Around the campsite 

  • Act and drink responsibly in a camping or hiking activity. 
  • Arrive at the campsite with enough daylight to properly set up and check for hazards. These include broken glass, sharp objects, poison ivy, bee hives and biting insects.
  • Choose a site of appropriate size to have enough room for your equipment. 
  • Clean your campsite regularly and properly dispose of all trash and recycling following visits in order to prevent attracting bears or other animals.

Campfire safety 

  • Don’t start a fire using flammable liquids; use paper or kindling instead. 
  • Build fires outdoors only. Light barbecues and grills on sand or within an approved campfire area.
  • Keep flammable material at least two metres away from cooking areas or campfires. 
  • Be sure to have an appropriate clearing for the fire. Keep the area immediately around the fire free of wood, tools and items that may be tripping hazards.
  • Never leave the fire unattended. Properly put out your fire and stay until the ashes are cool to the touch.
  • Keep children away from the fire and explain the hazards of a fire to your camping party.
  • Never place your hands into the fire to rearrange the wood. Use a long, smooth stick instead.
  • Keep firefighting equipment nearby such as shovels, bowl/pail of water and sand.

Hiking 

  • Never hike alone. Always travel with a companion and tell others where you are going.
  • Follow marked trails and carry maps and orientation equipment if in an unfamiliar region. 
  • Take proper care in protecting against exposure to the heat, the cold, dehydration and insects. This can be done by carrying water, dressing appropriately and using sunscreen and insect repellents. 
  • Never overload yourself with equipment. Carry only the necessities and make sure that you don’t have too much in your pack. 
  • Wear appropriate footwear (e.g. hiking boots).
  • Avoid alcohol, especially on unfamiliar or rough terrain. 

Wildlife safety 

  • Never approach wild animals. 
  • Never leave food out. Place food in sealed containers and place in a locked environment (e.g. a car or hanging from a tree downwind of the campsite). 
  • Don’t eat unfamiliar vegetation. 
  • Don’t drink unfamiliar water. Use water purifiers and/or boil water when using unknown water sources. 
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