Much in the vein of countries like Iceland, Finland and New Zealand, and global destinations like Aspen and Amsterdam, North Vancouver has introduced a tourism pledge that encourages visitors to be on their best behaviour when hopping across the harbour.
Whether it’s reminding people of the negative impacts of feeding local wildlife or the correct precautions required when taking to local waters, the North Shore Like a Local campaign is a guide on how to best enjoy the local mountains, trails and waters while leaving them undisturbed.
The sweeping online guide, put together by Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association, encourages visitors to consider how a local would live, learn and play in their own backyard.
If they were to camp locally, what fire safety regulations would they consider? If they were to embark on a hike through the Cypress, Grouse or Seymour mountains, what essentials would they pack?
“It’s about having this sense of respect for the North Shore, and protecting its longevity,” said the association's Farah Stéen. “We live in a pristine area, and North Shore residents want to protect it. They can be stewards of that.”
Those who tick the three, separate boxes pledge to commit to keeping themselves and others safe by “preparing adequately before going on any nature outings, and knowing the safety protocols of the activities” they take part in.
The vow to respect the land, water and wildlife and leave the natural environment as it was found and, finally, they pledge to respect all cultures that reside on the North Shore and acknowledge they are on the unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Within those three pledges are common expectations from many destinations around the world, including environmentally-focused requests like using public transport, not leaving trash behind and recycling wherever possible.
Others are far more place specific, like understanding avalanche conditions before adventuring into the backcountry, or educating oneself on local First Nations culture.
The association has worked closely with the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to provide educational resources and activities to better educate tourists, but much of the onus, said Stéen, should really be on the locals themselves.
“In terms of reconciliation, many countries don’t even know what that is. So if a resident is educated, even in a basic way of understanding in respecting that they live and play on these lands, when their visitors come in, they can then share that,” she said.
The locals themselves should be leading by example, said Stéen, in terms of both First Nations education and caring for the North Shore environment.
“If you’re going to take your guests up the Grouse Grind, don’t go into flip flops, and be well prepared,” she said. “Try not to take your guests to overcrowded places, like Quarry Rock on the weekend, and make sure you respect the people that live in those local communities, especially in the summertime.”
Stéen said she wants visitors and North Shore residents to feel proud to take the pledge, to be a steward of sustainable and respectful travel in one of Vancouver’s most hotly sought after areas to visit.
The pledge can be found within the online campaign at northshorelikealocal.com
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
