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Ribbons of Green Trails Society
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, visit:
- or click link below:
View interactive online trail map on your smart phone, tablet, or computer
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.
Greater Vernon is the Trails Capital of British Columbia!
The Grey Canal - From Flume to Trail, a free presentation
Sponsored by the "Friends of Kalamalka Provincial Park society
Tuesday, July 5th, 6:45pm at the Juniper Bay Picnic Area, in Kalamalka Provincial Park
Presented by Ingrid Neumann, Ribbons of Green Trails Society director
The Grey Canal was a game changer in the growth of Greater Vernon
Learn how it all began:
Where the water came from, and how it transformed the area.
Who were the visionaries who made this irrigation system happen?
How was it constructed to transport water 50 km from Lavington to Okanagan Lake with no pumps?
This presentation will review the canal’s history and future - from flume to hiking trail.
Rain or shine - dress for the weather, bring a chair and enjoy this free presentation
The Ways of Water - Stories of the Grey Canal
The Ribbons of Green Trails Society collaborated with the Museum & Archives of Vernon to create a series of filmed interviews about the historic Grey Canal.
The Grey Canal transformed land use and settlement in the North Okanagan. Now a network of multi-use trails, this early irrigation system brought “water from the hills” into the valley from 1914 to 1971 and once comprised the largest irrigation district in British Columbia.
Learn about the early development and evolution of the Grey Canal from those who experienced it first-hand.
In a series of filmed interviews, film-makers Ingrid Neumann and Bruce Mol capture the knowledge and recollections of Bob Davison, Peter Tassie, Tom Ouchi and Mas Sakakibara.
Each tells a different part of the story of this feat of engineering, and how it changed life in the North Okanagan.
These three films are available for viewing on the Museum & Archives of Vernon website: click here
Top 5 Vernon Trails for Epic Views
Tourism Vernon and the Ribbons of Green Trails Society collaborated to promote Greater Vernon's trails.
New Trails Map
This updated Greater Vernon & Area Trails brochure contains maps and information about our local Lake trails, Provincial Park trails, Grey Canal trails, Middleton Mountain trails, and more.
Trail access directions, parking, viewpoints, and dog friendly routes are included to help you discover and enjoy our fantastic trails.
Get your free copy at the following locations:
the City of Vernon Community Services Building, 3001 - 32 Avenue (next to the museum)
RDNO Building, 9848 Aberdeen Rd, Coldstream
District of Coldstream Office, 9901 Kalamalka Rd, Coldstream
Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon Branch, 3001 - 32 Avenue
Wheelchair Access
A list of wheelchair-accessible trails recommended by Sonja Gaudet, Accessibility Specialist with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
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 beautiful wooden bench has recently been added, carved by Tyler Welfing.
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.
Kal Crystal Waters Trail Addition
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.
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:
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.
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!
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 Orchards, Coles, Olympia Cycle, Good Gracious) 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.
Suggest a hiking trail
Do you have an idea for a new hiking trail in the Vernon area? Please contact us!
Trail Maintenance
Ribbons of Green Trails Society is not responsible for trail maintenance.
For concerns and suggestions about trail maintenance, please click on our link below:
Donate a Park Bench
Leave a Legacy. Click on our link below:
Contact us
Ribbons of Green Trails Society
#305, 3402 - 27 Avenue
Vernon, BC
Canada V1T 1S1
Facebook: Vernon Area Trails
Email:
