It's fitting that the province's trails capital is celebrating BC Trails Day with several events aimed at getting people outdoors.
Greater Vernon was given the official designation in 2023 for its extensive network of quality trails, championed primarily by the Ribbons of Green Trails Society.
Now the Vernon Outdoors Club (VOC) is taking the lead for BC Trails Day on Saturday, June 7, to showcase one spectacular hike.
The VOC is offering free guided hikes and/or trail maintenance work parties on the Bluenose Mountain trail in Lavington.
"Any able person and/or families with children seven years or older that would like to try hiking or improving the trail are welcome to join," said Rudi van Zwaaij, past president of VOC, which was founded in 1976.
The event starts at 10 a.m. at the trailhead, but will meet at 9 a.m. at Lavington Park on School Road. The event is free but participants are asked to register by June 5 at vernonoutdoorsclub@yahoo.ca.
Bluenose Mountain is the remnant of a volcanic plug, which is a geographical formation that was formed when lava cools inside a vent of an active volcano. It dates back from 10-60 million years ago. Many ice ages have occurred since that time and have left a blanket of glacial moraine, or sandy gravelly material on the slopes of the mountain.
The 6.4 kilometre Bluenose Mountain trail is a loop with a summit on double peaks, rated moderate.
"The two peaks offer gorgeous views over the Lavington valley," said van Zwaaij, adding three hours allows for a comfortable round trip.
"For the hikers we recommend that you bring hiking poles if you have them, as well as water and lunch. Dress for the expected weather in layers that you can shed in your backpack. Wear sturdy footwear with good profile on the soles.
"For the trail work party bring some tools like a lopper, rake or shovel, as well as gloves, water and lunch."
Further east, BC Trails Day is also celebrated by the Monashee Trail Society, showcasing the documentary Dirt Relations Saturday at 7 p.m. at the White Valley Community Centre. The film is about the Indigenous youth mountain bike program and how it started.
Admission is by donation in support of the youth program. There will also be door prizes and Outdoor Recreation Council of BC swag.
"This will be our third year participating in BC trails day," said Suzanne Schneider, Monashee Trail Society president.
BC Trails Day originated in 2021 as a provincial celebration to coincide with the International Trails Day, a global event.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, (ORCBC) aims to recognize the importance of BC's trails, celebrate trail users and volunteers, and promote responsible recreation and environmental stewardship. Outdoor groups and communities are encouraged to host local events, ranging from recreational opportunities, trail stewardship projects or virtual events.
“Trails connect people through shared rides or hikes, peaceful time in nature, or hands-on stewardship,” said Louise Pedersen, ORCBC executive director. “BC Trails Day is an annual celebration of the benefits trails bring to our lives and a chance to recognize the volunteers who care for them. It’s also a call to step outside and be part of your recreation community.”
Greater Vernon is anchored by multi-use pathways that connect Okanagan, Kalamalka and Swan Lakes, surrounded on the north and west sides by the historic Grey Canal trail, with the Okanagan Rail Trail extending south, and the High Rim trail reaching to the east and south.
There are also a number of trails within local and provincial parks, many of which are maintained and have been created by the North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS).
Celebrating its 20th year, NOCS trails aren't just for mountain bikers, but also hikers, walkers (and their pets) and even horse riders.
Memberships and donations help NOCS build and maintain trails, find out more at https://nocs.ca/.
