"We don't take souls, we leave that to wives and girlfriends, but we can do a layaway " - Grumpy Wolverine.
If you need religion to have good morals then you don't actually have good morals.
I think firearms possession on crown land is governed by what you're doing (hunting, target shooting, etc) and how you're doing it (storage, transport, usage). Transporting or possessing a firearm isn't an offence as long as you are adhering to the law. Having it loaded / handy may look more like poaching and less like protection - Especially in an area in which protection from wildlife isn't considered common.
I wouldn't have a loaded shotgun in the kayak. One ND could end your trip in either a bad way or a really bad way.
I often have a loaded shotgun in the kayak especially while waterfowl hunting. However, if I'm only going on a cruising trip there is no need to have it loaded. Chances of a bear attack on water are slim
When putting up camp for the night I load it and have it in the tent. In a park with lots of people I'd keep it locked and wrapped in something that does not look like a gun case so nobody gets offended.