Before heading out into the terrain, it's important to be sure you've taken all steps and precautions necessary to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable! Use the checklist below to ensure you've put enough thought and preparation into your trip:

1. Have you made a reasonable plan for your outing and let someone know?

First and foremost, make sure you don't set out into the wilderness without a plan for where you're going. Across the internet and in physical guidebooks sold at sporting goods/ recreation equipment stores/ bookstores, you can find details about hiking trails all over the world! Some of my favorite sources for local hikes and hikes around Canada have been listed below:

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/?ref=headerLinks to an external site.  (easy to find hikes in any location, plus lets you filter search results for difficulty, length, attractions, and accessibility)

Vancouver Trails: https://www.vancouvertrails.com Links to an external site.(option to sign up for newsletter with updates & events)

Popular hikes near Whistler, BC: https://www.planetware.com/canada/top-rated-hikes-near-whistler-bc-cdn-1-202.htmLinks to an external site. 

Best Hikes in Canada: https://www.planetware.com/canada/best-hikes-in-canada-cdn-1-221.htmLinks to an external site. (for more experienced hikers)

Also noteworthy is the hiking difficulty-- nearly any source on which you find information about different hiking trails or loops will also have information about the overall difficulty of the trail, which specifies which hikers are best suited for the route. This can vary from source to source, but a general guideline is included below: 

Source: www.phoenix.govLinks to an external site. 

Generally speaking, it is best to avoid steep inclines or routes that exceed 5km if you are new to hiking, not an avid exerciser, or looking for something casual. As a person who is new to hiking but works out and practices cardio on the regular, consider attempting a moderate trail with an experienced friend. It can be incredibly frustrating to attempt a trail and exhaust yourself early, so start with something easier and work your way up to more difficult terrain!

Also important to your journey is deciding who to go with! In almost every instance, hiking solo--especially as a beginner-- is a risky move, because in the case of any emergency, significant weather event, or other unexpected interruption, you're left to deal with it all on your own, which can be scary, and even fatal. To avoid the stress, be sure to find a pal to accompany you on your trip! 

If your friends are busy or not into hiking, hope is not lost; in the UBC community and greater Vancouver area, there's many resources available with clubs and social groups that take trips together! View the site details below to find details about signing up for a group adventure:

UBC Varsity Outdoor Club general website:  https://www.ubc-voc.com/Links to an external site.

(trip agenda: https://www.ubc-voc.com/tripagenda/upcoming.phpLinks to an external site.) 

The VanHikers: https://www.meetup.com/VanHiking/about/?_cookie-check=A5AxPm9zs_mHi6nrLinks to an external site. 

List of "10 of the Best Hiking Groups in Vancouver" :

https://www.strub.ca/blogs/our-blog/122234371-10-of-the-best-hiking-groups-in-vancouverLinks to an external site.

(article courtesy of  Strüb Activewear)

source: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/hiking-groupLinks to an external site. 

2. Do you have the appropriate gear? 

In order to ensure you are properly hydrated + nourished, protected from the elements, and equipped with essentials in case of emergency, check to make sure you're well packed before setting out. Below are two great links from the outdoor sporting goods company REI for lists to help with packing for both day trips and longer overnight adventures:

Day trip list: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.htmlLinks to an external site. 

Overnight or multi-day trip list: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.htmlLinks to an external site. 

photo source: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.htmlLinks to an external site.

3. Is the weather hike-able? Will it be enjoyable? 

To check and confirm weather predictions, as well as accessing resources for staying up-to-date with changing weather patterns on your way to and from the trailhead, consult the "Weather Checklist" page on the "Weather Information" tab in this ePortfolio. If all appears well, and you have the appropriate clothing and equipment to handle it, full steam ahead!

source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fappalachiantrail.org%2Fexplore%2Fplan-and-prepare%2Fhiker-resource-library%2F&psig=AOvVaw0DCjk_S_g7QjGj64WPBrtc&ust=1648166477427000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjhxqFwoTCNje6N643fYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABADLinks to an external site.