Hi there
I am about to set off to cycle the Pavific Coast, from Vancouver to Tijuana with my sister. We plan to do a mix of warm showers and camping, but I'm a bit nervous about camping in bear country.
Any tips from anyone to stay safe? Do all the national campsites have bear boxes for food storage?
Thanks!
Robyn
You are right to be concerned about camping in bear country and to educate yourself and be prepared.
Having said that, bears aren't a huge problem in campsites that are accessible by road, but still need to take precautions.
I've cycled and camped in western Canada and we didn't have any problems. There are bear-proof garbage cans and I've learned recently that there are bear-proof food boxes for campers without motor vehicles to store their food. In eastern Canada in back-woods camping (hiking, canoeing) there are high metal arches with hooks to hang your food pack out of reach of bears, but they don't have the benefit of keeping your pack dry. Failing that, bring enough rope to be able to throw a rope over a tree branch and haul your pack up at least 12' if you aren't in a reasonably serviced campground. You may want to pick up a can of mace/pepper/bear spray if you want to be really prepared, but that should only be necessary for hikers and canoeists. Common sense generally applies, wash up your dishes with soap, if you can't hang your pack canned goods won't attract critters and menstruating women should be a bit more careful.
Have fun!
I have camped and cycled with bears around, and no problem That is, Black bears - grizzlies would be another story! Make sure that one of your panniers NEVER contains any food nor any scented product such as tooth paste, soap, deoderants, etc. and this applies to that bag from the day you set-out until you clear bear country. If worried, carry a bear spray. Carry a rope to haul that bag up a tree at night. Good luck!
Dave
There is a natural way to protect yourself from an unexpected visit of a rumbling bear. It is to mark your territory. You walk around your camp spot and piss on trees, stones and alike, and bears understand they should stay away from the place you made till your own. :-) Seriously!
Thanks for your advice everyone - much appreciated. Do you know if the nation park campsites have bear food bins, or should I be packing some rope to string stuff up in a tree?
Thanks for your advice everyone - much appreciated. Do you know if the nation park campsites have bear food bins, or should I be packing some rope to string stuff up in a tree?
Some do, but I'd have rope with me just in case they don't...
Almost all USA and Canadian parks have bear proof garbage recepticals. Most just unlatch from the rear side but NOT by bears. Most are quite clean inside even though they are set up for trash. Bring along a heavy duty large plastic bag. Insert your food pannier (s) and place in back side of bear proof trash container. Voila, ya are all set. Remember to never eat in tent, never cook close to tent and never bring any food storage item plus toothpaste, et al, into tent.