The Ribbons of Green Trails Society of Vernon, British Columbia, Canada is a non-profit, trail advocacy group dedicated to the promotion and construction of walking, hiking and cycling trails, both on and off-road within the Greater Vernon region.
 

PURPOSES

The purposes of the Ribbons of Green Trails Society are to advocate for a network of public non-motorized trails within the Greater Vernon area and to encourage connectivity with trails in neighbouring communities.

 

MISSION

The mission of the Ribbons of Green Trails Society includes, but is not limited to:

 

•    advocating for municipal governments and other organizations for the construction of non-motorized trails in Greater Vernon

•    encouraging trail connectivity within Greater Vernon and with those in neighbouring communities

•    supporting best practices for trail design, construction, use, signage and maintenance

•    supporting trails and pathways used for both recreation and transportation wherever feasible

•    working collaboratively with and supporting community partner organizations with similar purposes

•    promoting community trail stewardship

•    building relationships with trail groups in neighbouring communities

•    informing and educating the public

•    adapting for changes in climate, transportation methods and lifestyles

•    assisting with natural, cultural and historical interpretation efforts on the trails


Who is the Ribbons of Green Trails Society?

The Ribbons of Green Trails Society currently consists of 10 directors who meet once a month to advance trail development and ensure maintenance.

City of Vernon staff and Council Members, District of Coldstream staff, and  Regional District of North Okanagan Parks staff are also in attendance at the monthly meetings.

Trail Map of the Greater Vernon Area

To view an interactive online map of trails in the Greater Vernon Area, 
- or click here
https://arcg.is/iSnWn

This map transcends political boundaries and includes trails managed by RDNO, City of Vernon, District of Coldstream, and District of Lake Country.
Ribbons of Green Trail Society does not warrant nor guarantee the accuracy, currency, correctness, and completeness of the information. 
Persons accessing the map agree to and accept that their use of any information contained therein is entirely at their own risk.  
Ribbons of Green Trail Society assumes no obligation or liability for the use of the map data. 
Wheelchair Access  NEW

A list of wheelchair-accessible trails recommended by Sonja Gaudet, Accessibility Specialist with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. Click here for her list and recommendations.

Trail Difficulty  NEW

The Ribbons of Green Trails Society has rated the difficulty of all the Greater Vernon trails.  Click here for the compiled list.

Ribbons of Green Commendation Award

Geoff Mulligan is the recipient of the Ribbons of Green Commendation Award. This award is given to an individual, group, organization, institution or business whose actions and achievements have shown significant leadership and contribution towards public, non-motorized trails.

Geoff volunteered his time and expertise to create our online interactive trail map. The map displays all the local hiking trails in the Greater Vernon Area, allowing local residents and tourists to easily view and locate these trails on their smartphone, tablet, or computer.  The map also provides descriptions and photos for each trail. To view the map click here.


Geoff, a City of Vernon employee in the Planning Department, states: 

I really do appreciate this recognition from the Ribbons of Green. Our family has always been heavy users of trail systems so it's great to be able to contribute in some small way to the excellent work the Ribbons of Green is doing. 

I'm really excited to see the interactive trail map is gaining more and more traction and I'd encourage everyone to get out and explore those trails they've never been on before. There are so many great trails in and around Vernon, each of them so different!”

Geoff Mulligan receiving award from Harold Sellers, Ribbons of Green Trails Society President
Hiking Trails beyond Greater Vernon 

The Vernon Outdoors Club has created online maps, descriptions, and driving directions for favourite hiking trails located throughout the Okanagan, the Monashee Mountains, and as far as Kamloops and Revelstoke:

https://www.vernonoutdoorsclub.org/hikes


New Greater Vernon hiking trails!

Several new hiking trails have recently been constructed!

An easy 0.23 km trail that passes beside Cools Pond with an elevated covered wooden observation platform to view this rural wetland. Great for bird and nature enthusiasts.

A short easy trail that follows above Canoe Beach (formerly called Sandy Beach) with a fantastic view down Okanagan Lake.

A 2.25 km trail that wraps around the former BX Ranch farmlands, passing Mutrie Dog Park and ending at the BX Ranch Dog Park.

These trails connect to the northern section of the Grey Canal, Coldstream Valley Estates trail.

Starting at the north end of Crystal Waters Road, this 1.8 km trail joins the southern end of the Kal Crystal Waters Trail. 

For more details, visit our interactive online trail map. 
 Check out our Facebook page! 
 
We post new trail information and photos.  Click here to Like us, Share us, and add your comments!

COVID-19 Guidelines

To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, we strongly encourage everyone using trails in our network to follow these guidelines:

- keep a distance of at least two metres from others

- switch to single file when passing others

- avoid congregating at trailheads or on the trail

- chose times that are less busy

- chose trails that are nearby. If you need to drive a car, you’ve gone too far

- stay home, if you are feeling unwell

 

For more information and updates, visit the websites of the Government of Canada, the World Health Organization, the BC Government, the Regional District of North Okanagan, the City of Vernon, and the District of Coldstream.


Okanagan Cycling Guidebook

Vancouver author, Colleen MacDonald, has recently published a cycling guidebook showcasing Okanagan Trails, entitled “Let’s Go Biking Okanagan and Beyond”.  

Ribbons of Green directors provided significant assistance in selecting and describing local cycling and hiking trails, providing photos, and “proof-riding” the routes.

 

The guidebook is available at the following Vernon stores (Davison Orchard, Coles, Olympia Cycle) and can be purchased online by clicking here.

Proceeds from book sales go to the Trails Society of BC, BC Cycling Coalition and local trail advocacy groups.



Community Bike Map

The City of Vernon has recently released an interactive Community Bike map, which indicates our local cycling routes and multi-use paths.

Click here to access this great resource!

Tourism Vernon Top Hiking Trails

Tourism Vernon has compiled a list of some of their top hiking trails in the Vernon area.

Click here to access the Tourism Vernon website.

For trail photos and interactive trails maps, click here
 
Okanagan Rail Trail

A magnificent community pathway is partially completed from Vernon to Kelowna, along the abandoned CN railway! Once finished, this 47.9 km level route, along spectacular lake shores and rural and urban landscapes, will be accessible for all ages and abilities!

The community successfully met the goal of raising $7.8 million to complete this trail. Working together, the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, the Okanagan Indian Band, the Regional District of the North Okanagan, the federal government, the provincial government, and a community of trail supporters all came together to create this trail legacy.

Phase 1 of the Okanagan Rail Trail, marks the completion of 42.5 km of trail. The trail is open from Coldstream to Ellison Lake (Duck Lake).  The trail is currently closed between Ellison Lake (Duck Lake) and the Kelowna International Airport.  Heading south from the airport, the trail ends on Manhattan Drive in Kelowna, connecting easily with Waterfront Park on Okanagan Lake.

For more information about the trail, visit the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative website at www.okanaganrailtrail.ca


Trail Maintenance

Ribbons of Green Trails Society is not responsible for trail maintenance.  
For concerns and suggestions about trail maintenance, please click on our Trail Maintenance link

Greater Vernon Trails Plan 2013 - 2033

Ribbons of Green Trails Society has prepared this comprehensive plan which identifies existing and proposed trails. This plan focuses primarily on the needs of commuters and recreational trail users.

Click here here to view the Trails Plan

Suggest a hiking trail

Do you have an idea for a new hiking trail in the Vernon area?  Please contact us!
 
Donate a Park Bench

Leave a Legacy.  Click on our link: Commemorative Bench
 
Contact us:
 
Ribbons of Green Trails Society
#305, 3402 - 27 Avenue
Vernon, BC
Canada  V1T 1S1