Greater Vernon is home to one of BC’s most dedicated trail advocacy groups—the Ribbons of Green Trails Society (RoGTS). Since their beginnings in the early 1990s, this volunteer-driven organization has been working to ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy a safe, connected, and inspiring network of non-motorized trails. From hiking and cycling to everyday active transportation, the Society’s efforts highlight how trails are not just pathways—they’re connectors of people, communities, and landscapes.

In this Cloudburst Connect feature, we connected with members of RoGTS to learn more about their history, the impact they’ve made across the Greater Vernon area, and the exciting vision they’re bringing to life for BC’s trail users.

Local Vernon Event

Can you tell us a bit about your club’s origin story?

The Ribbons of Green Trails Society originated back in 1992 when local municipalities, together with the Regional District, created a committee to develop a plan for a system of linear parks, pathways and bikeways in Greater Vernon.

A “Ribbons of Green” plan was created and adopted into the Official Community Plan of the City of Vernon. The committee was in operation for a few years, but subsequently dismantled.

In 2000, through the efforts of a number of interested citizens, the Ribbons of Green concept was resurrected. A Committee was formed and went to work to promote the continuation of the paths. The Committee formed a legal society in November 2000, allowing for the ability to raise funds and issue tax receipts. It also opened the door to more grant and foundation funding.

In August 2001, the Committee amalgamated with the ‘Healthy Urban Transit Society’ (HUTS). This newly amalgamated organization became ‘The Ribbons of Green Trails Society’. The Ribbons of Green Trails Society currently consists of 10 directors and a president 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 frequently in attendance at our monthly meetings.

View of Vernon, BC from Middleton Mountain

Members Cycling on the Okanagan Rail Trail

What makes your club unique in the BC non-motorized outdoor recreation landscape?

The Ribbons of Green Trails Society of Vernon 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.

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.

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 to changes in climate, transportation methods and lifestyles
  • Assisting with natural, cultural and historical interpretation efforts on the trails

What are some recent accomplishments or initiatives your club is proud of?

Recognizing over 20 years of community effort, the Ribbons of Green Trails Society initiated a project to recognize Greater Vernon as the Trails Capital of BC, to emphasize the multitude and quality of trails in the area. The Regional District of North Okanagan and Ribbons of Green Trails Society have been given official approval to use that branding from the Canadian Registrar of Trademarks.

Anchored by multi-use pathways that connect Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes, Greater Vernon is surrounded on the north and west sides by the historic Grey Canal Trail, the Okanagan Rail Trail extending south, and the High Rim Trail reaching to the east and south. Residents and visitors enjoy a plethora of major recreational and active transportation routes within the Greater Vernon Area.

The trail network is truly multi-seasonal. Between Sovereign Lake, Silver Star, and Predator Ridge, the area also boasts many options for alpine skiing, cross-country, and snowshoeing. Some multi-use paths are cleared in winter, and many trails can be used in winter conditions with appropriate footwear.

The Official Mark of Greater Vernon, as the Trails Capital of BC, is a way to recognize the contributions of many individuals, community groups, businesses, and local governments. At the same time, it increases awareness on the part of locals and visitors of the tremendous, sustainable trail network within and around the Greater Vernon area

Predator Ridge Longspoon Loop

Grey Canal Turtle Mountain

Can you share a favourite adventure or standout moment from the past year?

The Ribbons of Green Trails Society recently created 10 new interpretive signs for the North Okanagan Regional District (RDNO) trails. The signs are on the following trails: Kal Crystal Waters Trail, Swan Lake Nature Reserve, BX Ranch Trail, BX Creek Trail and Grey Canal Trail.

Two new significant trails have been added to the greater Vernon area. The first trail has been added to extend the Grey Canal Trail system. The trail is called the Grey Canal – Coldstream Ranch section. This 4.5 panoramic trail continues east from Coldstream Valley Estates to Warren Road, near Lavington. It captures views of the Coldstream Valley, the historic Coldstream Ranch, the Veg Pro lettuce growing fields, and stunning Kalamalka Lake. The trail land was recently acquired from Coldstream Ranch Ltd by the RDNO as part of a collaborative agreement that balances public recreation with agricultural operations. The trail may be temporarily closed to allow for the safe movement of cattle between summer and winter ranges.

The second new trail is called the Coldstream Ranch Lands Trail. 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 Ranch lands property is a 126-hectare natural space that offers a 6.3km multi-use loop trail around its perimeter.

Grey Canal Coldstream Valley Estates

How do your members build community and connection through the outdoors?

RoGTS participates in the Downtown Vernon association with the Sunshine Festival held every year on the first day of summer. We set up our events tent where we hand out trail maps, brochures and information on trails within the Greater Vernon area.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join your club or start their own?

Be prepared to volunteer a lot of time to advocating for trails with municipal governments and other organizations.

Looking ahead, what’s your club most excited about in the next year or two?

RoGTS has been working over the past 2 years with the Armstrong Spallumcheen Trail Society on connecting the Shuswap Okanagan Rail Trail (under construction) to the existing Southern Okanagan Rail Trail. Once connected, there will be a continuous 135 km non-motorized trail connecting Sicamous in the north to Kelowna in the south.

Where can we learn more about your club?

You can learn more about the RoGTS here on our website.

We can also be found on Facebook in a Group called “Trails Capital of BC”.

FMCBC Welcomes RoGTS

As RoGTS celebrates over two decades of community advocacy, their mission remains clear: to connect people with nature and each other through sustainable, accessible trails. Whether it’s their leadership in branding Vernon as the “Trails Capital of BC”, the creation of new interpretive signage, or their work toward a continuous 135 km rail trail stretching from Sicamous to Kelowna, this society is leaving a lasting legacy.

The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC is proud to welcome the Ribbons of Green Trails Society as a new member club. Their commitment to trail stewardship, collaboration, and community engagement reflects the very heart of why we explore, protect, and celebrate BC’s backcountry.

Learn more about their work and upcoming initiatives at ribbonsofgreen.ca

Photography by the Ribbons of Green Trails Society