Blues Fest 101: Heres how to make the most of Burnaby Blues + Roots Fest. These festivalgoers were clearly having fun at last years Burnaby Blues + Roots Fest. Use this festival primer to help make the most of your day at this years festival, Aug. 10 at Deer Lake Park.

In her 15 years with the AdventureSmart program, B.C. executive director Sandra Riches said the severity of waterfall-related incidents last summer was extreme. Its part of the reason why shes highlighting tips on how to visit a waterfall safely this season.

I’ve been on several hiking and camping trips with dogs over the years and they have never detracted from those experiences, only added to them. Dogs notice things in a way that humans can’t. I find that by merely watching them and noticing what draws their interest another layer is added to my experience in wild places. They hear sounds that I can’t and respond to scents that are too weak for my nose to detect. A hike with a dog can be a reminder to listen to our other senses and not focus too much on only what our eyes can see, but also on what we can smell, hear and touch. Which is why I can completely understand the upset caused by the recent dog ban at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. A decision I imagine was not made lightly but was made to keep the interests of the majority of visitors and wildlife that calls this location home at the forefront.