Introduction to Trail Classification System and the Trail

Introduction to Trail Classification System and the Trail Information Management System and their Application to Visitor Experience Trailhead Canada Conference, November 22, 2017 Michel Blais Véronique Pelletier Visitor Experience Infrastructure Officers, Trails

Parks Canada 101 Our Mandate: On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

Parks Canada 101 Places we manage • 46 National Parks and National Park Reserves • 168 National Historic Sites • 4 National Marine Conservation Areas • 1 National Urban Park • 1 Canadian Landmark

+ 7, 000 km of trails As many experiences…

Parks Canada Trails Which such a variety of trails… • Complex to manage • Complex to promote to our visitors

Parks Canada Trails… • used to be considered simply as “an appropriate activity”. • have been in most cases inherited or developed organically overtime, not planned.

Now, our trails… • Are considered key visitor experience products. • As such, they need to be planned and designed to ensure successful trail systems.

Success means… • Protect natural and cultural resources through appropriate routing, design, and construction. • Provide memorable visitor experiences by leading visitors to inspirational places.

Success means… • Create educational opportunities by facilitating interactions with places. • Decrease long-term maintenance costs.

The National Trail Program

The National Trail Program • Provides national direction (standards, guidelines, etc). • Provides support to sites in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of their trail systems.

Trail Program Tools Overarching document Framework Tools integrating trail principles and framework Trail Principles Trail Classification System Trail Development Tools Trail Management Tools Trail Communication Tools Trail Information Management System

Trail Classification System

Trail Classification System • • A tool that provides essential information to Parks Canada and to visitors of Parks Canada sites. Provides precise information so that Parks Canada can make important decisions about developing, maintaining and managing of trails. RATING Symbol EASY MODERATE DIFFICULT ROUTE

Trail Classification System Type 1 Developed Easy Well-marked Level of service: High Type 2 Type 3 Type 4: Route Natural Tread Difficult Few signage Level of service: Low Not developed Very difficult No signage Level of service: N/A

Trail Information Management System

Additional potential for the visitor information tool • Adding the location of visitor centers, toilets, parkings lots, trailheads and other information relevant for our visitors. • Releasing the trail information as « open data » .

Thank you! Merci!