Responsible Travel & Safety Guidelines

At Dexion Travel, we believe that travel is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to protect the natural environments and cultural heritages we visit. Our guides are designed to help you explore Canada and the United States safely and sustainably, ensuring these majestic sites remain pristine for generations to come. Explore our detailed guidelines to prepare for your next outdoor adventure.

1. Wildlife Protection Ethics

Encountering wildlife is one of the highlights of visiting national parks like Banff, Jasper, and Yellowstone, but it requires strict safety boundaries. Never approach large wildlife. Stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears, wolves, and cougars, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and deer. Using binoculars or telephoto lenses allows you to view animals without disrupting their natural behaviors or inducing stress.

2. Leave No Trace Principles

When exploring North America's hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and backcountry campsites, practice the Leave No Trace ethics. Take all trash, leftover food, and litter back with you—never leave garbage on trails or at viewpoints. Sticking to the trail is essential; trampling delicate alpine plants or canyon slopes causes severe soil erosion and destroys local plant ecosystems that can take decades to recover.

3. Travel Safety & Preparation

Explore safely by checking weather conditions, road closures, and park trail advisories ahead of time. Always pack matching layers of clothing, bring plenty of drinking water, carry physical maps (as mobile reception can be non-existent in deep canyons or high mountain peaks), and carry bear spray in an accessible holster if hiking in grizzly bear territories. Never hike alone if possible, and always inform a third party of your itinerary.

4. Food Security and Storage

In bear territories, storing food correctly is vital for your safety and the survival of local bears. Always use bear-proof garbage cans and food lockers. Keep food locked inside your vehicle with windows fully closed, out of sight, and avoid leaving scented items (like toothpaste, deodorant, or soap) in tents. Feeding animals disrupts their natural foraging behaviors, makes them aggressive toward humans, and often leads to the animal being euthanized.

5. Cultural and Historical Heritage

Many scenic routes and national parks cross Indigenous lands, historic battlefields, and ancient archaeological sites. Respect these areas by leaving historic artifacts, rocks, pinecones, and plants exactly as they are. Take photos instead of physical souvenirs. Respect fences, signage, and restricted-access markings, and do not climb, deface, or touch petroglyphs or historical buildings.

6. Water Resource Protection

Protecting natural water sources is crucial for local ecosystems and future travelers. When camping or hiking, disperse dishwater and wash yourself at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from lakes, rivers, or streams. Use biodegradable soap sparingly, and never wash dishes directly in a natural water body. Avoid polluting pristine alpine lakes and hot springs with sunscreen, bug spray, or trash.

7. Campfire Safety and Regulations

Wildfires pose a massive threat to forests and communities across North America. Before building a campfire, check local park alerts for fire restrictions or complete fire bans. Only use designated fire rings, keep fires small, and never leave a fire unattended. Extinguish campfires completely by dousing them with water, stirring the ashes, and pouring more water until the coals are cold to the touch.

8. Navigation and Communications

Many parks and wilderness areas lack cellular service. Do not rely solely on digital maps or online GPS services. We recommend downloading offline maps (such as AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or Google Maps) and carrying a physical topographic map and compass. Familiarize yourself with trail marker signs and route descriptions before setting off to prevent getting lost in unfamiliar, rugged terrain.

9. Emergency Preparedness

Even short hikes require preparation for potential emergencies. Always carry the "ten essentials": navigation tools, a headlamp, first aid supplies, fire starters, basic repair tools, extra food, extra water, emergency shelter, matching extra clothes, and a signaling device. Familiarize yourself with emergency phone numbers and local search and rescue procedures before venturing out.

10. Trail Ethics and Courtesy

Show respect for other hikers, cyclists, and equestrians on the trail. Generally, hikers going uphill have the right of way. Mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrians, and hikers yield to equestrians. Keep noise levels down to preserve the peaceful wilderness atmosphere, avoid playing loud music on portable speakers, and keep pets on a leash where required to protect wildlife.

11. Weather and Climate Awareness

Weather in mountain ranges and canyon systems can change rapidly and dramatically. Sunny mornings can quickly turn into freezing rain, heavy snowfall, or lightning storms. Monitor meteorological forecasts before starting, pack windproof and waterproof outer layers, and know the warning signs of hypothermia and heat exhaustion. Turn back immediately if weather conditions begin to deteriorate.

12. Waste and Sanitation Guidelines

If restrooms are unavailable, dispose of human waste properly. Dig a "cathole" 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet away from trails, campsites, and water sources. Pack out all used toilet paper, sanitary products, and wipes in sealed plastic bags. Proper sanitation prevents the spread of diseases, protects local wildlife, and ensures trails remain clean and welcoming for all visitors.

13. Permit and License Compliance

Many national parks and wilderness zones require entrance fees, parking passes, or backcountry camping permits. Make sure to purchase these in advance, display your parking permits clearly in your vehicle, and keep registration passes on your person. Complying with these fees helps fund park maintenance, conservation efforts, search and rescue services, and educational programs.

14. Feedback and Reporting

Dexion LLC is committed to promoting sustainable eco-tourism. If you notice any outdated trail directions, damaged facilities, or safety hazards in our guides, please contact our representative Robert Ayrton at our Sacramento headquarters:

Dexion LLC
Address: 3111 Fite Cir, Sacramento, CA 95827-1813, United States
Email: support@dexion-llc.com