Hikers on Prince Edward Island now have a new way to track their adventures and earn some bragging rights. The Island Trails organization has launched a passport program, allowing hikers to collect stamps as they complete 12 of the organization's trails across the province. Those who finish all 12 trails will earn a "Red Dirt Seal."
This initiative was born out of a desire to expand interest and awareness in the trails, and to improve mental health for hikers. Jacob Robar, vice-president of the Island Trails board of directors, explains, "Other than having our 12 trails, we didn’t really have anything to say, ‘I’ve done all these trails. I’ve walked all the trails,’ so it seemed like it was time."
The passport is a booklet that describes the 12 trails, and hikers can stamp each one as they complete them. A digital version is also available, with QR codes posted on signs along the trails linking directly to it. The program has already generated early interest, with people emailing and asking about the passport on social media.
While no one has yet officially completed all 12 trails, the group expects it will take time, and there's no deadline. The passport can be used year-round, and some trails are better suited to certain seasons. Winter, for example, may be the best time to explore P.E.I.'s outdoor spaces, according to trail groups.
The passport also provides Island Trails with valuable data. Scans and stamps will help the group see which trails are most used and how often they're visited, allowing them to direct resources into upkeep and maintenance. This data could also help secure government funding and sponsorships to improve trails that need work.
Looking ahead, Island Trails hopes the passport can include routes managed by other organizations. Robar says, "There’s many, many, many more trails on the Island. We really hope that at some point we can have those other organizations participate in the passport … and this can really just grow."
In my opinion, this initiative is a great way to encourage people to explore the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island and improve their mental health. It's a fun and engaging way to track hiking adventures, and the Red Dirt Seal is a great incentive to keep hikers coming back for more. The passport program also provides valuable data that can help maintain and improve the trails, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for all hikers.
