Walking Resources
Walking Resources
Safety & Preparedness Resources
Whether you’re a participant, facilitator, or curious community member, this page offers essential tips and tools to help you feel confident and prepared on every walk. From wildlife encounters (like snakes, bears, or coyotes) to weather safety, trail etiquette, and group management strategies, we’ve gathered practical information to help you have a safe, enjoyable, and mindful experience in nature.
These resources are designed to help you:
- Know what to do in unexpected situations
- Support others on the trail
- Foster safe, inclusive, and positive walking groups
Explore guides, checklists, and quick-reference tips before your next walk and help create safer outdoor experiences for all.
Before You Walk or Hike
Be prepared for walking and hiking. In this section you’ll find tips and resources that will help you feel ready, safe, and confident on every walk.
Wildlife Awareness
Walking in nature means sharing space with animals. This section offers practical tips to help you stay calm, safe, and respectful when encountering wildlife, know what to do and how to be prepared.
Coyotes
- Meeting Coyotes (Coyotes Watch Canada)
- Preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes (Ontraio.ca)
- Coyotes Fact Sheet (Ministry of Natural Resources)
Bears
- Bear Wise (Ministry of Natural Resources)
- Be Bear Wise and prevent bear encounters (Ontario.ca)
- The Bare facts on Black Bears (Nature Canada)
- Bear Encounters Tips and Tricks (Ontario Nature)
Preventing Ticks
- Tick-borne diseases (Ontario.ca)
- Ticks & Lyme Disease (Ontario.ca)
- Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association Lyme Disease & Ticks
- Guide to Tick Safety for Backyards, Trails, and Campsites – By Grillo
Eastern Massasauga Rattle Snake
Trail Know-How
Every trail is different, understand the environment you’re walking in whether it’s an urban sidewalk, a local park, or a wilderness trail. Learn how to read signs and maps, follow local guidelines, and walk with care and respect for the land.
Mental Health and Wellness
Walking can be a powerful tool for mental wellness, in this section you can find tools, techniques, and helpful strategies for everyone.
Walk Leader’s Corner
Resources for leading walks and hikes safely and responding to emergencies.
Nature Walks for Schools: Planning & Guides
This section supports educators and youth leaders in planning safe, inclusive, and engaging walking experiences for students. Whether on school grounds or local trails, these resources offer age-appropriate guidance, supervision tips, curriculum-aligned ideas, and tools to promote outdoor learning, physical activity, and student well-being.
Bonus Resources for the Journey
These resources can help to enhance your skills and deepen your knowledge. Find a walking/hiking resources trial, path, park, or conservation area.