Find a Trail
Trail Etiquette
This brief session covers the basic backpackers code of etiquette:
- Interacting with others on the trail
- Handling your garbage
- What to do nature calls
Interacting with others on the trail
As intuitive as this might seem, guaranteed you've been on one end of a "trail tiff" or a "switchback skirmish" at one time or another.
Here's a concise list of tips to follow:
- Yield to hikers going up hill. You know this one. You're in the zone..slowly and steadily ascending up the Grouse Grind. You look up to someone barreling down the trail ahead. A Canadian Shuffle ensues. As a general rule of thumb, let those going up hill take the right of way. If slowing down or stopping is more dangerous than maintaining speed, clearly announce yourself and heading, "on your right!"
- Wait for hikers to pass before sliding down a trail in the snow. Similar to the above -- but worth singling out as it's sudden popularity in recent winters on the North Shore mountains and the possibility of significant injury if a collision occurs. If you're going to slide down a trail, wait for hikers to pass. Most of us -- hopefully -- intuitively get the concept. However, keep our kids in check too.
- Don't block the trail with your group. We like to socialize, it's human nature. But that's no excuse for four friends to stand shoulder-to-shoulder blocking all traffic on a trail. Fall in line or cut to the shoulder and leave space for others.
- Turn down the music. Generating noise and listening to music on a trail can be a smart activity to alert wildlife of your presence and prevent confrontations. However, like most things in life -- enjoy in moderation.
- Respect the "dogs on leash" rules and clean-up after. Trail goers utilize the paths in varying ways -- from slow casual walks, mountain biking, group jogs to trail running. Keeping your dogs on leash when required, is not just a courtesy -- it keeps the trail safe.
- Say, "Hi!" We're Canadians. We're cordial and greet our fellow outdoorsman and outdoorswoman.
Handling Your Garbage
Ever play the game, Timmies Tap? It's similar to Punch Buggy -- you know that car ride game where you jab your friend in the shoulder if you see a Volkswagon Beetle -- except this Canadian rendition is if you see a discarded Tim Horton's paper cup on a hiking trail.. Actually, this game does not exist. But it should, because Tim Horton's cups are littered everywhere. Apparently, even Roll-up the Rim isn't enough incentive to carry the empty back out.
In many Vancouver parks, you'll see signs, "Take only pictures, leave only footprints." Take your garbage with you. Stow it in your pack or carry it to the next receptacle. If you see someone else's abandoned trash, do your part, pick it up and preserve our beautiful, west coast rainforest.
What to Do When Nature Calls
Mountain Guru feels for the hiker that urgently has to face this challenge on a highly trafficked trail. Whether it's a quick rest stop or going in for the long haul, get off trail and out of sight of passerbys. Find a large bush, shrub or heavily covered area. Grab a rock (or pull out a shovel) and dig a modest hole. When you've finished, cover the hole with soil and loose leaves.
If you're above the treeline, sorry -- the experience just got that much more difficult. Find a safe, flat and private area. Once you've completed the task at hand, you may need to use a tissue to gently wipe away or displace any matter and allow for the rain to wash it away. Otherwise, you'll have contributed a semi-permanent art installation for future hikers.
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