Experience it...one step at a time!
Newsletter
HIKING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Hike Ontario always puts the safety of people first, especially trail users. For the foreseeable future the Covid-19 virus has changed everything about you and the outdoors. During the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hike Ontario recommends that people stay home but as the situation is fluid and is changing almost daily across our province, as trails are opening and hiking is occurring we offer the following guidance.
For the latest updates check the Government of Ontario Covid website: covid-19.ontario.ca
For Hike Leaders: Our mandate as hike leaders is to be aware of the social responsibility we hold to ensure we are following Provincial recommendations. Strict adherence to the public health basics of physical distancing, hand washing and cough etiquette must continue as the bare minimum. Hike leaders must ensure adherence to the 2 metre separation requirement and that participants are clearly informed at the start of the hike. It is recommended that hikers pre-register for a hike with an organized hiking club.
For Hikers: Before you decide to head out, ask yourself three questions:
- Are you, or anyone in your group, exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or have you been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Is there an official closure of the section of the trail you are planning to hike?
- Are you, or anyone in your group, missing any essential gear to not only have a safe and healthy hike but also mitigate the spread or contraction of COVID-19?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we ask you to stay home.
If the answer to all these questions is no, we recommend the following:
Be self-sufficient: In addition to basic hiking gear, carry a face mask and hand sanitizer. Practice social distancing; if not possible, make sure you are wearing a mask and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As this virus can remain on hard surfaces for days, we advise not using trail resources like benches. If you come into contact with hard surfaces, either wash your hands (if possible) or use hand sanitizer. Pack a trowel so you can dig catholes (70 adult steps from the trail and water sources and carry out toilet paper) rather than an outhouse.
Stay local: Hike close to home. Ensure you do not have to stop en route for gas or meals. Check the trail website for closures before heading out, as the section of the trail you are planning to visit may have an official closure or other restrictions.
Stay small: It is recommended to hike with a single person/family /or in single-file only. Hike only with members of your immediate household or in small groups. For the acceptable group size at the time of your hike, it is recommended that the Government of Ontario website be consulted. During the state of emergency in Ontario the maximum number of people is 5. Avoid well-known locations where there will likely be many visitors. Do not access the trail during high traffic periods (weekends, holidays, etc.). Have a backup plan in case the trailhead is crowded when you arrive. If trailheads are full, turn back and return when crowds have dispersed. Do not park in undesignated areas or block roads or gates.
Be prepared: Carry a physical map of the area where you are hiking. Share your plans with someone you know in case you need assistance. Leave the trail in the same or better condition than you found it. Being prepared not only protects you and the trail — it protects your fellow hikers and, should you become lost or injured, the search and rescue teams that would use their limited resources to come to assist you.
Be respectful: If you head into town on your trip, please wear PPE and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap frequently. Contact businesses and service providers in advance to make sure they are open and follow local guidelines. Minimize the amount of time you spend in town.
Additional Considerations:
Car Pooling: Car pooling is not recommended. A hike involving a car shuttle (unless family members living together) contravenes strict adherence to the Provincial public health basics of physical distancing.
Hike Structure: We recommend either loop hikes or a back and forth hike be adopted. In these two cases (loop hike and back and forth hike) people arrive at the trailhead with known friends or partners and do not have to share a ride with unknown people.
We continue to appreciate everyone’s assistance in keeping the trail community and trails safe and healthy. Our personal health is now a collective issue: unless everyone is safe, no one is safe. So please be prepared and be thoughtful when you head outdoors.
Our trails will be there, through this crisis, and beyond. Make sure you are safe and healthy now, and in the future, to enjoy all it has to offer.
