Canada is a country that’s known for its natural beauty. The awe-inspiring scenery is a big draw to tourists from all over the world, but it’s also one of the primary reasons the locals choose to call Canada home. From the famous Banff National Park to Georgian Bay Islands (the smallest national park in Canada), there are a total of 37 to choose from.
The Canadian government has worked to make national parks accessible to all, but no matter how convenient the parking is or how easily you can go on a day hike, it’s important to remember that these spaces are still wild. Nature should be respected and protected.
Here are four things to remember to ensure you’re being a responsible visitor.
Leave no trace
National parks have been around far longer than modern conveniences like bottled water and pre-packagaged snacks. Any litter that gets dropped – even accidentally – is damaging to the parks’ ecosystem, and avoiding it should be one of your top priorities on your visit. One way to reduce waste is by using compostable, plastic-free tableware like Dtocs palm leaf plates for picnics and camping.
Additionally, by bringing a bag to collect your trash (and any other bits you see), you can make sure your visit has minimal impact on the environment. Even biodegradable waste such as apple cores should be taken home, to avoid accidentally causing harm to any animals who aren’t used to commercially-grown food.
More generally, you should stick to the Leave No Trace principles – ensure you’re sticking to established paths, and don’t be tempted to take anything home as a souvenir. Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints.
Be aware of wildlife
National parks are not controlled environments – they’re home to a huge variety of wild creatures, which is part of what makes them so special. As such, you do need to be conscious of what is going on around you, especially if you’re hiking solo or somewhere more remote, or are planning to camp overnight.
In particular, make sure you know what to do if you see a bear, and take precautions to reduce the risk of you running into one. You’re in their home, so make sure you’re acting accordingly. That being said, the risk of encountering a bear is generally low, particularly as they tend to stay away from humans.
Be respectful of other visitors
Exploring a national park is a fantastic way to get away from the stress and bustle of modern life, reconnect with the world around you and switch off. However, if you’re there for that reason, then others are likely to be too. As such, you should avoid loud noises, playing music out loud, or letting yourselves take up a big space if you’re traveling as a group. Let others pass you on trails if they’re moving faster than you, and don’t block the path when you stop for a break.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your visit, or that you have to be silent. But by respecting the fact that everyone has an equal right to explore our natural world, you can ensure that all explorers go home with positive memories.
Have fun
Finally, remember to have fun! National parks are there to be supported and appreciated; you just need to make sure you’re doing so responsibly. That way, humans, animals and the environment can continue to flourish.