Trails

Why are more and more communities in the NWT developing trails?

Health/Recreational Benefits:

Affordable recreational facility.
Easy access to recreation.
Fosters an active and healthy lifestyle through leisure and physical activity in the outdoors.
Multi-use i.e. hiking, biking, cycling, dog-walking, walking, jogging, photography, bird-watching.

The NWT Tourism Inventory and Gap Analysis (March 2005) explains that their top recommendations favour eco and adventure, educational, experiential and aboriginal tourism. Tourists want a sense of adventure alongside a feeling of security. Trails are an ideal means of satisfying these interests.
According to the 2004 RWED report entitled “Travel and Tourism Industry Profile”, tourism is the largest renewable based resource industry in the NWT. Adventure travel is presently the fastest growing tourism market.
In 2002, ITI found that the top five activities that visitors participate in are camping, photography, site seeing, museum visits and town tours. Trails are the perfect medium for all of these activities.

An increase in employment through trail construction and maintenance.
Local businesses providing related services will increase their revenue (i.e. restaurants, lodging, travel, guiding, clothing, equipment)
Trails contribute to an increase in tourism and quality of life. Both are important attractions for new prospective businesses.
According to a 2004 National Association of Home Builders survey, 57 percent of home buyers said trails were their most desired amenity, ranking higher than public parks and outdoor pools. Click here for details - Realtor Magazine Online -

Reduce the cost of medical care, sick leave, health insurance. Create partnerships and cooperation amongst community residents, businesses and organizations.
Affordable form of exercise.
Livelier community atmosphere.

Tours , interpretive trails, signage can teach people about the culture and history of the community.
Creates a stronger sense of belonging for residents.