Securing the Future of Coastal Recreation in BC

Help us protect & preserve the places we all love and support respectful coastal recreation

Why the future of coastal recreation needs us

British Columbia is home to some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The future of coastal recreation in BC depends on our ability to preserve and protect these natural treasures for generations to come. This requires each of us to approach coastal recreation as environmental stewards, leaving sites we visited better than we found them and ensuring that our marine trails remain safe and sustainable. If we don’t take care of our coast, the future of public access may be at risk.

Our approach to coastal recreation

Trails Development & Safety

Our Trails Development Committee reviews the entire network of routes along the BC coastline. We analyze gaps in the trails with our heatmap system and organize site assessments to place more sites on our map to ensure safe and contiguous trails. Sites are also reviewed by First Nations.

First Nations Engagement

As we establish a marine trail network, respectful engagement is a way to give back in the process of reconciliation. We address current issues and provide consistent engagement, which enables dialogue. Information about marine trail sites is shared and respectfully discussed. Where possible, agreements are made, permitting access to sites within a traditional territory, while guiding the public away from sensitive sites.

Environmental Stewardship

We value the incredibly diverse environment of the BC Coast and are committed to help protect and preserve it. Our initiatives include shoreline cleanups, invasive species removals, site maintenance and more. We established a marine Code of Conduct, which encourages recreationists to have minimal impact on the environment. Part of our public education program is to raise awareness of our collective role and responsibility as marine stewards.

Our impact

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We have been engaging First Nations to protect archaeological and environmentally sensitive sites. This work has resulted in more sites along the BC coast for paddlers.

One of our longest-running initiatives has been English Ivy removal on Gerald Island. We have been seeing significant progress with lots of native vegetation returning.

The BCMT has a reporting system that encourages paddlers to give data on 1300 sites on our map! Additionally, we help maintain 16 recreation sites.

I love the BC Marine Trails vision and the work being done by fellow paddlers to ensure continued access to the BC coast.

Karina Younk

Stewardship Volunteer

I've been a long time supporter of the BC Marine Trails to preserve camping access on our British Columbia coastline for everyone.

Lyle Wilkinson

Site Assessor

This is the most comprehensive map resource for paddlers on the BC coast. Still this organization takes steps beyond to protect the coast!

Paul Grey

Volunteer