Peace Trail Safety & Etiquette

The designated  Peace Trail  is for the most part in a more natural state and is not maintained to the level  of trail sections which are found in urban settings which may have graded or paved trails. The trail has uneven or irregular surfaces and may pose even heightened danger or hazards to users depending on the weather.

There may be encounters with animals, insects, ticks, and plants like poison ivy and stinging nettle..

Prior to using the trail please read the trail descriptor and following these guidelines.

DUE TO THE HIGHER POTENTIAL FOR VARIOUS  DANGERS OR HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS ON  OR ALONG THE PEACE TRAIL  – USERS OF THE TRAIL DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK!

No one heads out on an excursion with the idea that something is going to go wrong. But sometimes something happens and it does go wrong. It is important that you plan ahead and one of the best ways to so  is to read this article so you are informed and prepared to address any negative impacts that might occur.

The Peace Trail Team has tried to build in some measures to provide for a safe journey: a  trail description is included on this site including trail type; locations are provided so you know where you are;  and emergency contact is provided on the way point poles.

The Peace Trail Team is doing its part to help ensure that you have a safe experience as you use the trail. As a user of the trail you can do your part by making sure you seek out the information you need to stay safe, and make well informed decisions. This starts by reading this information as part of your trail preparation. It is as important as making sure you are carrying enough water to rehydrate yourself. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip filled  with great memories.

A SAFE HIKE IS A HEALTHY HIKE: For the most part hiking is an inexpensive, low-risk activity but if you are not prepared nature can turn on you. Even if you are experienced you can still run into unexpected challenges. Be Prepared!

• Most injuries which take place occur while doing physical activities which you are not prepared for. Often because you are trying to do too much.
• The total trail is 55km long which at this point does not have loopbacks. Pick a portion of the trail which you would like to explore, knowing once you get to the end of that portion you will need to turn around and go back to where you parked your transportation. Or alternatively you have made arrangements to be extracted at a point along the trail.
• Set realistic goals for yourself. If you have not hiked in awhile you may wish to start walking around your neighbourhood slowly building up stamina and strength. Your first excursion you might want to follow the trail in an urban setting with well defined easier level trails. Look at Niverville and Steinbach for areas where you may want to start your program.
• If this is your first time hiking find a hiking club or an experienced hiker to buddy with.
• Initially during your training determine how hard you are working by monitoring  your heart rate, or use the “Talk Test” method. You are working too hard if you can not talk to the person near you  while walking. If you have not had a doctors check up in awhile you may wish to visit your physician and get a general check up.
• Listen to what your body is telling you. Slow down, take frequent rests.
• Drink plenty of water and ensure you have carried enough with you. There are long stretches of the trail where you will have no access to safe drinking water. This is especially true during the hot humid summer temperatures.
• You will need sturdy comfortable hiking boots and socks to avoid blisters. This is not the time to break in a new purchase. One of these earlier training walk is a good time to slowly break in your new boots and test your socks.
• This trail is challenging to the point that flip flops and open toe sandals are not adequate.
• Wear a minimum of light clothing and carry additional warmer materials and rain gear in a light backpack. The “layered” approach to hiking is a good plan. Think of clothing which also protects you from insects.
• Parts of the hike will cross roads and highways, watch for traffic and ensure you are visible to them prior to crossing.
• Make a plan and share it with others not on the hike. You will need more time than you expected to hike the distance you are looking at. A good idea is to leave a note on the dash of your car indicating when you left and when you are expected back.
• Do not get lost. Stay on the trail and bring a detailed trail map with you, a GPS device, and compass. Make sure you know how to use them prior to the hike. Trying to learn at a time of stress does not work
• Bring more than enough water. You will be hungry so bring lots of lightweight food, as you could be out longer than expected.
• Be prepared for accidents, some of the most common accidents are twisted, sprained ankles, or injury from falls on uneven ground, and insect bites. Bring a small first aid kit along. Your First Aid Kit is up to date Right?
• Always bring blister dressings as part of your first aid kit. As soon as you feel any discomfort inspect your feet for redness and irritation.
• Just in case carry: a headlamp, waterproof matches, emergency blanket, and a loud whistle. If you are carrying bear spray be sure you know how to use it. Assist your walking by carrying walking sticks.
• We are a big sky country often with lots of sun. Even if it is cloudy, you can still get sun burned. So use lots of sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat and sun glasses.
• In case of a lightening storm avoid tall trees and seek out low-lying areas.
• When ever possible try and bring lightweight supplies along. You will also need a light weight backpack to store your gear. Make sure that it is comfortable as it can wear around the shoulders. When you take your practice runs ensure that it includes a weighed down backpack to simulate your actual hike.
• Be extra careful on the second half of the hike. This is when your energy levels are lower, your muscles are fatigued, and your mind might be more focuses on getting to the end, this is when accidents like falls, slips and trips happen especially if you are on a more challenging part of the trail.
• Be sure to keep watch of the time, and how fast you are walking so you are not caught out after the sun sets.

WEATHER: The Peace Trail is an All-Season Trail. It is important that you are aware of the weather, and daylight hours.

• The weather along the Peace Trail is characteristic of South East Manitoba. Hot summers, cold winters, winds, and fast approaching storms. Summers can see very high temperatures even into the mid 30s ⁰ Rapidly changing weather conditions are very common, especially late afternoon thunder and lightening storms. Severe winds are dangerous and for the most part there are few locations to shelter. Early and late summer conditions are more conducive for a hike,

Cooler spring and fall weather make those seasons pleasant to explore the trails. There are other benefits flowering plants are more abundant in May, in fall migratory birds become more evident along with fall harvesting. 

Late fall and early winter you will transition to cooler temperatures and the use of snowshoes, kick sleds, and cross-country skis become an option. Check weather forecasts for any approaching weather fronts.

No Trace Use: Be Respectful of the Environment and Others around you!

• Leave no trace of your visit, keep to the trail and pack out what you packed in. If it fit in your backpack on the way in it will fit on the way back to your car. This includes cigarette butts, seed shells, and tissues.
• Be mindful of your presence on the trails. Part of the objectives for the Peace Trail is one of meditation and self reflection. What might be your wondaful music may not be what others would wish to hear. Enjoy your trek take time to enjoy the sounds of nature and to smell the flowers.
• Keep your dogs on a leash and clean up after them, wildlife regard your dog as prey or a predator, better yet leave them at home.

Peace Trail Etiquette:

• Stay on the established marked trail, and avoid trail braiding.
• Please respect private property and keep to the trail.
• This is farm land do not interact with farm animals, that cute cow may not be as friendly as it looks.
• Since you are using the trail with other users, if you are taking a break step off the trail so others can pass.
• Do not collect wildflowers or other vegetation, picking up fossils or artifacts is NOT permitted. Take a photograph as a memory.
• Occasionally make some noise to warn wildlife that you are in the area.
• Who has the right away? … generally, a person on a horse does, step back and do not startle the horse. If it is a person on a bike if safe to do so step off the trail to allow them to pass because of their higher speed. If you are going up hill you generally have the right away because it is harder to do so.
• Bring along a Trail Buddy, so there is at least one companion who can call for or go for help.

Hiking in Groups:

• If you are the group leader take some time prior to the hike in the parking lot to assess the ability of those present as they likely vary in skills and abilities. You will need to assess if the individuals have the proper equipment and resources to have an enjoyable experience. Outline your expectations. Have a plan for what to do if a hiker is having difficulties and needs to abort the hike. You will need to know the extraction points, and your location to make the best decisions, you will need to assign a person to assist in getting the other person off the trail. Make sure you have a Sweep a person who commits to stay at the end of the pack so no one gets lost or hurt with the group having the certainly they are being watched. This is especially true if you have novice hikers. It is often helpful to have hiked the trail yourself prior to the group excursion.
• Have an Emergency Plan should you find you are facing an emergency situation.
• As group leader you may at some points want to switch positions with the Sweep so you can assess how the group is doing. Be aware at the speed of the group and you may need to undertake more rest periods to ensure that everyone is able to keep up.
• Make a plan if you have to do an extraction
• Hike in a single file, where the trail is in a bit wider you can pass or walk side by side. For the most part you will likely only get to talk directly to the person in front and in the back of you.
• This is not Survivor or the Great Race this should be an enjoyable occasion for all.
• If possible stop in places with plenty of room such as a Waypoint or Point of Interest for your breaks.
• If you are a speedy hiker make sure you are respectful of those who need a longer break.

ALLWAYS BE READY TO TURN BACK!

You will find it easier to turn back if you remember you are out there to enjoy your self. not to achieve the goal of finishing to the end. Even if you did not get as far as you wanted there is always another day, and it still was a wonderful time challenging yourself. You had an adventure in nature. Look at all the wonderful new discoveries you made and learned about the natural and human history.