The fourth annual BC Trails Day returns this weekend with events planned in more than 60 communities across the province that aim to celebrate and care for trail networks.
The province-wide celebration returns Saturday June 1.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) says BC Trails Day highlights the importance of trails and outdoor recreation to our communities' physical, mental, and environmental health.
It also recognizes and celebrates the volunteers who dedicate their time to maintaining and enhancing these trails for people to use and enjoy, the ORCBC says in a news release.
"We are thrilled to see BC Trails Day grow each year, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate and care for our incredible trail systems," said Louise Pedersen, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.
"This Saturday, we encourage everyone to head outdoors, explore their local trails, and discover the beauty of British Columbia."
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There are nearly a dozen events happening in the Thompson-Okanagan, including:
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A beginner group bike ride in Clearwater
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A trails ride organized by the Backcountry Horsemen of BC in Kamloops
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Hats off to Trils! Organized by the Regional District of Central Okanagan in Kelowna
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BC Trails Day celebration hosted by Friends of the South Slopes in Kelowna
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Logan Lake ATV Club celebration
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Willowbrook Community Park Clean Up Day in Penticton
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Shuswap Trails Spring Celebration featuring Shred Kelly in Salmon Arm
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Celebratory hike organized by Monashee Trail Society in Scotch Creek
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Owlhead Work Bee & BBQ organized by the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club in Sicamous
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A bikefest organized by the North Okanagan Cycling Society in Vernon
A full list of events can be found here.
The news release from the ORCBC says at the core of BC Trails Day is also the acknowledgment and celebration of the countless volunteers.
"Volunteers truly form the backbone of our trail system," said Pedersen.
The ORCBC doesn’t have an exact number of volunteers but Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) has 338 partnerships covering over 1,000 recreation sites and trails.
Additionally, they collaborate indirectly with 8,812 volunteers who contribute nearly 400,000 hours, the news release says. However, only 60% of the volunteer groups formally work with the RSTBC which means thousands of volunteers likely remain unaccounted for, says ORCBC.
"Their dedication and tireless efforts are essential in ensuring our trails remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable,” Pedersen said.
“BC Trails Day provides a platform to recognize their invaluable contributions to our communities.”
The ORCBC is encouraging people across the province are encouraged to find a local event, head out for a walk, ride or paddle in a park site near them and share their experience and why you’re celebrating BC Trails Day on social media for a chance to win prizes (use #BCTrails Day and the ORCBC on instagram to enter).
