Robinsons Island Trail System Wayfinding & Interpretive Design
Robinsons Island Trail System Wayfinding & Interpretive Design
Learn how to mountain bike
In 2005, Robinsons Island Campground closed operations and Parks Canada has since removed most of the old campsite on the island—from buildings to underground infrastructure—as a first step to facilitate restoration of the forest ecosystem. Treasured by locals, stakeholders, and visitors for its cultural, natural, and recreational resources, Parks Canada explored options to provide enhanced opportunities for a new, environmentally low-impact visitor experiences, with consideration given to the island’s current state of ecological health, cultural and natural resources, and visitor expectations.
After years of planning, regrowth, and maintenance, Prince Edward Island National Park introduced the Robinsons Island Trail System (RITS)—5 kilometres of multi-use trail. Working together, Cycling PEI, the International Mountain Bike Association, and staff at Parks Canada planned, designed, and constructed the RITS which first opened in 2015. This family-friendly trail has options for hikers and novice to intermediate level bikers.
The trail was designed with mountain bikers in mind and features 12 technical trail challenges located in spurs that break off of the main trail. Explaining the use of the mountain bike features along the trail was the primary focus of this project. Using Parks Canada’s sign manual and brand kit, we produced a system of informative signage that aligned to organization’s mandate and marketing goals.
Part family fun, part educational, we developed instructional and information signage for the trail, as well as outdoor exhibits to interpret the natural and cultural history of the island.
Status
Completed 2016
Our Role
branding, wayfinding, graphic design
Client
Prince Edward Island National Park, Parks Canada
Location
Robinsons Island, Prince Edward Island
Build Partner
Skyline Atlantic Canada
PARKS CANADA SIGNAGE
Much of the sign system is operational in nature and adheres to the Parks Canada Identity Program Exterior Signage Standards and Guidelines.
THE TRAIL SYSTEM
The 6 kilometer stacked loop trail has smooth packed surfaces ideal for biking, hiking or walking and has spurs that lead to technical trail features for beginner mountain bikers, such as rock bridges, teeter-totters, and moguls
TRAILHEAD
The system was designed to take into consideration novice riders, and provides a bike repair station with and instructions for general bike maintenance and safety.
MULTI-USE TRAIL
The trail is shared by many users—hikers of all types, and bikers. For everyone’s safety, hikers travel counter clockwise, bikers travel clockwise.
MOUNTAIN BIKE FEATURES
The 12 technical trail features are clearly marked with instructions at each entrance. These features are designed to challenge beginner to intermediate mountain bikers.
LEARN TO MOUNTAIN BIKE
Integral to the trail experience are landscaped elements which help people of all ages learn to mountain bike. Signs indicate the difficulty of each feature, explain how it is to be used, and give tips to help people improve their skills.
ILLUSTRATING THE FEATURES
Instructions for the 12 features are located at each entry point.
ORIENTATION
Located at key intersections, “you are here” maps that provide orientation and guide visitors to and from the main loop, and well as to exit paths should they wish to leave the trail.
MULTI-USE TRAIL
At the entrances to the trail loop, signs assure visitors that they are on the right (or wrong) path.
WAYFINDING
Operational signage directs users to trail entrances. These signs work in concert with multi-use trail directional signage.
ON- AND OFF-SEASON
Operational signage direct trail users to important amenities like lookoffs, and parking lots.
PARK ANNOUNCEMENTS
The trailhead sign includes an area designagted for temporary messaging.
PHOTO CREDIT
Photography: Scotty Sherin (banner and first image); all others by Form:Media