Very difficult for Canadians to carry guns for protection in the wild.
Not impossible, but difficult. Much easier for them to do it there than in urban areas, where the risk is actually much greater.
Sometimes the bear messes with the wrong Canadian...
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It’s not at all difficult for Canadians to carry long guns for protection in the wild. I’ve done so many times. Prospecting camps, etc. routinely have long guns for protection. Hand guns are another matter — pretty much how you describe it, in your second paragraph.
Rifles and shotguns are legal in Canada; handguns are not. However it is quite difficult to do your work sometimes with a long gun in your hand or slung on your back. Plus if it is on your back and you are surprised you may not have the mobility to access it.