Many of us walk for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to exercise, get groceries, walk to the bus, walk the dog, or just to get outside. All of these are great reasons, and they all contribute to healthy living.
We know the benefits of walking for health -- it lowers blood pressure, it’s good for the cardiovascular system, it reduces our chance of heart disease, and even helps keep bones and muscles strong.
But walking for healthy living can also mean mental, social and community health. We walk to clear our minds, whether it be the sidewalks near our home, the main street in town, or on a local trail.
Walking isn’t just good for us, it also helps us to explore our own communities.
Walking can contribute to the health of our local economies by helping us stay and shop locally, and build relationships with local businesses. This is particularly important during phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan, when many local businesses need our support, including local grocers, cafes, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and breweries. Walking can help to support the health of all of these businesses and contribute to a stronger, healthier community as a whole.
Consider walking to your local cafe, farmers market or going on an art walk in your community.
Are you looking for a fun way to get out for a walk? Here are some examples of self-guided public walks around BC.
Interior BC
Kamloops Public Art Walking Tour
Lower Mainland
Mount Pleasant Mural Festival Map and Tour
White Rock’s Discover Public Art by Foot
Northern BC
Prince George Historic Downtown
Sea to Sky
Stanley Park Environmental Art Walk
Whistler/Squamish/Bowen Island
Vancouver Island
Sidney by the Sea Historic Walking Tour
City of Victoria Historic Walking Tours
Tell us more about why you walk, or what barriers stand in the way of you walking more by filling out the Living Streets survey. Check out our Living Streets 2020 group on Strava to be part of an online walking community and see how and why others around BC are walking.
Let us know of any self-directed walks in your community!
