Vancouver takes a walk

Thinking of adding a little more “walk” to your fitness diet? Then tear a page out of Vancouver’s book, because

Thinking of adding a little more “walk” to your fitness diet? Then tear a page out of Vancouver’s book, because they have just been announced the Best Walking City in Canada for 2008.

With droves of people walking to work, tons of trails, great temperatures and air quality that promote outdoor fitness, not to mention a superb view from just about anywhere, it’s really no wonder that Vancouver came out on top. In contest with the 99 other most populated cities in the country, Vancouver edged out the competition with its overall commitment to being a walking-friendly city. This is readily seen in the numerous city-wide walking programs, established walking communities and infrastructure that supports “healthy walking.”

Healthy walking may sound like a redundant term, but the contest was hosted by The Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine, and they are always concerned about walking comfortably for happy feet.

Honourable mentions include first runner up, Fredericton, NB and second runner up, Nanaimo, BC. Also of interest: the top 15 cities were mostly from British Columbia and Ontario.

By comparison, a Best Health analysis of the healthiest Canadian cities (based on 20 pre-selected cities) also ranked Vancouver #1.

So, where do you factor in? Are you a walker or a walker-wannabe and how do YOU rank your city for outdoor fitness?