British Columbia is rich in trail systems,
some are existing in communities and others are located in the
rough and rugged wilderness backcountry. Combined the BC network
of trails and parks covers over 11,400,000 hectares of land with
over 2,700 kilometres of hiking and biking trails running through
it.
The BC Provincial Parks are, mostly, well maintained
with varying degree of amenities and usually cost money to enjoy
either dished out in parking fees, park use fees or some other
form of tax grab. All in all the provincial protected areas, recreation
areas and ecological reserves account for 826 parks in B.C. as
of 2004.
British Columbia is home to a diverse
collection of some of the worlds best known backpacking
trails, wilderness camping locations and day hikes exploring
mountains, rugged coastlines, miles of beaches, lush rainforests,
crossing over raging rivers and under roaring waterfalls.
Trails vary in difficulty, length and maintenance. Some hiking
and walking trails are very well groomed with a pebbled or paved
walkway. Some like the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet have viewing
benches looking out over the ocean with Bald Eagles soaring high
above. Others, like the Cape Scott Trail, although a difficult
backpacking trail has interpretive signs on the trail describing
the history of the area and the local wildlife.
BC's National, Provincial, Regional and Community Trails and
Parks can accommodate every level of fitness. When fully prepared,
exploring the wonders and beauty of the outdoors on foot will
lead to some of the most rugged, pristine natural wilderness sights
that are still around to enjoy.
Outdoor hiking and backpacking
in British Columbia requires proper planning and good fitness
levels. It is important to take the proper gear, prepare a trip
plan and prepare for the unexpected. Proper gear includes, but
not limited to, good hiking boots, dressing in layers, matches,
first aid kit, whistle, carry a flashlight and pack a sufficient
quantity of water.
Preparing a trip plan outlines your routes including departure
and expected return dates and who is hiking and backpacking with
you. Always leave the trip plan with a friend so if the unexpected
happens and you do not return on time, the friend can contact
the proper authorities to initiate a search. The BC wilderness
has a bad sad to it when it turns nasty.
To minimize injury always hike in groups and travel at the pace
of the slowest person. If a member of the party happens to get
lost or injured it is important to always maintain calm and stay
put. This makes it easier for search parties to locate you.
It is wise to pack with you some sort of signaling device such
as flares and whistles. Stay visible so to be spotted from the
air and always start a fire. During the night seek shelter from
the elements but in the day stay visible.The most common attitude
is that it cannot happen to me. Wrong answer!
We have been on hundreds of backpack trips throughout BC and
believe us when we tell you lives have been saved because of our
groups preparedness. Lack of preparedness for the unexpected and
for changing weather is when trouble rears its ugly head. Hiking
and backpacking the outdoors in British Columbia is enjoyable
when prepared no matter what nature throws at you! |