Backcountry Fundamentals Course

Seawall Trail Cape Breton Island

Over the years growing up camping and exploring the backcountry in rural Cape Breton Island in a pre-internet world, we learned what we know now by doing and learning from trial and error but also from experienced woodsmen who taught us everything they knew. Although there are many entry-level courses built to educate you on the basics of hiking and camping we’ve found that there wasn’t really anything available in Atlantic Canada to get you to the next level. This course was developed to do just that. If you’re looking to gain knowledge, tips, and advice or just get out to complete your first backcountry adventure, this course was built for you.

Program Description

This weekend-long course is designed to provide you with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to safely plan and lead any single or multi-day backcountry camping trip.

This course is designed for:

  • Day hikers looking to expand their knowledge and skillset to set them up for success in the backcountry.

  • Hikers with some backcountry experience looking to develop new skills and expand their adventure opportunities.

You will learn:

  • In this course, you’ll learn about how to plan and prepare for a single-day or multi-day backcountry adventure. 

  • What gear to use and how to look for the best options for your specific adventure.

  • Tips and advice from our decades of hiking and exploring in the backcountry.

  • How to properly pack for and plan any single-day or multi-day adventure.

  • Navigational tools and route planning resources and how to utilize them to plan your adventure.

  • Backcountry safety, rescue plans and, skills to keep you safe when in the backcountry. 

Requirements

  • This course is designed for those with previous hiking experience who may have not completed any serious backcountry trip.

  • It is recommended that each participant completes some more difficult hikes with elevation prior to arriving and participating in the course.

  • Min age of 16 with parental consent.

  • Great attitude.

Course Details


The classroom / Pre-trip

Part of this course will be done online prior to arriving at LLIT. In this online webinar we will go over the following:

  • Gear and equipment. We’ll explain each item listed on our equipment list, its use, and what to look for when buying/selecting equipment.

  • Pre-trip planning resources: What resources are available for researching and planning routes. We’ll share our knowledge on how we use these resources to plan all our expeditions and multi-day trips, the pros and cons of each, and basic knowledge on how to read topo maps.

  • Pre-trip training: We’ll review how to prepare physically and mentally for bigger, longer hikes.

  • Safety Plans and Emergency Ops: We’ll review how we build out an emergency action plan and how to plan to keep you and your group safe in the backcountry.

 

On the ground

  • Day 1: All participants will meet at LLIT the night prior to departing on the hike. We will run through a pre-trip briefing, introductions, team dinner, and gear check/pack.

  • Day 2: The day will start with lots of coffee (or tea) and a team breakfast before departing for the trailhead. This day will be hiking on a trail for a few km, just enough to get warmed up, and then we depart off-trail into the backcountry. There will be changes in elevation, bushwhacking, and the potential to run into wildlife. Once at camp we’ll go over basic campsite management and etiquette and allow for some free time to hang out or explore the area.

  • Day 3: Tear camp down and hike out. We will practice the ‘leave no trace’ principle and depart camp for the trailhead.

Class Size :

  • Each course will have a max of 6 participants and a min group size of 3.


What’s Provided:

  • Food – 2x dinners, 2x breakfasts, 2 lunches

  • Tent (optional)*

  • Sleeping bag (optional)*

  • Sleeping pad (optional)*

  • All group equipment (water filtration systems, cooking pots, stoves, fuel, rope, bear hang)

  • Professional and experienced guide(s) certified with Wilderness First Aid.

  • Transport to and from LLIT

  • Welcome bag

*Feel Free to bring your own or use ours.


What’s Not Provided:

  • Personal clothing or hiking gear (Required equipment list will be provided after registration)

  • Backpack

  • Transport to the course

  • Gratuity

Accom/Food/Transport

  • Participants are welcome to camp at LLIT for FREE on night 1 but can find alternate accommodations in the area. All participants are required to attend the pre-trip briefing @ 1900hrs on day 1.

  • All transport to and from the trailhead is supplied by LLIT. Vehicles can be parked at LLIT while out on the trail.

  • All main meals (2x Dinner, 2x Lunch, 2x Breakfast) supplied. Participants must provide their own snacks and any other food.

Course Dates:

  • May 10 - 12, 2024

  • June 28 - 30, 2024

 Cost:

  • Course costs $550+hst CAD per person

  • A 50% deposit is required to confirm your spot

  • The full balance is due 14 days prior to the course start date (an auto email will be sent as a reminder)

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund if canceled 30 days prior to the course start date

  • If canceled between 30 and 14 days prior to the course start date a $50 admin fee will be charged and the remainder of the deposit will be refunded

  • If canceled between 14 and 7 days prior to the course date, the deposit will not be refunded

  • If canceled between 7 and the course start date, the full balance will not be refunded

To register for an upcoming course please use the booking widget below. Once registered we will follow up with a more detailed email with gear lists, working sheets, and other information required for this course.

If you have any questions or concerns please send us an email and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have!

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