Exploring the hiking trails around Whiteshell is exciting and interesting. Sharing the trails with others means understanding hiking etiquette that applies. Being courteous to others and preserving the environment are vital elements. Do all you can to make it a fun experience for everyone and reduce your environmental footprint.
Dogs
Hiking with your dog is common around Whiteshell, but ensure your dog is always on a leash. This prevents them from bothering anyone or fighting with other dogs on the same trail. Bring a container from which your dog can drink water while hiking in the Whiteshell. Clean up any feces from your pet; don’t leave it on the trail where others can step on it.
Limit Signs of Your Presence
Do all you can to limit signs of your presence on these trails. Stick to the marked paths; if you deviate from them, you can disrupt the natural habitat wildlife depends on for survival. Bring a trash bag to dispose of toilet paper, food wrappers, and any other items you bring for your hike. Don’t leave anything behind that can compromise the beauty or habitat of the area you went through.
If you see trash others left behind on the trail, help by cleaning it up. Put it in your trash bag so it doesn’t compromise the environment. There are trash cans at some locations on trails, but they may be full. Don’t add more to it if the lid is already not fitting on what has been placed in it. Please bring it back down with you and dispose of it elsewhere.
Don’t take anything from nature. This includes plants, flowers, and rocks. Admire them and take photos, but don’t disrupt them when you hike in Whiteshell. Let them remain there for others to enjoy, too.
Flow
Not everyone hikes at the same pace; be respectful of that. Stay to the right when you go up a path and to the left when you come down. This ensures people can pass each other with ease in both directions. If the path is narrow, move to the side and allow others to go by, and then you can get back on the path.
If people behind you walk faster, give them room to pass you. It is fine if you are going at a leisurely pace, but don’t hold up everyone behind you. If you wish to pass someone in front of you, go around them and be on your way.
Say hello as you approach someone to pass them or when they go the opposite way on the trail. A smile and eye contact puts everyone at ease. Being aware of your surroundings is essential in any setting, including hiking.
As a general rule of thumb, individuals walking uphill of the right away while hiking. Those on bicycles should yield to those walking on the trails if they can’t quickly go around them. Hikers should yield to those on horseback.
Respect Others on the Trails
Have fun hiking, but keep the noise to a minimum. You want to avoid bothering others, trying to enjoy the quiet and tranquil connection with nature as they hike. Horseplay, roughhousing, and practical jokes shouldn’t be part of your hiking adventures.
Offer to take Pictures
Selfies can be a challenge and limit what is in a picture. If you see someone hiking and trying to take a photo, offer to do it for them. You can take spectacular images of them with the scenery in the background. They will likely offer to do the same for you!
Help those in Need
If you see someone injured or needing help, do what you can. Offer first aid and water to them. Get help if they have a severe injury or health concern and you can’t do much at the scene to assist them. Let medical emergency services know as much as you can about the situation and the exact location of the hiker so they can get to them quickly.
Be aware of trail conditions. If it is too much for you or someone in your group, immediately turn around. Don’t continue on the terrain if you struggle with it. If you see someone else struggling, ask if you can assist them. They may need help getting back down the trail. Never leave another hiker alone if you get the impression something is wrong.
Report Anything Unusual
If something doesn’t seem right on a trail, report it. What you see could pose a threat to other hikers. Report it at a Whiteshell ranger station or any employee working within the National Park.
