Local hikers will soon see new signs along Squamish's trail system as the area's most popular hiking paths are incorporated into the National Hiking Trail (NHT).
The Stawamus Chief Trail, Shannon Falls Trail, and the Howe Sound Crest Trail are now part of the NHT, Canada's oldest national trail system, which will stretch 10,000 from St. John's, N.L. to Victoria when completed.
"Our goal is to create a national hiking trail that is strictly non-motorized, promotes general fitness, and preserve nature, natural scenic heritage and historic values," said Pat Harrison of Hike B.C., which is responsible for the westernmost portion of the trail. "We are also trying to promote tourism and outdoor education."
The local portion of the national system - originally devised in 1971 in Ottawa by a group of Scouts - was first proposed in 2002, said Harrison during a presentation to district council.
"We approached the Sea to Sky Trail folks and they agree to it back then," said Harrison.
Since then Hike B.C. has been working with the province to get approval to incorporate sections of trail in southern B.C into the NHT.
"We now have permission from the parks department to move ahead, and we'll soon be putting signs on the local trails."
Currently the trail system, which, unlike the Trans Canada Trail, is not open to ATVs or snowmobiles, has a total of 3,500 km completed, with sections in every province. However, the system is just now expanding to southern B.C. with the Sunshine Coast Trail near Powell River being the first approved and signed section in the region.
Council unanimously supported Harrison's efforts to incorporate local trails into the national system.
"This is yet another feature that Squamish will have to offer to the community and to visitors," said Mayor Ian Sutherland.The endeavour has also received the support of the Squamish Trail Society (STS).
"I think it's great news that someone has been undertaking this and expanding their efforts of creating a national trail strictly for non-motorized use into Sea to Sky Country," said STS president Bob Brant. "It's another way to make non-motorized commuting attractive.
"However, while its great to have this new initiative for a non-motorized route, we as a community and society have to keep in mind to provide trails and routes for the motorized sector as well. They're an important part of outdoor recreation too."
