9 EASY NATURE HIKES AROUND VANCOUVER

A great hike depends on you being prepared.  Follow these guidelines and teach good etiquette to your children for future generations of safe and happy hikers. No hike is too small to need emergency supplies. Dedicate 1 small backpack for your emergency essentials for every time you hike. 

CARRY THESE ESSENTIALS

* NAVIGATION

-trail map downloaded on all phones, backup printed map  and a compass.

* FLASHLIGHT-

-lightweight with extra set of batteries.

* FIRST AID KIT-

-bandaids, bug bite spray, blister pads, tweezers, and anticeptic cream.

* SUN SCREEN & Hat

* WATERPROOF MATCHES OR LIGHTER

* WATER

* POCKET KNIFE

* SNACKS- non perishable

* Small BLANKET

* 1 TOILET PAPER ROLL

* PACKABLE RAIN COAT

* BEAR SPRAY & WHISTLE

LEAVE A TRIP PLAN

Before you leave for your hike, inform a reliable person at home of your intended hike, share the trail name, address and map location, the  approximate duration and expected time of return.

HAVE  A TRAIL MAP OR APP OPEN.

We use google maps and ALL TRAILS APP on a cellphone to navigate in the forest. We also print off a paper copy of the trail markers in case our cellphones both die on the hike. 

OVERPACK FOOD AND WATER

Do not dip into your emergency snacks on the hike. Bring a lunch, fruit, and snacks for each person. Pack extra water.

CHECK YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Look up time of sunset and the weather on the day. Decide your timeline and share with your group before setting out.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

If you arrive at your location and it’s unexpectedly very muddy or icy, consider coming back another day.

SHARING THE TRAIL

Look up who you are sharing the trail with, some trails permit horseback riding, others mountain bikes etc..

FOOTWEAR

Wear appropriate socks and shoes, flip flops or tight shoes will quickly leave you with painful feet.

CELLPHONE

Save one CELLPHONE for emergencies on full power. Store it in a ziplock bag and off. Add B.C. Search and Rescue to your contacts.

WASHROOMS

USE AVAILABLE TOILETS before setting out.

GROUP SIZE

Keep your group small and stay together. Have a plan of where to meet if you get seperated. Share the full trail and timeline with everyone and how long it will take before you start. For example we must leave the lake before 3 to get back before DUSK.

BE INCLUSIVE

Be aware of all abilities. Leave no one behind.

SHARE THE ROAD

YEILD to other hikers.

ANIMALS

Be mindful and aware of wildlife.

HAZARDS

Stay away from the edge of cliffs, slippery rocks, protected habitat areas, and don’t pick and eat mushrooms or berries you don’t recognize.

SWIMMING

If you stop by water, be very mindful of who can swim without a life jacket. Their life depends on it.