|
Camping 101
Heed these suggestions for a better camping experience:
- Check the weather.
- Don’t forget a map, compass and first-aid kit.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Remember that your cell phone may not work in remote areas.
- Familiarize yourself with poisonous plants so you can avoid them.
- Make sure you’re not setting up camp on someone’s private property.
- Don’t drink water unless you’re certain it’s safe.
- Before building a fire, make sure they’re permitted and never leave a fire unattended.
- Don’t leave food and garbage around to attract black bears, raccoons and yellowjacket wasps.
- Even though you’re roughing it, be sure to practice good hygiene in food preparation.
- Disturb your campsite area as little as possible, and please don’t leave your garbage behind, buried or not.
Top of Page
Insect Pests
Keep in mind that many insect pests are attracted to perfumes and scented body-care products.
Yellowjacket Wasps
Wasps are most plentiful and most aggressive in August and September, but are present from spring to fall. They are particularly attracted to the smell of fish and meat, so keep work surfaces, eating areas and yourself clean. If you are allergic to their venom, be sure to have a sting-kit available.
Mosquitoes and Flies
Enjoy the fact that the Sunshine Coast has few mosquitoes and black flies compared to the rest of the continent, but bug repellent is still a good idea for campers.
Ticks
Ticks are common in hardwood areas, and these little bloodsuckers can infect you with Lyme’s Disease. Wearing snug collars and cuffs will help discourage them from crawling up to tender, hard-to-reach spots for a meal, but still do a thorough check of yourself after a jaunt in the forest.
Top of Page
Man’s Best Friend
If you're camping with dogs, always keep them under control, leashed or contained, both for the protection of our wildlife and for their own safety. An encounter with a western spotted skunk can ruin your dog's whole day!
Top of Page
Offsite Camping Links
Camping in Black Bear Country (Parks Canada)
Weather Office (Environment Canada)
|
