The boreal forest region of Québec (Canada) is being increasingly used for resource extraction and recreational purposes. This heightens the risk that people using this wilderness area will, one day, find themselves in a critical or survival situation. Because of the isolated and often rugged nature of this environment, such individuals may be forced to spend a long period under potentially dangerous conditions, notably without any food other than that naturally available. The objective of the present study was to develop a scientific profile of those elements of the Québec flora that are able to provide temporary sustenance for those in a survival situation, and so contribute to the maintenance of their vital functions. This potential was established using a multi-criteria analysis based on each species’ spatial distribution, temporal availability, physical accessibility, caloric value, and palatability. Ultimately, knowledge of the potential of these species could be used in a context of worker training and to raise awareness of users of the boreal forest regarding the actual use that can be made of the flora in a context of survival; use which appears relatively limited for the analyzed species.