Alberta.ca  Tourism, Parks and Recreation  Parks > Kananaskis Country


5 things you can do to help keep our wildlands healthy:
1. Tread Lightly

Use trails where they exist. Stay on them, even if they’re wet or muddy. Otherwise, multiple trails result.

Don’t shortcut switchbacks. It encourages others to follow, and causes erosion.

Walk on durable surfaces such as trails, rock, gravel and dry grasses, rather than on fragile vegetation, especially along streambanks.

Camp in designated campsites to reduce your impact.

Be considerate of other visitors; share the trail. Step to the downhill
side of the trail when encountering horses.

2. Put Waste in its Place
Use outhouses, when available. When they aren’t, bury waste in a
cathole 15-20 cm (6-8”) deep, at least 50 metres from any
water source. We recommend that you carry out toilet paper.

Bathe and wash dishes well away from any water source; never wash
dishes in a stream or lake.

Dispose of grey water in outhouses, when provided. Otherwise, pour
wash water into a sumphole away from camp and water sources,
and then bury it.

Fish guts? Pierce the air bladder, then throw them far out into the lake.
3. If You Pack it in, Pack it out…and Then Some
Pack out all your trash, leftover food and hygiene products. Don’t plan on burning your garbage.

Consider picking up and carrying out litter that may have been left by someone before you.
4. Give Wildlife Their Space

Stay on trails where they exist.

Keep your pet on a leash; this protects your pet as well as wildlife.

Respect trail closures and restrictions. Bear activity, sheep calving,
wolf denning, and wildlife corridors are all reasons for choosing
alternate recreation areas.

Learn to recognize prime bear feeding habitat and food sources.
Perhaps you could choose an alternate trail until the ripened
buffaloberries are finished?

Keep your distance from wildlife—never follow or approach them,
and never feed them.
5. Use fire carefully… or not at all.
Although campfires are permitted in certain areas, we recommend that instead, you use a portable gas stove. It’s easier on the
environment…and cleaner to cook over!

Remember! Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry of
provincial parks outside of designated sites. In these locations,
use only the provided firepits.

Campfires are permitted in wildland provincial parks. In these locations, use provided firepits or established firerings when available.

Keep your fire small; use only sticks that can be broken by hand.
Burn all of your wood to ash. Before leaving camp, make certain your fire is out, and is cold to the touch.

 
[ Top of Page ]