To Your Health

How hiking helps health

Mar 19, 2024 | 5:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—When people tell you to “take a hike” it could be them just looking out for you as hiking has lots of health benefits. Any exercise is good but hiking specifically has shown to decrease stress and improve balance as you walk through changing terrain.

As the weather warms up it is a great chance for you to pick up a low cost activity while making new friends. With over 1500 hectares of trials and parks in city limits there is plenty of places to go.

“The city of Prince George is so lucky. We’re a city in a forest, and we have over 100 parks all throughout our city,” shares Robyn McConkey, the city of Prince George parks service supervisor. “So, we have everything from nature parks to playgrounds to our premier parks, like Connaught Park, Rainbow Park and Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.”

If your looking for friends to go hiking with the Caledonia Ramblers is always open to new hikers.

“We actually set up a hiking schedule and most weekends throughout the entire year we have two trips, sort of one usually an easier trip and one not a harder trip,” says Dave King of the Caledonia Ramblers.

Hiking in a group ensures safety especially for new hikers. If you are new to hiking Dave recommends taking one of the easier hikes to start and and working your way up.

“It’s just nice to be outdoors,” continues Dave, speaking on his enjoyment of the club. “Maybe you might have some hope of seeing some wildlife but it’s the scenery and just being with other people that enjoy the outdoors.”

The Ramblers post their full schedule online at caledoniaramblers.ca. If you already have a hiking group, they do have guidebooks to provide advice on trails around Prince George and Robson Valley.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com

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