I was recently on Cranbrook’s Rotary Way for an afternoon run and it was lovely. The sun was shining, I was regretting wearing a jacket and the path was nice and clear of ice and large puddles. It is very apparent spring will soon be sprung as you walk alongside the cheerily burbling Joseph Creek and see signs of new growth.

The best part of my run though, was seeing all the other people out enjoying Rotary Way too. I saw young moms with strollers and toddlers curious about Joseph Creek, pairs of people walking their dogs, and cyclists all along the trail.

Rotary Way, a trail just over nine km long, is a great path that connects many parts of Cranbrook and is perfect for those wanting to take a couple of hours, or less, to tour the town by foot or bicycle.

I imagine the Rails to Trails project will be very similar, just on a grander scale. The 25 km trail between Cranbrook and Kimberley will certainly be a draw for local residents but will also be a feature tourists will look forward to exploring.

It will be the perfect outing for that summer Saturday. Get up early (but not too early, it is summer after all), cycle leisurely to the town at the other end of the trail, spend some time exploring, maybe bring along a picnic lunch or check out that restaurant in the other town you’ve heard so much about, and then cycle back home.

What a great day. Not only have you got your exercise for the day but you’ve also done your part for the environment by not running your car. The best part of it though is you’ve had an experience. For me, driving to Kimberley is not an experience; it’s just something I have to put up with in order to get to Kimberley. I’m willing to bet that cycling to Kimberley will be an event that leaves an impression on me.

So get out there and enjoy our local trails as spring unfurls and get ready for when Rails to Trails opens, because it’s going to be great.