Getting out to explore and camp as a way of distancing oneself from others exploded with the COVID pandemic. Folks who never set foot in the backcountry were suddenly filling campgrounds, hiking trails and canoe routes. While there was frustration from some who now had to share their perceived slice of wilderness with others, there were also newbies who really had no idea what they were doing. Online forums were full of new folks asking questions while others complained about the whole situation.
Many of these new folks have now developed a passion for being out in nature but don’t fully understand the correct backcountry etiquette. For others who have been camping their whole lives, we can all always use a refresher.
From a young age, we were taught to share, be polite and always clean up after ourselves. These are important rules and should be practiced throughout our lives, including when we are exploring the outdoors. We take great pride in enjoying the benefits of our beautiful Canadian backcountry and need to practice trends to minimize our impact on the environment we enjoy, so we can play here for years to come!
Plan Ahead
Proper trip planning not only helps adventurers accomplish trip goals safely but simultaneously minimizes damage to the land. Pre-trip knowledge of weather, terrain, regulations, group hiking speed, and even fire bans means explorers are prepared for any and all contingencies, avoiding the degradation of backcountry resources.
It is also important to respect the small communities that surround your camping or hiking spot of choice. Keep in mind that small communities often have limited resources, so it is important to stay on the trail and avoid unnecessary rescue and medical attention.
Protecting the Landscape
There are plenty of sensitive lands, often right alongside a trail, which can be damaged for years or life if trod on. Plan to stay on trails whenever hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Going off-trail damages surface vegetation, resulting in barren areas and erosion. When there is no trail, try to travel on rock, sand, and gravel or ice and snow and spread out, dispersing the impact of following in each other’s footsteps. When you need to make your way across vegetation, choose areas with durable vegetation such as dry grasses.
Four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and motorbikes should ensure to travel only in open areas, travel straight up and down hills, and drive over (not around) obstacles. Stop frequently and scout ahead to avoid trail damage, and always use a tree strap to protect vegetation when winching.
On shared trails, Horses
Regardless of which type of backcountry adventurer you are, always plan to clean your hiking boots, bike tires, horse hooves and ATV/OHV tires after venturing out to avoid the spread of invasive species. Additionally, ATV riders should carry a spill kit, cross water only where the trail indicates and at a 90-degree angle and avoid wheel spin or “rutting” on the trail.
If any user is leaving their presence on the trail, it is too wet, turn around and explore the route on a dryer day.
Meal Planning and Clean-Up
While it is easier to cook in a campground, more care needs to be taken in the backcountry. One-pot meals, dehydrated meals, and lightweight snacks are a great way to minimize packing and preparation time and decrease the amount of garbage that you will have to pack out. This also helps to reduce the dependence on campfires for cooking. If you do need to use a campfire, keep it small and consider the damage to the ground or rocks that the fire is set on. Black scars remain for many years! Try to use previously used and permanent firepits or bring along a propane camp stove.
When washing dishes, be sure to use biodegradable soap only as regular soap will damage the environment and pollute the water. Products such as Campsuds only require a few drops for all cleaning tasks but be sure to wash your dishes at least 60 metres (200 ft) from any lake, river, or stream. In a pinch, a small amount of hand sanitizer even works to clean dishes and cutlery.
And while it would seem obvious, car campers should never wash dishes at the clean drinking water taps or sinks in the comfort stations. Many campgrounds now have dedicated dishwashing stations. If they don’t, do your dishes at your campsite and dispose of the wastewater in the closest pit toilet or comfort station flush toilet.
Personal Hygiene
If you are camping somewhere backcountry or without shower facilities, there are a few options to help stay clean. If there is a lake nearby, this is a refreshing option. Use a LOOFAH, which is a natural plant product that often comes as a sponge or hand mitt – but be sure not to use any soap products in the lake! Another option is the Simple Shower or Road Shower, which are portable shower systems that can be mounted to your vehicle. Of course, in a pinch, baby wipes work as well! Remember, even the use of biodegradable soap should be at least 60 metres (200 ft) from any lake, river, or stream.
Doing the Dirty in the Woods
When camping or hiking in the backcountry or staying at more rustic camping sites there is a chance you will have to camp without having access to an outhouse or washroom facilities. It is important to dispose of your waste properly, and ideally, a portable waste bag should be used where you can pack out your waste.
With the explosion in backcountry visitors, some parks are now requiring all users to pack and carry out their personal waste.
Other options include a portable composting toilet or a simple bucket and bag. When this isn’t an option, catholes are the most widely accepted method of waste disposal and should be at least 60 metres (200 ft) from water, trails, and camps. Holes should be 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) deep and 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) wide. It is helpful to bring a small gardening shovel to dig the hole and be sure to pack out any other waste items such as toilet paper, tampons, or wipes.
Pets in the Backcountry
Rules around pets in the backcountry are in place for good reason. If a sign says, “No Dogs” or “All Dogs Must Be Leashed”, obey and follow it. You are a visitor, the wildlife who live in the woods are the permanent residents so please respect them. This respect goes for fellow trail users, some of whom have reactive or nervous dogs and a loose dog running up to them can be a recipe for disaster. There is plenty of Crown Land without restrictions, if you want your dog loose, head there.
Front and Backcountry Camping
Respecting your fellow camper goes a long way in making a camping trip a memorable experience for all.
Front country campers, be aware of quiet times and generator usage hours and follow them. Be aware, that noise travels a long way in the wild. While you might think you are being quiet, you could be disturbing others. Monitor yourself for volume.
Don’t cut through other campers’ campsites as a shortcut, avoid loud music and turn your lighting down or off at night.
Backcountry campers should always use existing campsites where possible, place tents in a non-vegetated area and do not dig trenches around tents.
All campers need to be aware of campfire bans and restrictions. Never leave your fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before going to bed.
Specific Tips for Users
Anglers:
Avoid sensitive spawning areas, don’t dump live bait and make sure your boat is clean and maintained to avoid the spread of invasive species or leaking oil into a lake or river.
Equestrians:
Always ride single file to avoid widening the trail. This is especially important in wet weather, so the entire trail is not churned up by horse hooves.
We only have one planet, let’s all do our part to take care of the environment and make a difference.
Now that you know the basics of keeping our wilderness natural and clean, it is time to start planning your next adventure! Be sure to pick up a copy of one of our Backroad Mapbooks, download our GPS maps, or check out the BRMB smartphone App or Web Map.