Ontario Trails News - thanks to Trans Canada Trail for their financial support! Go Fund Us, Alto Rail Project, Its Maple Season and more!

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - March 2, 2026 • National Trail Conference Go Fund Us - Send 10 Ontario Reps to Winnipeg! • • Winter Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services • Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario.  Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.   ONTARIO TRAILS NEWS The Ontario Trails Council wishes to thank the Trans Canada Trail for their generous financial support which will enable the Ontario Trails Council to send at least one representative to the National Trail Summit in June. Please consider joining the funding campaign to send some of our colleagues and friends to the summit as well. Together we can have an Ontario presence at the national table to develop new trails, and new pathways of support for all members of the TCT trail.   Go Fund Us You can Help send 10 Ontario Trails Leaders to the National Trail Summit Ontario Trails Council is revitalizing our partnership with the Trans Canada Trail. Recent talks have gone exceedingly well between the OTC Board and leadership of the TCT. We thank the TCT for the opportunity to support our presence at the national event. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources we missed the World Trail Conference 2 years ago. We wish to have a presence in Winnipeg in support of those OTC members that Support the Trans Canada Trail in their communities. With your help we can help shape a better future for trails in Canada. Please donate to get us there. Thank you. TOP TRAIL NEWS   Is your trail impacted by the potential Alto High Speed rail project? The friends of the Cataraqui Trail write to OTC: We have become aware of the possible use of the Cataraqui Trail as part of the future Alto Train route. You can see where the proposed southern Alto train route traverses the trail via Alto’s interactive map: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail/places/interact-map The Friends are of course concerned and passed the motion below.  Motion: That the Friends of the Cataraqui Trail express opposition to the location of the ALTO High Speed Rail system along any section of the Cataraqui Trail and encourage members of the Friends of the Trail to express their own opinions to ALTO.  Alto is encouraging feedback via a brief. If your organizations are interested. Here is the link to submit a brief: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail/surveys/upload-brief The OTC will be sending in its own brief, we encourage OTC members impacted by the railway to also write their own brief.   Bay of Quinte MP withholding support for proposed southern high-speed rail route Quinte News ... conservation areas and Canadian Shield landscapes. In recent weeks, what began as a limited discussion has evolved into widespread concern among ... Stokely Creek Lodge hosting customer appreciation day - Sault Ste. Marie News SooToday.com ... Ontario's world-class trail system. The Velorution crew will be on-site ... Stokely's extensive snowshoe trail system will also be open for ...   Parks Canada is hiring for the summer - NOW Toronto NOW Toronto ... conservation areas. If you're a Canadian between the ages of 15 and 30, except for some jobs starting at the age of 18, a job might be calling ...   Early Bird Boat Ramp Passes Coming March 1 For LaSalle Residents - Kingsville Times Kingsville Times Bring your own equipment. If you are new to paddling, resources to keep you safe on the water can be found at Paddle Canada. Visit the ... The Forest City is now officially the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada | City of London London “Through actions big and small, from planting new trees and caring for mature ones, to maintaining parks and trails and responding to storms and ...   Ella Haley discusses priorities ahead of by-election - BrantBeacon BrantBeacon ... Ontario Trails since 1996 to help convert the former TH&B rail line to a recreational trail. Speaking to why she's decided to run for the Ward 5 ...     ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING    Funding moves Guelph closer to closing gap in the G2G Rail Trail Guelph Today ... Trans Canada Trail to complete the design of a new off-road trail that will connect the G2G Guelph Trailway to the G2G Rail Trail trailhead at Marden.   Three Stage: From mud bog mayhem to Ontario mountain bike mecca Canadian Cycling Magazine ... hiking paths and double track. “In the mid-to-late '90s the only trails we had were the Bruce Trail and a lot of double track,” says Terry “Sweary ...   What It Costs to Travel Around Ontario From Cities to Nature Trips - The Traveler The Traveler One of the quiet advantages of a nature-heavy trip is that hiking itself is usually included with your day-use or entrance fee. Well-marked trails ...   UPDATE: Shea Woods dog park - Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville Glen Gower Shea Woods is located east of Shea Road and south of the Trans Canada Trail. The cedar forest has become a popular spot for dog walkers over the ...   Changes to high-speed rail route could derail project, Alto head says | The Kingston Whig Standard The Kingston Whig Standard ... Trail Links. News · Local News. Changes to high-speed rail route could ... Ontario, M4W 3L4. © 2026 The Kingston Whig Standard, a division of ...   Ontario agency pursuing creative financing plans in bid to jumpstart projects - Financial Post Financial Post ... Trail Links. Home · Energy · News · Economy · Share via email · Reddit · X · Share on Linkedin; Open more share options. Close. Share this Story : ...   Canada's Protected Areas Generated $10.9 Billion in GDP, CPAWS Study Finds Yahoo Finance As these areas progress, and with stronger management and investment, the research suggests Canada's returns from conservation are likely ...   Frontenac County Provides Funding For Medical Clinic On Wolfe Island Frontenac News ... Trail, and the East-West Trans Canada Trail, on the northside of the Thomsons Rock Cut trail feature. (South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal was ...   Loblaw funds Ducks Unlimited on-farm conservation work - The Pig Site The Pig Site Ducks Unlimited Canada has announced a new partnership with Loblaw Companies Limited to support wetland conservation and sustainable agriculture.   Accessibility Grant Opportunities - Now Open! The federal government has opened the Enabling Accessibility Fund 2026 through a Call for Proposals. Funding is available between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for a project that is up to 24 months in duration, with applications open until March 12, 2026. The Rick Hansen Foundation also has more than 40 accessibility grants of up to $40,000 to complete an access-improvement project in your community. Applications are open until March 15, 2026.  Enabling Accessibility Fund 2026 Call for Proposals - Canada.ca RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program | Rick Hansen Foundation   Capital grant applications open February 4  Non-profit organizations in Ontario can apply for Capital grants from February 4, to March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. These grants fund projects that update buildings, enhance physical spaces, or purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive. Apply for $10,000 up to $200,000. Available support: Coaching calls are available to discuss your project with an OTF Program Manager. Book a 20-minute coaching call today. Learn about Capital grant application requirements during a webinar. Register for a Capital grant webinar Get to know Capital grants on our website

Trails Tourism, Canadian Trail News, Snowmobiling and Conservation Trail Updates!

 

ONTARIO TRAIL TOURISM, MARKETING AND MEDIA
 

Ontario Parks winter cabins: Cosy spots to book this March - Toronto.com Toronto.com Aside from the stunning views at the park, adventurers can experience 34 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, eight kilometres of snowshoe trails, ...

 

Point Pelee National Park's boardwalk leads to a huge marsh - Toronto.com Toronto.com And while you're there, try out one of the other six hiking trails to extend your adventure. ... Canada,” according to Parks Canada. Coming up on ...

Trans Canada Trail launches 'Blahs-2-Ahhs' to help Canadians beat 'Blue Monday' - Global News
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Global News Morning Toronto. Trans Canada Trail launches 'Blahs-2-Ahhs' to help Canadians beat 'Blue Monday'. More Videos. 0 seconds of 0 seconds.
 

2026 Canadian Trail Summit – advance rates close soon!   Have you registered for the first-ever Canadian Trail Summit? Don’t wait around! Advanced rates close on March 15. Funding support is available to help individuals and members of non-profit organizations cover costs of attending the summit. Join us in Winnipeg June 16 to 19, 2026, to help shape the future of Canada’s trails!     Learn more + Register here

The Best Resorts in Ontario - Toronto Guardian Toronto Guardian Located at 1050 Paignton House Road, Minett, you will explore favoured inclusions, a fitness centre, hiking trails, jet skiing, sand beaches, indoor/ ...

Get in the Loop: Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop

Join Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) for an online Zoom webinar on Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. for a clear overview and status update on a new signature cycling loop being developed, Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop (EORTL). Presented by Amy Hogue of Dragonfly Communications & Marketing Inc. and Jane McCulloch of Terminus Consulting, the session will outline the full scope of the 360-kilometre cycling loop project, its long-term vision for market and export readiness, and how the trail town model supports rural economic development across Eastern Ontario.  The webinar will highlight completed assessment and engagement work, key findings, Phase 2 priorities, and how operators, municipalities, and partners can align with upcoming development.

Register Here

 

Introducing the inaugural World Trails Awards

The World Trails Network is launching a new program: The World Trails Awards. These awards will celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in trails around the world and will be presented at the World Trails Conference in October. This year’s awards are focusing on sustainability, community engagement, tourism, cultural heritage, and accessibility. Each category requires the nominator to answer a specific set of questions. Anyone can nominate a trail organization that fits one of the World Trails Awards categories.

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The Ontario Trails Council works with Intact Public Entities on trail risk management

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Join Ontario Trails Council - we'll help you make an impression!

Payment Methods:

or call with your credit card. 613-484-1140 Thanks!
 

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ONTARIO SNOWMOBILING NEWS
 

Ontario Trails Council advises - sled smart. Take a driver education course. Follow posted speed limits. Drive your sled according to conditions. Do not drink and drive. We encourage the OPP and the MTO to enforce all safety rules and laws to protect the general public, trail users, and ensure the safety of all snowmobilers. As the OPP say - 

Preventable behaviours like excessive speeding or alcohol and drug impairment put your safety – and your return to your loves ones – at risk. Please make every ride a safe one for you and your family,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Karen Meyer, Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
 

The allure of a frozen frontier - Chinadaily.com.cn China Snowmobiling is one of Canada's most popular winter activities, allowing riders to travel across snow-covered landscapes on motorized sleds designed ...

Sudbury students learn snowmachine safety rules - CTV News CTV News Wawa-area snowmobile trails face brush battle amid heavy snow · Report ... Winter ...

 

OPP snowmobile patrol units check nearly 140 riders over Family Day weekend result over Orangeville Citizen | February 19, 2026 · 0 Comments. Enhanced joint snowmobile patrols were conducted by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across several trails ...

 

One charged after snowmobile chase - EloraFergusToday.com EloraFergusToday.com ... Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail in Wellington North Township. As officers approached a group of snowmobilers, one rider sped ...

 

Best winter for snowmobilers - The Aylmer Express The Aylmer Express This winter has been the best in 20 years for local snowmobilers, Poplar Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club ... Coming into this winter, the Ontario ...

 

Snowmobilers charged and fined for going off-trail in Wellington County - CTV News CTV News Three snowmobilers will need to pay up after going off approved trails ... Toronto · 2 victims in critical condition after triple stabbing at North ...

 

Snowmobile patrols charge unsafe sledders over long weekend - CTV News CTV News Police are reinforcing drivers to drive at safe speeds, stay on marked and open trails, and to check the trail status and conditions. Finally, OPP ...

 

Charges Laid As OPP Conducted Snowmobile Patrols Across Trails Over Family Day Weekend Muskoka411 The Central Region Snow Vehicle, All terrain Vehicle, Vessel Enforcement/Education (SAVE) Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted ...

 

ATV rider suffers life-threatening injuries in crash in Ottawa's west end - CTV News CTV News ATV rider suffers life-threatening injuries in crash in Ottawa's west end ... Ontario · Driver charged after travelling more than 100 km down Hwy. 17 ...

 

47-year-old woman dies in snowmobile accident in Montérégie region | CBC News CBC The incident happened around 5 p.m. on a Trans-Québec snowmobile trail. The woman was travelling with a group when she lost control of her snowmobile, ...

 

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ONTARIO CONSERVATION TRAILS
 

Conservation authority warns of possible flooding in Essex region - Yahoo News Canada Yahoo News Canada The Essex Region Conservation Authority in southwestern Ontario is warning of possible flooding in the region caused by rainfall, melting snow and ...

Flooding possible with heavy rain Friday: GRCA - 570 News
570 News - CityNews
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes ... Ice fishing has since been closed at Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Shade's Mills and Pinehurst Lake conservation areas ...

CHANGING CONDITIONS - PressReader
PressReader
Hikers walk along the purple trail at the Naftel's Creek Conservation Area. Newspapers in English · Newspapers from Canada · PressReader · Work with ...
 

How the Bluebird Trail is helping conservation take flight - CBC CBC He holds a scientific permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service, which is required to band birds. Image | Greg Fenty. Caption: Greg Fenty stands ...

 

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority warns of potential flooding - CTV News CTV News Catfish Creek Conservation Authority warns of potential flooding. By ... Canadian figure skating duo posts personal best ahead of Olympic free ...

 

 

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PLACES, PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES

February and March 2026 offers diverse Ontario trail events, featuring winter hiking, snowshoeing, and trail running, including the Fire and Stars Torch-lit Trail at Sibbald Point and guided wildlife walks in Algonquin. Major highlights include the Family Day weekend at Trail Hub (Uxbridge) and the lantern-lit skiing at Hiawatha Highlands (Sault Ste. Marie). 

• Guided Hiking & Wildlife (Algonquin Provincial Park): Feb 15 & 21: Guided walks
• searching for moose, birds, and beaver signs along the Old Railway Bike Trail and the Logging Museum.
   
• Torch-lit Trails (Sibbald Point Provincial Park): Feb 15: Evening hikes lit by fire and stars from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
   
• Family Day Weekend (Trail Hub, Uxbridge): Feb 16–17: Family Day Winter Adventure event.
   
• Lantern-lit Skiing (Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie): Feb 14: Ski the Pinder Trail under lanterns and the moon, part of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.
   
• Winter Trail Running (Long Point & Thunder Bay): Throughout February: Dog-friendly 5-25km runs at Long Point Eco-Adventures, and the Hoot Winter Trail Series in Thunder Bay (Feb 22).
   
• Trail Hub Events (Uxbridge): Country Music Nights are scheduled for Feb 6, 20, and 27.
   
• Virtual/Educational: The Bruce Trail Conservancy offers a webinar on the "Fascinating World of Ferns" on Feb 12. 

Please see the Ontario Trails Events Page for more information.
 

Why school trips are disappearing, and what one Ontario board is doing about it - Village Report Village Report ... outdoor-activities-have-on-education/ . "We have learned that ... Canada's leading outdoor educations, third party providers, Alive Outdoors.

 

Annual Terra Cotta maple syrup festival returns with a sweet historical Canadian story to tell Penticton Herald The annual Maple Syrup in the Park festival is set to return to the Terra Cotta Conservation Area on March 19 to 22, 28 and 29, to offer a blend.

 

Métis musher smudges his dogs before the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race | CBC.ca CBC Marie, Ont. Mushers, teams compete to pay tribute to their late mentor, Jimmy Custer · Winter whimsy in Winnipeg: frozen river trail brings 'totally ...

 

Parent also charged after teen crashes e-bike into toddler: OPP - BayToday.ca BayToday.ca ... motorcycle licence to operate it on a roadway.” The OPP says electric dirt bikes are classified as motor vehicles under Ontario law. This means ...

 

E-bikes rankle some, but are they causing many pedestrian injuries? - BayToday.ca BayToday.ca In Ontario, there's no road test or registration needed to purchase a pedal bike, e-bike, or e-scooter, but riders are still subject to the ...

Ontario Canoeist Builds Custom Canoe For Urban Paddling Paddling Magazine In a local park in Kitchener, Ontario, canoeist Matt Morris launches a custom lightweight canoe, specifically designed for urban paddling.

International criminals posing as tourists are behind Ontario burglary spree, police say INsauga ... Ontario. “They mobilize in coordinated teams, conduct pre-offence surveillance, exploit natural escape routes such as trail systems, and focus on ...

ParticipACTION report shows barriers to activity for Gen Z | Watch News Videos Online
Global News
A new report is looking into some of the most prevalent barriers Canadians are facing when it comes to keeping active. As Megan King reports, ...
 

Get outside: Snow sports take centre stage in mental health campaign - Orillia News OrilliaMatters.com 'Canada should be active in winter,' Canada Ski Council official says ahead of National Ski and Snowboard Day on Feb. 20.

Alto Rail Project - Have your say - the route may impact your trail, and other Ontario Trail Projects.

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - February 23, 2026 • National Trail Conference Go Fund Us - Send 10 Ontario Reps to Winnipeg! • • Winter Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services • Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario.  Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.   ONTARIO TRAILS NEWS   Go Fund Us You can Help send 10 Ontario Trails Leaders to the National Trail Summit Ontario Trails Council is revitalizing our partnership with the Trans Canada Trail. Recent talks have gone exceedingly well between the OTC Board and leadership of the TCT. We thank the TCT for the opportunity to support our presence at the national event. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources we missed the World Trail Conference 2 years ago. We wish to have a presence in Winnipeg in support of those OTC members that Support the Trans Canada Trail in their communities. With your help we can help shape a better future for trails in Canada. Please donate to get us there. Thank you. TOP TRAIL NEWS   Is your trail impacted by the potential Alto High Speed rail project? The friends of the Cataraqui Trail write to OTC: We have become aware of the possible use of the Cataraqui Trail as part of the future Alto Train route. You can see where the proposed southern Alto train route traverses the trail via Alto’s interactive map: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail/places/interact-map The Friends are of course concerned and passed the motion below.  Motion: That the Friends of the Cataraqui Trail express opposition to the location of the ALTO High Speed Rail system along any section of the Cataraqui Trail and encourage members of the Friends of the Trail to express their own opinions to ALTO.  Alto is encouraging feedback via a brief. If your organizations are interested. Here is the link to submit a brief: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail/surveys/upload-brief The OTC will be sending in its own brief, we encourage OTC members impacted by the railway to also write their own brief.     ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING   Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association fundraising for clubhouse My Muskoka Now 1956 Olympic hockey captain cheering on Team Canada from Huntsville · Community February 20, 2026. Vigil to honour victims of Tumbler Ridge mass ...   Ontario announces funding for local accessibility projects - My Kemptville Now My Kemptville Now Another portion will go to procuring inclusive outdoor fitness equipment and creating paved trail connections in Cardinal and Johnstown to promote ...   Locals concerned about planned Toronto trail threatened by TTC project - blogTO blogTO Locals concerned about planned Toronto trail threatened by TTC project ... Ontario at the mouth of the Don River to Rouge National Urban Park via ...   Brant Cycling Club says push for singletrack keeps hitting brick walls Canadian Cycling Magazine “If you don't want mountain bikers on the hiking trails, then you have ... Robot? Δ. Support. Ontario Creates. Gripped Publications. Canadian Running ...   Action Grants for Wildlife Conservation (Canada) - fundsforNGOs fundsforNGOs Action Grants for Wildlife Conservation (Canada). fundsforngos_nexcess. 4 hours ago. Movement for Good Awards: Animals and ...   Capacity Grants to Strengthen Conservation Skills and Collaboration (Canada) fundsforNGOs Climate resilience strategies. Caribou habitat restoration. The grant focuses on building long-term conservation capacity, rather than funding large- ...   Trump's Canada Bridge Tantrum Could Be Bad News For An International Bike Trail Streetsblog USA ... trail route — if Trump doesn't prevent the entire structure from opening ... Ontario's wine country, and Detroit's recent urban renewal projects.   Land purchase paves way for Ontario town to build new sports and events grounds INsauga A new outdoor sports and events grounds in Bowmanville is one step closer to fruition after the Municipality of Clarington acquired 20 hectares of ...   Recreation trail along historic route could link Bradford to Toronto BradfordToday.ca With a little help from Bradford West Gwillimbury, future travellers could be hiking and cycling their way through a part of Canada's history. Rural Ontario Development Program Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, local services boards and small rural businesses are eligible to apply to the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program until February 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Eligible projects support economic diversification, competitiveness and capacity building; workforce development, attraction and retention; and community infrastructure enhancements. Online information sessions are available. This program is funded by the Ministry of Rural Affairs. Learn more about the ROD program Capital grant applications open February 4  Non-profit organizations in Ontario can apply for Capital grants from February 4, to March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. These grants fund projects that update buildings, enhance physical spaces, or purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive. Apply for $10,000 up to $200,000. Available support: Coaching calls are available to discuss your project with an OTF Program Manager. Book a 20-minute coaching call today. Learn about Capital grant application requirements during a webinar. Register for a Capital grant webinar Get to know Capital grants on our website ONTARIO TRAILS EDUCATION   There are 100's of ways to use, manage and operate your recreational trails in safe, responsible and fun ways.    In Ontario you can be trained by an activity group, get yourself and your machine licenced, insure yourself and others against accident or injury, become a hike leader or the world's most expert paddler. In all these cases a group like Ontario Trails can guide you to trail certification in Trail Stewardship, Planning or Management through our in class or on-line learning through Confederation College. Or a use federation can get you the training you need to use trails and your machine in a safe way. This page highlights some of these ways. Upcoming Courses - Ontario Trails content and content providers delivered to you in partnership with Ontario Parks Association. LINK  USE OTC PROMO CODE OTCOPA for OTC Member Discount pricing