CAMPING AND HIKING IN BC

Camping in BC

This is a picture of the Fisheries Pool in Tweedsmuir Park which is a campground that is maintained by the BC Parks. There is also the Atnarko Campsite too, which is a relatively developed site as well.

There are several different types of camping within the province, there are the vehicle accessible type, and then the wilderness type of campsites.

The wilderness sites allow for those who plan on going on multi-day hikes to have a place to stay, so they do not have to hike all of the hikes in one day.

Whether you plan on hiking for days, or camping at a wilderness campsite, you should consider leaving an itinerary of what your intentions are with your loved ones.

If you should decide to camp or hike within BC, please consider practicing no trace camping.  This will allow others to enjoy what you have enjoyed.  No trace camping means leave everything that is natural i.e. trees, etc. as if you haven't been there. 

So if you pack something that shouldn't be in the environment, then remember to pack it out with you when you head out.  Some examples may include aluminum beer and pop cans, pop can rings, fishing line, wrappers etc.

Hiking in BC

Hiking can be another really interesting and great thing to do as well, but you need to keep in mind a few simple points that will help you to have a better experience within the province:

** What is the hiking ability or the horseback riding level of each member of your group?

** How long do you plan on hiking for? Have you prepared for unexpected delays in things like weather, and other circumstances?

** Have you left a detailed plan with a responsible agency or people, that clearly describes where you are going, when you plan on coming back, how many people are in your group, their descriptions, descriptions of any vehicle that might be used, and also what sort of equipment that you're bringing with you.

** Do you have a wilderness first aid kit with you and a compass and other navigational materials with you?

** Do you have some flagging tape, that can mark your route back, as some routes may not be established that you choose to take?

** Do you have enough food and water with you? Keep in mind that in some parks, there is NO potable water, or no potable food sources.

Helpful Links to Hiking and Camping Information

BC Parks

Backroad Map Books

BC Recreational Sites and Trails

Itinerary

The itinerary is an american site, but has the same sort of information as required for BC Trips.