A hiking challenge in Boundary Country is back for another year.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s Grand Forks and District Recreation department launched “Hike Our Story” on Monday and it continues through September. It’s in collaboration with the Grand Forks Community Trails Society.
Recreation supervisor Melina Van Hoogevest says last year’s event for Grand Forks’ 125th anniversary saw nearly 150 hikers participate and explore nearly 400 trails.
“We had people that were here specifically to go and hit those trails and many of them didn’t even know about your ‘Hike Our Story’ event but found the hidden QR code along the trail and scanned it and gave us some really great, positive feedback about the trail,” Van Hoogevest told Vista Radio.
There will be four feature hikes with four corresponding monthly prizes from area sponsors Work n’ Play Clothing, Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, Grand Forks Beer Co. and Wildways Adventure Sports & Rentals.
Van Hoogevest says the longer time frame should allow more people to plan for the weather.
“Last year, we had a few weeks that were super rainy which prevented some people from getting out on the trail. Not everyone, we had some diehards that were out there and it was awesome. But with the four week opportunity to hit that trail, the weather should cooperate,” she said.
The activity and contest is meant to encourage people to connect with nature and build an appreciation for the area’s history and heritage.
The challenge started in 2022 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Grand Forks.