Friday, March 6, 2026

WINTER TRAIL ACTIVITIES - CROSS COUNTRY, SNOWSHOE, ICE CLIMBING AND MORE!

 

WINTER TRAIL ACTIVITIES - CROSS COUNTRY, SNOWSHOE, ICE CLIMBING AND MORE!
 

From teacher to volunteer, one woman's story of giving back to the community - BayToday.ca
BayToday.ca
People like longtime community volunteer Heather Chambers, who recently volunteered at the snowshoe qualifier for the 2027 Special Olympics Ontario ...
 
Snowshoe Hustle another winter success | Spare News | pentictonherald.ca
Penticton Herald
Back in 2023, the Hastings Snowshoe Hustle was the first year a Snowshoe Canada ... Other draw ticket prizes consisted of Snowshoe Hustle toques, trail ...

Prime time for outdoor winter activities - PressReader
PressReader
There are also trails that are left for snowshoeing and hiking. Now ... Newspapers from Canada · PressReader · Work with us · Blog · Help center ...
 
Moving 'No Trespassing' signs means more public access to beautiful city trails - BayToday.ca
BayToday.ca
For two years, many residents avoided a well-used snowshoe route near Lake Nipissing because of “No Trespassing” warnings that appeared to block ...
 
Manitoulin's Special Olympics snowshoe team garner award-winning results
The Manitoulin Expositor
Manitoulin Special Olympics snowshoeing team members Kelsey Mellan and Emily Moggy, along with Matthew Bedard all did very well at the Ontario Special ...


Resource Update: ORFA & IPE Officially Release the Recreation Risk Management Awareness Guideline

For more than 40 years, the ORFA has focused on recreation facility risk awareness and reduction strategies – it is the foundation to most everything that we do as an Association. The ORFA and IPE jointly invested in the development of a comprehensive Recreation Risk Management Awareness Guideline, a resource designed to assist recreation professionals in understanding what needs to be considered when offering recreational programs and services. The guideline is now officially available in the ORFA Resource Centre, and will be a living and breathing document that will also support ongoing learning objectives in the ORFA Legal Awareness II - Managing in a Recreation Environment course.

MORE

 

CANADIAN TRAIL NEWS 


horse pulling a man on skiis on a winter trail
 
Québec City to Host Adventure Travel World Summit 2026, Offering Attendees an Exclusive ...
Travel And Tour World
... Canada's Best Adventure Tourism. Published on February 25, 2026. Québec ... outdoor activities in the wilds of nearby forests, rivers, and mountains.
 
Confederation Trail Public Consultation | Government of Prince Edward Island
Government of Prince Edward Island
In the Fall of 2023, an independent group, PEI-based Vol. 18, lead a process to gather feedback from Islanders, stakeholders, and visitors about ...
 
Jeux du Canada 2027: 5000 bénévoles recherchés à un an de l'événement | JDQ
Le Journal de Québec
Olga Farman, présidente-directrice générale, Port de Québec, Madeleine Chenette, secrétaire parlementaire du secrétaire d'État (Sports), Pierre ..
 
Pristine Canadian spot named a wonder of the world to visit | National - Daily Hive
Daily Hive
Banff also has natural and architectural wonders, thanks to its vast number of hiking trails, glaciers, bright blue lakes (hello there, Peyto and ...
 
Officials celebrate ambitious project to restore aging infrastructure for crucial waterway
The Cool Down
An impressive section of marshland has been restored in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, preserving wildlife habitats in the region ... Outdoors ...
 
Exploring Bowness, fir trails and the Farmer's Market: Calgary Walks
Calgary Herald
... Canada · Travel USA · Travel International ... Today, we share walks 13 and 14: Bowness Park, Romeo and Juliet Trail, Farmer's Market, Bowness.
 
Squamish, 100 Mile House mayors want to save railway that connects South Coast to the Interior
CBC.ca
... B.C.'s rail network between ... Future of trails in question as Abbotsford plans large mountain-side development. British Columbia | February 3.

A huge series of pathways may be in the works all around Calgary - Daily Hive
Daily Hive
... trails while expanding opportunities for cycling, walking, and ... Alberta hiking trail named one of the most anticipated in the world to visit.
 
20 Nature Tours in Vancouver That Take You Outdoors: Water, Mountains, & More
TravelAwaits
Activities and Interests · British Columbia · Canada · Destinations · Guided Tours · Outdoor Activities · Sightseeing · Tours · Vancouver · Tay ...
 
Accessing and enjoying the mountains comes with challenges - PressReader
PressReader
Parks Canada even had to turn vehicles away for lack of capacity. ... Third, we need more hotels, campgrounds, hiking trails, biking trails and day-use ...
 
27th Canadian Dog Sled Race runs in La Ronge | Spare News | pentictonherald.ca
Penticton Herald
... Canadian Dog Sled Race organization. Kirkland, who also competed as a ... Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race · Sledding · Dog Sledding · Dog Sports · Dog ...
 
Extreme cold, blowing snow to hit parts of Manitoba on Friday | CBC News
CBC.ca
... outdoors, and those without proper shelter, Environment Canada says. The weather agency is advising Manitobans in the affected areas to keep dry ...
 
Group calls for increased border waters security | CBC News
CBC.ca
Concerns raised over American guides and anglers fishing in Canadian waters on Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake ... conservation officers on the ...
 
Made for the cold: World Cup ice climbing returns to Edmonton
Edmonton Journal
Organized in collaboration with the Alpine Club of Canada, the Edmonton round played a decisive role in determining final season standings.
 
Alberta hiking trail named one of the most anticipated in the world to visit - Daily Hive
Daily Hive
An Alberta trail just earned some global recognition after landing a spot on a list of the world's most anticipated hiking trails for 2026.
 
Baseline MTB lands $500,000 boost after reviving a historic Canada Cup downhill track
Canadian Cycling Magazine
Club used $115000 grant last year to rebuild a famous Alberta race line and is now planning new green and blue trails.

Long-term plan for Saint John's north end proposes big focus on mixed-income housing
CBC.ca
Schools, trails and thousands of residents in Moncton's plan for Vision Lands. CBC News New Brunswick | February 21. Recommended for You. Video. 5:26 ..
 
  
Some owners on Cabot Trail struggle to sell businesses - CBC.ca
CBC.ca
Related Stories. Cabot Trail business owners seek successors, not just sales ... Owner wants to sell P.E.I. mobile home park to residents for $12,500 ...
 
What does it take to winter cycle in St. John's? These enthusiasts have some tips - CBC.ca
CBC.ca
... trails and roads. It doesn't matter the season, or the weather ... Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and ...
 
Survival of winter sports in Quebec depends on investments in adaptation
CityNews Montreal
Cross-country skiing: catching up. “For us, making artificial snow ... country skiing in the summer, refrigerated trails, and even indoor trails.
 
Skiers gather in Fredericton for a competition they say has no age limit - CBC.ca
CBC.ca
... Canadian Masters Championships is a competition for cross-country skiers aged 30 and up ... The ski club has been working to develop trails in ...
 
Spot near Edmonton getting a new trail and pedestrian bridge to explore - Daily Hive
Daily Hive
Alberta spot named the most affordable city to buy a house in Canada · Spot near Edmonton named one of the most livable in Canada. GET MORE URBANIZED ...
 
Regina Ski Club fundraises to further develop Kinsmen Park
CTV News
In addition to Kinsmen Park, volunteers groom more than 15 cross-country ski ... Ontario · Driver three and half times legal limit charged after ...


 


Ontario Trails Trip Planner


Do you promote user trips and trail tourism by using the Ontario Trails Council Trip Planner?

banner saying welcome to the ontario trails trip planner

1. Go to the OTC Website ontariotrails.ca

2. Select your favourite trail from an OTC Member RTO.

3. On that trail Select "Plan Your Trip."
banner wioth buttons taking people to the trip directions or trail trip itinerary
4. Select the places you would like to go, on or off the trail!

5. Review your itinerary.

6. Print Your Personalized Trip Plan.


This service is available for RTO members, and is currently active on RTO6, RTO8RTO11RTO13abc; pages.

We thank them for their membership support and for promoting trail trips in their region!

 

 

Professional Development


Trail Stewardship Starts January, 2026.


continuing education badge with confederation college trail workers with tools on a trail
confederation college program on trail stweardship with the ontario trails logo
 

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Ontario trails News - Trail Marketing and Media, World Trail Network Awards, Thanks TCT for your generous support of our work and getting us to Winnipeg in June.

 

ONTARIO TRAIL TOURISM, MARKETING AND MEDIA
 

2025 Windsor-Essex tourism relatively stable, thanks to staycations, marketing body says
CBC
Canada saw fewer visitors from the United States during the summer ... “This past weekend my team was out at the Outdoor Adventure Show in ...
 
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 ...

Trans Canada Trail launches 'Blahs-2-Ahhs' to help Canadians beat 'Blue Monday' - Global News
Global Player
Global News Morning Toronto. Trans Canada Trail launches 'Blahs-2-Ahhs' to help Canadians beat 'Blue Monday'. More Videos. 0 seconds of 0 seconds.
 
What I Learned After Visiting Ontario's Cities, Lakes, and Parks - The Traveler
The Traveler
Calm Ontario lake at sunrise with a red canoe on granite ... Can beginners enjoy paddling in Ontario, or is it only for experienced canoeists?
 
Locals say this spot with turquoise waters is the 'best' place they've ever visited in Ontario
Yahoo News Canada
Reachable by boat, the island is known for its striking rock formations, sparkling waters, scenic hiking trails, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. For ...
 
9 Best Downtowns In Ontario - World Atlas
World Atlas
... Ontario, and waterfront trails create an idyllic natural extension of the town center. Annual events like the Sandcastle Festival and the Cobourg ...
 
Bracebridge Overview: Waterfalls, Lakes, and Outdoor Activities - The Traveler
The Traveler
Further afield, regional routes such as the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and sections of the Trans Canada Trail connect Bracebridge to surrounding ...
 
A whimsical skating trail is this Ontario park's 'best-kept secret' - Curiocity
Curiocity
If hockey is more your speed, there's also a large outdoor ice pad that can be used to play pick-up games. The snowshoe trails here are pretty ...
 
Best winter road trips that are only 3 hours or less from Toronto
NOW Toronto
... hiking trails, camp sites and picnic areas. In the winter, the town offers snowmobiling on Trail E63 along the Parkway, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
 


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

 

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.



The Ontario Trails Council works with Intact Public Entities on trail risk managementintact public entities name and logo

 

Join Ontario Trails Council
 
 
RENEWED - City of Guelph - Thank-you!


 
Payment Methods:
paypal membership payment badge qr codeinterac logo for dorect deposit
or call with your credit card. 613-484-1140 Thanks!
 

 
  

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.
 
Snowmobilers hit the trails tomorrow to help Easter Seals Ontario - Sault Ste. Marie News
SooToday.com
Snowmobilers will hit the trails on Feb. 28, 2026, in support of Easter Seals Ontario, raising funds to support and expand access to programs, ...

OPP Urges Snowmobilers to Ride Safe and Sober as Winter Season Continues
NetNewsLedger
THUNDER BAY — With winter conditions persisting across Northwestern Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police is reminding snowmobilers to put safety ...
 

 

ONTARIO CONSERVATION TRAILS

 
Politicians left with 'hardly with a voice' with conservation authority amalgamation
petrolialambtonindependent.ca
Politicians left with 'hardly with a voice' with conservation authority amalgamation · Share This · McGregor named Canadian flagbearer at Paralympic ...
 
Government of Canada launches $500 million in support for retooling Canada's forest sector
Canada.ca
Environmental conservation and protection · Environment statistics · Water ... Canadian Policy and Build Canada Homes, which prioritize Canadian wood.
 
Many conservation authorities provide camping and other trail services for people to use on site. We appreciate their support!


 
New parks, 4800 new residents, lakefront access all planned for Ontario community
INsauga
... Ontario Conservation Authority, Ontario Parks and the Region of Durham. ... Trail, Lake Ontario shoreline and Tooley Creek. Multi-use paths ...
 
All in the Family with Mountsberg Raptor Centre in High Park - NOW Toronto
NOW Toronto
Community Events, Kids & Family, Outdoor, Science & Tech, Talks & Panels, Tours ... Old Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M6P 3K7 + Google Map. Related ...
 
March Break Camps 2026 | Top Kids Camps - ToDoOntario
ToDoOntario
Whether your kids love skiing, animals, science, or outdoor adventure, Ontario ... Outdoor winter activities. Crafts and games. Evening ...
  

 

PLACES, PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES

 
March recreational trail events in Ontario offer a mix of late-winter and early-spring activities, featuring fat biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Key 2026 events include the Cannondale Ontario Fatbike Series Final at Hardwood Ski and Bike (March)Thunder Bay fat bike races, and March Break trail activities in Haliburton/Muskoka.

Highlighted March Recreational Trail Activitiesontario trails council add your event gadge
  • Fat Biking & Cycling: Cannondale Ontario Fatbike Series Final: Located at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, this is a major late-winter event.
     
  • Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club Series: Fat bike races occur at Mount Baldy, Thunder Bay.
     
  • Toronto Bicycle Show & E-Bike Expo: March 6–8, 2026, at the International Centre, Mississauga.
     
  • Winter Sports & March Break (March 16-20, 2026):
     
  • Winter Family Camp: Offered at Camp Kandalore in the Haliburton Highlands.
     
  • Skiing & Snowshoeing: Available at Walden Cross Country (Sudden) and various resorts, including Blue Mountain and Searchmont.
     
  • Nature Nuts March Break Camp: Held by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority for children.
     
  • Hiking & Trail Maintenance: Friends of the Cataraqui Trail Meeting: A meeting for trail members occurs on March 26, 2026.
     
  • Frontenac K&P Trail: Open for hiking, but users are advised to be aware of spring thaw conditions.
Note: Trail conditions can change rapidly in March; it is recommended to check specific trail or club websites before visiting
Please see the Ontario Trails Events Page for more information.
 
Minnesota man circles Lake Superior, finding climbs, islands, waterfalls and parks ripe for discovery
Star Tribune
In Wawa, Ontario, Canada, the park is known for good hiking and great vistas. (Provided by Rudi Hargesheimer). Advertisement. icon Comment. icon Gift.
On a frozen Northern Ontario lake, a retired principal turns snowshoe tracks into art
SooToday.com
At minus-25 C on a quiet lake outside Schreiber, Ont., there are no paintbrushes or easels—just modern snowshoes, measuring tape and a compass.

SnoFest named as 2026 top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario - Georgina
Georgina
Held at the ROC, Georgina's premier outdoor recreation destination, SnoFest transforms the winter landscape into an inclusive, family festival ...
 
GTA's Dino Run is active fun for the whole family - Canadian Running Magazine
Canadian Running Magazine
After kicking off at a mall this month, seven more kid-friendly and family-centric outdoor events are planned for this summer. ... Ontario, and beyond.
 
Christensen captures gold at OFSAA championships - PressReader
PressReader
She competes in cycling in mountain bike, road and cyclocross. In 2025 ... event at the Ontario Winter Games. “I think it's really cool to ...
 
Toronto cop injured cyclist then issued them a ticket for something totally legal - blogTO
blogTO
Shellnutt emphasizes that it is not against the law for anyone over the age of 18 to ride a bicycle without a helmet in Ontario, calling the validity ...

Self Care: Outdoor winter activities are proven to reduce stress - National Post
National Post
“The key to adapting to a beautiful but cold country like Canada is to embrace snow, ice and cold — not as obstacles, but as invitations. The biggest ...

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

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.
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pancakes and syrup Ontario maple trails
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 •

people cross country skiing in the Algonquin highlands ontario

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.


 

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.

winnipeg bridge over downtown river


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. 


 

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:

Get to know Capital grants on our website