News & features.
Destination BC | Sherpa Cinemas
New guide argues creating a more welcoming outdoors is good for everyone
The Outdoors for All: An Inspiration Guide for Creating Welcoming Outdoor Recreation Spaces highlights how inclusive initiatives can transform outdoor spaces for everyone. From adaptive trails in Kimberley to welcoming newcomers, the guide showcases practical steps and success stories, inspiring outdoor groups to foster diversity and connection in recreation.
Forget Tired Stereotypes: Dirtbikers are Actually Environmentalists
Dirt bikers in B.C. are transforming their reputation from rugged thrill-seekers to environmental stewards. By investing in sustainable trail practices and collaborating with local groups, they’ve reduced erosion, improved trail safety, and enhanced community relations. Today, these riders balance recreation with conservation, reshaping perceptions of motorized outdoor activities.
Future of Recreation: The power of catalysts
The same geography that makes Nelson synonymous with skiing, means when the snow melts the Kootenay city is equally great for hiking. Access to mountain trails is what attracted Scott Matson to town in 2018. After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Scott moved from Nebraska to Nelson where he started Northern Ultralight, a company that makes backpacking gear inspired by his adventures.
Future of Recreation: The connection between outdoor gear manufacturing and infrastructure
A webinar on October 16, hosted by the ORCBC, will explore the connection between gear makers, outdoor recreation infrastructure and place. How a thriving outdoor manufacturing industry depends on a thriving recreation ecosystem and what needs to happen to ensure they both continue to grow. Register for the webinar here.
New research illustrates the local environmental, social, and economic impacts of outdoor recreation for BC communities
Discover the key lessons learned from research on the impacts of outdoor recreation in rural B.C. communities, including the connection to nature, economic opportunities, cultural significance, and the need for sustainable management to minimize negative impacts.
The Future of Recreation: A force for good
“Don’t love it to death.” It is a rallying cry echoing across B.C. that translates to a realization that the way we attract visitors and steer their behaviour needs to change. In the Sea to Sky Region, the call for a paradigm shift is literal.
It takes a community: the trail steward
The equestrian community amplifies their small membership with an outsize effort to build and maintain infrastructure.
ORCBC Story Series
This new series focuses on the many benefits – some well known, many less so – that outdoor recreation brings to people, communities and the province. .
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From access to nature to apps and AI, the evolution of trail construction to electric power, this story series looks at how recreation will change and evolve over the short and long term.
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In this story series, we feature recreation organizations that are advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through trail and outdoor recreation projects.
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This story series explores the connection between climate change and recreation. Through conversations with scientists, advocates, land managers, recreationists, and more, we look at how a warming world and more extreme weather is impacting the activities we love. But more than glum news, we’re interested in how the recreation industry is already hard at work preparing for change, reducing the impacts, and actively trying to slow global warming.
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In a time when trails, roads, campgrounds, rivers and lakes are busier than ever, it’s important to remember that it takes a community to make fun possible. This story series profiles the people who work behind the scenes in B.C., so you can have that special moment today.