What Makes Us

About WNMS

The WNMS is made up almost entirely of volunteers, and is celebrating our 30th year anniversary as a registered non-profit society in BC.

Bergeron Falls waterfallThe peaks surrounding Bootski LakeHiking along the alpine on Albright Ridge
Who we Are

Our Mission

It is the mission of the WNMS to promote and develop all aspects of people-powered outdoor recreation in the Tumbler Ridge area, including the creation, maintenance, and improvement of hiking trails, cross country ski trails, and wilderness recreation facilities.

Help us grow to 100 Members
never a dull day

What We Do

Our passion is the beautiful wilderness around Tumbler Ridge and beyond. WNMS volunteers organize local events and manage trail upkeep.

Build and Maintain Hiking Trails in Tumbler Ridge, BC

WNMS designs, builds and maintains hiking trails in cooperation with BC Rec Sites and Trails and other partners.

Emperors Challenge

We organize the unforgettable Emperor's Challenge half marathon trail race. All of the proceeds from this event go towards our trail maintenance and improvement initiatives for hiking, cross-country skiing and wilderness camping

Trail Information & Mapping

WNMS provides our trail finder tool and printable maps to help you plan and navigate our favourite routes.

Itchy Feet Travel Presentations

A series of presentations held by WNMS members during the winter months sharing their travel experiences and photos, to inspire your next adventure

Quality falls frozen in the winterHiker crosses the suspension bridge over the Murray RiverBoulder Gardens rock formation
WNMS volunteer installs bench on trailGroup photo of WNMS volunteers
Our Values

Who We Are

Thee WNMS is represented by a Board of Directors and other volunteers who are passionate about outdoor activies, especially hiking and nordic skiing. Every Board member contributes dozens of volunteer hours every year in planning, organizing and participating in WNMS events such as the Emperor's Challenge, trail maintenance workbees and special projects. Our teams of volunteers participate in many events and projects, including on-going trail building, maintenance and regular ski trail grooming.

Make a difference hands on

Committed to preserving wilderness areas

Nature lovers

Over 100 km of trails managed

Supported by 30+ Volunteers

Focus on Projects

Upcoming Projects

WNMS is currently seeking support for the following upcoming improvement projects

New Campsite at Bootski Lake

One of the most popular, challenging and spectacular day hikes in the Geopark is Bootski Lake. The potential to extend hikes along more distant and even more spectacular routes would be made possible with the addition of a campground with level, dry tent pads, a bear cache, washing facilities and a toilet. This project has been planned since pre-covid but was delayed. The WNMS intends to pursue this project in 2024.

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Work Bee

Planned for Summer 2024

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10

Volunteers
needed

Expanded Campsite at Windfall Lake

The Windfall Lake trail and campsite have become increasingly popular over the years and the campsite built in 2016 has a need for expansion. This project has been in the works for several years but has been delayed due to Covid restrictions. The WNMS intends to built 4 new tent pads in 2024.

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Work Bee

Planned for Summer 2024

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10

Volunteers needed

Disc Golf Course Development

Disc Golf has quickly become one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in recent years. This family-friendly sport aligns well with the vision of the WNMS as an opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. The WNMS Disc Golf Committee is awaiting a land use agreement from the District of Tumbler Ridge to use the land adjacent to the TR Ball Diamonds and Saddle Club to build a world-class disc golf course that will attract visitors from all over and provide the opportunity to host tournaments and an alternative activity for the hikers and mountain bikers.

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World Class

18 Hole Disc Golf Course

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Work Bee

Planned for Summer 2024

We're so Lucky to Have them

Our amazing team

We'd be nothing without our incredible volunteers who commit their free time to WNMS. From organising Emperors' Challenge each year to cutting through deadfall on the local trails, our volunteers are priceless, and we wouldn't change them for a penny

Dave Thompson
President

Geologist and Teacher, Dave is passionate about the outdoors, an avid hiker and a master with the chainsaw.

Joline Couture
Vice President

Canadian Ranger and outdoor enthusiast who combines her organizational, communication and people skills to provide an invaluable service to the WNMS.

Manda Maggs
Secretary

The Ultimate Resource for the Global Geopark, Manda provides an unparalleled level of experience, expertise and dedication  to the WNMS.

Mark Campbell
Inventory

An outdoor adventurer and skilled disc-golfer who has the passion and skills to give back to his community.  

Adriana Matesoi
Treasurer

Geologist and Furniture Revisionist, Adriana is a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who never turns down an opportunity to help the WNMS.

Paul Campbell
TE

Paul brings youth and expertise in spatial geomatics to the WNMS. His passion is to use GIS and data to help disseminate as much information as possible.

Trevor Hetenyi
Director

New to the team, Trevor is now a Tumbler Ridge retiree, but has been enjoying the outdoors of the region since the early 80's.