17 TRAIL BENEFITS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS
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17 TRAIL
BENEFITS FOR
BRITISH
COLUMBIANS
A Case for the Outdoors
Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck
INTRODUCTION
When visiting your local trail system, you are inspired to get your
body moving while enjoying the natural surroundings. Trails are well
known to provide opportunities for both physical and mental health
benefits. However, trails can also encourage economic
development, reduce the province’s healthcare spending, promote
Indigenous reconciliation, and environmental stewardship. Here are
17 benefits that illustrate the important role of trails in British
Columbia.
Photo: Hannah McMeikin
PAGE 1 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
HEALTH
Photo: Destination BC / @vancouverfoodie
PAGE 2 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
1. TRAILS REDUCE
HEALTH RISKS
The level of physical activity
involved in most trail activities can
help lower the risk of heart disease,
stroke, and various types of cancer;
it can also help manage weight and
control blood pressure [1].
Photo: Sunshine Coast Trail
2. THE HEALTH
BENEFITS OF
TRAILS LESSEN
HEALTHCARE
SPENDING
The BC Ministry of Health found in
2004 that $573 million per year of
healthcare spending was related to
the cost of physical inactivity in the
province [2]. In fact, a 2011
economic analysis showed that the
use of Recreation Sites and Trails
was estimated to have helped save
between $4.4 million to $6.7
million in avoided healthcare costs
[3]. Recreation Sites and Trails BC
manages 20,000 kilometers of BC
trails—that is 50% of BC’s formally
recognized and managed trails [4].
Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Destination Canada (CTC)
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OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
3. TRAILS IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Trails improve mental health by connecting people to nature and
outdoor recreation spaces which can alleviate stress and protect
from future stress. “Green exercise” at any intensity level can
improve mental health, self-esteem, and stress levels [5]. Trails also
benefit people’s health without physical activity. It was found that
simply being in green surroundings can reduce anxiety muscles in
the forehead and pulse rates in as little as 3 minutes [6].
4. TRAILS ENCOURAGE
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
When people have access to trails, they exercise
more! In one study the addition of a new
community trail resulted in [7]:
98% 52%
of new exercisers of regular exercisers
increasing their amount increasing their amount
of physical activity of physical activity
Studies also found that:
New or improved outdoor recreation amenities
led to a 25% increase in regular exercisers [1]
Areas close to a hiking trail have more
physically active adults [8]
Countries with higher densities of trails are
associated with more adults meeting the
physical activity recommendation of the US
Center for Disease Control [8]
Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew
Strain
PAGE 4 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
ECONOMY
Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
PAGE 5 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
5. TRAILS CREATE
JOBS
The construction, maintenance, and
use of trails all generate economic
opportunities. Trails generate
income from investments in their
construction and maintenance. In
2010/11, the operation of
Recreation Sites and Trails BC
generated the equivalent of 300
full-time jobs; when considering
user spending, this number jumps to
2700 full-time jobs [3].
Photo: Steve Shannon Photography/ Revy Riders
6. TRAIL TOURISTS
AND LOCAL TRAIL
USERS GENERATE
REVENUE
Trail users may spend on transport,
food, lodging, equipment, or guides.
It is estimated that recreationists
participating in non-motorized
activities in BC spent a total of $3.6
billion dollars in 2012 [9]. Spending
In 2009/10 was estimated to be $10
to $55 per single trip per person—not
including equipment costs [3].
Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andy Cochrane
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OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
7. TRAILS INCREASE TOURISM AND
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN
RURAL COMMUNITIES
Some rural communities are struggling from a decline in the BC
resource sector. Trails can create opportunities for their economies.
Local users and tourists visiting trails make purchases in nearby
communities, which in turn supports local businesses, creates jobs,
and ultimately boosts local economies.
Burns Lake, is a rural
community in northern
BC that has an
extensive network of
trails. The town
experienced direct
economic benefits
from trail users such
as increased
customers for
restaurants, grocery
stores, and hotels
[10].
Photo: Burns Lake Lakes District News
PAGE 7 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck
8. TRAILS CAN BE A PILLAR FOR
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY
The pandemic has highlighted how vital trails are. While many
facilities and businesses were closed, evidence suggests that trails
around the province experienced an increase in usage. BC was
already experiencing increases in outdoor recreation participation
before the pandemic and now the pandemic has further boosted
participation. Given the economic, community, and health benefits,
trails will be an integral tool for COVID-19 economic recovery.
Photo: Dave Anderson Photo: Jody Stevens / Lower Mainland ATV Club
PAGE 8 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC
COMMUNITY
Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Cycle City Tours
PAGE 9 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC9. TRAILS HELP GROW
RURAL COMMUNITIES
Many of BC’s rural communities are decreasing
in population. However, some communities are
experiencing increases in population due to
amenity migration. Amenity migrants are people
who move to rural communities for better
access to natural spaces and recreation
infrastructure [12]. Trails are central to many
recreation activities and can encourage the
movement of people for pleasure rather than
economic reasons, which aids in revitalizing
rural communities.
Photo: Destination BC/Kari Medig
10. TRAILS ENGAGE
CITIZENS IN THEIR
COMMUNITIES
Trails enable local residents to contribute to
their communities which promotes social
cohesion and inclusiveness. It is estimated that
there are more than 1000 community-based
clubs for trail-based recreation activities in BC.
These clubs and volunteers maintain a large
portion of BC trails in partnership with land
agencies, such as Recreation Sites and Trails
BC. A survey found that in 2019:
83 clubs maintained around 8500 km of trails
56 clubs contributed around 63,000 volunteer
hours [13]
Photo: Back Country Horsemen of BC
PAGE 10 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC11. TRAILS CAN
BENEFIT DIVERSE
GROUPS
Gender-based analysis plus
(GBA+) reveals that trails can
provide benefits for people of
diverse abilities, genders, and
backgrounds [4].
Trails can be designed for
people of diverse abilities .
Photo: Destination BC/6ix Sigma
Adaptive mountain bike trails
have been built in BC’s West
Kootenays that are
accessible for riders in
adaptive bikes [14].
Structured outdoor
recreation activities can help
women overcome
stereotypical gender roles
and improve confidence [4].
People of different ages,
genders, and socio-
economic status all report
that using outdoor recreation
spaces helps reduce stress
[15].
Photo: Destination BC/Hubert Kang
While trails can be beneficial for disadvantaged groups, it is
important to acknowledge that disadvantaged groups continue to
experience barriers to trail use and outdoor recreation in BC.
Inclusive programs and improved infrastructure can facilitate
access to trails and help remove some of these barriers.
PAGE 11 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC12. TRAILS HELP BUILD HEALTHY
AND HAPPY COMMUNITIES
Trails facilitate access to nature and outdoor experiences that help
build healthy and happy communities. Studies show that time in
nature makes people feel happy and generous [16].
"Urban residents living near natural environments tend to
know more of their neighbours, feel a stronger sense of
belonging to the community, and have a more positive view
of their neighbourhood.[16]”
Studies show that nature improves community safety, prevents crime,
and reduces aggression and violence [16].
Nature also creates
opportunities to
build social capital;
children have better
opportunities for
leadership and
collaboration when
playing in natural
environments, while
adults improve their
ability to connect
with others when
participating in
outdoor experiences
[16].
Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton
PAGE 12 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BCRECONCILIATION
Photo: Destination BC/Grant Harder
PAGE 13 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC13. TRAILS PROVIDE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
INDIGENOUS
STEWARDSHIP AND
CULTURAL
PRESERVATION
BC’s trails hold cultural and historical
Photo: Indigenous Tourism BC/The Food Gays
value and they now serve as a connection
to historic and cultural sites and routes.
Indigenous peoples use trails to reconnect
with the land by fostering new and
traditional relationships. Trail are also used
as a venue for traditional activities like
fishing and hunting or to help preserve and
promote artifacts and stories. Educational
programs such as youth programs or trail
signage and markers that share Indigenous
knowledge can serve as tools to encourage
Indigenous stewardship [4]. Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain
Indigenous-led tourism provides
opportunities for Indigenous peoples to
share their culture and educate non-
Indigenous peoples about their heritage. It
also enables Indigenous peoples to exercise
their rights over their traditional land, to
empower their communities through
collective impact, and to create economic
opportunities [4].
Photo: Indigenous Tourism BC/Alicia Haque /
Fraser Canyon Teepee Escape
PAGE 14 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC14. TRAILS MAY ASSIST IN
ADVANCING ACTIONS TOWARDS
RECONCILIATION
The provincial government has committed to adopting and
implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission. Several programs in BC have been found to support
commitments towards reconciliation [4]. Some of these programs
include the West Coast Trails Guardian Program and the Indigenous
Youth Mountain Bike Program. Supporting similar programs,
Indigenous-led trail planning, and collaboration can help advance
reconciliation efforts [4].
Photo: Tourism Vancouver/
Nelson Mouellic Photo: Destination BC/Grant Harder
PAGE 15 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BCENVIRONMENT
Photo: Back Country Horsemen of BC
PAGE 16 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC15. TRAILS HELP REDUCE
TRAFFIC, EMISSIONS,
AND ACCIDENTS
Trails can be used for transport! When trails
are used to get from one place to another,
they serve as part of an active transportation
infrastructure. Active transportation is when
we use our own power to move. It can be
biking to work, walking to school, skiing to a
friend, or e-biking to the grocery store.
Active transportation has been linked to
decreases in the number of vehicles on the
road which reduces traffic congestion,
vehicle emissions, environmental stress, and
crash injuries [4].
Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic
16. TRAILS INSPIRE
ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP
Trails enable people to access and
experience the natural beauty in British
Columbia. Meaningful time outdoors allows
people to experience the benefits of nature
and see the effects of their actions on the
environment. In turn, these experiences can
motivate people to become politically and
socially involved in environmental issues [17].
Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Tanya Goehring
PAGE 17 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC17. TRAILS MAY
BENEFIT THE
ENVIRONMENT
Well managed trails can have
several benefits for the
environment. Trails and parks can
help with water and air
purification, erosion control, and
carbon sequestration [17].
Additionally, tourism can provide
revenue for environmental efforts.
For instance, Port Renfrew
transitioned from being a logging
town to a booming eco-tourism
location. Today, Port Renfrew is
known as the Tall Tree Capital.
People work to protect the “tall
trees” and in doing so they also
enjoy the environmental and
economic benefits of preserving
the forest [18].
Photo: BC Whitewater/ Sandy Macewan/ Noeick River
Poorly managed and maintained trails can have negative
environmental impacts. Overcrowded and undermaintained trails
may encourage people to venture off trail which can damage
nearby wildlife and habitats. Other environmental concerns related
to trails are littering and human caused wildfires. Having well
maintained trails, crowd management plans, and educational
signage can help reduce negative environmental impacts. That is
another reason why it is important to invest in trail infrastructure!
PAGE 18 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BCCONCLUSION
Trails provide benefits that go far beyond those perceived at first
glance. Trails help keep our minds and bodies healthy. They provide
economic benefits that can increase tourism, create jobs, support
rural communities, and aid in the province’s Covid-19 recovery. Trails
serve as tools for Indigenous engagement and reconciliation. They
also support communities at a local level. Finally trails may provide
environmental benefits and encourage people to become involved
in environmental issues. Supporting trails means supporting
ourselves, our economy, our environment, and our communities.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
PAGE 19 OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BCREFERENCES
1. Godbey, Geoffrey. "Outdoor Recreation, Health, and Wellness:
Understanding and Enhancing the Relationship." 2009.Quoted in MNP.
Trails Strategy Review Report.
2. Ministry of Health Planning. The Cost of Physical Inactivity in British
Columbia. By Ronald Colman, PhD and Sally Walker, PhD. Victoria, B.C.:
Ministry of Health Services, 2004.
3. MNP. The Social and Economic Impacts of BC Recreation Sites and Trails.
PDF. Vancouver: Meyers Norris Penny, May 2011.
4. MNP. Trails Strategy Review Report. PDF. January 4, 2021.
5. Pretty, Jules N., Murray Griffin, Jo Peacock, Rachel Hine, Martin
Sellens, and Nigel South. "A Countryside for Health and Wellbeing: The
Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Green Exercise." Sheffield:
Countryside Recreation Network, 2005.Quoted in MNP. Trails Strategy
Review Report.
6. Nolan, Paul, and Mersey Forest. "Healthy Trees: Do Woodlands Really
Make Us Healthier." Countryside Recreation 13, no. 1 (2005).Quoted in
MNP. Trails Strategy Review Report.
7. Gordon, Paul M., Samuel J. Zizzi, and Jeff Undefined Pauline. "PEER
REVIEWED: Use of a Community Trail Among New and Habitual
Exercisers: A Preliminary Assessment." Preventing Chronic Disease 1, no.
4 (October 2004): 1-11.Quoted in MNP. Trails Strategy Review Report.
8. Rosenberger, Randall S., Terry R. Bergerson, and Jeffrey D. Kline. "Macro-
linkages between Health and Outdoor Recreation: The Role of Parks and
Recreation Providers." Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 27,
no. 3 (2009): 8-20.Quoted in MNP. Trails Strategy Review Report.
9. Kux, Stephen, and Wolfgang Haider. Non-Motorized Outdoor Recreation
in British Columbia in 2012: Participation and Economic Contributions.
Report. School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon
Fraser University. 2014.
10. "Economic Impact of Burns Lake Trails." Burns Lake Lakes District News,
August 16, 2017. https://www.burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com/news/
economic-impact-of-burns-lake-trails/.
PAGE 20 THE BEECH POST
OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BC11. Clarke, Thomas, and Swapna Nair. "Trekking Our Trails: The Benefits and
Significance of Canada’s Trail System." The Conference Board of
Canada, 2020.
12. Van Eijk, Mark. Returning to Nature: How Amenity Migration Is Reshaping
BC's Rural Landscape. PDF. Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.
13. Diaz Lopez, Ximena. BC Trail Fund Recommendations Presentation. PPT.
Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, 2020.
14. Coté, Matt. "Introducing the World’s First Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails."
Mountain Culture Group, 2018.
https://mountainculturegroup.com/worlds-first-adaptive-mountain-
bike-trails/.
15. Grahn, Patrik, and Ulrika A. Stigsdotter. "Landscape Planning and Stress."
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2, no. 1 (2003): 1-18.Quoted in MNP.
Trails Strategy Review Report.
16. Parks Canada. "Connecting Canadians with Nature — An Investment in the
Well-Being of Our Citizens." 2014, 1-36. https://parks-parcs.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2020/09/ConnectingCanadians-English_web.pdf.
17. Nickerson, Ron, Jonathan Vlaming, and Three Rivers Park District. "Why Parks
and Trails Are Important." 2010.Quoted in MNP" Trails Strategy Review
Report.
18. "Protecting Old Growth Rainforest to the Economic Benefit of Tourism-
Based Communities." 2019. Accessed 2020.
https://bcchamber.org/policy/protecting-old-growth-rainforest-to-the-
economic-benefit-of-tourism-based-communities-2019/.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to the members of the Provincial Trails Advisory Body that
provided input and feedback on this document.
17 Trail Benefits for British Columbians: A Case for the Outdoors
Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
by Ximena Diaz Lopez
June, 2021
PAGE 21 THE BEECH POST
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