6 Min Read • 35 days ago The BC Marine Trails Code of Conduct: Your Ticket to Respectful Adventure

Guest Post: Sam Cutcliffe, BC Marine Trails

Alright, friends, let’s talk about something near and dear to our hearts: the great BC coastline— a magical place, but a fragile one. 

Imagine paddling through turquoise waters, spotting seals sunbathing on rocky outcrops, and landing on a secluded beach that feels like it was made just for you. Dreamy, right? Now imagine arriving at that same beach and finding garbage, trampled plants, and, dare we say it, a pile of human poo. Suddenly, that dream feels more like a nightmare.

BC Marine Trails is a non-profit dedicated to working with First Nations groups and other stakeholders to build, protect, and promote a public network of marine trails, thereby allowing safe and respectful recreational navigation of the BC coastline with minimal impact on the environment. As part of this mission, we’ve developed a set of guidelines, the BC Marine Trails Code of Conduct, to help visitors preserve and protect these remarkable marine trails that encompass over 25,000 km of paddling routes.

The BC Marine Trails Code of Conduct  is a simple, practical guide to ensuring we leave the coast as pristine as we found it (or better). Think of it as your cheat sheet for responsible recreation on the coast.

Why Should You Care?

But wait, you say, more rules? You may already practice Leave No Trace principles, so why is coastal camping any different? The BCMT Code of Conduct takes a fresh approach to Leave No Trace principles, specific to the BC Coast. It’s about preserving the wild, beauty of the coast for generations to come. It’s about respecting First Nations lands, Rights and Title, upholding their stewardship practices, and protecting wildlife. This ensures, and ensuring everyone gets to experience the magic of paddling BC’s waters without stumbling across yesterday’s garbage (or worse).

Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down.

Respect First Nations Lands and Heritage

You’re paddling through layers of time — these lands have been home to First Nations for millenia. That beautiful beach you’re eyeing? It might be a culturally significant site, an ancient shell midden, or even a sacred burial ground.

Golden rule: Disturb nothing, take nothing. Admire the heritage, but leave it untouched. Our access to these areas relies on respect. One careless act can be culturally damaging to First Nations communities, jeopardize partnerships, and restrict access for everyone.

The Scoop on Poop

Let’s not dance around it: human waste is a problem. A cathole (a hole dug in the ground to bury poo) might work inland, but on the coast? Not so much. The thin soil and lack of decomposition mean that waste can linger—along with its pathogens. And trust us, no one wants to step in that.

Best practice? Use site-provided toilets, pack it out with portable waste systems, or make sure the ocean’s tide can sweep it away safely (far, far away) — in this case, burn toilet paper (safely at the water’s edge, away from trees, grasses, etc.), pack it out with you, or use alternatives like seaweed, kelp, rounded rocks, leaves, or bark. Think of it as leaving the coast a little less crappy than you found it.

Campfires: Romantic, But Risky

We get it — nothing says wilderness vibes like a crackling campfire. But let’s be honest: fires can cause more harm than good. If you must have one (fire ban permitting!), keep it below the high tide line, use only driftwood, and keep it small. Better yet? Skip the fire entirely and embrace the glow of a good headlamp. It can be just as romantic, we promise. 

Wildlife is Not Your Friend!

That sea lion basking on the rocks? Not auditioning for your Instagram reel. Wild animals thrive when we give them space — lots of it. And let’s not forget: a fed bear is a dead bear (and other critters too!). Keep your food secure in a bear cache, kayak hatch, or bear hang to keep everyone (human and animal) safe.

Dish Duty

Soap might seem harmless, but even biodegradable kinds can wreak havoc on intertidal ecosystems by disrupting marine life and introducing chemicals into delicate habitats. On the coast, you get the luxury of washing your dishes with hot water and gravel or sand — just as Mother Nature intended! Avoid soaps altogether when possible, and always dispose of grey water at the lowest intertidal zone, where wave action can dilute it more effectively.

Leave It Better

The goal isn’t just to Leave No Trace — it’s to leave things better. Found some marine debris? Pack it out. See trampled vegetation? Stick to designated paths and minimize further damage. Every small effort counts.

Maintaining a small footprint is crucial, especially on the coast. Even if you’ve been formally trained in ballet, the lightest of steps can still destroy sensitive vegetation or disrupt wildlife habitats. Coastal bluffs and sand dunes are particularly fragile — eroded vegetation can lead to further loss of protection from salt spray and waves, leaving the area even more vulnerable

Why It Matters

Think of the Marine Trails Code of Conduct as your invitation to become a true steward of the coast. By following these simple principles, you’re not just protecting the environment—you’re ensuring that the next paddler, hiker, or camper gets to experience the same magic you did.

So, let’s do this together. Treat the coast like an apartment where you’re determined to get your damage deposit back — unlike a landlord, Mother Nature can’t just cover up the mess with a fresh coat of paint.  Pack smart, tread lightly, and for the love of all things wild and wonderful, #DontLoveItToDeath.

[Right Click and Save to Download The Pocket Version of the Code of Conduct Below]