• Pack out what you pack in. Litter is another scourge of the hiking trail. Glass, cans and plastic are not just visually offensive, they can harm animals and people.
• Leave Fido at home. While dogs are a fixture on many trails, some die-hard hikers believe dogs should stay home. Some trails actually have no-dog policies. "It's from dog feces more than anything else that water sources get contaminated," says Haynes. Haynes adds if dogs do need to accompany you, you should always keep them on a leash.
Additional rules
• Don't hike alone.
• Check the weather forecast before you head out.
• Carry a map and compass with you, even if you have a GPS.
• If you don't know the area, study a map before you hike.
• Obey all posted signs.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you will be returning.
• Keep the noise down.
• Leave the alcohol at home.
Choosing your trail
Just as a new swimmer isn't going to breaststroke across the English Channel, a novice hiker has to pace herself. Some longer trails, especially ones with steep hills, demand a fairly high level of fitness. Haynes recommends beginners should start at five kilometres or less (one to two hours) for their first few walks. Flat trails of up to 10 kilometres may be fine as well, but new hikers shouldn't attempt longer routes. Trails beyond 15 kilometres – or 10 kilometres with a significant climb – are best left to the more experienced hikers. Most formal trails will tell you the distance, and some will rate the level of difficulty. And if you have a topographic map, you can quickly see if there are any steep hills.
Whether you want to take a sweet afternoon stroll or spend four nights sleeping in the wilderness, there's a trail out there for you. For getting fit, clearing your head, escaping the concrete and getting to see some of Canada's most stunning scenery, it's hard to find anything better than taking a hike.
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