Happy Trails: BC Trails Day Marks Five Years of Celebrating the Paths that Connect Us
Elkford Trails Alliance
On Saturday, June 7, British Columbians across the province will lace up their boots, hop on their bikes, and grab their shovels to mark the fifth annual BC Trails Day, a province-wide celebration of outdoor recreation.
Organized by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) and aligned with International Trails Day, BC Trails Day celebrates the vital role trails play in our lives, from enhancing physical and mental well-being to fostering connections with nature, supporting tourism, and strengthening local economies.
With more than 44,000 kilometres of trails across BC, the majority of which are maintained by volunteers, ORCBC is encouraging everyone to give back to the trails that give so much to us.
“Volunteers and outdoor organizations do so much to keep our trails open and accessible across British Columbia," says Soraya Olszewski, Communications and Engagement Officer at ORCBC. “Whether you’re into dirt biking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, kayaking, or just starting to explore your local trails, BC Trails Day is a great opportunity to connect with a community group, learn more, lend a hand, or even better, become a member and support their work year-round.”
This year’s celebration includes over 60 community events from Port Hardy to Fernie, and Bella Coola to Tumbler Ridge, with activities ranging from trail maintenance days and community BBQs, to paddling workshops, and family-friendly group hikes. A full list of events by region is available at www.orcbc.ca/blog/bc-trails-day-events-by-region-s72bx.
Here are some ways you can celebrate BC Trails Day:
Find a local event or register your own event.
Go for a walk, ride, or paddle with family and friends. If you're taking any four-legged friends along, don't forget a leash and waste bags.
Pack out litter by bringing a small garbage bag and gloves to help clean up the trail.
Show support for your favourite trails by joining a local outdoor group. Your membership will contribute to trail maintenance and advocacy for your community's trail systems.
Share your love for trails on social media for a chance to win the new 105 Hikes book, an ORCBC toque, and $100 for an outdoor group of your choice. Tag #BCTrailsDay and @orcbc.ca, or enter via the form here.
BC Trails Day is made possible with the generous support of McElhanney, Fortis BC, RC Strategies, Nonny, and Flipside.
More information about BC Trails Day, including a calendar of events, is available here: https://www.orcbc.ca/bctrailsday.