Outdoor recreation resource library
Image credit: Destination BC | Reuben Krabbe
Find practical guides, research, webinars and tools to support outdoor recreation organizations, communities, land managers and partners across British Columbia.
The library brings together ORCBC resources and selected materials from governments, researchers and sector organizations. Browse by topic or begin with some of our most useful resources below.
Start here
Explore some of ORCBC’s most useful guides, tools and research for outdoor recreation organizations and communities across British Columbia.
Outdoor Recreation for Community and Economic Development
A practical guide for rural B.C. communities looking to use outdoor recreation to support quality of life, local economies, tourism, workforce attraction and community resilience.
Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities
A resource to help outdoor recreation groups approach relationship-building with Indigenous communities in a respectful, thoughtful and informed way.
Outdoors for All
Practical ideas and examples to help outdoor recreation organizations create more welcoming, inclusive and accessible experiences.
Responsible Recreation
Resources to help recreationists and organizations reduce their impacts, support stewardship and care for the places where they recreate.
Conducting and Using Visitor and Recreational User Research
A practical guide to help recreation groups and communities collect useful information about who is using trails and outdoor recreation areas, how they are using them, and why that data matters.
Socio-Economic Impact Collection
Looking for research to support a funding application, advocacy campaign or community project? This collection brings together economic impact research from B.C. and beyond to help recreation groups, local governments and partners understand the benefits of trails, recreation amenities and outdoor recreation investment.
Browse by topic
Choose a topic to find related guides, research, webinars and practical tools.
Make the case for outdoor recreation
Research, statistics and evidence to support advocacy, funding applications, presentations and conversations with decision-makers.
-
Outdoor Recreation for Community and Economic Development: A Guidebook for Rural BC Communities
A practical guide for communities that want to better understand, plan for and invest in outdoor recreation as part of local economic and community development.The Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Rural B.C. Communities
Research showing how outdoor recreation contributes to rural communities, local economies and quality of life.Benefits of Outdoor Recreation: A Literature Review
A summary of research on the health, social, environmental and economic benefits of outdoor recreation.17 Trail Benefits for British Columbians
A plain-language summary of the many ways trails support people, communities and places across B.C.How Being Active in Nature Supports Our Physical and Mental Health
A research summary focused on the connection between outdoor activity, nature and wellbeing.How Amenity Migration is Reshaping B.C.’s Rural Landscape
A research summary exploring how access to outdoor amenities influences where people live, work and invest.Trails and Outdoor Recreation in B.C. - Ipsos Polling
Public opinion research on participation, access, investment and the importance of outdoor recreation in B.C.Trails and outdoor recreation in BC (Ipsos 2024)
Trails and outdoor recreation in BC (Ipsos 2023)
Trails and outdoor recreation in BC (Ipsos 2022)
Communities and the outdoor recreation economy
Resources for communities exploring how outdoor recreation can support local businesses, quality of life, tourism, workforce attraction and economic development.
-
Outdoor Recreation for Community and Economic Development: A Guidebook for Rural BC Communities
A guide for communities looking to understand outdoor recreation as community infrastructure and a driver of local wellbeing and economic development.Conducting and Using Visitor and Recreational User Research
A step-by-step guide for collecting and using local recreation data.The Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Rural B.C. Communities
Research on how outdoor recreation supports rural communities and local economies.Recreation’s Role in Ensuring Tourism is a Force for Good
Webinar recording exploring the connection between recreation, tourism and community benefit.An Introduction to ORCBC’s Guidebook to Building Thriving Outdoor Recreation Communities
Webinar recording introducing the guidebook and its practical uses.BC’s Outdoor Recreation Economy
Webinar recording on the scale, importance and opportunity of outdoor recreation in B.C.
Trails, Planning and Management
Guides and tools for trail planning, maintenance, agreements, visitor management and long-term stewardship.
-
Trail Development Guidelines to Minimize Disturbance to and Conflict with Large Carnivores
Guidance for trail planning and development in areas where wildlife values need careful consideration.Best Practices for Developing Public Trails on Private Land
Guidance for groups working with private landowners to support public trail access.Guidelines for Applications to Construct or Maintain a Trail or Recreation Facility
Information for groups preparing applications for trail or recreation facility work.Trail User’s Etiquette
Advice for different trail users to support respectful, shared use of trails. -
Trail Planning: Best Practices, Challenges and Opportunities
Webinar recording on practical considerations for trail planning.Designing Trails for People and Wildlife
Webinar recording on balancing recreation access with wildlife values.Trail Network Planning
Webinar recording on planning trail systems at a broader landscape scale.Management of Trails on Private Land
Webinar recording on working with private landowners and managing access.
Access, land use and policy
Information about land-use planning, resource roads, recreation agreements, access issues and government decision-making.
-
Resource Roads in B.C.
Webinar recording on how resource roads work and why they matter for outdoor recreation access.Resource Roads
Province of B.C. information on resource roads and their role in accessing natural resources and recreation opportunities.Access Management in British Columbia: Issues and Opportunities
Forest Practices Board report on access management.Access Management and Resource Roads
Forest Practices Board update on resource roads and access management.Wild Places and Green Spaces: A Citizen’s Guide to Proving Public Access
A legal resource from the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Victoria.Enhancing Public Access to Privately Owned Wild Lands
A report from the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Victoria. -
Forest and Range Practices Act
The provincial legislation that governs forestry practices and includes recreation as one of the values that may be managed and protected.Managing Forest Recreation Resource Values under FRPA
Forest Practices Board report on recreation values on public lands outside the provincial park system.Forest Landscape Planning
Understand how Forest Landscape Plans may affect recreation access, identify important recreation values and participate effectively.Forest Landscape Planning and Recreation
Webinar recording on how forest landscape planning connects to recreation.The “Paradigm Shift” in Landscape Planning and Management
Webinar recording on changing approaches to landscape planning.Modernizing Land Use Planning in B.C.
Province of B.C. information on modernized land use planning.Modernized Land Use Planning and B.C.’s Cumulative Effects Framework
Webinar recording on land use planning and cumulative effects.Socio-economic and Environmental Assessment Guidance for Modernized Land Use Plans
Guidance for assessing social, economic and environmental considerations in land use planning. -
Occupiers Liability Act
B.C. legislation relevant to liability and trails.Risk Management, Liability and Waivers
Webinar recording for recreation groups.Liability Insurance for Recreation Groups
Webinar recording on insurance considerations.Memo to RSTBC about Liability Issues for Partnership Groups
Resource related to liability and partnership agreements. -
Off-Road Vehicle Act
Information on the provincial framework for off-road vehicle use.Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation
Regulation related to motor vehicle restrictions in specified areas.E-bike Policy for Recreation Trails
Provincial policy related to e-bike use on recreation trails.E-bike Policy for BC Parks
Policy related to e-bike use in BC Parks.Mountain Bike Policy
Provincial policy related to mountain biking. -
Stewardship and responsible recreation
Resources to support environmental stewardship, visitor education and responsible use of outdoor places.
-
Stewardship Inspiration Guide
Ideas and examples for groups looking to strengthen stewardship.Trail User’s Etiquette
Advice for sharing trails respectfully. -
Responsible Recreation
A practical hub for responsible recreation information, including tips and resources to help people enjoy B.C.’s outdoors safely, respectfully and with care for the places they visit.Leave No Trace Canada
A framework for reducing outdoor impacts and making responsible decisions outdoors.Leave No Trace US
Additional Leave No Trace information and education materials.Tread Lightly Canada
Outdoor ethics and education resources for motorized and non-motorized users.Tread Lightly US
Outdoor ethics and education resources for motorized and non-motorized users.Marine Trail Code of Conduct
A code of conduct from BC Marine Trails for responsible use of marine trails. -
Everyone is a River Steward
Webinar recording on river stewardship and community action.Wildfire Resilience: How Outdoor Recreation Groups Can Lead in Mitigation and Preparedness
Webinar recording on wildfire preparedness and mitigation.The Science and Art of Building Volunteer Partnerships
Webinar recording on volunteer partnerships.How to Make Stewardship Part of Your Organization’s Mission
Webinar recording on building stewardship into organizational work.Recreation and Stewardship: The Kwantlen Story
Webinar recording highlighting Indigenous-led stewardship and motorized recreation.Cultivating Responsible Recreation Practices
Webinar recording on responsible recreation.
Working with Indigenous communities
Practical guidance to help outdoor recreation organizations understand governance, build relationships and work respectfully with Indigenous Nations.
-
Start here for guidance, tools and examples related to respectful engagement and relationship-building.
Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities
A practical toolkit to help outdoor recreation groups approach engagement in a respectful and thoughtful way.Working in a Good Way
A resource to support outdoor recreation groups in learning about respectful relationships and Indigenous perspectives. -
Dene K’éh Kusān: Indigenous-led Land Stewardship, IPCAs and Recreation
Webinar recording on Indigenous-led land stewardship and recreation.Integrating Archaeology and Indigenous Partnerships in Trail Planning
Webinar recording on trail planning, archaeology and Indigenous partnerships.Recreation and Indigenous Tourism
Webinar recording on connections between recreation and Indigenous tourism.Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas
Webinar recording on IPCAs and recreation.Reconciliation and Recreation: Advice and Lessons from Outdoor Groups
Webinar recording featuring lessons from recreation groups.Reconciliation and Recreation: Indigenous Perspectives
Webinar recording featuring Indigenous perspectives.Putting in the Work: Sharing Lessons on Building Relations with Indigenous People
Webinar recording on relationship-building.Indigenous Land Protocols as a Guide for Recreation
Webinar recording on Indigenous land protocols.Decolonizing Outdoor Spaces
Webinar recording co-hosted with the Wilderness Committee. -
UNDRIP and DRIPA resources
Information on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.First Peoples’ Cultural Council map
A resource for learning more about Indigenous languages and cultural areas.B.C. Assembly of First Nations map
A resource for locating First Nations in B.C.Native-Land.ca
An educational mapping resource that can support learning about Indigenous territories, languages and treaties.
Inclusion, accessibility and youth
Resources to help organizations reduce barriers and create outdoor recreation opportunities that welcome more people.
-
Outdoors for All: An Inspiration Guide for Creating Welcoming Outdoor Recreation Spaces
A guide with ideas and examples for reducing barriers and making outdoor spaces more welcoming.How to Make the Outdoors More Welcoming to All
Webinar recording connected to the Outdoors for All guide.Youth Engagement
Learn more about ORCBC’s youth engagement work and the Youth Outdoor Recreation Advisory Collective. -
Access BC
Accessibility information and resources from Spinal Cord Injury BC .Accessibility Survey
Example from the Gabriola Land & Trails Trust.
Funding, governance and nonprofit capacity
Guidance on fundraising, governance, volunteers, communications, risk management and organizational sustainability.
-
Grants & Funding
Visit ORCBC’s Grants & Funding page for current funding opportunities.Outdoor Recreation Fund of B.C.
Learn more about the Outdoor Recreation Fund of B.C. and its support for community-led outdoor recreation projects.How to Win an Outdoor Recreation Fund Grant
Webinar recording with tips for applicants.Innovative Nonprofit Funding Models
Webinar recording on funding approaches for nonprofit organizations.Fundraising Strategies
Webinar recording with The Good Partnership.Building a B.C. Trail Fund: Current Efforts
Webinar recording on trail funding.Approaches to Building a B.C. Trail Fund
Report on possible trail funding approaches.Trail Fund Recommendations: Report to the Provincial Trails Advisory Body
Report with recommendations related to trail funding. -
Improve Your Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement
Webinar recording on recruiting and engaging volunteers.The Science and Art of Building Volunteer Partnerships
Webinar recording on volunteer partnerships.Tips to Promote Your Recreation Organization Through Social Media
Webinar recording on communications and promotion.Legal & Fundraising Member Support
Learn more about ORCBC’s member support program.
Webinar library
Watch recorded webinars on advocacy, access, planning, stewardship, inclusion, fundraising and organizational capacity.
Suggest a resource
We welcome suggestions for guides, research, tools, webinar recordings and examples that may help B.C.’s outdoor recreation sector. Please contact us with your suggestion.