Improving Alberta’s trails through partnerships

Thousands of Albertans enjoy the hundreds of unique trail experiences that Alberta’s Crown land offers hikers, cyclists, cross-country skiers and equestrian users. Through Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program, the government will provide 14 trail organizations with funding to continue to build and maintain Alberta’s most loved trails.

“Alberta’s recreational trails are enjoyed and valued by many generations. This investment will build on previously announced funding. As an outdoorsman myself, I’m happy to see such strong uptake of this grant program by trail organizations across Alberta. Taking care of our land is a responsible thing to do and is very important to me.”

Alberta’s government is excited to appoint the Great Divide Trail Association and the Hinton Mountain Bike Association as official trail managers. Albertans taking care of Alberta, volunteers with these organizations will continue their work to keep trails safe, accessible, and work to ensure there are sufficient high-quality and low-cost recreation opportunities for Albertans and visitors to enjoy.

“Becoming an Alberta Trail Manager for the Great Divide Trail is an important step forward as we work towards our vision for the trail's long-term protection. We look forward to continued collaboration with Alberta’s government to maintain, protect, and promote the Great Divide Trail and its wilderness value for generations to come.”

“This partnership provides the Hinton Mountain Bike Association with clear direction on maintaining our trail networks and the funding allows us to complete projects that were a challenge or on a wish list in the past. These two opportunities are allowing us to replace and construct small bridges and boardwalks over wet areas and will keep us supplied with hand tools to keep trails in prime condition.”

Alberta's trails offer opportunities for everyone, and Alberta's government is pleased this ongoing funding will maintain trails for years to come.

Projects recommended for funding:

Organization	Detail	Grant Funding
9-Mile Recreation Society	Ski trail safety improvements for seniors	$17,000
Alberta Hiking Association	Hiking trail improvements and enhancements - Crowsnest Pass	$98,000
Alberta Wagon Trekkers Association	Wagon trail maintenance and repair – Cuttoff Creek	$8,120
Alberta Wagon Trekkers Association	Wagon trail maintenance and safety improvements - Panther	$45,000
Argentia Beach Sports Recreation Parks and Wildlife Society	Trail maintenance and improvement	$2,231
Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club	Ski trail grooming, maintenance, and signage	$116,400
Hinton Mountain Bike Association	Mountain bike trail upkeep and maintenance	$287,273
Nordegg Trail Society	Trail development and maintenance	$120,000
Oldman Watershed Council	Education and outreach	$100,000
Rainbow Equitation Society	Improve and maintain existing trails.	$32,360
Rocky Mountain Wilderness Society	Equestrian trail re-opening and connections	$37,380
United Riders of Crowsnest	Trail maintenance, improvement, and inventory	$48,336
Willmore Wilderness Foundation	Trail clearing and maintenance	$87,900
Kakwa Sherman Trails Society	Trail assessment and maintenance	$50,000
TOTAL		$1,050,000

Quick facts

• The Ministry of Forestry and Parks established Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program in 2022 to provide funding opportunities for recreation partners.
• In 2022-23, 15 partner organizations received a total of $1.18 million for non-motorized trail projects.
• Albertans spend $2.3 billion on Crown land recreation annually, and another $376 million on recreation equipment and accessories.
• There are approximately 7,000 km of provincially designated trails in Alberta.

Related information

• Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program
• Forestry and Parks Mandate Letter

Related news

• Creating partnerships to support Alberta trails (Nov. 17, 2023)