The city of Campbell River and the region is a beautiful place to explore, there is an abundance of nature, making this spot an appealing one to visit. Our region is home to 5 Provincial Parks, an abundance of varied wildlife, beaches, and trails. We love where we live and sharing all the amazing things to see and do in Campbell River. We also believe it is important to protect and preserve our environment so these places can be explored for generations.
We have been a Leave No Trace partner since 2019 and work towards educating locals and visitors alike. To kick it off here is a friendly reminder of the 7 principles and how to practice them in the CR region. Share how you practice LNT in our beloved area using #DiscoverCampbellRiver
1) Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
The Campbell River Region is home to trails for all skill levels. Being prepared and educated about the area you’re going to explore is crucial. The weather can change quickly, especially if you are hiking to higher elevations. Before visiting an area research the regulations. For example, in BC parks dogs are required to be on leash in order to keep them on the trail and minimize the impact they have on the environment. If you are planning to hike in popular areas like Paradise Meadows or Landslide Lake, try and go during less busy times, weekdays perhaps or shoulder season (when possible) and hike in smaller groups! Check out Adventure Smart for tips on trip planning and what to think about before adventuring.
2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Camping is a beloved summer pastime in Campbell River. When you set up camp only do so in designated areas. If you are wilderness camping, look for already established spots that are on hard durable surfaces. In Strathcona Park, popular backpacking trails have designated camping areas in order to help reduce environmental impact. For example, the trail to Landslide Lake has two backcountry camping areas, people are not allowed to camp at the lake as the impact is too great. It is important to follow these rules in order to preserve delicate ecosystems.
3) Dispose of Waste Properly
Backpacking and hiking is a big draw for people in the Campbell River region. When out in nature, it is important to carry a trash bag with you and pack out what you pack in. If you find trash, pick it up and pack it out, leaving places better then when you found them helps lessen the impact.
4) Leave What You Find
While out in nature it can be tempting to want to take a souvenir or some memento of your time to remind you of the adventures you had. It is best to leave things where you found them and instead take some awesome photographs for your albums. (Yes, people still have those).
5) Minimize Campfire Impact
Fires can cause long-lasting impacts. When in delicate environments such as the alpine in Strathcona Park, refrain from lighting fires. The only places in Strathcona Park where fires are allowed is in the fire rings at the two campsites! The summers in BC have been getting dryer and Campbell River is no exception, before lighting a fire check for any bans or restrictions and be sure to fully extinguish it before leaving to help reduce the risk of a forest fire!
6) Respect Wildlife
We are lucky to share our home with some of the most amazing animals in the world, bears, eagles, whales, elk and many others. When out exploring nature it is important to remember that we are in their habitat. If you do happen to encounter an animal remember to only observe from afar do not approach or try to feed the animals. If you are bringing dogs or other pets out onto the trail with you, keep them leashed and under control.
7) Be Considerate of Others
Last but not least, when out on the trails be considerate of others. Popular trails in Elk Falls and Strathcona Provincial Park, can get quite busy during the summer months so it is important to respect other trail users to ensure everyone has a memorable experience!
Here are some accounts we love that help foster a love of the outdoors while promoting LNT principles.
https://www.instagram.com/yourbcparks/
