We’ve all, at some point, made our own shortcut through the forest: stepping off the trail to avoid mud, lifting a branch, or dropping an apple core without thinking twice. These gestures often seem insignificant.
Yet, repeated thousands of times, they weaken our trails, disturb wildlife, and harm the very nature that inspires us.
Employees at Bromont, montagne d’expériences, have completed the Leave No Trace Canada training, which presents the 7 principles for reducing our environmental footprint in the mountains. The goal is clear: take care of our natural spaces and minimize our impact on biodiversity.
1. Plan and Prepare
- Know the rules, access rights, restrictions in effect, and the specific features of the site. You can always reach out to our customer service team with any questions.
- Prepare for bad weather, natural hazards, and emergencies. Keep a warmer jacket in your backpack, along with essentials like a hat, sunglasses, etc.
- Plan your outings during off-peak times.
- Split large groups into smaller groups of 4 to 6 people.
- Bring an up-to-date map to find your way and stay on track.
Download our trail map before your departure (right here). - Repack food into reusable containers to minimize waste.
2. Travel on durable surfaces
- Stick to existing trails.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even if it’s muddy or wet.
- Stay on durable surfaces: bare ground, rock, sand, dry grass, thick snow.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack out what you pack in. Sort recyclables and hazardous waste.
- Thoroughly check picnic areas after use to collect trash, leftover food, and micro-waste.
- Since smoking is prohibited on our trails, please smoke outside the site and dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly.
- Plan to use the sanitary facilities before or after your hike, they’re available at several locations near the trails.
4. Leave What You Find
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them.
- Avoid building structures, furniture, or digging trenches.
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning mud and debris off shoes, clothing, and equipment before setting out on the trails.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
- To protect the mountain and its trails, campfires and all other types of open fires are strictly prohibited at Bromont, montagne d’expériences.
6. Respect Wildlife
- Give animals plenty of space and observe them from a distance. Move away at the first signs of nervousness or changes in behavior.
- Do not feed animals, it can harm their health, alter their behavior, and expose them to predators or other dangers.
- Avoid disturbing animals during sensitive periods such as breeding, nesting, raising their young, or winter.
- Keep your dog under control (on a leash at all times) or leave them safely at home. Always clean up after them.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Be courteous. On narrow trails, yield to hikers climbing uphill.
- Step aside to allow priority passage to those using mobility aids.
- Take breaks on durable surfaces off the trail.
- Let the sounds of nature prevail. Avoid excessive noise. Use headphones if listening to electronic devices.
- On social media, share photos that promote behaviors protecting natural spaces.
To limit our environmental impact and enjoy nature’s treasures, it’s essential to rethink our habits. Every action counts: simple, accessible steps ensure that every hike remains a beautiful experience, today and for years to come.
Discover hiking and gondola rides at the mountain: