Access is a relationship: Working with private landowners in BC
Image: Discover Comox Valley & Jarrett Lindal
In British Columbia, most recreation groups are used to working on Crown land (see blog on Sections 56 and 57). But when it comes to building or maintaining trail networks, private land is often where things get more complex, and where relationships matter most.
While only a small portion of BC’s land base is privately owned, it’s frequently located near communities and often provides critical access to broader trail systems.
To support this work, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has developed: Best Practices for Developing Public Trails on Private Lands.
This blog builds on that guidance and lessons learned from recreation groups across BC.
Start with understanding, not assumptions
Unlike Crown land, access to private land is not a public right. Landowners can restrict access for any reason, and that decision must be respected.
Before approaching a landowner, it’s important to:
Confirm who owns the land
Understand how it’s classified and used
Consider the landowner’s responsibilities and constraints
For example, in many parts of BC, trails cross managed forest land, where landowners must consider harvesting, wildfire risk, and reforestation obligations. In agricultural areas, landowners may be concerned about livestock, crops, and biosecurity.
Key takeaway: Good planning means understanding both land ownership and broader land relationships.
Relationships come before trails and access
Across BC, successful trail systems on private land are built on long-term relationships.
In Rossland, the Kootenay Columbia Trail Society spent years securing permission for existing trails on private land. Rather than pushing for access everywhere, they focused on landowners open to collaboration, resulting in a strong, authorized trail network and lasting partnerships.
In Cumberland, the United Riders of Cumberland has worked with multiple private landowners, including forestry companies, and the municipality to formalize access across a complex patchwork of land ownership. That collaboration helped turn an informal network into a recognized community asset.
Key takeaway: Relationship-building is not a step; it’s the work.
Get permission - in writing
Formal agreements are essential to protect both landowners and recreation groups.
Clear agreements should outline:
Trail locations and permitted uses
Maintenance responsibilities
Insurance requirements
Conditions for closure or termination
In Fernie, a misunderstanding about property boundaries and trail alignment led to conflict with a landowner and the loss of trail management on that parcel. In response, the Fernie Trails Alliance strengthened its agreements, mapping, and reporting systems to avoid similar issues.
Because agreements often involve legal obligations and risk allocation, it is worth seeking qualified legal advice when developing or reviewing them, particularly for more complex or long-term arrangements.
Key takeaway: Clear, well-structured agreements prevent conflict and support long-term access.
Understand liability and risk
Liability is one of the biggest concerns for private landowners, and often a key factor in whether access is granted.
Risk can be reduced by:
Following recognized trail standards
Maintaining trails and documenting inspections
Installing clear signage
Carrying appropriate insurance
In many cases, landowners require recreation groups to carry liability insurance and list them as additional insured parties as a condition of access.
Given the complexity of liability and applicable legislation, seeking legal advice early in the process can help clarify responsibilities and reduce exposure for both parties.
Key takeaway: Good risk management builds trust and makes access possible.
Be clear about use and boundaries
Even with permission, access is rarely unlimited.
Landowners may:
Restrict certain uses (e.g., non-motorized only)
Require seasonal closures
Limit where users can go
Clear signage and communication help ensure users stay within agreed areas and avoid unintentional trespass.
In BC, unclear boundaries have led to conflict, reinforcing the importance of accurate mapping and on-the-ground clarity.
Key takeaway: Clear boundaries and communication prevent conflict and protect access.
Maintain the relationship over time
Access should not be assumed to be permanent; it must be maintained.
Successful examples across BC show the importance of:
Regular communication with landowners
Sharing updates on maintenance, use, and incidents
Providing updated insurance documentation
Responding quickly to issues
In Cumberland, ongoing collaboration among the trail organization, municipality, community forest and landowners has enabled agreements to evolve and persist through changes in ownership and leadership.
Key takeaway: Ongoing communication is what keeps access in place.
Be flexible but stay committed
Trail systems that rely on private land require flexibility and long-term planning.
In Rossland, trail planners shifted away from parcels where access was unlikely and focused on areas where relationships could be built. This approach resulted in a more resilient and sustainable network over time.
Other groups have strengthened long-term access by:
Securing formal agreements or rights-of-way
Investing in mapping and asset tracking
Working with local governments to support planning
Key takeaway: Sustainable trail networks are built where access is possible and relationships are strong.
Final thoughts
Working with private landowners is essential for many trail projects in BC. Access depends on trust, clear agreements, and ongoing communication.
Done well, it can:
Enable access to key trail connections
Support long-term certainty
Reduce risk for all parties
Done poorly, it can lead to conflict and loss of access.
Success comes down to being clear, consistent, and reliable.
For groups working through agreements or liability questions, ORCBC members can access legal support, including short consultations with qualified professionals. Learn more here.