Last year was another banner year for the Saskatchewan Trails Association.
The STA continues to enhance public access to trail information through its website and social media platforms. The website includes trail maps, safety guidelines, and resources, while upgrades to the online trail directory allow users to explore Saskatchewan’s trails interactively. Social media growth has been strong, with platforms like TikTok and YouTube added, increasing STA’s followers to nearly 9,000.
STA’s popular “Give Us Your Best Shot” photo contest returned in June with prizes tailored for hiking, cycling, and paddling enthusiasts. Winners received adventure gear sponsored by local businesses. The STA also launched SaskTrails Explorer, a twice-annual digital magazine spotlighting trail developments, winter activities, and seasonal events. Its inaugural issue reached a broad audience through member networks and social media.
The STA was the project manager for significant trail improvements at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and Katepwa Point. The project at Buffalo Pound included rerouting and upgrading 2,380 meters of trail, adding a bridge, and integrating accessibility features. The Katepwa project included the installation of an accessible dock which offered universally accessible water recreation facilities.
Through partnerships with Trans Canada Trails and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, the STA hired Ella Rutera as its first SaskTrails Storyteller. Ella’s work highlighted Saskatchewan's trails through engaging articles, fostering a deeper connection with youth and inspiring outdoor exploration.
The STA supported members through its Member Trail Grant Program, assisting organizations such as the Prairie Sky Trails Association and Hudson Bay Ski Club in trail signage and maintenance projects. New interpretive signs at Sunset Beach and trail upgrades in Esterhazy further enhanced local trail systems.
STA representatives attended the World Trails Conference in Ottawa, gaining insights into sustainable practices, trail technology, and the economic benefits of trail tourism. Our Administrator also presented on STA’s Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Program, showcasing Saskatchewan’s potential as a trail tourism hub.
The STA aims to build on these successes by expanding accessibility initiatives, fostering partnerships, and supporting members in trail development and promotion. By leveraging new technologies and engaging the trail community, the STA ensures that Saskatchewan’s trails remain inclusive, sustainable, and integral to the province’s cultural and natural heritage.
Enhancing the Management and Trail Experience Through Technology
Managing the 883 km Newfoundland T'Railway, with 185 bridges, thousands of culverts, rugged terrain, remote sections and numerous hazards, poses significant challenges. Infrastructure and map apps offer crucial tools to improve user experiences.
Enhanced Navigation and Safety
Set to launch in Spring 2025, this app provides an up-to-date map to users via their cell phones. Users can report issues directly from the trail through the app by tagging them with photos (GPS tagged) and sending them to managers for accurate repairs. This tool assists in asset management and future planning, offering detailed offline maps and automatic updates on trail closures.
Comprehensive Information Access
The app provides users with data on trail length, elevation changes, weather conditions, and points of interest, aiding users in trip planning all in one app.
Real-Time Updates and Alerts
Real-time updates on weather and trail conditions keep users informed about hazards or changes and alert them to upcoming events or closures. This will help reduce the liability and ensure everyone has the most accurate information as soon as possible.
Environmental Awareness and Conservation
Messages like “Stay on the Trail,” “Pack it in, Pack it out,” and other environmental messaging can be incorporated into the app to help keep these messages at the top of people's minds. The apps can also educate users about local flora and fauna, promoting responsible behaviour and conservation efforts by highlighting sensitive areas and endangered species.
Supporting Local Economy and Tourism
Local businesses can advertise on the app, increasing their visibility and supporting the local economy. Improved trail experiences encourage repeat visits, benefiting the community.
Technology like the Infrastructure and map apps have transformed how the T’Railway is Managed and how trail users experience it. While investments like these apps are not the traditional expense, they will pay off in the long run by offering improved navigation and safety to promote conservation and support local tourism.
You may have noticed that things look slightly different on our website, social media pages, and maybe even trail signs. As of June 1, 2021, the Great Trail of Canada has returned to its original name and is once again known as the iconic Trans Canada Trail.
The background
Back in 2016, we decided to separate the name of our organization (Trans Canada Trail) from the name of the physical trail (The Great Trail) as a way to celebrate and highlight the significant milestone of connection in 2017.
Charting our course for the future
After the connection, we began charting a course for our future. To build on this historic achievement, we undertook significant consultation and research with our partners, donors, funders, and stakeholders to secure their input on our future direction.
Part of this outreach included focus groups and research into the name change. As good stewards of our brand, understanding how our name and work resonate is valued feedback. We were also looking to respond to lingering concerns and confusion about the name change. To address this, we conducted extensive polling and focus group research to find out exactly what Canadians know about us and what they think of our name.
What we heard
The research showed that the Trans Canada Trail name was the preferred option. Almost all participants said they favoured the original name for the physical trail. The majority (70%) supported returning to the original name.
When we asked them why, the reasons included an emotional connection to the name and a strong sense of pride in a name that identifies the Trail as uniquely Canadian. The other piece of information that the research yielded was the low level of awareness of The Great Trail's name. The Trans Canada Trail name surpassed that of The Great Trail by 10:1.
A new sign on Riverfront Trail flashes speed if a cyclist is travelling faster than 15 km/h
Kate Letterick · CBC News · Posted: Jun 07, 2021 5:00 AM AT | Last Updated: June 7
The city of Moncton has a new tool to remind some cyclists on the Riverfront Trail to slow down.
A school zone-style traffic sign has been installed on the trail behind La Bikery.
If they exceed the 15 km/h limit, it will light up and show speeding cyclists how fast they're going.
Austin Henderson is the manager of strategic communications for the City of Moncton.
"This will remind them that there is a speed limit and that our trails are intended to be enjoyed by everyone and they are for everyone, so this is part of our approach to educating residents," he said.
Last Updated Jun 6, 2021 at 11:53 am PDTDestination Hikes cover (Courtesy: Greystone Books)SUMMARY
The author of a new wilderness guide has noticed one of the byproducts of the pandemic has been more of us getting back
But he warns there is a knowledge gap between experienced scramblers and those new to the pastime
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With the pandemic driving more of us outdoors, it’s fair to say hiking has seen something of a resurgence. However, one expert warns there is something of a knowledge gap between experienced scramblers and those new to the pastime.
Stephen Hui has been hiking BC’s Coast Mountains for more than 25 years and has definitely noticed an influx of people in the great outdoors since the start of COVID-19. “The popular trails are just mobbed, there is a lot of parking problems, and the lesser known or quiet trails, places where I could walk two hours without seeing someone before, you might see seven parties heading up to an obscure North Shore peak where you would normally not see that many people.”
Destination Hikes cover (Courtesy: Greystone Books)SUMMARY