Instagram story viewer> @orcbc.ca> Posts

Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia

@orcbc.ca

4.6K

followers

2644

following

🏔️Advocating for access to BC's outdoors since 1976
🌿Promoting responsible recreation
🛶Over 110 member organizations
💪Sign up & join us

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

BC Rivers Day photos have been coming in all week and it is so cool to see how people celebrated the day!

If you have any photos that you want to share with us, send them to info@orcbc.ca.

Want to share a Reel? We are running our BC Rivers Day video contest until October 15. Submit a Reel style video telling us why you love rivers for the chance to win a piece of gear from @mustangsurvival. All contest details can be found at orcbc.ca/bc-rivers-day

Photo 1 & 2: Rivers Day in the Bulkley Valley. Photo credits: Taylor Bachrach
Photo 3 & 5: Alberni Valley Rivers Day. Photo credits: Tanya Shannon
Photo 4: Thompson White Water Weekend. Photo credits: Sam B. by @orcbc.ca

24

0

17 hours ago

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and honour the strength and stories of Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. 🧡

At ORCBC, we are committed to listening, learning, and supporting meaningful reconciliation in the outdoor recreation sector. Learn more through our Indigenous Engagement Toolkit on our website (orcbc.ca/resources) or message us directly for the link to free educational resources about the day.

#TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #ORCBC by @orcbc.ca

19

0

a day ago

For years, outdoor recreation has been a big part of life in B.C., but its economic contribution has been hard to see clearly because it cuts across so many different industries.

That’s what the new Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account changes.

John Hawkings, Executive Lead with the Ministry of Environment and Parks, has been leading the Province’s work on B.C.’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy. As he puts it:

“We know that outdoor recreation is such a fundamental and valued part of life in B.C. But we previously haven’t been able to characterize it in … a reliable, standardized and robust way.”

The new data gives B.C. a much more consistent way to understand the sector, track it over time, and use that information in decisions about funding and investment. John noted that the data could also help recreation organizations make the case for funding and could inform government operating and capital budget decisions.

This post is part of our series on B.C.’s new provincial Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, developed by BC Stats to help measure and track the outdoor recreation economy.

Learn more: https://www.orcbc.ca/blog/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account by @orcbc.ca

14

0

2 days ago

Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC: Project Update! 🧑‍🦽

Osoyoos Desert Centre just became more accessible and inclusive. With support from the Outdoor Recreation Fund, the centre resurfaced pathways with accessible crush, created accessible parking spaces and completed a new accessible washroom facility. The project significantly improved the visitor experience by providing a safe, comfortable and barrier-free option for guests of all ages and abilities, helping create a more welcoming outdoor recreation experience for everyone. Key highlights include:

✅ 1km of pathways improved
✅ 2 accessible parking spaces
✅ 1 accessible washroom facility
✅ 15 volunteers contributed 3,000 hours
✅ 25 foundations, funders and businesses supported the project

Mike Stiles, Chair of the Osoyoos Accessibility and Age Friendly Committee, said: “Osoyoos Desert Centre's new accessible washrooms have done more than enhance infrastructure. They have created opportunities for greater participation, inclusion, and community connection.”

A big thank you to the @osoyoos.desert.centre and all the partners for creating inclusive outdoor spaces! by @orcbc.ca

21

0

3 days ago

The Kamloops Trailblazers ATV/SxS Club celebrated the 46th Annual BC Rivers Day with a family-friendly four-hour ride in the Pinantan Lake area, highlighting the recreational, environmental, and economic importance of BC’s rivers.

The ride included 11 machines—8 side-by-sides, 2 ATVs, and 1 three-wheeler—with 13 adults, 3 children, and 1 dog.

Their first stop was Meadows Lookout, where low clouds and a cold morning limited the views. They then continued to a lookout overlooking the Thompson River. Despite very muddy trails and plenty of puddles, the group enjoyed the ride, and the afternoon brought sunshine and much-improved weather.

At the Thompson River lookout, they discussed Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly!, responsible ATV/SxS use, and the importance of respecting streams, rivers, shorelines, and aquatic environments. They also discussed responsible water crossings and the importance of following applicable ORV regulations.

Following the ride, everyone returned to Pinantan Lake for lunch, featuring street tacos and smashed burgers cooked by the Club Vice President. It was a great opportunity to relax, share stories, and enjoy some fellowship after a muddy day on the trails.

Thank you Kamloops Trailblazers ATV/SxS Club for taking part in the 46th annual BC Rivers Day! by @orcbc.ca

11

0

4 days ago

B.C.’s outdoor recreation economy also supports a substantial business sector.

In 2024, outdoor recreation goods, apparel and accessories contributed about $1.2 billion in real GDP and supported more than 17,000 jobs in B.C.

For Kenny Ballard, President of @mustangsurvival, the new data reinforces the connection between outdoor recreation, B.C. businesses and the places people rely on:

“Outdoor recreation is central to British Columbia’s identity and, as this new data confirms, a powerful contributor to our economy.”

He also points to the importance of continued investment in recreation infrastructure, access and healthy outdoor spaces so communities and businesses can continue to benefit.

That’s another part of what these numbers help us see: outdoor recreation supports not only experiences outside, but also the products, businesses and jobs that make those experiences possible.

This post is part of our series on B.C.’s new provincial Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, developed by BC Stats to help measure and track the outdoor recreation economy. by @orcbc.ca

10

0

4 days ago

Today, communities across BC celebrated BC Rivers Day. BC Rivers Day is a celebration of the waterways that sustain life but this celebration does not need to be only on one day. Everyone can be a river stewards and there are lots of opportunities to be a river steward all year long!

Make sure to enter our BC Rivers Day video contest. Create a Reel style video telling us why you love rivers for the chance to win a piece of gear from @mustangsurvival. All contest details can be found at orcbc.ca/bc-rivers-day. Submission deadline is October 15. by @orcbc.ca

10

0

5 days ago

Tomorrow, we celebrate the 46th annual #bcriversday! With over 40 events happening in communities across BC, there are lots of opportunities to show appreciation for the waterways we love 💙

Make sure to enter our video contest by telling us why you love rivers! Create a short reel and submit it at orcbc.ca/bc-rivers-day for your chance to win a piece of gear from @mustangsurvival.

Thanks you to the BC Parks License Plate Program, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, @fortisbc, @bassproshops @cabelas @nonny.beer @mustangsurvival for supporting BC Rivers Day. by @orcbc.ca

5

1

5 days ago

Friday September 25: Outdoor Recreation Jobs

If you are looking for a seasonal job this winter, now is the time to start looking! From working at ski resorts to your local club, there are lots of opportunities throughout BC to keep you outdoors all year-long.

Our friends @squamishbikes are currently hiring one more member to join their fall trail crew. The deadline to apply for the posting is today (Friday September 25).

All jobs in this weeks post and more can be found at orcbc.ca/jobs

#hiring #jobboard #outdoorrecreation #environmentaljobs #jobsearch by @orcbc.ca

42

1

7 days ago

Outdoor recreation shows up in communities in a lot of different ways.

It’s local businesses, jobs, wages and the spending that happens when people get outside. In 2024, B.C.’s outdoor recreation economy generated about $4.4 billion in wages and salaries.

For Powder Matt Mosteller, Board Chair and Co-founder of @koreoutdoors, that economic impact is visible on Main Street:

“Outdoor recreation has always been a vital part of life in B.C., and this new data shows just how important it is to our economy. It powers Main Street businesses in communities across the province and helps build a healthier, stronger B.C.”

That’s a big part of what these new numbers help us see. Outdoor recreation is not just an important part of life in B.C.; it is also a really important part of the economic fabric of communities across the province.

This post is part of our series on B.C.’s new provincial Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, developed by BC Stats to help measure and track the outdoor recreation economy. by @orcbc.ca

7

0

7 days ago

Outdoor recreation is already becoming a local election issue.

In Squamish, mayoral candidates are being asked how they would support outdoor recreation, a good example of why it matters to raise these issues during an election campaign.

Across B.C., local governments make decisions that can affect trails, parks, access, recreation infrastructure, planning and community investment. With municipal elections coming up on October 17, now is a good time for recreation organizations to ask candidates where they stand and, importantly, what they would actually do.

Our latest BETA resource has practical advice for asking clear, effective and nonpartisan questions:

👉 Name the issue
👉 Explain why it matters
👉 Ask what the candidate will do about it.

Comment “ELECTION” and we’ll send you the link. by @orcbc.ca

12

5

8 days ago

“Everyone can be a river steward”

That’s the theme of this year’s BC Rivers Day, which is happening on Sunday, September 27th.

There are over 40 organized events across the province to celebrate this day - everything from film screenings and workshops to shoreline cleanups, and River Fests. Find one event near you and help support River stewardship and awareness this weekend 🏞️

“Our waterways are incredibly important, yet rivers and freshwater ecosystems are among the most at-risk ecosystems on the planet” @orcbc

Find more info on Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s website: ORCBC.ca/bc-rivers-day by @orcbc.ca

12

1

8 days ago