At a glance:
1. President's message
2. Message from The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC
4. Pictures from recent hikes
1. President's Message, August/September 2025:
The Summer Camp in Strathcona Provincial Park and on Quadra Island is approaching! Don and I are the organizers, but he has done most of the planning. He lived in Comox for 42 years so knows the hikes in the area well. I’m excited because we’ll be exploring areas new to me. It will also be interesting to see how busy the trails in that part of Strathcona Park are.
Have you noticed how busy the trails in and around Vancouver have become? It’s a double-edged sword, eh? On the one hand, it’s great to see so many folks getting into the great outdoors and exploring the local trails. On the other hand, I have a sense of loss when I set out on a trail that I used to explore without seeing any other hikers. My hiking companions and I would have the trail all to ourselves – sharing it only with the wild life.
One result of the crowding is that you now have to book ahead to park at the trailheads to popular hikes. I’d been thinking I’d like to hike the Panorama Ridge. So, I checked the parking pass page. I found out there’s “no spur of the moment” decisions to hike this and other popular trails. You have to plan ahead. You have to be online 2 days prior to your hike and, if you are lucky, you might get a parking spot. Spontaneous decisions for doing popular hikes are gone - in the summer anyway. The positive side of this measure is that it contributes to controlling the number of hikers on popular trails, and that’s a good thing.
I live half a block from the Quarry Rock trail. I love the trail. It’s a varied hike with streams and big trees on the way up and a lovely viewpoint for a destination. But, it is so overrun with hikers that I don’t even consider going on it in the summer. In late fall and early spring I might consider doing it if it’s raining! The forest shows the wear and tear too. The ground underfoot is trampled and bare. And, in an effort to stop rampant erosion, the District of North Vancouver has covered much of the trail with wooden stairs, bridges and walkways. This is necessary because of the over-use, but it detracts from the natural beauty of the forest and the natural pace of this hiker!
As a hiking club, we have a role to play. Our hikers are experienced and knowledgeable. We can pick up any litter we see when we hike. We can share our hiking expertise with others on the trail who are obviously not experienced. We can reach out to them and let them know about our club. We can add to our own expertise by participating in courses, such as First Aid courses, our club subsidizes from time to time.
Do you have thoughts and suggestions about how to handle the increasing numbers on the trails? I would love to hear from you!
See you on the trails!
Diane
2. Message from the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC:
The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC (FMCBC) is actively seeking their next President:
This is a volunteer leadership role that’s more about passion and advocacy than time commitment. The President serves as FMCBC’s spokesperson, chairs monthly Board meetings (Sept–June), and helps guide the work supporting over 6,000 outdoor club members across BC. The role is perfect for someone who cares deeply about non-motorized recreation and wants to help shape the future of BC trails and backcountry.
Key details:
- Volunteer role – primarily a spokesperson and chair of monthly Board meetings
- Live in BC and actively enjoy the outdoors
- Believe in equitable access to non-motorized recreation for all
- Some leadership and relationship-building experience
Their current President, Liz Bicknell, will remain on the Board and is committed to supporting the next President during the transition, so the new leader will be set up for success.
Please share this opportunity with any contacts you think might be a great fit: https://mountainclubs.org/volunteer/
As we continue working to make our club the best it can be, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your opinions and suggestions are an important part of shaping the club’s activities, programs, and overall direction.
Please take a moment to share what you enjoy, what you’d like to see more of, and any ideas you have for improvements. Every bit of feedback helps us grow stronger together.
The survey is now in your email. Thank you for being such a valued part of our community!
Sincerely,
North Shore Hikers Executive
4. Pictures from Recent Hikes:
Waterton National Park:
Iconic Rockies
Crypt Lake trail, with ladder up to tunnel
We met a few friends along the trail!
Red Rock Canyon, with foreboding clouds
5. What's on the Schedule?
Sept 2: BCMC at your own pace
Sept 3 to Sept 8: Summer Camp on Vancouver Island
Sept 9: BCMC at your own pace
Sept 16: BCMC at your own pace
Sept 23: BCMC at your own pace
Oct 7: BCMC at your own pace
Keep your eye on the schedule in the North Shore Hikers website for pop-up hikes and cycles.