Outdoor activities, in general, carry a potential risk brought on by changing or adverse weather including; wind, lightening, extreme heat, and extreme cold (even if the air temperature is warm, the water can be cold – leading to hypothermia).

If do not have appropriate gear for the anticipated weather, feel you have a health condition that could be affected because of the weather, or if you feel your paddling skills might not be strong enough for high winds, discuss your concerns with the trip leader before joining a trip.

Weather

Weather can change rapidly and will impact not only the level of enjoyment for a trip, but also the safety. This could be rain or wind storms heading towards the trip route or extreme heat.

Always check with the Environment Canada websitethe before heading out and be aware of potential weather.

Fire

Wildfires represent a significant agent of change in Canadian forest ecosystems. Approximately 9000 fires burn 3 million ha per year in Canada (based on a 10-year average).

The Minister of Natural Resources can issue a “Restricted Fire Zone” order that restricts the use of open fires in a specific area. It is used when the fire hazard is extreme and/or when fire-fighting resources are stretched to capacity. A Restricted Fire Zone does not restrict movement or recreational activity in the area, but it does restrict the use of fire and it is illegal to set out a fire for any purpose within the affected area.

For information on the implications of Restricted Fire Zone, see the Ontario Ministers of Natural Resources page. For information on where there are currently fire bans see the current Restricted Zones page, or the Ontario Parks Vacancies and Alters page. For the location of active fires visit the Ontario forest fire mapor the Quebec Societe de protection des forets contre le feupage (zoom in on the maps).

The Weather Network also offers a fire danger map.