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Your duty in terms of outdoor safety
For many years, Vallée Bras-du-Nord has ensured the development and accessibility of a unique territory for outdoor activities in Quebec. Beyond this mission, the Vallée Bras-du-Nord is also concerned with the safety of its users.
That's why it's important for our organization to make you aware of your responsibilities in ensuring your own safety on our territory. Your preparation is an essential step in ensuring that your activities are enjoyable and safe.
By taking part in Vallée Bras-du-Nord activities, you accept your responsibility for outdoor safety and authorize Vallée Bras-du-Nord to carry out search and rescue operations at your own expense (see details below) for yourself and the members of your group. Our staff will be happy to provide you with any information you may require on the activities you have chosen. We look forward to hearing from you.
Search and rescue costs
IMPORTANT: Costs incurred during search and rescue are the sole responsibility of the beneficiary. It is your responsibility to check with your insurer before you leave.
Search and rescue costs for the Bras-du-Nord valley were as follows:
- Human resources: 75$ / hour (triple time) / rescuer
- Gas and travel expenses for 4×4 vehicle: 0.82$ per kilometer / vehicle
- All-terrain vehicle expenses (4-wheelers and snowmobiles): 200$ / vehicle / day
- Basic administration costs: 200$
Any other costs incurred by search and rescue operations not mentioned above will also be itemized and charged to you where applicable.
Just so you know:
Outdoor activities entail certain risks. You must play an active role in managing these risks by adopting a preventive attitude.
It's your responsibility to make sure you have the skills and abilities you need, as well as the right equipment, to ensure your outdoor activities run smoothly.
The region has a number of communication and emergency access problems.
Our trails are not patrolled.
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your peers at all times.
You accept the risks inherent in hiking and snowshoeing, such as hypothermia, fractures, sprains, heatstroke, sudden allergies (plant, insect, etc.), animal encounters, insect bites and so on.
Before you leave:
Take a look at the map: features of the territory, level of difficulty of the trails, estimated duration of each hike according to season.
Always let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.
Consult the list of recommended equipment for your activity. This list is available on the Vallée Bras-du-Nord website.
Free Ondago application
By downloading this application, you can obtain the maps of the Vallée Bras-du-Nord via your mobile device. The Ondago application uses your mobile device's GPS to pinpoint your precise location on your map. This application also works without a network, or when you don't have access to Wi-Fi or a data plan. For security reasons, we strongly recommend that you download this application.
Please note that cell phones only work at certain points on the trails; usually on the top of some mountains. In case of emergency, dial *4141 from your cell phone.
During your hike
Stay on the marked trails (red and white or blue and white)
Please note that water on the Vallée Bras-du-Nord territory is not considered clean drinking water. We strongly advise you to boil your water, bring a filter or a water purification treatment in order to treat it.
Preferably, never go into the forest alone, summer or winter.
Be extra vigilant near cliffs (falling rocks or ice can be fatal).
Snowshoeing time
In winter, several factors can influence your snowshoeing progress. At times, it can be difficult to accurately predict how fast you'll progress. On average, progress will be around 2 to 3 km/h. On the other hand, after a tasty snowfall, your progress could also be 0.5 km/h!
Factors to consider that may influence your progress time
- Trail length
- Trail gradient
- The number of people in your group (to "open" the trail in heavy snow conditions)
- Ridership on the trail: the lower the ridership, the less likely it is that the trail will be groomed.
- Physical condition and technical level of snowshoers
- Local knowledge
- Backpack weight
- Snowshoe type (width, weight, etc.)
- The type of food consumed and the walker's hydration level
For your own safety, we suggest you contact us for more information on weather conditions before you leave.