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The Vision of the
BC Marine Trails Network
Benefits for Paddlers:
Approximately 90% of the shoreline of British Columbia is Crown land. However, due to commercial and private concerns, more and more demands are being made on these lands. In BC by law, the foreshore below the high tide line cannot be privately owned, but in the more populated coastal areas most of the lands above high tide are private. It can be very difficult for paddlers traveling the coast in their kayaks or canoes to find accessible uplands suitable for camping in these areas.
The beaches of British Columbia are a limited resource. As BC's population increases, commercial and private demands for these beaches will also increase. This is why steps are being taken now to identify and secure necessary public camping areas accessible to kayaks, canoes, and other small beachable watercraft along the coastline of British Columbia.
Sites will be carefully selected with the following factors in mind:
- They each provide a refuge off the water in case of sudden weather changes, fatigue, etc.
- They are within reasonable paddling distances apart,
- They have scenic beauty,
- Beaches are accessible at high and low tides,
- They each have an upland area suitable for camping.
These campsites, together with frequent accessible launching sites, will become the basis of the BC Marine Trails Network: a network of marine trails along the British Columbia coastline, for public recreational use for present and future generations.
Benefits for Tourism and Coastal Communities:
- Visitors using these water trails can navigate from one coastal community to another, taking advantage of the amenities each community may offer including:
- accommodation,
- food and other services,
- local water taxis and guide outfitters.
- Visitors can learn about local history.
- Visitors can also experience the flora, fauna, and the coastal eco-system with the help of guide outfitters, local guides, and natural and historic interpreters.
Stewardship and Education:
We hope in the future that the BC Marine Trails Network will become an integral part of coastal BC life as paddlers and coastal community members work together to learn more about and practice environmental and heritage conservation and the principles of "Leave No Trace" camping. Working together, we will all be more able to protect this spectacular coastline for our future generations.
Please contribute to help
make the BC Marine Trail a success...
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