Be Prepared
- All outdoor activities involve some risk. When you are in the backcountry, you must take responsibility for your personal safety. Find out about natural hazards so you can avoid them when possible. Have a plan to deal with them hazards if you need to.
- Contact the Parks Division District Office (403-627-1165) or talk with staff on-site for information on trail conditions and hazards. Check for any posted Advisories.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly in this area. Ensure your plans are flexible in case severe weather or natural hazards make it necessary to alter your schedule.
- Advise someone of your route and when you intend to return.
- Leave a note on your vehicle's dashboard or in your campsite noting your intended destination and expected return time.
- Take along a map, compass and basic survival kit. This should include a flashlight, extra high energy food, water, warm clothing, first aid kit, rain gear and a tool kit (if skiing).
- Firearms are generally not permitted in Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, except under special circumstances during certain times of the year. Please contact a Conservation Office at the District Office for more information.
On the Trail
- Stay on trails. Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages soil and plant life. This ruins the look of the area and makes it vulnerable to further damage by erosion. Staying on the trail is extra important when soils are wet and more easily damaged.
- Use bridges whenever possible. Streams can be dangerous.
- Stay off frozen lakes and streams in early fall and late spring.
- If you travel on ice in the winter, you must understand how to test for safe ice for travel and test the ice every time.
Pack Out Garbage
- Do not litter. Pack out ALL your own garbage. We appreciate your help in packing out any litter you find along the trail, too.
- By law, you are responsible for everything you take into the backcountry, including garbage. Litter in the backcountry is unsightly and hazardous. Animals may be injured by scavenging in garbage.
- Do not dispose of garbage in pit privies as it may attract animals.
Deal with Human Waste Properly
- Use the pit privies provided, if possible.
- If there are no facilities nearby, select a spot away from trails, campsites and at least 70 metres from water sources. Dig a hole 12 to 16 centimetres deep with a stick, the heel of your boot or a small trowel to reach the dark-coloured biologically active soil layer. Fill the hole with soil afterward; do not pack it down. Use as little toilet paper as possible and pack used toilet paper out.
- Pack out feminine hygiene products.
Keep Dogs on Leash
- Consider leaving your dog at home. Wild animals see dogs as either prey or predator. This can provoke confrontations with wildlife and endanger you.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Respect other trail users. Keep your dog under control and always clean up after it.
Do Not Collect Natural or Cultural Objects
- Leave rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, nests and all other natural or historical objects as you found them for others to enjoy.
- It is unlawful to disturb, damage or remove any natural or cultural resource within a provincial park.
Avoid Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife is extremely sensitive to the stress of human activity. Following these basic practices will help you avoid encounters with wildlife like bears, cougars, elk and moose.
- Take photos and enjoy wildlife from a distance. Use binoculars and a zoom lens.
- Closures due to wildlife are intended to prevent unnecessary people-wildlife conflicts. Respect all trail and area closures. Closures are legally binding.
- All park animals are wild and can be dangerous. Any animal can become aggressive if it feels threatened.
- Large ungulates like elk and moose can be unpredictable. Respect these animals and give them their distance.
- Keep your distance - 30 metres from most animals and at least 100 metres from carnivores such as bears, cougars and wolves.
- Make noise! Call out, clap hands, sing or talk loudly, or shout "Yo bear!" to warn animals so you don't surprise them. This is especially important near streams, dense vegetation and berry patches, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility.
- Watch for fresh bear signs - tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks. Leave the area if the signs are fresh.
- Use your senses of smell and hearing too. Smelling an animal carcass or hearing noise in the bush may warn that a bear or other animal is in the area.
- Larger size groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter. We recommend hiking together in a group of four or more.
- Never let small or young children wander unsupervised.
- Never approach a bear.
- Use officially marked paths and trails. Travel during daylight hours; avoid hiking at night.
- If you come across a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it (see below).
- More info
Let Us Know!
- Report wildlife sightings, encounters or unusual observations to park staff.
- Call 310-LAND(5263) to contact a Conservation Officer about enforcement and public safety.
- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
