please Camp responsibly.
Follow the Camper’s Code.

The camper’s code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow. When all campers follow them, these good things happen:

  • Camping continues to be enjoyable for all

  • Nature remains pristine and beautiful

  • People camping in the same area become friends

  • Animals stay wild and free

 
CampersCode_CampfireIllustration.jpg

Respect Wildlife

Getting close to and feeding wildlife is detrimental to animals, their survival, and possibly to you. Wildlife is called wildlife because they are supposed to be wild.

Do not feed or approach wild animals

Let animals do animal things peacefully—like forage for their own food and roam about without an audience. Many animals become stressed or defensive when approached.

Use binoculars to observe from afar

Keep a respectful distance from wildlife to observe their natural behaviours. Marvel at them safely and from a distance with binoculars.

BC Parks Wildlife Safety

parks canada wildlife watching


Plan Ahead and
Be Prepared

Safety first—even if you’re car camping or going somewhere very accessible. Anything can happen in wild spaces. Stay safe by adhering to the three Ts: Trip Plan, Train, Take the essentials.

Trip plan

Decide where you’re going and how long you’re going for. Give your plan to someone you trust—so if you don’t return on time, they know where to send help.

Train (and know your limits)

Obtain the knowledge and skills you need for the terrain you’re embarking on. Know and stay within your limits. Unprepared people can get into sticky situations. Sticky situations don’t always turn out well.

Take the essentials

No matter how short your camping adventure is, always pack the essentials. We recommend:

  • Flashlight/headlamp + extra batteries

  • Fire-making kit

  • Signaling device (whistle, mirror, etc.)

  • Extra food and water

  • Extra clothing

  • Navigation / communication devices (GPS, etc.)

  • First aid kit

  • Emergency blanket/shelter

  • Pocket knife

  • Sun protection

  • Season and sport-specific gear

Adventuresmart’s three ts


Take only photos

If it’s not yours, don’t take it. Nature and all its glory are for everyone to enjoy. Please leave natural and cultural objects undisturbed. We’re talking about mushrooms, flowers, and wood, too. If you see it in nature and you just love it so much, then take a photo and leave it in nature.


Control your pets

Pets are loveable. They can also negatively impact trails, aggravate park visitors, contaminate natural resources, and impact wildlife.  

Know where your pets can go

Research ahead of time and take your pets to pet-friendly parks.

Bag your pet’s waste

Pick it up and pack it out. Every time.

Keep your pet under control

Keep your pet on a leash for their safety and the safety of wildlife. Be considerate of other campers; not everyone loves pets.

Dogs in Parks Canada’s protected places

Pets in BC Parks


Respect Others

Some people go camping for peace and quiet. Some go for family time fun. Some go to play music and chill. Respect your camping neighbours by keeping noise levels low and adhering to posted quiet hours.


Practice fire safety

Prevent human-caused wildfires by practicing these three simple (and really important) campfire safety rules:

Respect fire bans

If there is a campfire ban, do not have a campfire under any circumstances.

Never leave a fire unattended

If you’re not able to watch the fire, put it out.

Put fires out completely

That means no smoldering and cold to the touch. 100% out.


Store food safely

Food and scented items can attract wild animals. Attracting wild animals can lead to personal injury and wildlife being killed. Store all food in a wildlife-proof container or in a hard-sided vehicle.

WildSafe “Bare” Camping


Respect staff and signs

Staff and signs are here to help. Adhere to their guidance and everyone can stay safe.


Don’t litter

Littering is not cool nor acceptable under any circumstances. Put all garbage in marked garbage/waste bins. If there are no bins, be kind and pack it out.

 

Take the pledge (and spread the word)

A pledge by campers for campers.


By entering your name and contact information below, you are officially pledging to camp responsibly and follow the Camper’s Code.
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