Here are some good guidelines to follow while out on the trails.
Trail Etiquette
How to keep other hikers safe and happy!
- Take care of those travelling below. Do not throw rocks down the mountain side – this puts other hikers or climbers at risk! If you’re on a scree slope or an area with loose rocks, space out so that there is minimal risk of kicking a rock down onto someone below.
- Make space at trailheads – Some trailheads are tight without much room to park. Try to leave as much space for other vehicles as possible and consider parking a little ways down the road if necessary. Do not box anyone in.
- Keep campgrounds quiet – there is no need to bring music or party in backcountry campgrounds. Keep noise to a minimum and respect your neighbours.
Leave No Trace
How to keep the wilderness safe and happy!
- Leave what your find– don’t pick wildflowers, collect rocks, or take home historic artifacts.
- Pack it in, pack it out – remove all trash you bring, including fruit cores and toilet paper. Compost takes a long time to break down in the alpine and your orange peels aren’t part of the West Kootenay ecosystem.
- Don’t approach or feed wildlife – give critters their space and keep them wild! There are some trails that lead to very friendly mountain goats or extremely sneaky marmots. Keep your food secure at all times.
- Keep dogs leashed and respect closures – some areas like Kokanee Glacier and Valhalla Provincial Park do not allow dogs at all. Off-leash dogs can disturb wildlife and damage sensitive areas. Pick up after your dog and pack it out.
- Stay on the trail and walk with care – keep to marked trails whenever possible. If you’re hiking an off-trail trip, try to walk on rocks and green, leafy plants. The woody heathers of alpine meadows are very fragile – avoid stepping on these if possible!
- Do not build fires – often there are fire bans in the summer anyways, but avoid building a fire unless there is an absolute emergency.
- When nature calls – if there is no outhouse, then walk at least 70 steps away from the nearest trail/campsite/water source to dig a cathole and bury your waste. Don’t leave toilet paper behind.
Learn More
Check out Leave No Trace Canada for more tips!