PaRx and AllTrails Partner to Help More Canadians Get Outside

A new partnership between BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx program and AllTrails, the world’s most popular and trusted outdoor app, is helping even more Canadians experience the health benefits of time in nature. Starting today, PaRx participants can access a FREE six-month AllTrails Plus membership, giving them tools like offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and 3D trail previews to support safer, more confident outdoor adventures.

“AllTrails’ mission is to help people spend more time outside, and with AllTrails Plus, you are able to discover more of the outdoors and keep track of your time outside. Our partnership with BC Parks Foundation is a way to support members' well-being and safety as they experience the benefits of time in nature," says Pitt Grewe, Head of Social and Environmental Impact at AllTrails.

When John Shaske, a 70-year-old assistant clinical pharmacy professor at UBC, received a PaRx prescription from a colleague last year, he set a new personal challenge: cycle 10,000 kilometres annually.

His experience since then has been transformative.

“I sleep better. I don’t worry about things as much anymore. My clothes fit better and I feel that I have a bounce in my step. I’m more alert and calm. I’m a better teacher and facilitator,” said Shaske.

As he continues pedalling toward his goal, he plans to download AllTrails Plus to help track his time outside.

Launched in 2020 by BC Parks Foundation and now expanded nationwide, PaRx encourages people to spend at least two hours a week in nature and offers guidance on how to build those habits into everyday life.

The program is grounded in a robust body of research showing that time outdoors can:

• lower stress
• improve immune function
• support cardiovascular health
• boost mental well-being

With more than 19,000 Canadian healthcare providers now registered, an estimated 1.5 million nature prescriptions have been written in the last five years.

“Regularly, my patients report improvements in both their mental and physical health from activities as simple as walking in a natural setting. I can think of no intervention I offer that has fewer potential side effects, and such immediate and profound benefits.”
— Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, AllTrails Chief Medical Advisor

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals who register as PaRx prescribers will also receive three months of AllTrails Plus.

If a patient’s healthcare provider has not yet registered, the patient can request that they do—making both eligible for the AllTrails Plus offer.

PaRx partners across British Columbia offer free or discounted access to nature-based experiences for people who face barriers to spending time outdoors. Participating partners include:

• UBC Botanical Garden
• VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory
• Pacifica Paddlesports
• Evo car share
• Lime scooters and e-bikes
• The Vancouver Art Gallery

“We are absolutely thrilled that the most popular hiking app in the world has joined our long list of PaRx partners and supporters. It’s a testament to the vision of the Foundation that they see the value here. Their generous offer will further reduce barriers to outdoor activity for those with a nature prescription,” said Jennie McCaffrey, VP Health and Education at BC Parks Foundation.

The AllTrails Plus membership offer is valued at $35.99 annually and is now available to all Canadian participants in the PaRx program.

Learn more about the PaRx program here.