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Safety
 Travelling
the Trans Canada Trail can be an exciting adventure. But it
can also be potentially hazardous. BC’s Trans Canada
Trail is a work in progress. Portions of the trail are remote
and users will encounter sections (including bridges, trestles
and tunnels) that may not yet be fully upgraded.
The following
guidelines can help you plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable
trails experience.
ALL
TRAIL USERS
- Share
the Trail. The Trans Canada Trail is a shared corridor for
a variety of participants: hikers, cyclists, horseback riders,
cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, where possible.
- Be
aware that on some sections of the trail, motorized equipment
may be utilized for farming, forestry or other purposes.
- Respect
the rights of other trail users and the adjoining land owners.
- Where
the trail corridor is grazed, don’t disturb the stock.
Respect open and closed gating arrangements.
- Where
agricultural activities such as orchards are nearby, keep
to the trail.
- Use
designated public services and access points. Never leave
vehicles blocking adjacent properties or the trail route.
- Obey
all posted signs.
- Please
don't litter - pack out what you pack in.
- Please
keep your dog on a leash or at home. Dogs can be a nuisance
to others, and may harass livestock and wildlife.
- Please
do not collect natural materials along the trail. Flowers,
trees, plants and even rocks are part of the trail’s
natural resources.
- Leave
heritage features in place. BC law forbids the removal of
archaeological material or historical artifacts.
- Observe
all fire restrictions and take all due care with fires.
Before
you leave
- Ensure
you have the proper equipment on hand including water, extra
clothing and food, a bike repair kit including extra bike
tubes, a knife, flashlight, map, compass, fire starter,
matches, sunglasses and a first aid kit.
- Use
common sense and recognise your limitations.
- Advise
family or friends of your travel plans before you leave.
- Recognize
that much of the trail in BC is remote with little immediate
access to services. You must be prepared to be self reliant
in case of emergencies.
 For
more safety information, check out the following Web pages:
Destination
Outdoors - http://www.destinationoutdoors.com/
Great
Outdoor Recreation Page - http://www.gorp.com/gorp/health/main.htm
While
cycling along BC’s Trans Canada Trail:
- Watch
out for other trail users on the Trans Canada Trail, especially
when approaching corners and blind spots.
- Make
sure your speed is appropriate for current trail conditions,
crowding and visibility levels.
- When
passing other trail users, use a bell and give adequate
warning.
- In
all circumstances yield to pedestrians.
- Stay
on marked trails. Riding off the beaten path can damage
local vegetation.
- Walk
across bridges and trestles. Approach tunnels with care.
- Don’t
trespass on private property.
 Encountering
Wildlife
Some sections
of the Trans Canada Trail run through bear and cougar country.
It’s very important to know how to avoid bears and cougars,
and what to do if you encounter them.
Please
take the time to review important wildlife safety material
prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks,
Wildlife Branch. We recommend that you read the following
publications:
1.
Safety Guide to Bears in the Wild – http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/wld/pub/bearwld.htm
2. Safety Guide to Cougars – http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/wld/pub/cougsf.htm
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