What is Volkssport?

Introduction to Volkssporting

If you are among the growing majority who believe that regular outdoor activity in congenial company can improve one's health, fitness and quality of life, then volkssporting is for you.

Volkssporters share your belief and enjoy walking as members of a volkssport club. We also believe that the physical activity and social contact available through volkssporting is a significant beneficial part of our lives. To us, and millions of others world-wide, volkssporting affords opportunities for adventure in active living, healthy recreation, fellowship and fun. The Volkssport Association of British Columbia is proud to be a member of the international volkssporting community.

Literally, "Volkssporting" translates as "people’s sports". It all began over 30 years ago in Europe where a need was recognized for healthy, organized, non-competitive activities, suitable for people of all ages. Efforts in several communities resulted in the development of local "volkssport" clubs, which sponsored events for walking, cycling, swimming and cross country skiing. The movement grew rapidly.

Now, across Canada,. throughout the United States, and in more than 50 countries around the world, unique opportunities are available for safe, healthy exercise without the stresses of speed and strain of endurance. A hallmark of volkssports is that all participants who successfully complete the event of their choice at their own pace, are recognized as "winners"!

VABC clubs primarily host walking events which are by far the most popular activity among volkssport club members in Canada. They sponsor two types of walks: Year Round Events, and Map Walks.

Year Round Events. These are permanent routes which are walked as a group several times per year. In addition, you can enjoy these walks on your own anytime throughout the year.

Map Walks. We meet at a specified place and start time. Maps and directions are supplied for each participant. The group will start off together and then spread out as participants walk at their own pace.

Trail Ratings

All of our walks are rated with a number (which indicates the amount of hill climbing) followed by a number (which indicates the smoothness or roughness of the trail). This is to help walkers gauge the degree of difficulty of the walk. Here is a summary of the ratings.

PART 1 - INCLINE		PART 2 - TERRAIN
1	Very little hill or stair climbing	A	Walk is almost entirely on pavement, probably suitable for baby strollers
2	Some moderate hill or stair climbing	B	A significant part of the walk takes place on well-groomed trails with very little more difficult terrain
3	Some significant hill or stair climbing	C	A significant part of the walk takes place on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky/rooted paths)
4	A good deal of significant hill or stair climbing	D	A significant part of the walk takes place on very difficult terrain
5	Many steep hills or high altitude trails	E	The majority of the walk takes place on very difficult terrain

Note: Extreme weather conditions could raise the difficulty of the routes.

Achievement Awards

A unique feature of volkssporting is the optional achievement award programs. This personal achievement program allows you to record the distance and number of events that you participate in. You may purchase Event books and Distance books in which to record your volkssporting accomplishments. These are available from all clubs at their regular events at a cost of $7 each. The cost of these books includes the awards for which you are eligible at the completion of each book.
To receive recognition in Volkssport Canada and to receive your awards, completed books should be sent to
Lea Tocher, CVF Awards Coordinator
450 Rouge Road
Winnipeg MB R3K 1K4

Every time you send Lea a completed book, you will receive a pin, patch, and certificate to recognize your achievement. The first time you send a completed book, you will receive a Canadian Volkssport Federation “Passport,” in which your achievement will be recorded. This passport should be included for updating each time you send Lea a book.

Walking Programs

CVF has a number of Special Walking Programs which encourage you to explore some of the scenic wonders of Canada. Participants receive special pins and certificates to recognize their achievements. Full details can be found on the CVF website by clicking here.

Summary of CVF Special Walking Programs

CVF 25th Anniversary	2012 only. Walk 25 sanctioned volkssport walks in Canada
Canada Cup of Walking	Walk in 10 or 13 provinces and territories
Capital Cities	Walk in 11 or 14 capital cities, including the national capital
Lighthouses	Specially designated walks which offer views of lighthouses
Yellowhead Walks Program ends December 31, 2012	Specially designated walks along the Yellowhead Highway
Winery, Cheese and Brewery Program ends December 31, 2012	Specially designated walks that pass wineries, breweries or cheese factories
Scholar Program ends December 31, 2012	Any walk which passes an educational facility – schools, colleges, universities
Cenotaphs Program ends December 31, 2013	Specially designated walks that take you past cenotaphs
Natural Waterfalls Program ends December 31, 2103	Specially designated walks that take you past natural waterfalls

BC Programs

In addition, British Columbia (VABC) has two special programs. One challenges you to walk with every BC club, the other challenges you to complete every YRE and seasonal walk in British Columbia! This is a significant challenge that could take several years but in so doing you will explore most of the corners of this beautiful province. Full details available from any BC club.

Home Who We Are BC Clubs Calendar of Events YREs Links

Last updated 1st January 2012