Follow These 7 Adventure Principles To Leave No Trace

Picture this: You’re surrounded by tall trees as you meander along a winding path, with crisp morning air filling your lungs and the crunch of gravel underfoot. Whether you’re adventuring in one of our Calgary parks or on a remote mountain trail, you smile and sigh as you take in the natural beauty around you.

But here’s the thing — that beauty is delicate, and it’s our responsibility to make sure generations to come can experience it too. No one wants to step outside and find stray litter, loud music or trampled plants. Enter Leave No Trace, a set of seven principles designed to minimize your impact on the environment while still enjoying Alberta’s great outdoors.

If you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure in the near future, take five minutes to learn how you can coexist with nature before lacing up your hiking boots to hit the trails. But first…

Your Leave No Trace Mission, Should You Choose To Accept

You may be wondering why these principles matter, especially in outdoor spaces that seem untouched. Well, here’s the thing — even the most remote corners of nature are more fragile than they appear. A misplaced campfire or trampled wildflower may seem insignificant, but multiply it by thousands of visitors every year, and the impact becomes undeniable.

So rather than reading these seven leave no trace principles as a list of things you can’t do, think of them as your not-so-secret weapon to preserve nature around you. Because what if you could enjoy the outdoors, and not only leave no trace, but leave it BETTER than you found it?! So that you, your neighbours, visitors, newcomers and longtime adventurers can enjoy the same outdoor spaces, again and again, forever and ever?

Here’s how we can work together to keep our nature wild:

1) Plan Ahead To Make The Most Of Your Adventure 

Before heading out the door, we always recommend researching your destination first — your route, the weather, trail conditions, necessary permits, closures, the works. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into allows you to dress and pack appropriately, so you’re prepared for what might come next. By planning ahead, you’re not only ensuring your own safety but also minimizing your impact on the natural environment and lowering the risk of finding yourself in an unexpected situation — here in Calgary or out in the Rocky Mountains. 

Planning an overnight backpacking trip? Read our blog on How To Get Started Backpacking. 

2) Travel On Durable Surfaces To Leave No Trace

We know it’s tempting to stray off the beaten path, especially if the trail you’re on is busy. But sticking to designated trails and campsites protects fragile ecosystems from unnecessary damage. So, stick to the trail — it’s there for a reason. If there is no trail, try to walk on durable surfaces — like bare ground, rock, sand, dry grass or deep snow — to lower your impact and keep nature thriving. 

3) Keep Our Nature Clean & Dispose Of Your Waste Properly 

Ah, the age-old saying — leave only footprints, take only memories. When nature calls, make sure to follow Leave No Trace guidelines for waste disposal. That means packing out all your trash, including biodegradable items like apple cores and banana peels. We don’t want any critters (big or small) hanging around, eating human food and adapting their behavior because you left something behind. So do a quick sweep when you’re ready to move on, and make sure to leave the space better than you found it. 

4) Appreciate What You Find In Its Natural Environment 

It may seem like nature is abundant with pretty rocks, colorful wildflowers and rustic wood ripe for the taking, but remember, those treasures belong in their natural habitat (not at home as souvenirs). Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects where you found them, so the next adventurers can enjoy them too. But what can you take with you? Litter! We like to bring a bag on our adventures and clean up as we go. 

Need an extra kick in the butt to get outside? Here are 7 Convincing Health Benefits Of Spending More Time Outdoors In Calgary.

5) Enjoy Campfires Responsibly To Minimize Your Impact

There’s nothing quite like cozying up by a crackling campfire under the starlit sky, but fires can leave lasting scars on the landscape if they’re not handled responsibly. So how can you do this? If you’re allowed to collect wood, only select dead wood, while keeping your fire small and in control. Use established fire rings when they’re available, and always fully extinguish them before leaving your site using water and a stick to cool the embers.

6) Observe & Appreciate Wildlife From A Distance

Calgary and the Rocky Mountains are home to a wide array of wildlife, from birds and squirrels, to deer and coyotes, to bobcats and bears. While encountering any creature in the wild can be an unforgettable experience, it’s important to observe from a distance and respect their space. It’s important that you don’t feed or approach them, as we don’t want to change their regular habits or routines. Make sure to check all signage for wildlife zones, and if pets are allowed on- or off-leash before entering.

7) Adventure With Your Neighbours In Mind

Whether you’re sharing a trail with fellow walkers or passing by a secluded campsite, practicing courtesy goes a long way. Yield to others on the trail, especially those going uphill, and keep your noise levels to a minimum. Everyone loves a quiet escape into nature, so respect the solitude of those around you. If you like listening to music, consider bringing earbuds so you can experience nature the way you like it too.

By following these seven Leave No Trace principles, you’re allowing everyone who visits to experience the same sense of awe and wonder that you are today. Learn more about these principles on leavenotrace.ca. Happy trails!