Just take a hike! …. On our award winning trail!

One of Prince Rupert’s best known attractions has received a little extra publicity, giving it a step up on most of its competition across the province. The Butze Rapids trail was named as the second best trail in BC this week in a list put together by the B. C. Association of Podiatrists.

The Daily took us for a hike in its Thursday edition to explain what it is that made Butze Rapids one of the best in BC.

‘BE KIND TO YOUR FEET, GO WALK BUTZE TRAIL’
By Sarah Fox
The Daily News
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Pages One and Two

Prince Rupert’s Butze Rapids trail has been named the second best trail in B. C. in a list compiled by B. C.’s foot doctors.

The Butze Rapids trail follows a rainforest ecosystem to a viewpoint above the reversing tidal rapids. Deer, bald eagles and other local wildlife can frequently be seen along the trail.

The B. C. Association of Podiatrists say that walking is one of the most beneficial and accessible types of exercise in the world, yet many B. C. residents don’t walk enough to reap the benefits.

“It almost sounds like a late night infomercial,” said B. C. podiatrist Dr. Amarjit Masson.

“How can one simple activity melt fat, reduce the risk of cancer, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and even alleviate conditions such as depression and stress.

“But in this case, there’s no need to reach for your credit card. Walking gives you all these benefits and it’s virtually free.”

“It’s the best thing you can do for your general well-being and the best exercise for maintaining healthy feet too.”

The B. C. Association of Podiatrists is encouraging people of every age and ability to achieve better health and quality of life by putting together a list of B. C.’s 10 most beautiful walking routes.

Podiatrists from all over the province voted for their favourite walks.

B. C. Podiatrist’s top picks for beautiful B. C. walks include.

1. Mission Creek Greenway in Kelowna
2. Butze Rapids Trail in Prince Rupert
3. Lions Gate Bridge to Stanley Park and Denmon St. in Vancouver
4. Shannon Falls and The Chief hiking trail in Squamish
5. Dikes leading to Quilchena golf course in Steveston
6. Tynehead Park in North Surrey
7. Smuggler’s Cove trail on the Sunshine coast
8. Promenade and Pier in White Rock
9. BNR Rail Trail in Nelson
10. Harold’s Park to Margaret Falls in Shuswap/Sunnybrae

B. C. Podiatrists provide the following tips to keep you walking:

1. Wear good quality, lightweight shoes.
2. Do some simple warm-up exercises.
3. Consult your family doctor before starting a walking program.
4. Start with just a 20 minute walk, three times a week.
5. Use good posture.
6. Wear socks that wick sweat away.
7. Walk on asphalt or trails instead of concrete.
8. Drink plenty of water before and after walking.
9. Walk at a steady pace.
10. Cool down and stretch after your walk.