Check the day
Review weather, road access and trail closures. Pick a route for your group’s ability and leave time to return in daylight.
Island Lake · Before you head outside
Summer Safety
Enjoy the valley. Give wildlife space. Help protect the forest and everyone who shares it.
Everyone, every visit
Our property rules.
- No campfiresAnywhere on Island Lake property.
- No smokingProtect the forest and lodges.
- No firearmsDo not bring guns onto the property.
- No huntingWildlife belongs here, undisturbed.
These are Island Lake property rules. Follow posted signs, closures and staff directions.
Bears, moose & the neighbours
Give wildlife room.
Never feed, crowd or follow an animal. Keep food and waste secured, keep children close, and keep dogs leashed. An animal blocking your route is a reason to wait or turn back.
BearsBlack bears & grizzlies
Help prevent a surprise encounter. Travel together, use your voice near blind corners or running water, and leave headphones off. Carry bear spray on your person where you can reach it quickly, and learn how to use it before your visit.
If you see a bear: stop and stay calm. Do not run. If it has not noticed you, leave quietly. If it is aware of you but not approaching, speak calmly and back away slowly, keeping it in view and giving it space.
If a bear approaches or charges, your response depends on its behaviour. Read the full guidance before setting out; there is no single response for every encounter.
MooseEspecially mothers with calves
Never approach a moose or block its escape route. Give a mother and calf a wide berth and leave the area calmly. Dogs can provoke a defensive response; keep them leashed and away.
If a moose lowers its head or flattens its ears, back away slowly and look for shelter. If it charges, put a large tree or other solid object between you and the animal, or get inside a nearby building or vehicle if you can do so safely.
WildSafeBC moose guidanceCougarsKeep children close
Do not run or turn your back. Face the cougar, pick up small children and make yourself look large as you back away slowly. If it follows or approaches intently, be assertive and make loud noises. If attacked, fight back.
BC Parks cougar guidanceDeer, elk & other wildlifeSmall animals need space too
Give adults with young extra room, and never move between them. Observe deer, elk and mountain goats from a distance. Do not touch or feed squirrels, birds or other small animals, even around the lodges. Keep dogs away from all wildlife.
More wildlife safety guidanceLet the lodge team know about wildlife encounters and follow any trail closure signs. How we manage wildlife closures
A little preparation goes a long way
Before you set out.
Tell someone your plan
Share your route and expected return time with someone who can raise the alarm. Save a map offline; do not rely on mobile reception.
Pack for changing conditions
Bring water, food, layers, rain protection, a first-aid kit, a headlamp and navigation tools. Carry accessible bear spray.
Respect the route
Stay on marked trails and obey closures. Slow down at blind corners and look out for other trail users. Turn back if the conditions exceed your ability.
Protect an ancient forest
One spark is enough.
Campfires and smoking are prohibited throughout Island Lake property, even when provincial restrictions are lifted. An old fire ring is not permission to light a fire.
Never drop a cigarette or other burning material. Follow posted restrictions and staff instructions.
If something happens
Get to safety. Get help.
Give your location and describe the emergency. Follow emergency instructions and alert lodge staff as soon as you can.
Immediate danger or serious injury
911Ask for police, fire or ambulance as needed. A message to the lodge does not replace an emergency call.
Report smoke or wildfire
*5555From a cellphone, or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.
BC Wildfire Service reportingWildlife and preparation guidance: WildSafeBC and BC Parks. Read the species-specific guidance before heading out. Activity hazards & risk awareness