Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Ontario Trail News - all the latest information about Ontario's favourite recreation and leisure activity!

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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ontario trails in winter, watch for flooding and fast water, follow all warnings
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - April 13, 2026

• National Trail Summit - Go Fund Us - • Project Funding Builds Trails •
• Seasonal Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services •

ontario trail in the winter, it;s spring stay off of muddy trails, stay away from water

the province of Ontario flag
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.

 

TOP TRAIL NEWS

 
'No ice is safe ice,' police remind public - Elliot Lake News
Elliot Lake News
The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario's highways, trails and waterways through high visibility patrols and enforcement in order to reduce ...
 
49-year-old man dies from injuries following ATV crash in Ottawa
edge injury law
Ottawa police are seeking witnesses after a fatal ATV crash in the city's west end. ... Ontario Personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of ...
 
How Canada can reach a target of 15 national urban parks by 2030 - Rabble.ca
Rabble.ca
And as one would hope, the Policy includes a requirement to conserve nature: explore opportunities to expand the area, strengthen conservation ...
 
You can now get a prescription for nature access if you live in Hamilton, here's how - CBC
CBC
... Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. It launched in Halton in late 2024. Then interim vice ...
 
Skepticism is natural as Ford rolls out regional reform - PressReader
PressReader
Ontario's proposed Better Regional Governance Act is being sold as a ... Greenbelt was heavily influenced by a small group of developers who ...
 
Disbursement quota change released extra $711 million into charitable sector: Imagine Canada
Future of Good
According to Imagine Canada's principal researcher David Lasby, these foundations would previously have been “disbursing below the levels required by ...
 
Volunteer Peterborough presents "United to Thank Volunteers" - kawarthaNOW
kawarthaNOW
... Canoe Museum during the event. Volunteer Peterborough is inviting local ... Ontario's first college merger to strengthen financial ...
 
This Ontario city with 330 lakes was named among Canada's best places to live in 2026
Yahoo News Canada
... activities and outdoor adventures. The city is home to a range of attractions and things to do, including Science North, where you can explore an ...


 

Mayor's Walks - 2026
 

mayor's walk badge

Many communities will hold walks on Provincial/International Trails Day.

We provide links to walks and trail celebrations that take place June 6, as well as throughout the year.

The Ontario Trails "Mayor's Walk" events are open to OTC member organizations to act as hosts for a walk in 2026. 

Tell us when you are having an event in 2026 Event Notification Sheet.

With trails in 100's of Ontario Communities this is a great way to showcase your local support while enabling all the Mayor's and their trail friends to get out for a celebration of trails.Send us details about your Trail Day Celebration! 

Did you Know? Please search 'Trails Day' on Facebook, Ontario Trails provided 80% of Canadian messaging content about trails day.        

Ask for the Mayor's Walk event planning tool, email us at execdir@ontariotrails.ca
 
 

ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING
 

  
Feds announce $51B infrastructure fund, first project to be built in Ontario
CityNews Calgary
... projects across the country, starting with a community centre in Brampton, Ontario. ... Trail Monday morning. 17h ago. 0:49. City of Calgary services ...
 
  
'Long, long overdue': Ottawa residents push for bike share return - YouTube
YouTube
Go to channel Forrest's Outdoor Adventure · Bike Shop Manager Exposes The ... 8 Canadian Families That Quietly Own Canada. Make That Change•254K ...
 
Quinte West to consult public on ATV use on Lower Trent Trail - The Quinteist
The Quinteist
... Ontario Trail Alliance for the maintenance, operation and management of the trail. This expired in January 2021, the staff report noted. In ...
 
New $8.6M pedestrian bridge over Conestogo River approved for Guelph-to-Goderich trail
CBC
... tourism in the area ... Related Stories. This hiker and author wants you to hit an Ontario trail this long weekend ...
 
North Bay to purchase ski hill, other land from conservation authority - CTV News
CTV News
In addition, the trail network will remain part of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Conservation Area with no changes to availability or ...
 
  
Snowmobile club acquires bridge to gain access to Bruce Mines - Sault Star
Sault Star
... snowmobilers are known to spend money on fuel, food and lodging. The 30,000 kilometres of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail network ...

 

Kitchener Trail Improvements

Industry Name: Leisure/Parks/Recreation

Trade Name: Hike/Bike Trails

Project Street: Various/Multiple

Project City: Kitchener

Detail Of Services: The City is looking to partner with a qualified Contractor to complete trail improvements, including the reconstruction of multi-use trails, upgrades to trail entrances, installation of wayfinding signage, and construction of a new boulevard trail and raised crossings.

Questions Contact: Questions related to this report are to be submitted to the Project Representative through the Bidding System by clicking on the Submit a Question button associated with this opportunity.
 

Trans Canada Trail in Innisfail gets new boost - The Albertan
The Albertan
A third major grant for Innisfail since 2021 will help fund repairs and maintenance of main trail at Centennial Park.


Ontario's Trails
Are Rural Recreation
in 85% of Ontario.

flyer for the rural recreation conference

Patrick Connor Writes - "I'm Proud to be a Board Member with Kim Goodman on this initiative." https://www.facebook.com/ruralrecreationassociation/

 



Join Ontario Trails Council


We thank all those that join and support our work, individuals play a significant role locally and work with us to make change provincially! Thank-you.

RENEWAL - Township of Cavan-Monaghan - Thank - you!

cavan monaghan logo with link to their recreational trails

The Township of Cavan Monaghan has a number of parks and playgrounds throughout the Township. 

All parks, parkland and trails, with the exception of Whitfield Landing shall be considered non-operational from Thanksgiving Monday of each year, until the Friday prior to Victoria Day of each subsequent year. Whitfield Landing will be considered non-operational from the Monday following the 3rd weekend in November, each year to the Friday prior to Victoria Day each subsequent year.

During these periods, the Township of Cavan Monaghan will perform no maintenance and only complete minimal inspections. Parks, parkland and trails will have signs erected indicating open season and clearly stating that there is no maintenance when closed. This measure must be taken to protect the safety of persons using park facilities and equipment during a time when environmental conditions may promote or increase the potential for personal injury.

Payment Methods:

paypal membership payment badge qr codeinterac logo for dorect deposit
or call 613-484-1140 to Pay by Credit Card. Thank-you!

 


 

CANADIAN TRAIL NEWS 

Canadian Trail Summit – Winnipeg, MB - The Environment Journal
The Environment Journal
Hosted by Trans Canada Trail, it is a unique opportunity for the people who build, fund and manage Canada's trails to come together to chart a path ...
 
Unlock the Best of Canada in 2026 with the Canada Strong Pass—Free Access to National ...
Travel And Tour World
... outdoor adventures aren't possible. Conclusion: The Future of Travel in Canada. The Canada Strong Pass represents a bold step forward in making ...
 
British Columbia Sets New Standard in Adventure Tourism with Streamlined Permits, Iconic ...
Travel And Tour World
British Columbia's adventure tourism sector thrives in 2026, with streamlined permitting, iconic routes, major events, and enhanced ...
 
Halifax hikers criticizing a popular trail's maintenance after province takes over operation
Global News
A popular HRM trail is facing criticism for how it's being maintained with some ready to do the work themselves if things don't change.
 
Red Bull Hardline is coming to Canada in 2026 - Singletracks Mountain Bike News
Singletracks.com
Home / Mountain Bike Trails / Canada / British Columbia / News. Red ... british columbiatrails, british columbia. First published April 9 ...
 
Rangers end 'majestic' snowmobile trek through Canada's North in Churchill | CBC News
CBC
... Canada's conservation officers and local industry. The trek, "was majestic. It was sublime," he said. "There was pieces where we were just ...
 
Dirt Camp Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Expansion to Five Locations - Canadian Cyclist
Canadian Cyclist
Dirt Camp, the longest-operating mountain bike camp in Canada, today proudly announced its 30th anniversary. A specialized summer camp dedicated to ...
 
Outdoor running must-have gear: Essentials for every runner - National | Globalnews.ca
Global News
... outdoors. The right running gear does more than just get you out ... Health Matters: Health Canada warns against injecting unauthorized peptides.

 

canadian trail summit showing the trans canada trail logo and a group of people out walking on a recreational trail in the woods

2026 Canadian Trail Summit

– 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

  
Off the Beaten Path in Canada: Lesser-Known Destinations and Activities - Everyday Tourist
Everyday Tourist
For lovers of outdoor activities, there is much to enjoy at this park, including: Scenic mountain hikes. Beautiful boat trips through the Western ...
 
  
Canada opens world's longest hiking trail from coast to coast - MSN
MSN
... outdoor adventure. 41. I Told My Grandpa It Was a Scam, But He Bought It ... Canada through a multi-use national trail for outdoor recreation.
 
Why Carney is aiming to protect 30 per cent of Canada's land by 2030 - MSN
MSN
... conservation strategy at Le Belvedere in Wakefield, Quebec March 31, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable/Postmedia. OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney may ...
 
Are You Tough Enough to Handle These 42 Hard Hikes?
backpacker.com
A hiker on the West Coast Trail in British Columbia. A hiker on the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, BC (Photo: Credit: Dan Rafla / Aurora ...
 
Havasu Side by Side Trail Association volunteers groom nearly 300 trail miles at season's end
Havasu News
Trail groomers and members of
 
Revelstoke Cycling Association leverages funding for more accessible trails
Revelstoke Review
ORCBC's Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC, established in 2024 through a $10-million provincial endowment, has already benefited more than 325 kilometres ...
 
Canada's Stunning New Brunswick National Park Is An Outdoor Haven With Warm-Water ...
AOL.com
With surprisingly warm waters, hundreds of campsites, and stunning trails that take you through a variety of landscapes, this Canadian national ...
 


Please Help send Ontario Trails Council 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.
 

Go Fund Us

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.
 
 
World's toughest mountain bike race is coming to Metro Vancouver | Daily Hive | Sports
Daily Hive
Daily Hive is a Canadian-born online news source, established in 2008, that creates compelling, hyperlocal content. Daily Hive Part of Zoomer.

Escape to an agriturismo - PressReader
PressReader
I'm an enthusiastic day hiker on Ontario's Bruce Trail, but I'm unlikely to ever conquer the five-day West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island let alone ...
 

call out to trail organizations to join the Ontario trails council 

Friday, April 10, 2026

Ontario Trails News - the most popular form of recreation and tourism in Ontario!

 

Join Ontario Trails Council


We thank all those that join and support our work, individuals play a significant role locally and work with us to make change provincially! Thank-you.

RENEWAL - Township of Cavan-Monaghan - Thank - you!

cavan monaghan logo with link to their recreational trails

The Township of Cavan Monaghan has a number of parks and playgrounds throughout the Township. 

All parks, parkland and trails, with the exception of Whitfield Landing shall be considered non-operational from Thanksgiving Monday of each year, until the Friday prior to Victoria Day of each subsequent year. Whitfield Landing will be considered non-operational from the Monday following the 3rd weekend in November, each year to the Friday prior to Victoria Day each subsequent year.

During these periods, the Township of Cavan Monaghan will perform no maintenance and only complete minimal inspections. Parks, parkland and trails will have signs erected indicating open season and clearly stating that there is no maintenance when closed. This measure must be taken to protect the safety of persons using park facilities and equipment during a time when environmental conditions may promote or increase the potential for personal injury.

Payment Methods:

paypal membership payment badge qr codeinterac logo for dorect deposit
or call 613-484-1140 to Pay by Credit Card. Thank-you!

 


 

CANADIAN TRAIL NEWS 

  
Nestled Between 3 Mighty Mountain Ranges Is Canada's Scenic Alpine Village For Outdoor ...
Islands
The Canadian village of Valemount, British Columbia, is surrounded by mountains, and it's the place to go for winter sport lovers.
 
SaskTrails welcomes Olympian speaker during AGM - WestCentralOnline
WestCentralOnline
The Saskatchewan Trails Association is inviting members and trail supporters to its Annual General Meeting on April 7, with a special presentation ...
 
Canada Strong Pass set to return this summer - PressReader
PressReader
Weekends at the lake, hiking on trails, festivals, picnics, barbecues and more. If you're looking to check out some Canadian attractions, you need ...
 
The Cabot Trail Is One of the Best Drives in North America - Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
The Cabot Trail is known for its access to hiking trails that ... 15 Best National Parks in Canada.
 
Canada's national parks that steal your heart - MSN
MSN
Whether you're chasing wildlife, hiking alpine trails, or stargazing under pristine skies, these parks invite you to slow down and savor the land.
 
New federal nature strategy heavy on economy, light on biodiversity | Wilderness Committee
Wilderness Committee
The organization says the Carney government is reframing conservation as another market issue instead of focusing on meeting Canada's commitments ...
 

canadian trail summit showing the trans canada trail logo and a group of people out walking on a recreational trail in the woods

2026 Canadian Trail Summit

– 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

  


Please Help send Ontario Trails Council 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.
 

Go Fund Us

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.
 
Estevan resident remembers 60 years on the Snowmobile trail. - DiscoverEstevan.com
Discover Estevan
Melvin Greening traces his snowmobiling life back more than 60 years, to a time when there were no clubs, no groomed trails and machines that ...
 
Busy weekend ahead for RCMP snowmobile patrols - NTV
NTV
Cartwright RCMP hit the snowmobile trails this week to ensure everyone was safe and sober while riding. ... Stay in the know with Newfoundland ...
 
The 6th annual BC Trails Day is coming up on June 6th Our BC Trails Day micro-grant program ...
Instagram
Photo by Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia on March 26, 2026. May be.
 
Bike Cochrane rides growth to become Alberta's largest cycling society
Cochrane Eagle
But the work Cochrane's bike society has done to develop community partnerships, advocate for trail creation and accessibility, and affordability, has ...
 
Peak Racing: 2027 & 2028 Mountain and Trail Running Championships Head West
Athletics Canada
Athletics Canada announced today the host locations for the 2027 and 2028 editions of the Canadian Mountain Running Championships and Canadian Trail ...
 
Government of Yukon funds 13 community-based projects across the territory
Yukon.ca
... Yukon Society website. Biathlon Yukon received $56,471 to widen Biathlon Yukon's existing trails to meet international standards. This project ...
A New Sled Dog Race in the Yukon Tries to Save a Fading Sport | The Walrus
The Walrus
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL COLE ... Aerial photo of a dog sled team running along a snowy path through snow-covered. On a negative-thirty-five-degree ...
 
Saskatchewan's wild parks you need to see - MSN
MSN
Saskatchewan is home to some of Canada's most breathtaking and underrated natural escapes, from vast prairies to serene lakes ... hiking trails, and ...


call out to trail organizations to join the Ontario trails council 

 

 ONTARIO TRAILS EDUCATION
 

Know Your Locals: Learn to paddle on Little Lake this summer with new programs led by ...
kawarthaNOW
All of this and more is what they will find through the youth sprint camps led by the Peterborough Canoe & Kayak Club — and there are programs for ...

 

ontario recreational facilities association logo

WEBINAR: Recalibrating Recreation Facility Revenues for the Future

Wednesday, April 15, Virtual • Noon to 1:00 pm

Recreation user fees continue to be a challenge to meet operational and capital funding requirements. This webinar will look back at the history of user fees and explore how some members are approaching the calculation of these much needed financial resources to operate and maintain recreational investments. Opportunities for the industry will be discussed in more detail, as well as a review of the ORFA resources on revenue generation opportunities and barriers.

Presenters: Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT, Director, Training, Research and Development, ORFA.

MORE

 Ontario parks association logo

Trails Risk Management - Level 3 Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council

2 DAY TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

This in-person training course combines classroom discussion with on the ground trail assessment exercises and evaluation of existing trail risk factors and requirements. Risk assessment for multi use or activity optimized trail networks is the core process that identifies risk management needs. This applied training prepares participants as trail inspectors and risk assessors. This is the third training in the trail risk management progression.

The on-the-ground training covers:

This in-person training is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

Participants are to bring footwear, rain jacket and water bottle, plus their existing inspection forms or inspection documentation.

Pre-requisite: OPA’s Trail Risk Management – level 1 & 2 online webinar

NOTE: this 16 hour training course is delivered in-person, in class and outdoors.

Course Date: June 22,  23, 2026

Course Time: 8:00am-4:00pm

Course Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7

This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

  • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
  • Location - Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. 
  • Trail inspection and risk assessment process and procedures 
  • Risk assessment tied to trail management objectives
  • Objective versus subjective assessment criteria
  • Inspection forms and documentation
  • Show details

 

Ontario Trails - Confederation College On-Line Learning

confederation college program on trail stweardship with the ontario trails logo


ontario traffic council share the road joint logo




 

New Partnership Announcement

OTC and the Share the Road Cycling Coalition have announced a new partnership that will bring the Active Transportation Symposium and Ontario Bike Summit together for the first time this September. The coordinated three-and-a-half-day program will create a single, seamless experience focused on advancing active transportation across Ontario.

Attendees can expect expert-led sessions, mobile workshops, keynote speakers and expanded networking opportunities, along with a 15% registration discount for those attending both events. Additional program details and registration information will be released soon.

Register Now: 2026 OTC Summit
Hotel Booking Deadline: April 6

Secure your accommodations at the OTC group rate before the deadline.

 


Ontario Trails Council supports professional recreation practices developed by:

 

ontario traffice council learning opportunities badge

Upcoming OTC Training and Events

The National Transportation Training Series is OTC’s unified national brand for professional training, education and symposia in transportation, traffic operations, road safety, enforcement and mobility. It brings together OTC’s long-standing expertise, technical credibility, and practitioner-led programming under a recognizable banner that reflects the expanding national reach of its education offerings.Don't miss these upcoming training sessions and events!

OTM Book 18 and Protected Intersection Guide Training
Thursday, April 16
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Online only2026 Summit
May 6 - 8
Kingston Marriott
285 King St. E, Kingston, ON

 
ONTARIO TRAFFIC COUNCIL SUMMIT

May 6 - 8 in Kingston, ON

The Summit schedule is now available, and the April 6 hotel booking deadline is quickly approaching. It features three days of practical sessions, keynote presentations and peer discussions focused on today’s transportation challenges.

Your Summit experience includes:

  • A facility tour exploring local transportation initiatives
  • Welcome reception with the Student Research Showcase
  • Two full days of Summit sessions
  • The President’s Award Dinner at historic Fort Henry
  • Networking with transportation professionals from across the province
  • Kingston’s walkable downtown makes it easy to enjoy the city between sessions.

Stay in downtown Kingston

Summit delegates can stay at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront or the Residence Inn by Marriott at the OTC group rate of $199 per night. Book by April 6 to secure the OTC group rate.

Both hotels are within walking distance of the Summit venue.

View the full schedule and register  at otc.org .

Thank you to our 2026 Summit sponsors

ONTARIO TRAFFIC COUNCIL SPONSORS BAR
additional cycling learning opportunity poster