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The West Boundary is a large geographic area which is sparsely populated. Much of the land base is mountainous Crown Land. Cell service is spotty. When you recreate in the wilderness there are basic safety precautions you should take.

Accessibility

Planning a trip for people who live with disabilities requires careful consideration of accessibility and ensuring the destination and accommodations meet their specific needs. Reach out to accommodations, attractions, and transportation providers to confirm accessibility details and inform them about your party’s specific needs. Ask about wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and any other relevant needs.
BC Parks information on accessibility: https://accessibility.bcparks.ca/

Avalanche risk

People engaging in activities in avalanche prone areas should undergo proper avalanche education, carry appropriate safety gear (such as avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes), and stay informed about current avalanche conditions and warnings.
https://www.avalancheassociation.ca/

Cattle on range

Summer grazing takes place from May to October on crown rangelands. When accessing crown rangelands, leave it as you found it and close the gate behind you.

Cell Service

Check your cell phone provider’s coverage maps to see the extent of coverage where you want to travel. Keep in mind, there can be variations in signal strength and service quality. Pay phones are not available in communities.

Drought

The BC Drought Information Portal has information for the West Boundary. Water scarcity can have significant impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and communities.
BC Drought Information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/drought-information

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Highway 3 has Level 2 near the Visitor Centres in Rock Creek and Greenwood. Highway 33 has a Level 2 charger in Beaverdell. Big White Mountain has a level 2 at the Central Reservations Building located in the Happy Valley Parking lot.

Fire Season

Residents and visitors should stay informed about local fire conditions, adhere to any fire bans or restrictions in place, and take precautions to prevent wildfires. Check with local authorities, such as the British Columbia Wildfire Service, for the most current information.
BC Wildfire Service: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

Freshet

Freshet refers to the annual spring thaw and the resulting increase in water flow in rivers and streams due to melting snow and ice. Timing and intensity of the freshet can vary depending on factors such as snowpack levels, temperatures, and precipitation. People are advised to stay away from rivers and streams during freshet, as the banks can be unstable.
BC River Forecast Centre: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm

Heat – Be prepared

When recreating in the Summer, make sure to carry potable water with you.

Hunting Season

If you are recreating in the back country from September through November, you should be aware of the possibility of hunting activity. Exact dates may vary year to year.
BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations (West Boundary is in Region 8):
www.gov.bc.ca/hunting

Invasive species

Invasive species are species of plant and animal that are not native to our area. They pose significant ecological, economic, and social challenges to our region.
Things to know before you travel: our environment and our livelihoods depend on it!

Practice Play Clean Go (https://playcleango.org/) when recreating.
Don’t move firewood from one location to another (https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/).

Make sure when using waterways to Clean Drain Dry (https://canadainvasives.ca/programs/clean-drain-dry/).

Boundary Invasive Species Society hold contracts with local and provincial governments for managing invasive species and educating the public how to avoid spreading them: https://www.boundaryinvasives.com/.

Potable water

Ensure you have ability to purify water before drinking. Carry a reliable water purification method as water quality may be questionable. Consider packing enough water for your trip and plan ahead to ensure access to potable water.

Rattlesnakes

The low lying areas in the south of the West Boundary are rattlesnake habitat. To keep yourself safe while traveling through their habitat:
Stay on the trails and roads where you can more easily spot them.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, remain calm and slowly move away.
Give the snake lots of space and do not agitate it.
Rattlesnakes are generally quiet and not aggressive.
WildsafeBC is an excellent source of information about rattlesnakes and other wildlife: https://wildsafebc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Rattlesnake-03-01-2018-min.pdf

Risks of floating on the river

The Kettle River is a popular float in the West Boundary between Westbridge and Midway. Be aware that the river is natural habitat and there is no oversight or safety management. Floating on the river is at your own risk. Downed trees can trap a person underwater and pop your inflatable gear. There can be floating debris in the river. There are small falls and rapids in parts. Even in shallow water the current can knock a person off their feet.
Leave alcohol and any other substances for when the experience is over. Wear a life jacket and know your float distance and time ranges. Depending on the time of year and the section of the river, the duration of the float can be 3-5 hours. Bring plenty of drinking water and a dry bag with a first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a towel and proper footwear. Warm change of clothing and a paddle is recommended. Immediately exit the water during thunder storms. Most of the riverbank is private property so don’t trespass. Bring out what you brought in. Every year, the riverbank is loaded with litter from people floating.

Trans Canada Trail crosses private property and active farmland

Much of the Trans Canada Trail passes through privately owned land. Much of that is through active farmland. Please stay on the rail trail. Keep your dogs leashed. in some sections there is no access to highway or the river. Do not approach livestock. Close gates behind you. Please respect the livelihood and privacy of our neighbours.

Weather

Before you travel, check the weather and conditions. Get up-to-date information of road conditions at DriveBC (https://drivebc.ca/).

Road Safety at Work Website provides information about personal preparedness and travel through road works: https://roadsafetyatwork.ca/campaign/shift-into-winter/

Wildlife

Be considerate of wildlife and learn before you travel what to expect.

WildSafe BC works to prevent conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education and community solutions. Learn how to reduce attractants and how to manage chance encounters: https://wildsafebc.com/