Recreation to suit you

Indoors and out, Trail has something for you

The Trail Smoke Eaters are a huge point of pride for the local community. — Jason de Frias photo

Trail is a friendly community located on the Columbia River in the vibrant West Kootenay. The city is particularly known for its distinction as a top sporting locale, offering everything from a renowned hockey legacy to a range of outdoor hiking and skiing areas.

Whether you want to get out and explore the multitude of wilderness trails, or stay indoors and catch a game, you are sure to find something that interests you in Trail.

Indoor entertainment

Many  indoor winter activities can be enjoyed at Trail Memorial Centre. The centre is home to two ice rinks—the Cominco Arena, which measures  85 feet by 200 feet with seating capacity for 2,537 people—and the smaller Kids Rink. There is public skating held here regularly during the winter, and throughout the season you can watch the local Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team play in the Cominco Arena.

The locals are proud of their home team, not to mention the numerous NHL alumni who were born there (including Adam Deadmarsh, Ray Ferraro, Dallas Drake and Barret Jackman)—so Trail has earned its solid reputation for being a hockey community.

If you like to play indoor sports, you can hit the Cominco Gymnasium (also in the Trail Memorial Centre), where there are basketball and badminton courts, and fitness classes you can register for. There are also squash and racquetball courts at the facility.

Another indoor centre that is open throughout the winter is the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Public swimming lanes, a water slide and a steam room are available, as well as a fitness centre. You can even warm up on a cold day by taking a soak in the hot tub.

Hike and ski to your heart’s content

Cross-country skiers and hikers gather every year to enjoy the trails at nearby Nancy Greene Provincial Park.

Approximately five kilometres of ungroomed trails meander through some of the most attractive scenery you can imagine, and  stunning views of the Monashee Mountains make the park a favourite for photographers.

The park also has a sub-alpine lake, so you can even try your luck at ice fishing here, provided you have the appropriate licence.

Another outdoor playground, just a short drive from Trail, is Champion Lakes Provincial Park. There are three lakes connected by well-signed trails, and ice fishing is allowed.

The Beaver Valley Cross-Country Ski Club diligently maintains trails in and around the park, with a groomed trailhead starting about one kilometre outside the park’s entrance. You can stop to rest at a cabin, located on the shore of the main lake, and warm up beside a cozy wood stove.

From the main trail, more adventurous skiers and hikers can venture out to other more advanced trails with steeper terrain.