We acknowledge and are grateful to be able to live and work on unceded and traditional territories of more than 200 First Nations and Treaty Nations throughout BC.

Trails Society of BC strives to ensure the work we do within these territories adheres to UNDRIP’s  framework for reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. As a provincial organization, Trails BC is making every effort to follow proper protocol, engagement and have consent and appropriate representation of the Nations and Indigenous people we work within and with.

Calling All Trail-Minded Enthusiasts.. ADD YOUR VOICE TO TRAILS BC TO CHAMPION TRAILS FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE ACTIVE RECREATION AND TRANSPORTATION! HUMAN POWERED!

Our organization got started to route, build and develop the Trans Canada Trail with the British Columbian government.  It was always intended to be a non-motorized multi-use trail in British Columbia.  People recreate on these trails for running, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, skiing, fatbiking in nature and we want to support everyone to be able to have the ability to do that. Putting vehicles on trails diminishes the experience of people wanting to have a quality nature experience.  We wouldn’t have the rails to trails if it was not for the greenway objectives of Trans Canada Trail and the dedication of countless volunteeers from Trails Society of BC.  Rail trails have a very low gradient, making their width and surface accessible to more users than typical natural trail surfaces.

The Trans Canada Trail initiative recognized the value of these rail trails and that is why a large portion of The Great Trail (since renamed from the Trans Canada Trail or TCT) was sited on these abandoned railway corridors. Rail trails throughout the world are recognized for their benefit for active recreation pursuits as well as active transportation between communities.

Unfortunately, the rail trails in south-central interior BC are also being used by people driving vehicles such ATVs, side by sidess, dirt bikes, 4x4s and passenger vehicles and trucks, making them not only unsafe to people and displacing people, they have also become unsustainable to maintain leading to poor surface conditions.  Rail trails and other recreation trails need to be prioritized for active use so people can enjoy nature and the beautiful landscapes/scenery comfortably on their own power.

Trails Society of BC supports a full range of trails for everyone, keeping in mind the necessity to not mix incompatible uses on the same trail in order to maintain a quality experience for everyone.

Our objectives..

  • Champion the preservation of natural, historic and developed trails in British Columbia.
  • To promote the development and establishment of trails allowing for quality recreational experiences by non-motorized users in British Columbia.
  • To seek permanent designation of trails in British Columbia as rights-of-way in perpetuity.
  • To accept, acquire and raise funds, materials and labour for trail related projects in British Columbia.
  • To promote safety, courtesy, and respect for cultural, heritage and environmental features with trail users.
  • To enter into agreements, when required for trail establishment, with private and government land owners for development and stewardship of trails in British Columbia.

Q: What does Trails BC do?

A: Trails BC, also known officially as the Trails Society of BC, is a non-profit registered society (1995) under the Provincial Societies Act. Trails BC became a Registered Charity effective December 1st, 1996, and can issue Income Tax receipts for donations. Our mandate is to “facilitate the development of shared use and sustainable trail networks, including the Trans Canada Trail, within British Columbia”.

Trails BC has been designated by the Trans Canada Trail Foundation to facilitate the development of the Trans Canada Trail in BC.

Our immediate goals are:

  • To gather public support for our efforts to build and manage trails.
  • To build a local community-based membership of trail-minded individuals and groups.
  • To promote a provincial trail network and to record existing trail routes throughout BC.

Our achievements include:

  • The development of about 40% of the Trans Canada Trail in BC (southern route), and the registration of 53% of the trail with the Trans Canada Trail Foundation, as of January 2000.
  • Amendments to provincial legislation, increasing opportunities for the general public to have recreational access to private and leased lands.
  • Advocacy work with the Land Use Coordination Office and in recent years with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, resulting in government recognition of the need for a province-wide trail strategy.

Q: How can I assist? What kind of help do you need?

A: If you haven’t already, the best ways to lend a hand would be to “Get Involved” by joining Trails BC as a member, volunteer, trail steward or simply donate funds.