Camping
Pender Harbour has several public campgrounds, and camping is permitted in most parks.
Please, respect our great outdoors. We appreciate it when you don't leave garbage or fire hazards behind, and when you’re careful to disturb our wilderness as little as possible.
Heed these suggestions for a more enjoyable camping experience:
- Check the weather.
- Don’t forget a map, compass and first-aid kit, and know how to use all three.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Remember that your cell phone may not work in remote areas.
- Familiarize yourself with poisonous plants so you can avoid them.
- Make sure you’re not setting up camp on private property.
- Don’t drink water unless you’re certain it’s safe (cool, clear and sparkling running water may look fine but it’s not necessarily safe).
- Before building a fire, make sure it’s permitted. Never, never leave a fire unattended.
- Don’t leave food and garbage around to attract bears, raccoons and yellowjacket wasps. For the same reason, even though you’re roughing it, be sure to practice good hygiene in food preparation.
- Disturb your campsite area as little as possible, and please don’t leave your garbage behind, buried or not.
- We suggest you leave the iPod and ghetto blaster at home, turn off the cel phone and pda. Listen to the music and soak up the magic of nature.
Insect Pests
Keep in mind that many insect pests are attracted to perfumes and scented body-care products.
Yellowjackets
These aggressive wasps are most plentiful in August and September, but are present from spring to fall. They are particularly attracted to the smell of fish and meat, so keep work surfaces, eating areas and yourself clean. If you are allergic to their venom, be sure to have a sting-kit handy.
Mosquitoes & Flies
Enjoy the fact that the Sunshine Coast has few mosquitoes and black flies compared to the rest of the continent, but bug repellent is still a good idea for campers.
Ticks
Ticks are common in hardwood areas, most prevalent in spring and summer months, and these nasty little bloodsuckers can infect you with Lyme’s Disease.
Snug collars, cuffs and socks will help discourage ticks from crawling up to tender, hard-to-reach spots for a meal, but still do a thorough check of yourself after a jaunt in the forest.
Man’s Best Friend
If you're camping with dogs, always keep them under control, leashed or contained, both for the protection of our wildlife and for their own safety.
An encounter with a western spotted skunk will not be pleasant for your dog, or anyone who has to go near him for several days. Don’t forget to check your pet’s coat thoroughly for ticks at least daily.
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