I sleep in a hammock every night at home(bachelor, I can do what I want)
So despite what some say, it is totally possible to sleep through the night in one. Most of the biggest naysayers in the hammock debates are those who have never tried it, though to be fair there are those who have, and do not like them.

I usually take a hammock when I know the territory, that there will be lots of hanging spots. They are great for stealthing, and setting up in pavilions, I have even hung from a telephone pole and my bicycle. When I do have to do a ground setup, it is mostly because campgrounds sometimes don't like you stringing them up. When that happens, I run a ridge line from a picnic bench, lamp post, once a tether ball pole, whatever, to the ground. once used shock cord to hold up the net and tarp from a limb of the one tree around(watch for dead limbs, or widow makers, in a tent or hammock). Usually bring some light tent stakes for pitching a tarp on the ground, but have also tied off to logs, rocks, whatever. Improvisation is the key.

Not sure about how tent poles could be easily used, but it sounds interesting. I have a flag on a two piece pole when touring, and have used it to make an Aframe shelter once or twice.

However, if I was going through Canada, I would be thinking about a tent. Mostly because of bugs that will be harder to keep out, like ticks, but also because of the vast plains without lots of trees.
Actually, I usually take a small tent and a hammock, with a minimal tarp. On my last trip, I used both about evenly. I have gone through some big wind storms in a hammock, and you do get bounced around pretty good, so when it looks like a big storm is coming, the tent is used. My hammock is a Grand Trunk Skeeter beater, about one pound. 14 ounce tarp, four-ish pound two person tent. So, almost six pounds, but very versatile. Could go lighter on the tent with a one person, but its the tent I have, and Space is nicer when getting rained on for a day, or hanging out on a rest day, waiting out a cold, whatever.
For insulation in the hammock I generally use an old school thermarest, but have done ok with a 3/4 length ridge rest on merely chilly nights.


Not sure about the keeping away from bears with a hammock thing.