EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2019 WALK

WET, MUDDY AND SLIPPERY TRAIL CONDITIONS – Some sections of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail may be wet, muddy, and slippery, especially in areas of exposed clay or in low-lying areas. Make sure to:

• • wear appropriate footwear – and expect that it will get muddy!
  • consider carrying a portable walking stick (or two)
  • approach slopes and hills with extreme caution
  • leave sufficient space between yourself and other hikers
  • walk carefully to avoid damaging property adjacent to the trail if you have to walk around mud holes or flooded areas
  • do not rush or pressure other hikers to move quickly
  • take your time, and provide assistance to other hikers when appropriate
  • try to avoid inflicting additional damage on wet or eroded sections of the trail
  • DO NOT WALK IF YOU ARE NOT PHYSICALLY CAPABLE OF NEGOTIATING OUTDOOR TRAILS IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS

SLIPS, FALLS, TRAFFIC, AND OTHER TRAIL HAZARDS

The Laura Secord Legacy Trail crosses all sorts of terrain, from paved city sidewalks through to gravelled, grassy, rocky or earthen paths. Trails can be wet, muddy, slippery, and / or steep. You may encounter cyclists, mountain bikers, or even motorized vehicles like ATVs or dirt bikes. Urban trail sections may have heavy automobile traffic.

The trail crosses railways, highways, streets and canals, all of which require vigilance and caution. Wear appropriate footwear, and anticipate that you WILL get dirty, especially in wet weather. Proceed carefully, supervise children, and plan accordingly!!!

TICKS – Hikers on the Laura Secord Legacy Trail have encountered ticks. Both Dog Ticks and Black-Legged Ticks have been found in Niagara. With the spread of ticks throughout Northeastern North America, it is not impossible that you may encounter disease-transmitting ticks anywhere in the Niagara region. Information on ticks in Niagara and protection against ticks can be found here. In general:

• • Dress in light coloured clothing to easily spot ticks
  • Wear clothing that covers arms and legs when walking in wooded areas. Tuck in loose clothing and have your child wear shoes that cover the entire foot.
  • Spray insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and clothing (except for babies under 6 months). Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Check yourself and your child’s skin for ticks after outdoor activity. Pay special attention to areas such as the groin, scalp and armpits. Tick bites are usually painless, so your child will likely not feel the tick.

MOSQUITOES AND BITING FLIES – Compared to ‘cottage country’, much of Niagara is relatively bug-free. However, mosquitos and other biting flies may be present along the trail, especially in wet areas and in early morning and evening. Mosquitoes in the area have been known to carry West Nile Virus (more information here). To protect yourself against mosquitoes and biting flies:

• • Do not linger in areas with standing water where mosquitoes like to breed
  • Avoid infested areas
  • Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, socks and shoes.
  • Use an insect repellent that contains DEET (except for babies under 6 months).

HEAT, SUN EXPOSURE, AND DEHYDRATION – On hot, sunny days, make sure to protect yourself from sunlight and carry enough drinking water so as to avoid dehydration. Follow these Sun Safety tips from Region Niagara’s Public Health Department:

Slip, Slap, Slop, Seek and Slide

• • Slip on clothing to cover your arms and legs
  • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
  • Slop on sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30
  • Seek shade
  • Slide on sunglasses that offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection

Other Events on Laura Secord Weekend