Rail Trail Ambassadors. (submitted photo/Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail)

By Kevin Rothwell

Trails could be the next big thing in local tourism

Jan 29, 2021 | 5:25 AM

There is no question the Okanagan Rail Trail has been a big hit, and with a section through Indigenous land along Duck Lake still in limbo, the North Okanagan-Lake Country link has been a top destination for hikers and cyclists.

Greater Vernon’s growing network of urban and and nature trails has been highlighted as a growth area in the 2021 Tourism Commission Tactical Marketing Plan.

“Creating a mountain biking destination requires a broad tourism vision and the collaboration of various groups within and outside the community. With a vision and partnership structure in place, a community is in a much stronger position to critically review its product, and ensure that trails are authorized and ongoing management is taking place,” the plan stated.

The outlook also found numerous trail systems including the Okanagan Rail Trail, Grey Canal Trail and urban trails are quickly supporting Vernon as an exceptional destination for trail-related tourism.

“Building a mountain biking tourism sector involves marketing the product in an effective manner and working with other tourism sectors to add value to the overall visitor experience. Staff would work closely with these organizations for 2021 to further develop and promote Vernon’s trail product,” the plan added.

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Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming pointed out the new urban multi-use path through the city could link hotels to the Okanagan Rail Trail, create a possible safe access under Highway 97 that could connect Kekuli to Ellison Park and Predator Ridge. If plans come to fruition, the Grey Canal Trail could connect all the way to The Rise Golf Course. The widening of the shoulder on Commonage Road could also make it useable for trips to Predator and beyond into Lake Country wineries.

“When a lot of communities are struggling to rejig who they are, we are doing things to re-enforce who we are already,” Cumming said.

SilverStar is also planning to move ahead with two events previously held in Whistler because it would be easier to handle COVID-19 restrictions at the resort.

The Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium is scheduled for fall 2021 at the resort with the possibility of a “field trip” to Predator Ridge Resort. A save-the-date has been sent out by the North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS).

The society has also shared that another Crankworx Summer event is possible for 2021, similar to the Crankworx event SilverStar hosted in 2020.