Plan ahead and be prepared
Plan your trip. Give your plan to someone you trust, so if you don’t return on time, they know where to send help. Know and stay within your limits. Unprepared people can get into sticky situations. A lot of wilderness and remote areas in our region do not have cell phone service.
Respect wildlife
Getting close to and feeding wildlife is detrimental to animals, their survival and possibly to you. Do not feed or approach wild animals – observe from a distance. When visiting Hope, Cascades & Canyons region you are definitely in Bear Country. We are home to two types of bears. Black bears being the most common. Stay vigilant, when hiking so you don’t unexpectedly encounter one: never wear headphones. Watch for signs of bears: Scat, tracks, freshly overturned logs, or fresh claw marks on trees. Make noise by singing or talking loudly (especially near streams, in dense vegetation or windy days) and/or bring a noisemaker along to make sure that you don’t surprise a bear with your presence. Carry bear spray, have it easily accessible and learn how to use it.
Take only photos
Nature and all its glory is for everyone to enjoy. Flowers, wood and mushrooms are all very tempting to pick but please leave the forest as undisturbed as possible.
Hiking etiquette
Stay on the marked trails. Going off the trail can damage the surrounding environment, possibly destroying a little creature’s habitat or food source. You are also more likely to get hurt or lost when you venture off the trail.
Store food safely
Food and scented items can attract wild animals. Use airtight containers to store food, toiletries and pet food and keep them far from your sleeping area when camping in our area. Store food out of reach, use bear-resistant lockers when available or store in the trunk of your vehicle.
Don’t litter
Leave no trace. Put all garbage in marked garbage/waste bins. If there are no bins, pack out what you pack in. Information sourced from Camperscode.com
Be FireSmart
The impact of BC wildfires on our forest ecosystem has been profound. Wildfires bring about the destruction of vegetation, influencing both flora and fauna. Some plant and animal species are adapted to fire, while others may struggle to survive. Wildfires also result in significant economic losses. Timber resources may be damaged or destroyed, impacting the forestry industry. Additionally, the cost of firefighting efforts, emergency response, and recovery can be substantial.
In the event of another dry summer season, a campfire ban could be in place in the region. Also wildfires can impact the access you have to highways and roads. Check with the Hope Cascades & Canyons Visitor Centre at 919 Water Ave. for up-to-date details.
Some of the most beautiful places in British Columbia have been affected by Wildfires. Consider this the next time you visit one of our beautiful communities around Hope, BC, and how it can impact everyone. Let’s collectively strive to protect and preserve these stunning landscapes for future generations.
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