Autumn Hiking With Your Dog

Autumn, or fall in western Canada is when trees put on a colourful display of yellows, oranges and reds. At high elevations, larches light up the mountain sides with their bright golden needles. The cooler autumn temperatures make this a very pleasant season for hiking, both for you and your dog.

Things to Remember

1) Bears are fattening up for their winter hibernation. Stay away from berry crops as bears will frequent these during summer and early fall. Be sure to obey all trail closures, they are there for a reason. Stay alert, make noise and keep your dog on leash when hiking. It is best to travel in groups of at least 4 hikers in bear country.

2) Other wildlife deserve respect and distance always and especially in the fall for big ungulates such as deer, elk and moose. It is mating season and they can get ornery if you get too close. Please keep your dog on leash and avoid any wildlife encounters.

3) Snow can come early in the mountains, especially higher up. Pack some warm clothes in your backpack just in case.

4) Beautiful fall colours abound, especially higher up where the larches grow so bring the camera.

5) Hunting Season happens in the fall in most areas of Western Canada except provincial and national parks. This is a good time to hike the National Parks. The summer tourist crowds have thinned but there are still enough people for safe hiking. Be sure to check on the hunting season for the area you wish to hike in before venturing out and wear bright colours. An orange hat and vest for you and an orange vest for your dog.