Radio Range

I live within 3km of the "Gatineau Park" and its cell coverage further in can be very spotty. At its highest, it is only about 330 meters, so nothing like the ADK's. I am looking to get a handheld radio that I can set up at home and get a 30km range(about 18 miles) since that is about as far out as I would normally hike. This way I can comminicate with a homebase when needed and can check in without being at the top of the hills.

Does anyone have any recomendations for a useful radio setup? There is probably about 2.5km worh of suburban density inbetween my house and the park. There are a couple radio towers in the park as well, one that sits at the top of the park and can be viewed from my house.



Thanks!