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), or quad, is now one of Canada's most popular past times

There are several makes and models of ATVs, but they all have the common ability to take people on paths and routes ordinarily inaccessible. The pleasures of finding a secret lake or a picturesque ravine with the perfect panorama once belonged only to the fit and hardy souls that could backpack their way into the far reaches of the wilderness. Now, those delights can be shared by everyday folk with the same passions.

The extraordinary carrying capacity of an ATV means that a trailside lunch or access to a camera or fishing pole is just a reach away on the racks in front of the rider. Family outings, far from the hustle of urban life, are gaining in popularity as the ATV readily adapts to its “all terrain” moniker.

There are many ATV touring companies that operate on the Canadian Shield and many of them operate year-round. There are more ATV trails springing up each year in the Georgian Bay area, and the sport is benefiting from organizations dedicated to its enjoyment.

The excitement of ATVing is in the ride and the stops and then the ride. A four-wheeler that can step over a fallen tree, traverse a granite-faced hill and plunge through a deep puddle offers an amazing journey. Unlike its two stroke brethren, the outboard motor, the snowmobile and the Jet Ski, the four stroke ATV purrs down its trails without any trailing blue haze. Its design trades off speed for surefootedness in any season.

And speaking of seasons, Parry Sound, situated on the great Canadian Shield, is blessed with four very distinct ones. They wouldn’t be called All Terrain Vehicles if they couldn’t be used year round. The Parry Sound region offers superb conditions whatever the season.

During the Summer

Summer is perhaps the most popular time for ATVing because of its agreeable weather.

All ATV tour groups operate in this season and finding one is not difficult in Parry Sound. In summer’s heat, riders can cool off as they blaze down a trail with the wind in their hair and head toward a remote destination that would otherwise have taken hours or days to hike to.

Or travel back centuries to find out what life was like for Canada’s pioneers and the hardships and joys they shared by discovering abandoned log cabins, hidden gravestones and ghost towns. There are numerous trails, many of which served as colonization roads in the early 1800s that will lead riders back to a time when freedom was literally wrenched from the ground.

Imagine emerging from a glorious green canopy of leaves into the bright sunlit meadow of a long forsaken farmer’s field. Just how many piles of stones and tree stumps had to be moved to eke out living back here? Travel a little further and find a gurgling stream under a towering oak tree. Find an old wagon wheel maybe a fence line long ago incorporated into the trees it once skirted. Picture what the virgin pine forest might have looked like 200 years ago and see a few rare survivors of that period.

While summer may be the most popular time for ATVing, the other three seasons should not be forgotten. With the varieties in climate come differing scenery, paths and challenges that makes each season a worthwhile exploration.

Autumn Time Fun

Autumn gives a haunted feeling to the trails. Every hue of orange, red, yellow and brown adds an exclamation point to this mysterious season. Crisp cool days offer a hint of anticipation and tweak the explorer in all of us. And what better way to explore than on an ATV? Riding alongside ink black lakes, brilliant sunshine and migrating birds beckon riders to discover the paths deep in the backcountry. There is a wonderful aroma that comes from the unsettled leaves on the trail and there are no distracting insects. The dust of summer is subdued by the rain and frost of autumn evenings.

Adrenaline flows freely, when cool air hits the face of ATVers. Bumps, hills, rocky creeks, crevasses and wide-open Canadian Shield framed trails all normally inaccessible, are available to explore.

The feeling of squeezing an extra weekend out of the cottage or cheating the calendar adds to the thrill of the ride. Mud splattered boots and pants attest to the explorer’s adventure. There are always lazy rest spots to catch the Indian summer warmth before the sun flees south with the ducks. The element of change is never closer than a November afternoon. Don’t those look like snow clouds?

Later in the season, frost and snow dusts the land. A variety of wildlife leave their tracks, often choosing the same route in search of their own adventure.

All too short, the autumn is a much-cherished time. The ATV permits riders to take in much more of this precious period-the fresh air, the smell, the colour, the wildlife and the camaraderie of friends.

During the Winter

It is said that there are many names for snow. This is certainly evident in Georgian Bay. There is marvellous crunchy frost that spikes up early on the trails, the white dusted mirrored black ice that seals the puddles each night and yields to the sun the next day, the slush that sprays riders in their wake and the frigid powder that squeaks. On a good frozen trail the bumps and rocks are all grouted with a deep layer of snow and ice, but four-wheel drive makes trips effortless.

It is always advisable that ATVers travel in groups

The advent of the snowmobile and the evolution of the ATV have given riders many creature comforts that allow for a full warm winter experience. Snowmobile clothing coupled with electrically heated handlebars and packsacks stuffed with goodies make ATVing in winter a joy. Comfort is a main factor in determining whether or not to venture into the winter wilderness. So is safety. Most late model ATVs are equipped to provide both.

It is always advisable that ATVers travel in groups, know exactly where they are going to travel and carry gear, such as cell phones, tow straps and survival supplies. In addition, riders should let someone know which trail system they are following as well as what time to expect them home.

Night riding highlights the wondrous aspects of the glittering snow, but brings other challenges. Unexpected cold snaps or wind chill may cause a turn around earlier than anticipated. Ice build-up needs to be monitored to ensure that none of the mechanical attributes of your ATV are threatened. These precautions sound ominous but a little due diligence and common sense is all that is needed.

There are plenty of places to ride an ATV in winter in the Parry Sound/Georgian Bay area, but OFSC snowmobile trails are not one of them. Tires and traction leave a streetcar track like path in the snow that is detrimental to the snowmobile trail surface. Touring a snowmobile trail is also a safety hazard, in that the speed between the two machines is vastly different and a sure recipe for a collision.

Snowmobile Clubs spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each season preparing, grooming and signing their routes. Private property owners who have given permission to snowmobilers have not necessarily granted those same rights to ATVers.

Spring Time Fun

Trickles of water and maple sap mark the advent of this glorious season. Sunshine and lengthening days convert the snow banks and ice packed paths of Georgian Bay into crystal-covered fascinations.

It’s not long before trickling creeks turn into gushing rivers and the ATV adventure now includes fording streams and avoiding newly formed swamps. The winch becomes as intimate as the throttle and rubber boots replace their oversized, felt lined winter cousins. Trilliums and assorted greenery start popping up on all sides of the passage and the warmer weather beckons. The trails take different detours in spring, often to avoid the temporary wetlands.

Useful Links:

Parry Sound Springjam

ATV Forums Canada

ATV Canada

Locks on Rideau Canal in Ottawa

The waterway consists of a number of lakes and rivers connected by canals and stretches from Lake Ontario in Kingston to Ottawa and is the oldest continuously operated canals in North America. The locks on the canal were first opened in 1832 and little has changed since this time.

It was originally built to allow boats to travel between Montreal and the Great Lakes without having to use the St Lawrence River. The Rideau is a beautiful and interesting area with a varied landscape including urban, rural and natural. Most of the lock stations offer camping opportunities with washroom facilities, picnic tables and barbecue grills. There is always something to do along the Rideau and depending on when you visit and what your interests are you are bound to find an activity to suit.

Boating

Obviously boating is a major activity and the Rideau offers lots of things to do for both novices and experts alike. You can travel the whole length of the waterway from Kingston to Ottawa or visa versa. Before starting out you should familiarize yourself with the water charts which are available at lock stations or online. The charts will give you details of the water depths, navigational markers etc. You should also know how to operate a lock. You can find information online, but there are always lock staff available at each lock to help and assist you. The locks are open from mid May until mid October. There are fees for using the locks of around $1 per foot of boat. Season passes are also available.

You should allow around six days for a one way trip the whole length of the Rideau. There is no minimum size boat but the maximum size is 27.4 m in length and 7.9 m wide.

Canoe or Kayak

The Rideau is one of the best places to paddle in Canada. There are lots of interesting areas to visit and explore and the locks are easily navigated. There are also lots of access points along the waterway providing easy ways to get in and out of the water.

Because of its flat water it offers novices and experts alike a chance to experience the joy of the water. The winds tend to flow west- southwest and so it is recommended that you paddle northeast or Kingston to Ottawa to take advantage of the wind. You should allow around ten days to cover the whole Rideau, but this can be longer if you take detours etc. You can bring your own equipment or rent everything you need locally.

Fishing

The Rideau offers great fishing opportunities with Bass, Trout, Perch, Crappie amongst others to be caught. There are strict fishing seasons to adhere to as well as catch limits, so make sure you are familiar with these before you set out on a fishing trip. The seasons are dependent upon the area of the Rideau you will be fishing in. For example Bass can be fished between June 23rd and November 30th in the northern and southern region, but only until October 15th in the central region. Full details can be found at this link. You will also require a fishing licence, again full details can be found at the above link.

Cycling

There is only one specific off-road bicycle trail located in the southern region: the Cataraqui Trail. Other than that, cycle routes follow paved roads along the Rideau. You can follow the trail on your own or join one of the many organized tours which take place. There are many self-guided cycling tours you can experience ranging from 35 km along the Opinicon Loop or you can ride the entire 200 km from kingston to Ottawa.

Hiking

If hiking is your calling then you have lots of opportunities in the Rideau. The Rideau Trail covers 200 km, although you can add on another 100 km if you include the loops and side trails. It runs from Kingston to Ottawa and is operated by the Rideau Trail Association. You can visit their website to find maps and general advice.

The Cataraqui Trail is just over 100 km long and extends from Strathcona to Smith Falls and forms part of the Trans- Canada Trail. Full details of this trail can be found at this website. These two trails are by far the longest, but many shorter trails can be found along the whole length of the Rideau ranging from a couple of kilometres to around 40 km.

Driving

The Rideau can easily be driven and gives the opportunity to see some stunning scenery along the way. You can follow one of the recommended tours or make up your own. The recommended tours are divided into different categories such as heritage tours, ecology tours or shopping tours.

The ecology tours take into account the diverse landscape surrounding the Rideau. The central region is dominated by the Canadian Shield whilst the northern and southern areas enjoy rolling fields. All offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Ecology North Tour takes in the area around Ottawa down to Kemptville. There are two conservation areas: W.A. Taylor and Baxter along with Rideau River Provincial Park. This means you can incorporate walking trails, picnics and even a beach in your tour.

The Ecology Tour Central covers the area between Perth and Crosby. There are two options, one takes in the Mill Pond Conservation Area and the other the Murphy’s Point Provincial Park.

The Ecology South Tour goes between Westport and Kingston taking in two conservation areas: Little Cataraqui Creek and Foley Mountain.

There are three heritage tours covering the north, central and southern regions or you can choose to cover the entire Rideau route.

The north tour goes between Ottawa and Marrickville. The central tour starts at Perth and terminates at Crosby. You can choose between traveling the western leg taking in Marrows Lock or the eastern leg which travels through Smiths Falls. The southern tour is between Crosby and Kingston.

Other tour options include the shopping tours which allow access to urban shopping in Ottawa and Kingston as well as village shopping. The Maple tours are popular in the spring when the sap is harvested and in the fall because of the beautiful leaf colour variations.

Ice Skating

Ice skating in Ottawa

During the winter months the Rideau Canal in Ottawa transforms itself into the longest ice skating rink in the world. The exact timing of when this becomes available is very much down to the weather, but usually opens during January and is usually available for around a month.

The rink covers over 7 km of canal and is open to all. Some people even use the frozen canal as a way to commute to work.

Camping

If you are planning on taking in the full pleasures of the Rideau then you will want to spread your journey over several days. Indeed, if you are boating, kayaking etc then you will need to find overnight accommodation during your trip.

All except two lock stations (Smiths Fall and Ottawa) allow camping and have services such as toilets, picnic tables, drinking water etc. Some have showers and additional facilities but you should check before you set out to make sure you find the ones suitable for your needs. You can also park RV’s and cars overnight, camping permits are required.

Accommodation

In addition to camping you will also find a host of other accommodation available all along the Rideau including B&B’s, cottages and hotels.

Fast Facts:

• Number of locks: 47
• Total distance: 202 km
• Number of lock stations: 24
• Maximum water depth: 100.3 m
• Average water depth: 1.5 m
• Lock dimensions: 41 m long, 10 m wide
• How traveled: 69% by boat, 10% by canoe or kayak, 5% by car, 3% by cycle

Alberta is richly blessed with an abundance and variety of wild plants and animals. It is the only place in North America where the prairie, boreal forest and mountain ecosystems meet. As a result, over 300 bird, 90 mammal, 18 reptile and amphibian, 50 fish and 1,700 flowering plant species occur during at least part of the year.

In southwestern Alberta, you’ll find coulees, praire, foothills, mountain slopes; a remarkable variety of landforms and climatic conditions which produce an exceptional diversity of sites for viewing wildlife. Coulees, such as those found in Lethbridge, are steeply eroded draws and valleys which harbour sufficient moisture to create distinctive oases of trees and shrubbery in the midst of the southern prairie. These locations sustain an abundance of flora, birds and mammals which are otherwise uncommon in the prairie region. In the Crowsnest Pass, you may visit open stands of limber pines, bent and weathered by the wind, fast flowing trout streams and mountain meadows. The greatest diversity of wildlife species in the province occurs in Alberta’s southwest corner, where prairie and mountain meet in Waterton Lakes National Park.

The two species in the Canadian Rockies that hold the most interest are bear and elk. The former because of their power and amazing character, and the latter because they are so prolific within the area.

Bears

Bears in Alberta

Bear attacks are among the rarest and most publicized dangers in the wilderness. Bears, particularly grizzlies are an indication of true wilderness. At one time the grizzly ranged as far east as Hudson’s Bay and south into Mexico. As European settlement expanded, the grizzly’s habitat decreased to the few pockets of remaining wilderness large enough to survive in. Remember this is the bear’s home, you are the visitor and owe your host due courtesy. Always treat bears with the greatest care and respect. Most confrontations are avoidable. Given the opportunity bears will usually leave the area if they are given adequate warning and do not feel threatened.

Hiking in Bear Country

It is best to avoid an encounter by avoiding the bear. Common sense and careful observation will greatly reduce the risk of a bear attack.

• Be observant of any signs indicating the presence of bears, such as footprints, droppings, and diggings.
• If you see a bear give it a large detour (several hundred metres). Never approach a bear. Retreat if it is not possible to totally avoid the bear.
• Never approach a carcass, it may have already been marked and claimed by a bear.
• In areas of poor visibility make noise to alert the bear of your presence.
• Travelling in larger groups reduces the risk of an attack, with six or more appearing to be the magic number to discourage a charge.

Camping in Bear Country

It is very important to keep a clean camp. Improperly stored food and abandoned garbage may attract bears. If a bear becomes used to finding food and feeding in a camp, and it becomes habitual behaviour, the chance of attack is much greater. Too many bears have been killed by the parks service because campers were careless.

• Cook one hundred metres down wind from the tent.
• Store food and any scented materials (soap, tooth paste, cosmetics, etc.) at least one hundred metres downwind of camp. Hang the food at least four metres off the ground. If you are above treeline store food in plastic abs cylinders, or air tight bags at least one hundred metres from camp. Many backcountry campsites in the Canadian Rockies have bear poles to hang food. Often these are very close to camp, and not always down wind. Use them at your own discretion.
• Keep the camp clean. Store all garbage in air tight bags and hang it with the food. If the camp is littered when you arrive, clean the area and pack out the litter.
• Plan a possible escape route. Find a suitable tree near by to climb, or camp in the open to avoid surprising a bear.
• Leave the pack outside and away from the tent.

Bear Encounters

With these precautions, the chance of startling a bear or being attacked are extremely remote. If you ever should encounter a bear:

• Stay calm and do not run.
• Talk softly, avoid direct eye contact, and watch for signs of aggressive behavior. Snapping its jaws, making a woofing sound, a lowered head, and laying its ears back are all aggressive gestures.
• Look for an escape route. Are there any trees nearby suitable for climbing, can you slowly back away and give the animal more room?

If the bear attacks there are no sure methods to prevent, deter, or reduce the mauling. Each situation is as unique as every bear. The following are only recommendations that have shown to be effective more often than not.

• Don’t run.
• If you can climb up a tree before the bear reaches you it may be a good defense. Drop your pack and climb up as high as you can.
• Divert the bears attention by dropping or tossing an article ( hat, camera, this book, etc. ) off to the side. Keep your pack on.
• Play dead. Put your hands behind your neck, and curl up with your knees pressed against the chest. Keep your pack on to protect the back.
• While some have claimed to have successfully fought off bears, in reality this may only intensify the attack. In general do not fight a grizzly, unless all else fails and there is nothing else to lose.

Bear behavior is very complex, and it is impossible to predict how an individual will react. Bears are fascinating animals and the more you learn about them, the easier it is to travel in bear country with confidence. There are many sensational and inaccurate stories concerning bears, but there are also quite a few reputable books that can help you understand the animal.

Elk and Moose

Moose in Alberta

While seemingly benign on occasion these animals have the potential to be dangerous. Elk in particular have been known to attack hikers with little warning. The aggressive behaviour is usually associated with protecting their offspring or their reproductive cycle. In the late spring and through the summer hinds (female) Elk are giving birth or raising a young calf. If they feel threatened they may charge. From late August to the end of November, the stags (males) are in the rut, and at this time they are very aggressive. Never approach these animals or come between a mother and its young, they will fight. Elk are responsible for more attacks on people than any other animal in the mountains, yet almost all of these are provoked by careless people. Moose can display similar aggresive characteristics for the same reason.