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Provincial parks offer safe and affordable outdoor recreation. As with any trip in the outdoors, a little planning and preparedness can go a long way. The following provides some helpful tips and links to make your youth trip to provincial parks a successful adventure.
Safety Considerations in BC Parks
Includes recreation-specific safety tips in provincial parks.
The first step in planning a safe trip is determining where you are going, and what you want to do when you arrive. Choose the park you want to visit. On our website you can research provincial parks by geographic location in Victoria or Vancouver or by the recreation opportunities available. What kind of facilities and services are offered? Are there picnic shelters, drinking water, and washrooms available? Are there any hazards on the trail that you should be aware of? Once the decision is made about which provincial park you are visiting, check the BC Parks website for park-specific information such as trail updates and hours of operation.
Pack and plan accordingly for the area you are visiting. Choose areas where the level of difficulty of physical activities, like hiking, will not exceed the abilities of your weakest participants. Be aware of potential risks of your chosen recreation. Knowing how to avoid dehydration, hypothermia, wildlife safety and appropriate outdoor etiquette are all part of being an informed leader.
What to Pack
Depending on the activity, there will be a number of things that you will need to pack. Below, is a list of essentials that should be packed by anyone going into the outdoors, whether it is for an afternoon, or a multiple-day hiking trip. Remember, these items can be life-saving, but only if you know how to use them!
- Change of warm clothes
- Rain/snow gear (depending on the season and the destination)
- A complete First Aid kit
- Compass and map (a GPS unit and cell phone are also great tools, but ensure that they are fully charged before heading out and pack extra batteries)
- Fire-making kit with water-proof matches (or regular matches in a water-proof container) and a candle or firestarter
- Healthy snacks like trail mix, energy bars and water
- Sun protection
- Pocket knife
- Emergency shelter – a brightly coloured tarp or garbage bag is a good idea, as it can also be used as a signal device
- Whistle or small mirror to use as a signalling device
- Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
The next important step is to talk to the people you know and tell them your plans. It is important that your employer, family or friends know where you are going, with whom you are going, and when you should be arriving home. Make it a practice to complete the AdventureSmart Trip Plan for Outdoor Survival . . . it could save a life!
Many activities that people enjoy outdoors require equipment. It is important for your safety to check how that equipment is working and that you have practiced using it. Before you go, check the condition of the equipment, make sure that you have all of the pieces that you need, and do any repairs that need to be done before heading onto the trail. It is a good idea to pack a small repair kit for any equipment that you have.
Hiking:
- For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.
- Dress for the terrain and weather and allow adequate time for return in daylight.
- Be sure to bring lots of water along with you when hiking. It is easy to get dehydrated, particularly during the hot and dry summer months.
- Never hike alone.
- Make a lot of noise when you are on the trail. You can talk, sing, or carry a noise maker. An idea for a noise maker is to take an old tin can and put rocks in it and shake it while you walk on the trail. Making noise will prevent you from startling wildlife.
Camping:
- Keep your campsite and tent(s) clean and free of all food and garbage; these items can and do attract wildlife. Store all food in air-tight containers in your car trunk or RV. Wildlife caches for food must be used when available in parks. Store garbage with your food, out of reach of wildlife (either in your car or in a cache). If a cache is not provided, hang garbage and food up a tree at least 4 meters up the tree and 100 meters away from your campsite. If using multiple trees, ensure they are at least 6-8 meters apart.
- Only paper and wood products can be burned; plastics, foil, etc. do not burn completely and will attract wildlife. Cook and eat at least 100 meters downwind from your tent. Clean up immediately after eating. Never leave utensils, dishes, or coolers around your campsite. Dispose of dish water by straining it and throwing the water into the pit toilet or into a gray water pit. Solids can be put into the garbage.
- Fire is a major concern in all provincial parks. Bans on open fires are frequently in place during the summer months, and campfire bans may also be put in place should fire danger conditions warrant. Please be careful with ANY potential source of ignition (cigarettes, gas stoves, etc.) during your stay. Never leave your campfire unattended, and make sure it is completely put out before you go to bed. Water or sand are good things to use to put out your campfires.
Swimming, Paddling, and Other Water Sports:
- There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Click here for some tips on finding a lifeguard for your swimming out-trips.
- Watch for and obey signs regarding heavy currents or high winds, health warnings regarding swimmers itch, etc.
- Only some provincial parks have designated swimming areas (areas marked by floats).
- Weather conditions can change at any time; be prepared for any unexpected circumstances when undertaking any major water trip. Sea conditions can vary dramatically and change quickly. Always check marine weather forecasts throughout the day to keep abreast of conditions and check the tide table before beginning your voyage. Paddlers should be aware of ocean currents before heading out.
- Be aware of rising tides and make sure that you can return safely to land above the high tide line. For information on approximate times and heights of tides, consult a tide table.
Biking:
- Unless there are designated biking trails, bicycles must keep to roadways.
- Bicycle helmets are mandatory in B.C.
BC Parks: Visitors Heath and Safety Information
Gives information on wildlife safety, safe trip planning and preparedness, park safety and health risks.
Adventure Smart
Provides information and programs on outdoor safety topics, from survival, to trip planning and backcountry skills.
Also, check out their resources/links page.
Equipped to Survive: Stay Alive
Includes information on navigation techniques, survival and first aid. In addition, a reference library allows you to research additional safety information sources.
Outdoor Safety Preparedness - British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program
Essential information on how to “plan to be safe” (outdoor preparedness), and how to be prepared for the woods and the snow. There is information on the “Code of Responsibility for the Outdoors.”
Risk Management for Outdoor Program Providers
A user-friendly handbook created for administrators and instructors involved in outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, and physical education.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
Provides up-to-date information on regional marine conditions including the very latest tides, currents, and water levels.