Adventure tourism

Safety matters!

Fjord du Saguenay, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Nature and adventure tourism is not only exhilarating, but also perfect for learning about new and unique places—and about yourself. And where better to do that than Québec, with its St. Lawrence River, thousands of rivers and lakes, long mountain ranges and superb national parks! But, as breathtaking as it is, adventure in the great outdoors entails a certain degree of risk. That's the very definition of adventure.

Be choosy
Who are you dealing with?
What are your needs?
Find out more

Be choosy

Choose an adventure tourism company that offers a safe travel experience, regardless of the type of activity: boating (sea and river kayaking, canoeing, rafting, etc.), climbing, off-trail skiing, dogsledding and even wilderness snowshoeing.

These companies look after your adventure needs and desires while taking your abilities into account. In addition to a safe experience, they guarantee high-quality equipment and an intimate knowledge of the local wilderness environment.

What are your needs?

A conscientious company will want to know and will ask you:

What type of experience are you looking for?

Specify whether you're looking for an easygoing adventure with a few comforts or a great expedition that will push your limits.

What are your technical skills? Do you have any experience?

Tell them how much experience you've had in the chosen activity. Having canoed on a lake doesn't mean you're ready to brave the wild river rapids! The company will be able to tell you what skills you need or suggest an activity better suited to you.

How is your health?

Describe your overall physical fitness and indicate any allergies you suffer from or any medications that you are on. The company will be able to tailor the activity to you or suggest one you can handle.

A company that truly cares about your wellbeing will ask you to sign an "acknowledgement and assumption of risk" form. However, this form doesn't release the company from liability in the case of bodily injury, and the activity must be clearly explained to you before you sign.

Who are you dealing with?

Remember, you have to take responsibility for your own safety. You can gauge the professionalism of the company (experience, subscription to a code of ethics, skill level of the guides) by asking the staff the following questions:

Does the company have civil liability insurance?

If not, you should be concerned. Insurers hold adventure companies to increasingly strict standards. A lack of insurance may mean the company doesn't meet the standards—or has submitted too many claims in the past.

What training do the guides have?

Ask if they have training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a recognized organization. Also ask if they have the technical certification required by the activity's recognized federation.

Are they prepared for emergencies?

In the event of an emergency or accident, are plans in place to transport you quickly and safely to a clinic or hospital? Every company should have an emergency plan.

What's the visitor-guide ratio?

Depending on the activity, this could be crucial to your safety. The higher the risk level, the more guides you need.

Can anyone take part in the activity?

Is it safe for a young child or a pregnant woman? What about the elderly or people with reduced mobility?

Can the activity be cancelled?

Check if you have cancellation rights in the event of bad weather or potentially dangerous conditions.

Is the company a member of a recognized professional association?

If it is, find out if this association has safety standards. Aventure Écotourisme Québec is the main association in Québec, and its certified members must comply with certain safety rules.

Find out more

When shopping around for adventure travel, you may notice major price differences between two companies offering similar services. Obviously, a company that invests in safety, has the latest equipment and offers an ample number of skilled guides doesn't come free of charge. So don't gamble with your safety!

The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises and get the most out of your adventure is to plan carefully. The Ministère du Tourisme's information officers can help you plan an unforgettable vacation itinerary that's right for you and can also provide advice on matters of safety.