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Ribbons of Green Trails Society
The Ribbons of Green Trails Society acknowledges the presence of the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the Syilx and Secwepemc peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. We recognize, honour, and respect the Syilx / Secwepemc lands upon which we live, work, and play.
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?
Who is the Ribbons of Green Trails Society?
The Ribbons of Green Trails Society currently consists of 11 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
Trail Map of the Greater Vernon Area
To view an interactive online ArcGIS map of trails in the Greater Vernon Area, visit:
- or click link below:
View our interactive online ArcGIS 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 Trails 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 Trails Society assumes no obligation or liability for the use of the map data.
New Trail Interpretive Signs
New Trail Interpretive Signs
The Ribbons of Green Trails Society recently created 10 new interpretive signs for RDNO trails.
The signs are on the following trails:
Kal Crystal Waters Trail
(2 signs)
Swan Lake Nature Reserve Trail
(3 signs)
BX Ranch Trail
(2 signs)
BX Creek Trail
(2 signs)
Grey Canal Trail - Foothills
Check out each sign to learn interesting facts about these awesome trails.
Coldstream Ranchlands Trail
Coldstream Ranchlands Trail
Check out this fantastic new panoramic trail – the Coldstream Ranchlands Trail network!
This scenic climb trail on Vernon Hill, above Coldstream Valley Estates, was created by the Regional District of North Okanagan and constructed by Contour Trails.
Located on the traditional territory of the Secwepemc First Nations and Sylix Okanagan People, the Coldstream Ranchlands property is a 126-hectare natural space that offers a 6.3km multi-use loop trail around its perimeter.
The west side of this loop doubles as a purpose-built mountain bike climbing trail to access crown lands set to be the future home of the multi-use Vernon Hill trail network.
On the east side, a more challenging ascent or descent awaits, with rocky slopes above a ravine, providing a scenic and adventurous route. Not recommended for biking. Excellent views of the Coldstream Valley towards Blue Nose Mountain.
The central portion of the property, designated as part of the Agricultural Land Reserve, remains undeveloped and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife.
To protect this sensitive ecosystem, users are asked to stay on the designated trails. Several wooden cattle gate crossings allow access to enter this protected area.
It’s recommended to climb the loop in a clockwise direction, resulting in amazing views over the Coldstream Valley, Middleton Mountain, Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake.
The elevation change is 324 meters (1,063 ft), with the highest point at 1,011 m.
An additional 1km of trail connects the Coldstream Ranchlands with the Grey Canal Trail.
A designated Parking area is on Ravine Drive.
The 520m access paved road between the parking lot and trailhead (through the housing development), is for public non-motorized use only.
Castanet Trail Article
Castanet Trail Article
In his weekly outdoor recreation column, journalist J.P. Squire explores the Grey Canal Trail sections of Bella Vista and Turtle Mountain. Follow him as he travels between Vineyard Way and Blue Jay Road:
https://www.castanet.net/news/Making-Tracks/514075/On-the-Grey-Canal-Trail
Glenhayes Road Parking Lot Upgrade
Glenhayes Road Parking Lot Upgrade
The parking lot on Glenhayes Road has been improved with better signage, a trash can, dog bag dispenser, and a more direct access to the Grey Canal trailhead.
From the parking lot, you can head in two directions:
1) Hike uphill on a new path built between private properties that leads to the north trailhead of the Grey Canal Trail – East Swan Lake section
2) Head down from the parking lot is an 820 m (one way) steep trail descending to Baker Hogg Road
Great views of Swan Lake and the valley.
NEW! Kalamalka Lake Paddle Trail
NEW! Kalamalka Lake Paddle Trail
The Regional District of the North Okanagan (RDNO) in partnership with the District of Lake Country have created a Paddle Trail on Kalamalka Lake.
Fifty-four white buoys have been installed along Kalamalka Lake from Coldstream to Lake Country. The white buoys are placed every 500 metres as trail markers to mark out the paddle zone near the shoreline, and to mark entry points.
“The purpose of the Paddle Trail on Kalamalka Lake is to provide additional recreational amenities to the public, promote safety by encouraging non-motorized watercraft to stay close to the shoreline, reduce conflicts between motorized and non-motorized water vessels, and to help encourage motorized boat use away from the shoreline and reduce wake/erosion,” the RDNO says.
Grand Opening -
Upper BX Creek Trail
Grand Opening -
Upper BX Creek Trail
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) recently opened a challenging and exciting trail for advanced mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners.
With a 540 m elevation change, the route descends 5.8 km from Sovereign Lake Road down to Forsberg Road. This trail project has revitalized portions of the historic Spanky's mountain bike trail while introducing a new scenic lower section.
"We are thrilled to offer this enhanced trail to our community and visitors," stated Bob Fleming, Chair of the RDNO Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. "The Upper BX Creek Trail moves us one step closer to the dream of having the trail run the length of BX Creek from Silver Star to Swan Lake”.
Parking is currently available at the upper trailhead off Silver Star Road, with an additional parking lot planned for construction on Forsberg Road, subject to funding approvals.
Users are reminded to be considerate of each other and practice trail etiquette while on the trail.
Culvert Trail under Highway 97
As you are enjoying the exquisite 12 km Kal Crystal Waters Trail from Okanagan College to Lake Country, try a new connection trail.
At the north of of Kekuli Bay Provincial Campground, a short trail heads north through a culvert under Highway 97 and travels uphill to connect with Bailey Road.
Be sure to dismount, if riding your bike in the culvert!
Contest Prizes!
CONGRATULATIONS to Brandy, Reta and Ritchie for posting their favourite Trail Photos on our Facebook Page!
Their names were randomly selected to receive these hand-crafted prizes!
Active Transportation Report
On October 23, the Ribbons of Green Trails Society presented their comprehensive Active Transportation Report to Vernon Council. The 22-page document provides recommendations for an active transportation network to make most of the city safely accessible by foot and bicycle for all ages and abilities.
The route recommendations proposed in the report are intended to make a substantial and desirable difference to the lives of residents, tourism and the local economy, as well as the future of Vernon as the Trails Capital of BC.
The report aligns with Vernon Council's Strategic Plan and the Climate Action Plan 2021.
To view the document with maps and route recommendations, click here.
View the 17-minute Council Meeting presentation on YouTube here.
Vernon Matters news article, click here
InfoTel news article, click here
Castanet news article, click here
Try a local Multi-Use Path
A Multi-Use Path (MUP) is a safe transportation route that is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic, and is meant for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Did you know Greater Vernon has all these wonderful paved MUPs:
Polson Park MUP
29/30th Street (Polson Greenway) MUP
Okanagan Landing Road MUP
Kal Lake Road MUP
Kidston Road MUP
Coldstream Creek Road MUP
College Way MUP
Jack Schratter Way MUP
Silver Star Road MUP
Longacre Trail MUP
Allenby Way MUP
15th Street MUP
20th Street MUP
35th Avenue MUP
Explore our region car-free; use a MUP!
Click here to view MUP locations on our detailed interactive map.
NEW TRAILS
NEW TRAILS in Greater Vernon!
Several new hiking trails have recently been constructed or improved!
Coldstream Ranchlands Trail
A 6.3 km multi-use loop trail that climbs Vernon Hill. Panoramic views over Coldstream Valley, Middleton Mountain, Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake. The west side of the loop doubles as a hiking and mountain bike climbing trail. The east side, with its challenging ascent or descent on rocky slopes above a ravine, is not recommended for biking.
Upper BX Creek Trail
A 5.8 km challenging but exciting trail for advanced mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. The route descends 540 m from Sovereign Lake Road to Forsberg Road.
Rocky Ridge Park Trail
A newly constructed "thigh burning" staircase leads to magnificent 360 degree views of Greater Vernon.
- At the north end of Kekuli Bay Campground, a culvert passes under Highway 97 and meanders up to Bailey Road.
- Starting at the north end of Crystal Waters Road, this 1.8 km trail passes through three ravines and joins the southern end of the Kal Crystal Waters Trail.
Silver Star Multi-Use Path
A 5 km separated multi-use that follows Silver Star Road from Pleasant Valley Road up to Phoenix Drive. The path begins with a moderate climb. At BX School, the path crosses to the other side of Silver Star Road and becomes steeper.
Tronson Road - Lake Access Trail
A difficult 1.6 km (return) trail descending from Tronson Road to Okanagan Lake, with a 92m elevation gain. Meander along the forested hillside with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake. A rocky beach, benches, lookout points.
Grey Canal Turtle Mountain Extension
A 380m trail extension heading east continues to Davison Road. Includes wooden bridge and roadside parking on Davison Road.
Grey Canal East Swan Lake, Connection Trail
Access from Baker Hogg Road at water reservoir: head north from 7574 Baker Hogg Rd, turn right at trail signpost, drive uphill 320m to water reservoir building parking lot. Continue uphill on winding trail 270m to reach Grey Canal trail.
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.
For more details, visit our interactive online trail map.
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail
This 50 km continuous, non-motorized greenway for walking and cycling is to be constructed along the abandoned rail corridor from Sicamous to Armstrong.
“The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail provides a connection between communities unfolding the true story within Secwépemc territory, protecting natural areas and habitat for wildlife, facilitating healthy outdoor recreational activities and travel options on foot and by bicycle, conserving heritage, cultural, and agricultural values, and encouraging recreational tourism in rural areas.
At just over 50 kilometres long, it will create a perfect opportunity for families to discover scenic landscapes with amenities along the way.”
To view an informational video click here
To stay updated on the progress of the rail trail, click here
Greater Vernon - Trails Capital of British Columbia!
Greater Vernon - Trails Capital of British Columbia!
Greater Vernon has a new official title: "Trails Capital of BC".
In 2022, Ribbons of Green Trails Society initiated the project to recognize Greater Vernon as the Trails Capital of BC, to emphasize the multitude and quality of trails in the area.
In 2023, the Canadian Registrar of Trademarks granted the Official Mark.
“We are thrilled to see recognition of the years of hard work by volunteers, elected officials, business partners, and government staff to develop the extensive trail network in Greater Vernon,” said Kim Young, director of the Ribbons of Green Trails Society.
“We hope this will encourage and support continued growth throughout the region for years to come.”
Ellison Park upgraded parking lot
Ellison Provincial Park has an attractively upgraded parking lot with many new amenities! Check out the extra parking space alongside picnic tables, trail map signage, outhouses, bike repair station, and garbage and recycling bins.
Located on the east side of Eastside Road, you can access a network of trails in Ellison Park and connect to the Predator Ridge Resort trails.
Be mindful of construction along the Predator Ridge Resort trails.
McKergow Meadows Park
McKergow Meadows Park
McKergow Meadows Park on Middleton Mountain has received some recent attractive upgrades.
Welcoming signs from Stafford W. McKergow are at the park entrances on Middleton Way, on Mt Ida Drive, and at 11501 Husband Close.
A modern gazebo with amazing views of Kalamalka Lake offer an opportunity to sit and take in the wonderful surroundings.
Motivational words are patterned into the table.
Another park access is at Mt Bulman Place.
New Grey Canal Interpretive Signs
New Grey Canal Interpretive Signs
A series of five new interpretive signs have been erected along scenic sections of the current Grey Canal trail.
Discover the visionaries who created this gravity-fed irrigation system. Learn when and how the canal was constructed. Marvel at how water was transported uphill without pumps. Realize how the Grey Canal transformed Greater Vernon.
The signs include numerous archival photos, mainly from the Museum of Greater Vernon, which provide stunning glimpses into the past and bring this former irrigation canal to life.
The interpretive sign project was initiated by the Ribbons of Green Trails Society. As successful applicants of the RDNO Greater Vernon Trails & Natural Spaces grant, 46% of the signs funding was provided through the grant. The rest of the funds were provided as in-kind donations from volunteers.
Two local businesses, Tambellini Design Studio and Speed Pro Signs were hired to create and install the appealing, well-constructed signs.
The signs are located on the following Grey Canal trail sections:
Bella Vista (west of Sierra Rd parking lot) Click here for Directions;
Turtle Mountain (northeast of Turtle Mt Blvd parking lot) Directions;
Blue Jay (south of Blue Jay Rd parking lot) Directions;
East Swan Lake (north of McLennan Rd parking lot) Directions;
Coldstream Valley Estates (east of Cypress Dr parking lot) Directions
Since 2005, the Ribbons of Green Trails Society has been working to create a public continuous, hiking trail system along or near the Grey Canal. This 50 km trail would encircle the entire valley from Coldstream to Okanagan Lake, allowing users to appreciate the significant contributions made by our predecessors. Several sections of the trail remain to be constructed.
Click here to download a Grey Canal interpretive sign Scavenger Hunt to help explore the route and learn about this historical engineering wonder.
For information on the Grey Canal hiking trails, click here
For Grey Canal history, click here
For an interactive map of the Grey Canal trails, click here
For a Grey Canal Scavenger Hunt to explore trail and signs, click here
Grey Canal 1910
Image Courtesy Museum & Archives of Vernon, Photo 7569
The Grey Canal - From Flume to Trail
The Grey Canal - From Flume to Trail
A presentation sponsored by the "Friends of Kalamalka Provincial Park society
Held on July 5th at the Juniper Bay Picnic Area, in Kalamalka Provincial Park
Presented by Ingrid Neumann, Ribbons of Green Trails Society director
Videographed and produced by Bruce Mol, Ribbons of Green Trails Society director
Click here to view the presentation
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 reviews the canal’s history and future - from flume to hiking trail.
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 or here
Top 5 Vernon Trails for Epic Views
Top 5 Vernon Trails for Epic Views
Tourism Vernon and the Ribbons of Green Trails Society collaborated to promote Greater Vernon's trails.
Tourism Vernon and the Ribbons of Green Trails Society collaborated to promote Greater Vernon's trails.
Trails Map
The 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
Wheelchair Access
A list of wheelchair-accessible trails recommended by Sonja Gaudet, Accessibility Specialist with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
A list of wheelchair-accessible trails recommended by Sonja Gaudet, Accessibility Specialist with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
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!
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 BC Cycling Coalition, Trails Society of BC, 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
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