Our programs
Image by Andrea Heath Photography
ORCBC delivers province-wide programs that strengthen outdoor recreation organizations, support community stewardship and help more people participate in and care for B.C.’s outdoors.
Our programs respond to shared needs across the sector, from funding and volunteer support to youth engagement, learning, collaboration and public awareness.
Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC
The Outdoor Recreation Fund supports community-led projects that improve outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship and inclusive participation across B.C.
Since 2024, the Fund has awarded approximately $840,000 in 94 communities. Supported projects include trail improvements, shoreline and habitat restoration, environmental education, accessibility initiatives, recreation infrastructure and programs that help more people enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Learn about the Outdoor Recreation Fund
BC Trails Day
BC Trails Day is an annual celebration of the people, organizations and communities that build, maintain and care for trails across the province.
Community groups host trail work parties, guided outings, educational activities, celebrations and other events that encourage responsible trail use and recognize the contribution of volunteers.
BC Rivers Day
Founded in 1980 by river advocate Mark Angelo and ORCBC, BC Rivers Day has grown into one of the province’s largest celebrations of rivers and freshwater ecosystems.
Each September, communities across B.C. organize cleanups, paddling trips, educational programs, stewardship projects and public events that encourage people to learn about and care for local waterways.
Youth engagement
ORCBC’s youth engagement work creates opportunities for young people to contribute their perspectives, develop leadership skills and become more involved in outdoor recreation and stewardship.
The Youth Outdoor Recreation Advisory Collective brings together young people from across B.C. to advise ORCBC, learn from one another and support local projects and activities.
Member roundtables
ORCBC’s member roundtables provide a regular space for organizations to connect, share information and discuss common challenges and opportunities.
These informal online sessions help members learn from one another, identify emerging issues and strengthen relationships across different activities and regions.
View upcoming member roundtables
Outdoor recreation conference
ORCBC’s provincial conference brings together recreation organizations, Indigenous leaders, governments, researchers, funders and other partners to share knowledge, build relationships and address the opportunities and challenges facing outdoor recreation in B.C.
The conference combines practical learning with sector-wide discussion on topics such as access, stewardship, community development, infrastructure, reconciliation, volunteer capacity and the future of outdoor recreation.
Learn about the 2026 outdoor recreation conference
Learning and sector support
ORCBC offers webinars, resources, research and practical support to help outdoor recreation organizations strengthen their work.
Topics include funding, governance, volunteer management, Indigenous relations, responsible recreation, stewardship, access, land-use planning and community economic development.
Selected member services and pilot programs also provide more focused support in areas such as legal advice, fundraising and impact measurement.
Explore resources and webinars
Public awareness and media relations
ORCBC helps bring outdoor recreation issues into public conversations through media outreach, interviews, commentary and accessible information. We work with journalists and partners to highlight issues affecting access, stewardship, infrastructure, communities and the outdoor recreation sector.
Media inquiries are coordinated through ORCBC’s Executive Director, Louise Pedersen.
Journalists can contact Louise Pedersen or through our Contact page.
Working together across B.C.
ORCBC’s programs are shaped by the needs and experience of our members, partners and communities.
By bringing people together, sharing knowledge and investing in local capacity, we help build a stronger outdoor recreation sector and more sustainable recreation opportunities across the province.