Winter’s shorter days and grey skies can take a toll on mental health, but a national trail organization says one simple solution is closer than many Kamloops residents might think: getting outside.

Trans Canada Trail has launched its annual #Blahs2Ahhhs winter initiative, encouraging Canadians to use local trails to support their mental and physical well-being during the colder months. The campaign comes at a time when social isolation is already a growing concern, and winter weather often makes it worse.

“The winter is the time where a lot of people tend to hibernate,” said Justin Fauteux, communications manager with Trans Canada Trail. “They’ll stay inside and shy away from the grey skies and cooler days, and that can lead to feelings of isolation or seasonal affective disorder. Getting outside and experiencing nature is a really good antidote to that.”

Fauteux said many people still view trails as something reserved for spring and summer, but winter trail use can offer many of the same — and sometimes greater — benefits.

“In a lot of cases, there’s really no reason you can’t do that during the winter as well,” he said. “Trails are often maintained, and the benefits are even more pronounced because so many people are used to staying inside this time of year.”

According to Trans Canada Trail, 92 per cent of trail users say they use trails to support their mental health and relieve stress, and 80 per cent of Canadians live within 30 minutes of a section of the national trail system.

While Kamloops doesn’t sit directly on a major Trans Canada Trail hub, residents still have nearby options for connecting to the national network. Fauteux pointed to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a converted rail line that stretches more than 200 kilometres through B.C.’s Interior.

“For folks in Kamloops, the closest section is part of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, which runs between Princeton and Penticton,” he said. “It offers opportunities for winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even winter biking, depending on conditions.”

He added that people don’t need to plan an epic backcountry adventure to see health benefits.

“Most people think of trails and imagine a huge hike with a big pack,” Fauteux said. “But it can be as simple as a 15- to 30-minute walk through a local park or forest. That’s been proven to have really positive effects on both mental and physical health.”

Fauteux recommends checking trail conditions ahead of time, especially in winter, through municipal websites or local trail organizations. Conditions can vary widely depending on whether a trail is paved, urban, or used seasonally for snow sports.

As part of the #Blahs2Ahhhs initiative, Trans Canada Trail is also running a national contest through the end of February. Participants can enter online for a chance to win winter gear and a winter getaway.

“More than anything, we just want people to get outside and enjoy the trails,” Fauteux said. “Even a short walk can make a big difference.”

More information about the initiative and the contest is available at tctrail.ca.