How to Cruise with Courtesy (PDF)

• Share the trail and keep right except to pass.
• Control your speed.
• Yield to pedestrians and horse riders.
• When passing, alert other trail users. Use caution, particularly around horses.
• Keep pets on leash and on the right side of the trail.
• Communicate with signals and eye contact.
• Respect the trail environment and neighbouring lands.
• Yield to farm equipment.
• Be extra cautious and visible at road crossings. Right-of-way varies, depending on the municipality.
• Cooperate and show mutual respect.
• Show kindness to fellow trail users if they make mistakes. Consider a nod, wave or smile when passing others.

• Even in summer, be prepared for wet, cool conditions. West Coast weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before heading out.
• Dress in layers.
• Wear clothing that stays warm when wet and dries quickly (i.e. fleece - not cotton).
• Wear appropriate footwear (i.e. sturdy hiking shoes).
• In summer, wear sun-protective clothing (i.e. hats with brims).
• Wear reflective gear to be visible, use a headlamp or flashlight, make sure your pet is visible too, especially in the rainy winter months.

Always carry a daypack filled with essentials, in case you need to stay out longer than planned. Here are some suggestions:

• current map of area
• water
• snacks and extra food
• flashlight and spare batteries
• large orange plastic bag (useful as rainwear, shelter or for signalling)
• extra clothing in a waterproof plastic bag (i.e. rain gear, hat, gloves), ideally reflective
• sunscreen
• pocket knife
• waterproof matches/lighter
• fire starter paste or cubes
• candle
• compass (learn how to use it before you set out)
• first aid kit (be familiar with the contents)
• whistle
• pencil and paper
• emergency tarp or thermal blanket
• pack of tissues
• cell phone
• plastic bags for pet droppings

All regional parks and regional trails remain open year round, however be prepared for changing weather conditions.

• Weather can change quickly, so always check the forecast before heading out.
• In wilderness parks, such as Sea to Sea and Sooke Hills Wilderness, weather changes are especially varied, and include heavy snowfall in the winter.
• Be prepared for rain, frost and ice at regional parks and on regional trails and expect slippery surfaces.
• Cycling commuters may want to consider winter bike tires or alternative transportation during cold snaps or snowy weather.
• During wind storms, watch for falling branches, changing beach conditions and slippery surfaces. Avoid forested areas in high winds (40km/h+).
• During the rainy winter months, be extra visible walking on roads & trails. Wear bright reflective clothing. Consider using a headlamp or flashlight. Make sure pets are too.

You are sharing this natural area with large carnivores such as bears, cougars, and wolves.

• Stay alert. Wildlife may be in the area. Watch for signs such as tracks, claw marks on trees and scat.
• Make noise to avoid surprise encounters, especially around blind corners and areas with dense vegetation.
• Do not approach or feed wildlife. Keep a minimum viewing distance of 100 m from bears, cougars, and wolves and 30 m from other animals.
• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times to reduce the risk of encounters with large carnivores.
• Do not leave children or pets unattended.

Help reduce human-wildlife conflicts:

• Report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1.800.663.9453.
  • Reporting human-wildlife conflict
  • Learn About Staying Safe Around Wildlife
  • WildSafe BC

Pause to consider this simple canine courtesy:

• Protect nature by keeping your dog away from wildlife and sensitive areas.
• Always respect others who might not welcome your dog's attention.
• Watch that your dog is under control, in sight, and on a leash where required.
• Scoop your dog's poop and take it to the trash.

Download the PAWS in Parks pamphlet to learn why canine courtesy matters!

• Plan your trip and stick to the plan.
• Check weather forecasts before heading out.
• Make sure your equipment is in good working order.
• Know the trails of the parks you visit. Read park brochures and information kiosks.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Yield to horses.
• Hike with a friend or in a group.
• Leave a trip plan with a friend. If you don't return on schedule, your friend can contact emergency personnel.
• Be prepared to stay out longer than planned.
• If lost, make yourself visible and stay where you are until help arrives.
• Be aware of wildlife and exercise caution in wilderness areas with cougars, bears and other large omnivores (see reduce human-wildlife conflict below).
• Is your canine companion camouflaged? For the safety of your dog and others, be extra visible on trails. Use a reflective collar and leash, and other bright gear.
• Be extra cautious and visible at road crossings. Right-of-way varies, depending on the municipality.
• Cooperate and show mutual respect.
• Show kindness to fellow trail users if they make mistakes.

From WildSafeBC:

• Use bear resistant bins and/or follow food storage rules as set out at the campsite.
• Keep your campsite clean and odour free.
• Do not have any food in your tent.
• When sleeping in your tent, have your bear spray and a flashlight in a readily accessible area.

• Never swim alone.
• Remember, lifeguard service is not provided in regional parks.
• If you’re a new swimmer, stay shallow. Don’t go past your belly button. Swim with a buddy.
• Remember, inflatables and life jackets are not as safe as adult supervision.
• Cliff jumping is very dangerous. There are loose rocks and it is slippery at the cliff edge. The water may be shallower than you think. There may be submerged objects like rocks, ledges and logs.
•  Be aware that water levels are lower in the summer months and submerged objects will be closer to the surface of lakes.
• Be sun safe. Wear sun screen and a hat. Drink lots of water.
• HealthLink BC

From International Mountain Bicycling Association of Canada:

Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or with traffic conditions.

• Share the trail and keep right except to pass.
• Control your speed.
• Yield to pedestrians and horse riders.
• When passing, alert other trail users. Use caution, particularly around horses.
• Communicate with signals and eye contact.
• Respect the trail environment and neighbouring lands.
• Yield to farm equipment.
• Cooperate and show mutual respect.
• Show kindness to fellow trail users if they make mistakes.
• Be extra cautious and visible at road crossings. Right-of-way varies, depending on the municipality.
• Leave no trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
• Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic.
• Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Be Alert, Be Bright! We can help other road and trail users see us by using lights and signals, wearing bright and reflective materials, and dressing in colours in high contrast from our surroundings. Drivers have a legal responsibility to Be Alert and protect people walking and wheeling by staying safe on the road.

• Be alert: be careful at intersections and make eye contact. Always leave your phone alone while driving, walking and rolling.
• Be visible: use lights and signals, and wear bright, reflective materials. 
• Be ready to yield: especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops. Many parts of the region do not have sidewalks, so always assume people walking and wheeling are sharing the road with you.
• Expect the unexpected: even mid-block, as people may not be crossing within a crosswalk, and if a vehicle stops, it may be yielding.
• Be predictable: know the rules of the road and obey traffic signals and signs.

How to wear reflective gear:

• Highlight moving areas of your body and equipment (better contrast from your environment).
• Place neon and reflective straps or adhesive strips at wrists, ankles or knees.
• Use a reflective vest for the best visibility.
• Choose reflective red/orange and yellow/green instead, as they are the easiest to spot (white could be mistaken for street signage and road markings).
• Ensure your pet is visible by using reflective collars, harnesses, and leashes.

Safety is your personal responsibility. Be prepared for possible hazards and always exercise caution. Remember that if you have an emergency, it could take several hours for help to come.

• Cell phone coverage is limited in some parks.
• Turn off your phone when not in use to conserve the battery.
• In case of emergency call 911.
• Report wildlife-human interactions where the public may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1.877.952.7277.
• Report a wildfire to 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 from a mobile phone.
• Report park violations or animal control issues to 250.478.3344.