Most hikers know the phrase “Leave No Trace,” but putting it into practice takes more than just packing out your rubbish.
Stay on established trails to prevent erosion. Camp at least 60 metres from lakes and streams to protect fragile ecosystems. Use a camping stove instead of open fires, especially in high-risk areas.
Even small choices matter: biodegradable soap used far from water sources, reusing ziplock bags, or switching to a reusable food wrap. The wilderness is a shared resource — our behaviour today determines what’s left for the next generation of hikers.