Ontario’s lakes, beaches, and forests are some of the province’s most beautiful and cherished natural spaces. Whether you’re swimming at Cherry Beach, lounging on the sandy shores of Bonnie Lake, boating at Woodland Estate, fishing at Golden Beach, hiking, or simply relaxing at a lakeside cottage at Lantern Bay, we all want these places to stay clean and inviting. That’s why the principle of “Leave No Trace” matters; it’s a simple way to help keep our favourite spots beautiful for everyone.
What is “Leave No Trace”?
“Leave No Trace” is a set of outdoor practices that encourage people to minimize their impact on the environment. It’s about small, thoughtful choices, especially in sensitive areas like beaches, lakes, and shorelines. While the idea started in camping culture, it applies anywhere people gather outdoors.
Some key principles include:
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack up everything you bring in, from snack wrappers to beach toys.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them.
- Stick to Paths and Designated Areas: Protect sensitive plants by staying where it’s safe to walk. Check out the trails at Bonnie Lake to catch a glimpse of some of Ontario’s Provincial flower, the White Trillium!
- Be Considerate of Others: Leave shared spaces clean for the next visitor. It’s no fun to go set up at the beach only to find cans and garbage lying around, so let’s all do our part.
When we all do our part, these special places stay healthy and welcoming. That’s why Great Blue Resorts provides convenient waste stations and marked pathways to help make responsible choices easy.
You Can Still Have Fun Responsibly
Respecting the land, water, and beaches doesn’t mean limiting your fun, it simply means being mindful. Families often find that small changes, like reusable containers or a quick clean-up before heading home, add to the experience rather than take away from it.
Here are some easy tips for a low-impact day at the beach:
- Clean Up Before You Leave: Take a few minutes to collect any litter you find, even if it isn’t yours.
- Respect Posted Signs: Some areas may be closed to protect animals or fragile ecosystems, like Turtle Pond at Cherry Beach. Enjoy them from a distance and appreciate their natural beauty as is, without interacting with them.
- Bring Reusable Items: Try to use refillable water bottles, reusable beach containers, and cloth bags instead of single-use plastics when you can.
Small actions from many visitors add up to big results in keeping Ontario’s beaches clean and safe.
Join Us in Protecting and Enjoying Ontario’s Beaches and Lakes
Ontario’s beaches and lakes are for everyone, but it’s our shared responsibility to keep them healthy and vibrant. By following Leave No Trace principles, you’re helping ensure the same clean, beautiful spaces are here for the next family, the next summer, and the next generation.
Ready to enjoy Ontario’s beaches while helping protect them? Book your stay or explore cottages for sale at one of our scenic Great Blue Resorts locations and experience lakeside living at its best.
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