Contributed by Monica Alves, Communications and Event Planning Intern

BC Paves the Way for Inclusive Trails

If you or someone you know faces barriers to physical mobility, exploring the great outdoors this summer may feel like a challenge. But going on a wilderness adventure doesn’t have to be so intimidating! BC is known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, vibrant landscapes, and prime west coast hiking trails. Many of these trails were created with accessibility in mind. Whether it’s using a mobility aid like a walker or a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or simply looking for a trail that is suitable for a current injury or challenge, accessibility can benefit us all. We believe that nature should include everyone, and numerous destination hotspots around BC offer comfortable options for people of varied abilities to choose from as they explore the natural beauty that is British Columbia.

A Little Assistance on your Adventures

Have you heard of Mobi-Mat? These beach accessibility mats are rolling out this summer at English Bay and Kitsilano beach, allowing wheelchair users and people with walkers to easily travel on the sand. Along with this exciting new innovation, ten water wheelchairs are now available across select Vancouver beaches. Visit www.vancouver.ca/news-calendar/park-board-improves-beach-experience-with-second-mobi-mat-and-new-water-wheelchairs.aspx for more information.

There are many more programs and resources throughout BC to help you plan your next outdoor escape, such as:

• These adaptive recreation opportunities available in Vancouver and Victoria through the Power To Be organization
• This growing list of BC wide adaptive recreation opportunities
• And if you’re seeking a more extreme hiking experience, these TrailRider programs in Vancouver, Shuswap and Prince Rupert provide adaptive wheelchairs to individuals with limited mobility and volunteers to assist you on your travels

We look forward to seeing the growing development of infrastructure to foster a more accessible, diverse, and all around better BC for people of all abilities. Check out this list of some of our favourite accessible hiking trails in BC!

1. Seymour Valley Trailway | Distance: 10 km

Source: Smithsonianmag.com

Looking for alpine meadows, peaceful lakes, and the perfect picnic setting? Look no further than the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, also known as the Seymour Demonstration Forest. Weave in and out of the diverse and colourful forest along a smooth 10 km path, and take the low gradient, compact gravel trail around the calm and quiet Rice Lake. Don’t let the heat hold you back! Even in the hottest weather, you can always count on a light breeze blowing through the valley. This picturesque venue proves the west coast really is the best coast.

2. Cariboo Regional District Low Mobility Trails | Distance: Varied

Source: Cariboord.ca

This network of beautiful trails in the interior of BC consists of a variety of landscapes for people of all mobility levels to choose from; 18 of them to be exact! Popular trails include the Horsefly Salmon Habitat Viewing Trail and 99 Mile Low Mobility Trail. If you’re lucky, you may even spot former Canadian Paralympic athlete Rick Hansen! Rick is a frequent visitor to the area as he was raised in Williams Lake. Don’t forget to share your experience by uploading your favourite photos to the CDR trail map here.

3. Morell Sanctuary Yew Loop | Distance: Varied

Source: Tripadvisor.com

Source: Enchantedamerica.wordpress.com

Located in South Nanaimo, this tranquil trail offers a well-groomed path with adventure around every corner. The interpretive signs throughout this temperate rainforest will educate you on the history and wildlife in which you’re immersed in. With a trail so quaint and serene, even the local gnomes had to take up residency here! Look out for their magical little gnome homes hiding among the trees.

4. Tofino Shorepine Bog Trail | Distance: 800 m

Source: Gotofino.com

Tofino’s Pacific Rim Park trail takes you on an expedition over the bog across a level wooden boardwalk, leaving this mossy coastal forest virtually untouched. Expect to see a variety of giant contorted trees, twisted into shapes you’ll have to see to believe. Due to a lack of nutrients and poorly drained ecosystem, this wonderland of decaying forestry is nothing short of a unique work of art. You’re sure to gain a new appreciation for the residing wildlife tough enough to survive these conditions.

5. Alice Lake Loop | Distance: Varied

Source: Alltrails.com

This popular provincial park located in Squamish was named after the first woman settler to hike and fish at this lake, Alice Rose. Take the wheelchair friendly Alice Lake loop and breathe in the sweet summer fresh air and aroma of the cedar, hemlock and douglas fir trees.  Channel your inner Alice Rose and explore all that this park has to offer. Feel free to pack a picnic and settle down at the sandy beach for a nice lunch. You deserve it! All campground trails are also wheelchair accessible.

6. Hidden Grove ‘Take it Easy’ Trail | Distance: 480 m

Source: Coraclecove.com

Sechelt’s first accessible trail leads you into the heart of the Hidden Grove. Take the purple trail and you will quickly join the ‘ayut-tsut’ trail which translates to ‘take it easy’ from the Sechelt language. With a 5 foot wide surface and gentle grades, this trail is a smooth ride through a mystical forest full of gigantic old growth trees and mushrooms. Notice the tree bark stripping? The Shíshálh Nation have been harvesting the bark to make traditional baskets, ornaments, and clothing for many years. The Hidden Grove carries a story of survival with it. It has bounced back from several wildfires and was more recently scheduled to be logged. But the local community of Sechelt united to save their beloved forest, and their efforts proved successful.

7. Isobel Lake Interpretive Trail | Distance: 3 km

Source: Hikekamloops.ca

Kamloops Thompson Trail Alliance Society is a leader in creating innovative trails for people with low mobility. They recently celebrated the grand reopening of the Isobel Lake trails, which have been upgraded to allow people of various abilities to access the loop around the lake. There’s plenty of fish in this sea! The lake features fishing wharfs and is stocked full of rainbow trout fish.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and everyone should get to experience our parks and trails. I am thrilled to know that people of all abilities in Isobel Lake now are now able to access and enjoy an improved trail network thanks to this partnership between the local, provincial and federal governments.” – Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Watch CFJC News cover the recent pathway upgrades here: Kamloops Thompson Trails Alliance celebrates grand opening of accessible trail at Isobel Lake