In a time of social distancing, we can stay at home or we still get out to walk or hike as long as we make wises choices, keeping our distance. Some trails are busy, some are narrow, and some are closed. This news post may assist hikers to make good choices.

1. The BC Government has closed some trails in our area (link). Most of the closures in our area are B.C. Campsites, B.C.Rec Sites, and (official) B.C. Rec Trails:

• Isobel Lake
• Pineview Trails
• Logan Lake Ski and Snowshoe Trails
• Skmana Trails
• Larch Hills
• Stake Lake Trails
• Skimikin Lake Trails
• Lodgepole Lake
• Brookmere parking areas
• Check the link above for more closures.

2. Avoid highly trafficked walking, dog walking, hiking, and biking trails, especially single tracks, where possible. Some of these very popular trails include:

• Riverside Park – Pioneer Park
• Rivers Trail
• Some of the main Kenna Cartwright Trails.
• Some of the main Peterson Creek Trails.
• Tranquille River Trail.

3. Double track trails are better for social distancing. Good choices include:

• Some trails in Kenna Cartwright Park (Ponderosa, Sunset, Tower, Reservoir)
• McArthur Island (but avoid prime times).
• Some trails in the Batchelor Hills.
• Some trails near Lac du Bois.
• The Pruden Pass Road and side routes.
• Some trails in Valleyview Nature Park.
• Some routes near Rose Hill
• Cooney Bay area (go early)
• Westsyde Bench (from Batchelor Hills)
• Any backroad routes in the area (ie Outer Inks Trails and others).

4. Avoid single track trails during prime time when walkers, dog-walkers, mountain bikers, and hikers all use popular trails.

• Dallas- Barnhartvale Nature Park
• Uplands Trails
• Mara Trail
• Battle Bluff Trail
• Balancing Rock Trail
• Paul Lake Trails
• Most Peterson Creek Trails
• Some Kenna Cartwright Trails
• Some lower Batchelor Hills Trails
• McConnell Lake
• Mara Canyon (Cinnamon Ridge, Hoodoos Trail)
• Some Mission Flats Park trails
• Moonscape Trail
• Deep Lake Trail

5. Avoid any trail system that has crowded parking areas.

6. Some trail systems rarely get many hikers, bikers, dog-walkers, or walkers and if you hike these early, you may see no one:

• Most routes in Lac du Bois and the Dewdrop Range.
• Most routes in the Barnes Lake Trails.
• Some routes in the Lower Rose Trails.
• Six Mile Lake area
• Savona to Sabiston
• Sunrise Mountain Trail
• Outer Inks Trails
• and more

7. Some reminders:

• Avoid touching gates, fences, etc. at parking areas.
• If you need to use an outhouse, bring gloves and sanitizer.
• Carry tissue or a handkerchief.
• Carry gloves and a mask, just in case.
• Hike 2m apart. Avoid groups of all sizes.
• Take care of your overall health so your body can fight any infections.

See you back on the trails when all of this is over.