Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Easter Ontario Wildlife Viewing

Easter weekend 2010 may be the new “open the cottage” weekend…. a traditional event that signals the unofficial start to summer for many Ontario cottage owners. Ontario residents who don’t have a cottage will start with a spring road trip to take in the sights and sounds of wildlife, Easter fun activities for kids, and a maple syrup festival or visit to a pancake barn for the annual spring tonic of fresh maple syrup.

Police chase ATV through Mitchell - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA

Police chase ATV through Mitchell - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA: "The driver of an ATV faces criminal charges after a chase with police through the streets of Mitchell.

Perth OPP said an officer on patrol Tuesday afternoon spotted an ATV with two male riders, one of whom was not wearing a helmet.

Police said the officer activated the emergency lights on the cruiser and siren as the ATV traveled through residential streets."

More and more it makes more sense to permit trails and have these folks ride in safe trail areas, as an alternative to roads where they get into trouble themselves, or could cause trouble for others. We realize this is not the majority of atv riders, however in the one month this blog has been up this is the 4th reported atv conflict incident. That being we have also reported on 1 snowmobile tragedies, 1 canoeist drowning and one incident of a cyclist riding into a lake, and the work of the OTC on a daily basis to ensure road cyclist safety.

Call to end ORCA short-sighted at best - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA

Call to end ORCA short-sighted at best - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA:

"Re 'Council wants to scrap agency' (March 25) -

Conservation authorities deserve more support, not less. The motion by Asphodel-Norwood Township to dissolve ORCA is short-sighted at best. It should concern us all that their council's motion is linked to the ill-informed lobbying efforts of the Peterborough County Landowners Association; a self-serving group that has little concern for the general public interest."

wawa-news.com - MNR Conservation Officers Remind People of Changing Ice Conditions

wawa-news.com -

MNR Conservation Officers Remind People of Changing Ice Conditions
: "Conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources are reminding people that ice conditions can change rapidly – especially given the recent temperature extremes.

Extreme caution must be used when venturing onto the ice, including checking local ice conditions before heading out. Recently, two men plunged through weak ice on their all terrain vehicles on an isolated lake north of Dubreuilville, Ontario. There were no injuries. Conservation officers noticed two large holes in the ice while conducting a helicopter aerial enforcement patrol, descended and located the men waiting on the side of the lake.

Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles during the spring can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles."

City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto - Survey

Call for Participants�
The City of Toronto is working with the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) and the Clean Air Partnership (CAP) to evaluate cycling conditions on College Street between Lansdowne Ave and Manning Ave before and after the installation of a new bicycle pavement marking application – and we need your help.
View PDF map of area.
What will I need to do?
Complete an online survey about your experience cycling on College St, between Lansdowne Ave and Manning Ave, on one day in April and one day in June. For more use link.

canoeing Ontario - Trip Reports — Adventure Canoe Forum

I really love this type of travel; it gets you back into some really wild country; you can be as alone as you want....

Last year I managed to get out on 7 or 8 good trips... In�August we visited Killarney Provincial Park for 8 days;

just busy organizing the trip for August 2010 right now..

We went to the northwest corner of the park, not accessible by road, so we had to paddle in, staying on Crown�land

outside the park on our first and last nights....

Clubbing and the Bruce Trail

An adventure along the Bruce Trail is every experienced hiker’s vision of an exciting challenge that’s filled with exuberance, awesome sights and captivating wildlife. It’s a thrill that is open to everyone who enjoys being one with nature and hiking along the longest marked trail in Canada.

The Bruce Trail covers over 1100 kilometres of main and side trails that run along the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a pedestrian path that's mixed with hills and gullies, dips and rocks, landscaped paths and creek crossings. But if you don’t know where you’re going, it can be your worst nightmare.

The solution? Join the Toronto Bruce Trail Club.

As a member of this hiking club, you’ll learn all about the paths that incorporate the Bruce Trail - where they lead, what to expect and the challenges that lie ahead. You can be part of a guided hike or you can take the map and go it alone. You can take long hiking trips or just a one or two hour walking adventure."

Tips for spring running in Toronto

With promises of warmer weather and brighter hours after work, Toronto is reclaiming its title of 'a city within a park'. The metropolis is beginning to blossom into an athletic playground once more, with runners taking over sidewalks and trails.

If you have been logging miles on a treadmill all winter, it is time to get outside once more. Put the gym membership on hold, look up a running route and hit the pavement to see what the city has to offer. Before you jump into your new fitness regime, make sure you are going about it in a safe and intelligent way."

City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto - New and upgraded Multi-Use Trails

City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto - New and upgraded Multi-Use TrailsIn July 2009 Transportation Services was awarded funding through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program to develop multi-use trails within hydro and rail corridors across the City. These projects will be managed as a joint initiative between Transportation Services, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Bruce Penninsula Mountain Bike park closed for renovations

Wiarton, ON. Eastern Canada’s first mountain bike adventure park will be closed until mid-summer.

Staff will be performing renovations consisting of: removing all wooden man- made technical trail features, trail improvements to create an "easier" cross county loop through the property and the construction of a pump track to replace technical/skills progression area. In part, the renovations are required due to insurance costs associated with wooden (man made) technical trail features.

The pump track and rugged cross-county riding trails shall become significant assets of this multi-use County operated trail system. The County believes that the changes will offer new and exciting challenges, and that the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Park will remain as an iconic trail destination.

The Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Adventure Park is part of a County-wide commitment, creating multiuse trail systems within portions of the 12,000+ acres of Bruce County Forest. Other trail systems open are:

The Brant Tract - Paisley
The Lindsay Tract - Miller Lake
The Carrick Tract - Mildmay

For up-to-date trail conditions please consult www.mtbthebruce.com .

For trail information and media enquiries, please contact:

Chris Hughes, Manager of Tourism
County of Bruce
Box 129
578 Brown Street
Wiarton, ON.
NOH 2TO
1-800-268-3838
519-270-0749 mobile

chris@explorethebruce.com

Volunteers Accomplish Great Things - South Kent

The South Kent Trail Volunteers showcased the viewing stand at Erieau Marsh Trail, ... Prince of North Buxton St. James Presbyterian Church, Chatham Ontario ...

Hub Trail Expanding

The first steps are being taken to develop "spokes" to connect more non- motorized trail routes to the Hub Trail. A public open house will be.

It's Valid Treatment - Kids and Horses

"Activities that combine both rhythm and balancing such as horseback riding, sitting on a ball, or swinging help stabilize a disordered sensory system. ...

Klepper Supports Coast Cleanup

Klepper Folding Kayaks supports the ‘Clean up the Coast’ Contest organized by Wavelength Magazine. Retailers, kayak clubs, rowing clubs, yacht clubs and paddlers register your Clean up the Coast event and get a chance to win prizes and make our waters clean and fun. Among the great prizes are a set of Klepper Sunglasses and a desk Model Klepper Aerius II with two model paddles, perfect for the office to make you dream of paddling!

“Wavelength Magazine’s Clean up the Coast Contest joins the largest volunteer activity in the world with 400,000 participants cleaning up shorelines in 2009, removing 6.8 million pounds of trash” explains Gerhard Schedel from the Klepper manufacturing facility in Rosenheim Germany. He continues “at Klepper we handcraft kayaks under tight German environmental laws and create a product that will last several generations – we know the importance of protecting the environment”. Approximately 80% of trash found in oceans comes from land, even from far away in-land via creeks and streams, as opposed to dumping at sea. The trash, especially plastics, just accumulates in Oceans. In the Pacific Ocean there is a ‘garbage patch’ estimated to be the size of Texas. It is mostly made-up of plastics that don’t re-enter the natural lifecycle, they just break down into smaller pieces and injure or kill fish, birds or wildlife and eventually enter the human food chain.

Get involved and WIN! Register your Clean up the Coast activity on the Wavelength Magazine website at www.wavelengthmagazine.com/clean/ ! And when we paddle – let’s bring trash back home to recycle, compost and dispose of properly.

Greenbelt Road trip to Badlands

On Friday I was on a mini road trip out and about in the Peel Region of Ontario's Greenbelt as part of my job. We had identified some locations for the placement of our Greenbelt road signs and now that the snow is gone, I was checking them out to make sure they were still viable. Being a definite Toronto downtowner and not owning a car, it's a rare occasion when I make it out of the city. It's one of the things that I love about my job actually, that it gives me the opportunity get out beyond the expanse of concrete and Toronto-centrism (of which I am totally guilty at times too) and experience some of the many other fabulous things that this province has to offer.

Guindon Park Cornwall - To Open to Equestrians

The biggest news in the local horse community is the decision by the City of Cornwall to open Guindon Park to equestrian riders.

For those not familiar with this facility, it encompasses 500 acres of parkland just west of Cornwall off Highway 2/ Vincent Massey Drive.

In the summer it offers about 15 kilometres of hiking, and now horseback-riding, trails and in the winter, 12 kilometres of cross-country skiing. It is closed to motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc) and bicycles are relegated to the bike paths.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Let's Clean Up Those Trails!

MAKE EVERYDAY AN EARTH DAY IN OAKVILLE Clean up a park, a ravine, lakefront of Lake Ontario, the shores of a creek, a trail, or any green space in your neighbourhood and tell us about your successes! Thank you very much! ...

Win a Rocky Outdoor Gear Backpack--free contest - Renfrew County Sports Goods For Sale - Kijiji Renfrew County

win a Rocky Outdoor Gear Backpack--free contest - Renfrew County Sports Goods For Sale - Kijiji Renfrew County: "Visit Facebook---search for Whitetailriver Blue Goose Outfitters and click on the 2010 Rocky Outdoor Gear Backpack contest---retail value approx 24.97--prize includes shipping to winner by Canada Post with delivery confirmation"

OFTR - The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders

OFTR - The Ontario Federation of Trail RidersSpring rides are a great temptation. We are cooped up all winter and you have probably been out in the garage talking to your motorcycle assuring your steed that it will soon be back outside in the fresh air enjoying the forest trails.

Times have changed and we need to avoid the urge to go flop around in the mud until the ground has had time to thaw and dry out. The damage is much more severe in March and April than in the summer months.

Limerick Forest
Simcoe County Forests
Larose Forest


are all CLOSED until the forest managers tell us it is OK to ride.

Cycle Race - Flamborough April 2

Hello Friends and Fans of Cycling! Right now, bike racers across Ontario are registering for the very first race of the 2010 Ontario Cup series -- and the Hamilton Cycling Club is thrilled to be its host once again. The home-grown classic known as the Good Friday Road Race will take to the drumlins of Flamborough on Friday, April 2. Somehow, we've kept this party on two wheels going for 58 years.

The Good Friday Road Race is a race that attracts some of the highest-caliber amateur road cyclists to the Hamilton area each spring. The course is a 18.5km loop with 150 metres of climbing covering roads such as Brock, 5th Concession, Middletown Road, 6th Concession, Westover Road and Safari Road. The course includes five drumlins of up to 40 metres high. It follows the rules of the Ontario Cycling Association.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Easter Getaways and Maple Syrup Festivals - Lot's Going On

Easter long weekend continues the spring holiday weekend getaway season. The taps are turned on with Maple syrup festivals for March and April. Consider a Spring road Trip to see variations of emerging wildlife or a day trip for Easter weekend kids activities. With the early arrival of spring golf season and golf getaways have started in many areas north of Toronto. Mothers Day Weekend in May is a time to treat mom to a Mother-Daughter Spa Getaway. Easter is a good time to plan your spring and summer recreation plans around the annual Summer Vacation Getaway.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Mild Weather Closes Snow Trails - Timmins

Due to the milder weather that we have been getting here in Timmins, the snow has melted quite a bit. The lack of snow means that the snowmobile trails have now closed. Sorry to all you snowmobilers out there, but it's now time to put away those machines and get your atvs ready for the spring/summer season. The are lots of off-road trails, snowmobile trails, cottage roads and even back roads to explore with your atv. The Ontario Wilderness Region has a map of trails and safety regulations for you to see.

Open Ontario - Plan for Jobs

QUEEN'S PARK, March 25 /CNW/ - Experts from all sectors agree that the Open Ontario Plan will create jobs and protect public services while reducing the deficit.

Sid Ryan, President, Ontario Federation of Labour: I see this budget as helping to create jobs... We're very very pleased that the $600 million going into Second Career funding, we're pleased that they're putting $63 million into child care. All of that is helping to protect jobs and create jobs and that's what we've asked them to do.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business: On a positive note, expanding the Second Career Fund will help Ontarians take advantage of skills training, rapid re-employment and summer jobs. Also, previously announced cuts to personal and corporate taxes (small business corporate tax rate, and small business surtax) will help Ontario to become more competitive amongst its sister provinces.

Carol Wilding, CEO, Toronto Board of Trade: Transportation is the foundation for the next economy so equally it needs to maintain its focus and importance and you can see that today so that's positive.

Peter Hume, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario: The Budget's overall emphasis on job creation and economic development will also have spin off benefits for municipal governments. Investments in post-secondary education, water technologies and job retraining will benefit Ontario communities... We are very pleased with child-care and we are also very pleased with the strategy to deal with northern issues -specifically dealing with electricity, both for the homeowners for industry.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Leaders Recognized

Leaders in fish and wildlife conservation were honored by their peers recently at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters' (O.F.A.H.) 82nd Annual General Meeting and Fish and Wildlife Conference. Individuals, clubs, professionals and volunteers were nominated in a variety of categories, and the winners were selected through a blind process by a panel of judges from the outdoors industry.

"The O.F.A.H. was built on the dedication and commitment of people to the conservation of our natural resources, and it is a privilege to partner with thousands of volunteers and professionals from across this province, on countless initiatives," said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. "The individuals and clubs we are recognizing today are the leaders that, through their efforts, change the course of resource management for the better, and we are proud to honor them during our annual conference."

Boreal Forest Plan to Aid Northern Prosperity

OTTAWA, March 25 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) applauds today's announcement of $45 million in Ontario's Budget 2010 to support northern First Nations community land use planning and training.

"This is great news," said Larry Innes, executive director of CBI. "We commend the Government for recognizing the need to invest in First Nations capacity, enabling communities to prepare and plan for economic prosperity and to take lead roles in environmental stewardship."

Ontario's northern Boreal region extends north from 51 degrees, and covers more than 40% of the province. It is part of the most intact forest region left on earth. It is the homeland of many Aboriginal communities and supports a rich diversity of wildlife. The region's natural wealth sustains hundreds of Aboriginal communities and supports thousands of jobs. As part of the world's largest land-based natural storehouse of carbon, Ontario's Boreal region stores an estimated 49B tonnes of carbon, most of it in peatlands and wetlands, and absorbs about 12.5M tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere every year.

The Canadian Boreal Initiative brings together diverse partners to create new solutions for Boreal Forest conservation and acts as a catalyst for on-the-ground efforts across the Boreal Forest by governments, industry, Aboriginal communities, conservation groups, major retailers, financial institutions, and scientists.

For further information: Suzanne Fraser, director of communications, (613) 552-7277 or sfraser@borealcanada.ca

A.D. Latornell Symposium - Connect with Conservation

The A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium was started in 1993. It provides a forum for practitioners, students, academics, politicians and non-government organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities in the conservation movement in Ontario while sharing new tools, techniques and strategies for natural resources management. Since then, the Symposium has grown to be Ontario's most prestigious and well-attended annual conservation conference.

Ministry Staff Address Outdoor Club

LAURENTIAN VALLEY TWP. -The Ontario Endangered Species Act is nothing to fear, so say the people who have the task of interpreting and enforcing it.

This is according to Pembroke district Ministry of Natural Resources special projects officer Doug Skeggs and district species at risk biologist Lauren Trute, who spoke to members of the Pembroke Outdoor Sportsman's Club after being invited to attend during the club's March monthly meeting.

Biking Toronto - A Great Site

Cycle Toronto. Not sure why I haven't come across his site before? Check it out http://bikingtoronto.com/ - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone. Posted by Phil at 4:08 PM. 0 comments: Post a Comment. Older Post Home ...

Flat Rate Insurance in the Works for Motorcycles

Ontario Enduro and Cross Country Events · Go to Yamaha Canada ... OPEN SKIES TO OFFER flat rate insurance for Ontario Trail Plated Motorcycles. ...

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mississauga Park/Transit Plan Open for Consultation

A shift from the automobile towards transit, cycling and walking is one of the ... on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, ...

Chatham Park and Trail Plan moves ahead

A total of $12500 in lifecycle funding was approved for the South Kent Trails Project. * Council approved designating Tecumseh Park under the Ontario Heritage Act. tterfloth@chathamdailynews.ca. Article ID# 2502897 ...

Forgotten Trails - North Bay

Spring is almost here and the Almaguin Forgotten Trails association wants people to rediscover their trails. The association is hosting a.

College Street Cycling Survey

what section of College Street you cycle on (e.g. Brock Ave to Clinton St). The City of Toronto will not be responsible for any injury or damage related to ...

Not to be taken for Granted - Water

Even in a city "blessed with an abundance of water," residents need to be aware of where their water is coming from and what they can do to help conserve and protect it.

In the words of Peterborough Green-Up's Alix Taylor, this was the message of an event held at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Monday, in recognition of World Water Day. Read more use link.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Welcome to Camp a Program at Royal Botanical Gardens

Counsellors are certified in First Aid and canoeing. (Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association). All staff members over the age of 18 are screened ...

Ontario Trail Ride Series - from OFTR

Ontario Trail Ride Series ... Ontario Enduro and Cross Country Events · KTM Canada · Machine Racing · More about Insurance... Inside Motorcycles. ...

Copeland Forest Use - Letter to Editor

Balancing use and access is an issue long studies by the OTC. In addition to the opinions expressed in this article the OTC has been a forum for debate involving other groups that want more access and folks wanting less. For our considered opinion on land use go to http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/about-the-otc/trail-services/

Co-exist in the same space - the real trail issue!

Except in this article its about cycling and on-road trails.
TORONTO - Whether you're behind the wheel of a motor vehicle or gripping the handlebars of a bike, this can be a bit of a challenging time of year on the ...

Up for a debate - come to Trailhead Ontario

What is the one thing Toronto Cyclists Union executive director Yvonne Bambrick and mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi have in common? ...

Watch water levels while on Trails - Northumberland Alert

... Conservation Authority advises residents that a large weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to portions of southern Ontario on Monday night ...

Conservation officers wanted MNR

Explore the possibilities of this opportunity with the Ministry of Natural Resources where you will apply your technical expertise and help safeguard our natural resources. The successful candidate will have knowledge of/and experience with the culture, customs and traditions of the First Nations communities which are predominantly Ojibwe speaking.

Environmental Program Coordinator needed - Quinte

Quinte Conservation is looking for an Environmental program co-ordinator in Belleville, Ontario.

Birding on Niagara Trails

... the peninsula using the escarpment as a landmark to guide them to the east end of Lake Ontario. The conservation area lies directly along their path. ...

Legal Help - we have no preference and this isn't a paid advert, but just in case...

The law firm of the Pace Law Firm provides experienced ATV accident and personal injury law legal help in the Toronto area. To contact an experienced lawyer ...

Ride the City - Maps working in Open Source having impacts

Ride the City uses map data from the crowd sourced Open Street Map project — which includes bicycle paths, bike lanes, and other bicycle facility data — to generate “safer, safe, and direct” routes for bicyclists in Austin, Chicago, DC Metro, Louisville, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, and now Toronto.

Unlike Google’s One Size Fits All approach of assigning a very high preference to bike paths over direct street routes, Ride the City gives riders the choice of selecting “safer,” “safe,” and “direct” routes. “Safer” assigns a high preference for bike facilities over direct road routes; “safe” programs a moderate preference, and “direct” calculates a direct route without any consideration for bike paths and lanes. (Aside: RtC is a very cool service, but I really wish they’d use different nomenclature. Labeling bike facilities as “safe” is, at best, misleading, partly because that implies roads are unsafe and partly because facilities aren’t necessarily safer.)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Research into Greenbelt Impacts - Unusual Source

Here’s some unusual news about some artists who have responded creatively to the Greenbelt legislation.
Artists Michelle Teitsma, Kim Rempel and Jan Yates have been working for over a year on a project examining the Greenbelt legislation in southern Ontario. Their combined body of work challenges preconceptions and presents a diverse and compelling exploration of the Greenbelt, they claim.
“In our research we predicted opposition to the legislation by developers,” says Jan Yates, “but we were not prepared for the resistance of farmers and growers to the law’s imposed constraints on their land, in effect telling them what they could and could not do with it.”

Two Trail Guides Needed

Elmhirst’s Resort has 2 positions for a Horseback riding guide (Trail Guide)in
Keene, Ontario beginning Monday, 19th April

Urban Cycling - Calagary review

A commuter bike review has council’s approval with a comprehensive bicycling strategy set to be presented to the land-use, transportation and planning committee by June. Another paper plan isn’t going to address either inadequate cycling infrastructure or pathway safety concerns though.

The kind of paper we need comes in the form of cash. I think we have a pretty good idea of what we’re lacking and what we need to improve safety and increase commuter trips by bicycle — we just haven’t backed up our knowledge with proper funding.

Snapshot - revenue fron Snowmobiling - NYS

The proposed state budget includes a raid on the dedicated snowmobile trail development and maintenance fund, sweeping $5 million over the next four years and authorizing the state to take even more. New York competes with Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Ontario, and Quebec for snowmobile tourism dollars. This year, almost 17,000 out-of-state snowmobilers registered their sleds to ride New York trails. However, cutting funding to clubs will have an adverse effect on trail safety and quality. In addition to a $1 billion economic impact, the state snowmobile association estimates that snowmobiling in New York generates more than $25 million in state gas and sales tax revenues. This plan will cost the state millions more in lost taxes than the sweep will save.

Bass Pro Shops Contest

Toronto, Ontario – Bass Pro Shops has partnered with Toyota Canada to give away an ultimate outdoor adventure packaging including a 2010 Toyota 4Runner ...

10 Questions - Cycling in Toronto

The Canadian city of Toronto doesn’t have a reputation as a bike touring destination. Most cyclists head west to the majestic Rocky Mountains or east to the fishing villages and rolling hills of Quebec.

But Toronto native Allan Stokell – a keen bike tourist and owner of the Tour Cycle bike tour company – says there’s plenty for cyclists to explore in the big city.

In this week’s 10 questions, Allan recommends places to take your bike in and around Toronto, talks about taking your bike on public transport and gives tips from where to eat to how to see Toronto on the cheap – even where you might find a stealth camping place!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Brimacome Puddle Jump

Despite the somewhat dreary weather, we are determined to send off the season with a bang. Grab your brightest beach wear and join us at 11 a.m. as we watch daredevils of all ages try to skim across the 80-foot puddle. Feeling a little wild? Join in the fun by registering at the Main Office before the event. Registration is free! All you need is a membership or lift ticket, a signed waiver, a helmet and your own equipment! Give us a call if you have any questions

Festivals and Events Ontario

Festivals and Events Ontario. There is an array of festivals and events that ... The Toronto Waterfront Trail takes you through beautiful parks along the ...

Outdoor Enthusiasts of Ontario - Blog

Outdoor Enthusiasts of Ontario. This blog is for anyone who loves to spend time in the outdoors in Ontario. Whether you prefer to be in a high powered fishing boat cruising from spot to spot, or if you like the tranquility of the canoe. ...

Ontario's Plant a tree Challenge

Tree Tuesdays: MNR's Tree Atlas features 26 Ontario trees. We dig up the facts about trees:

4H |working in Greenbelt

Aiming to engage youth in creating positive change that supports the Greenbelt in their communities, 4-H Ontario creates the Greenbelt Youth Forum to bring ...

Oro-Medonte Trails Issues

As snowmobilers put away their sleds for the season, all-terrain vehicle riders are gearing up for a summer of ripping up the trails. This may. ... they don't have access to much. The club was a member of of the Ontario Federation of All- Terrain Vehicles, but is no longer a part of the organization because of internal issues. They are looking to join ATV Ontario, an incorporated not-for- profit alliance of ATV clubs across Ontario. Article ID# 2500097 ...

Sandbanks funded for Trails

Sandbanks Provincial Park, which attracted 550000 visitors last year, will get the lion's share of $1.3 million in infrastructure stimulus funding for provincial parks and trails in Prince Edward and Hastings counties. ...

Saturday, March 20, 2010

30,000 islands - 1,000,000+ adventures

Exceptional, all inclusive Canadian wilderness experiences by sea Kayak into the incredible Georgian Bay 30000 Island archipelago recognized by the UN as a ...

Toronto Bruce Trail Club events

A 2.5 hour drive from Toronto. Take Muskoka Rd 169 north from Gravenhurst or south from Bala, then go south on Southwood Rd (Muskoka Rd 13) about 7 km to ...

Paddling Reflections: Grand Bend

After winning Best in Show at Paint Ontario several years ago, Josy Hilkes Britton used her cash prize to buy a canoe. Her ensuing paddling excursions resulted in Reflections, Britton’s second Paint Ontario Best in Show painting.

“That’s how I get inspired in the first place, canoeing,” Hilkes Britton said after winning the prize Friday night. “This year’s painting is what I see when I canoe down the Ausable River, where you see the full reflections of the trees and it makes the water look really deep.”

Niagara Hosts Greenbelt Review Summit

The summit will feature a panel discussion on the successes and challenges of the Greenbelt after five years facilitated by Debbie Zimmerman, followed by a Q&A.

The Summit also focuses on the same best practices and lessons learned in agriculture that will affect the future not only in Niagara but in Ontario, with three speakers giving remarks on policy changes, lessons learned and Regional valued added farm policy. The second half of the day will involve group work regarding taxes and agriculture.

Federal/Provincial fund trails

... the trails to provide opportunities to learn about regional features. Total estimated eligible costs are $107000. The governments of Canada and Ontario ...

Ontario Cup Series Opens

This is the opening race of the Ontario Cup series run by the Ontario Cycling Association, so put your game face on! Race the guide and if you have further questions please contact HCC Racing Secretary Henry Dudko at ...

Friday, March 19, 2010

Learn English, Get Comfortable with Canada, all in a Park

Metro Toronto Parks Facilities include hiking trails, nature trails, playing fields, community centers, recreation facilities events and camps. The Toronto Island Park and Waterfront Trail are excellent locations for leisure time ...

New Master Plan for Cycling and Walking may help

CORNWALL -- Ever notice how there's no sidewalks in front of the Brookdale Mall, or that pedestrians can't cross that busy avenue from Second to Ninth Streets?

Those are just two flaws in the city's cycling and walking networks that may be addressed as part of a new master plan.

By May, city council will tackle the new report and its recommendations, which deal in part with sidewalk gaps at locations such as Brookdale or Marleau Avenues.

Cycle Survey - online, some results in

Q3: 3 people cycle daily, 8 occasionally (ranging from very rarely, once a month, or once a week, to seasonally – not in winter), 3 n/a. Q4: 6 people do ride on major streets, 6 people don't, 2 n/a ... Toronto Makes Cycle Chic! ...

Advance Notices Popping Up - GWTA 2010

This is the best way to explore Ontario's Great Lake waterfront. ... Avatar. Joe T. created the event Great Waterfront Trail Adventure 38 minutes ago ...

Put out your Fire

The Ministry of Natural Resources is gearing up for the annual forest fire season. The season officially begins April 1 and the fire season may come earlier this year with drier conditions caused with below-normal snowfall and rain levels this past season, said Art Osborne, provincial information officer with the MNR's fire and aviation branch.

Ontario Parks Blog - Highlights Canoeing

One of the most magical times of the year to go canoeing, kayaking or hiking in the interior of Ontario Parks is just after the ice has left the lakes and just before black flies hatch – and start looking for a blood meal. ...

Getting Together Promotes Change

None of them work together. But all of them work together.

This is the genius of the centre, built into one of those big, old brick warehouses on Spadina Ave. It pulls people with a passion to change the world out of their basements and mixes them together. It puts them in a beautiful space with big windows, Persian rugs, a communal kitchen with a continuously bubbling pot of coffee. And it encourages socializing, with regular yoga classes, documentary film showings, local speakers and networking nights. Then, like any good matchmaker, it waits for the chemistry.

"How do you make social change happen?" says Tonya Surman, the centre's executive director. "You create the space, attract the right people and create a culture of possibility."

One result: the annual weekend of community-led walking tours around the city in honour of city visionary Jane Jacobs. Chris Winter came up with the idea for Jane's Walks four years ago during a meeting in one of the centre's glass-windowed rooms. He runs the Conservation Council of Ontario, which means he's bent on energy conservation, not walking. But he kept talking about the idea, and soon two of the centre's creators, developer Margie Zeidler and city thinker Mary Rowe caught wind of it. Less than two months later, they launched the first 27 Jane's Walks around the city.

Dateline Sudbury - Learning Through Trails Highlight of Education Week

Celebrate Education Week in Rainbow Schools April 28 to May 2, 2008 Education Week provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate teaching excellence, student achievement and exceptional community support in Rainbow Schools. This year's theme is Energizing Young Minds. The theme emphasizes the importance of working together to build a successful future - for our students, our education system and our province.

Lands Claims Issues - Algonquin

Before re-naming it the Ministry of Natural Resources around 1972, the former Department of Lands and Forests had political clout and was the envy of many jurisdictions in North America. It had a fleet of aircraft of which seaplanes were stationed in many L & F districts, including Pembroke. See link for more.

Get trained - Support ATV Rider Education

BIG ISLAND – Provincial poplice and emergency personnel were called to a remote section of Big Island, in Prince Edward County, Monday night.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Trailhead Ontario

Our official stand alone site is launched, take a look! http://www.trailheadontario.ca/

Paddle the Don Event

Paddle the Don River through the heart of Toronto! The 17th annual Paddle the Don will be held on Sunday, May 2. Individual and Corporate Team Challenge registration begins on Monday, March 22. Please visit www.paddlethedon.ca for more information and check out video of last year's event for a taste of what to expect.

Books, books, books....

A small but important selection of trail books for the Ontario enthusiast.

Different uses, different mind sets - for both transit and trails

Michael Druker, a student in behavioral neuroscience at Waterloo University in Ontario, ... “Why do Europeans walk more, cycle more, and take transit more? ...

All our kids needed to learn, they learned at riding camp

At age 10 my parents decided to send me to summer camp, not any summer camp mind you – but one where I would come home everyday stinking to high heaven. I am not sure if they sent me to horseback riding camp because they knew I would love it, or because it would be a great excuse for them to force me to bathe.

Whatever the motivation behind the decision to send me to horseback riding camp, it piqued my interest in horses, horsemanship and equitation. Twenty years later I have turned that one summer into a life long interest and a modestly paying career.

When is a bike lane, not a bike lane?

It seems like a long time ago, but among the first of Toronto's bicycle lanes were those on Dundas, in both directions, from Broadview Ave. to east of ...

Outdoor Education - a panel convened @Trailhead Ontario

In Southern Ontario a different approach is being taken to gain business from surrounding schools. Outdoor education companies have taken advantage of the fact that their area of expertise is something a teacher often lacks or does not ...

Government Help sought to keep rail lines for trails

If the rail service is abandoned, Lanark County agrees with some local municipalities along the route that the line has potential as a recreational trail. ...

Champlain Trail Museum

During March Break, take the kids to the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village in Pembroke and see the exhibit of model trains. The exhibit will be open 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. until March 20. The museum is located at 1032 Pembroke St. E. Call 613-735-0517 for more information.

Check out Kayak Videos at scruffdiarmaid

For more videos from all trails check out or subscribe to: http://www.youtube.com/user/ontrails#p/c/BF3D4D9FD90E7818

Canoe tragedy highlights water perils in spring runoff conditions

In the case of a 45-year-old man from Newmarket, Ontario, those warnings come too late. While solo canoeing an area of the Holland River, often frequented ...

We remind IMBA of RTCs!

Over the past 6 years with MHP and TCT Ontario support the Ontario trails Council has worked to develop Regional Trail Management Committees in over 41 counties and 6 districts of Ontario. These include, where they are organized, Mountain Bikers. All of Ontario's Trail Users/Planners/Reps (OTC) encourage IMBA to build their base with these already existing groups! We also applaud your efforts, as we mentioned publically at the meeting you refer to last week. If you need any assistance or help lean on us, best regards, OTC.

Article - Are community leaders in MTB, advocacy, industry and land management; Have skills in the following areas: marketing/pr, finance, fund raising, business tech, law, leadership development, advocacy, graphic design, project management ...

Trail users of all types like trees and outdoors

It provides funding and technical support to tree planting agencies and organizations across southern Ontario, including Conservation Authorities, ...

Greenbelt - Sure but they don't talk to OTC about trails

News to follow - when we approached GTA Greenbelt in 2007 to coordinate a trails strategy with the Greenbelt we were told: "We thought about Ontario Trails Council and they aren't relevant to us." Hmmm, with over 1.8 million unique visitors to the Ontario Trails website last 2 years, we appear relevant to a lot of folks. Makes us wonder how a government agency and its foundation can operate with such an insular quality? Their agency and the work they do matters to us, we've invited them to speak at Trailhead Ontario.

Ontario is one of the most beautiful places. We have an abundance of natural resources, and our greenspace is among the most remarkable in the world.

But Ontario is always growing, our communities expanding. And as a result, large chunks of fine agricultural land were being paved over.

Our government realized that, while our communities needed space to grow, Ontarians wanted something more than sprawling development, congestion and pollution.

That is why we came up with a plan that provided for growth as well as the preservation of our countryside.

Bike-Train Getting Cyclists Out!

Toronto, Canada - What began as an idea has now blossomed into a reality. From the first Toronto-Niagara route two years ago, the Bike Train options have expanded to include North Bay, Montreal, and now Windsor.

Originally developed by Toronto cyclist Justin Lafontaine and launched in partnership with VIA Rail Canada between Toronto and Niagara in 2007, the Bike Train has proven to be a fun, economic and environmentally friendly way to enjoy a cycling getaway. More via link.

Mountain Bike Siblings racing for the Top

Two members of the Timmins Cycling Club will be representing the city on the national and provincial mountain bike race circuit for the upcoming 2010 season.

Marc-Antoine Nadon, 15, and his sister Marie-Pierre, 13, are among the top-ranked cyclists in their respective categories.

Marie-Pierre is first in the Minime division (ages 13-14) while Marc-Antoine is ranked third in the Cadet Expert (ages 15-16).

If the siblings have a key advantage over their competitors, they said it's their endurance and strength on uphill climbs.

Win a Hyundai or an ATV!

Tickets remain available for this weekend's 15th annual Canadian Red Cross Northern Raffle.

Saturday's grand prize is a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, or $25,000 cash, while second prize is a 2010 Polaris Sportsman ATV, and gift certificate, and third prize is five drawings for $1,000 cash.

Tickets, at $10 each, are available at Pino's Get Fresh and Rome's, Monday through Saturday, at the Sault and District branch of the Red Cross, Monday through Friday, and at Canadian Tire, Friday and Saturday.

Alex Lake's ultimate March Break Adventure

CFB BORDEN, ON - March 18 - While many Canadians head South at this time of year, Sault Ste. Marie army cadet Alex Lake headed north to spend March Break in the wilderness.

A member of 2310 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Alex is one of only 18 teens from across Ontario selected for the 2010 Army Cadet Regional Winter Expedition.

This year's expedition takes the cadets to the James Bay Frontier Region for a nine-day adventure which began last Sunday (March 13). More via link

Trails and Hunting - Opinions on Both sides

Paul Glendenning The Hamilton Spectator (Mar 18, 2010)

Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area in Ancaster is a favourite destination for many hikers, bikers, dog walkers, nature lovers, photographers and others. It may however, turn into a killing ground with most of the deer being slaughtered in an effort to calm complaints from a few neighbours and placate hunting interests at Six Nations and the Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Algoma Snow Trails Closed

March usually comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb; that doesn't seem to be the case this year! The snowmobile trails in Algoma Country (District ...

C'mon People -

Unfortunately this happens wherever there are dogs, irresponsible owners and trails. On the Bruce Trail they use ATV's to take "bags" off trees that walkers tie to trees.

Ireland's National Trail Office Confirms Participation @OTC Conference

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Cormac MacDonnell from Ireland's National Trail Office confirmed as panelist/speaker! www.trailheadontario.com

Northern Snowmobile Tour Enjoyed by All

A quick goodbye to hosts in Dubreuilville and the group was back on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trails returning to Wawa where the Snow Tour would wrap up with a fish fry at the local Legion Hall. ...

Check Conditions - this is a dangerous time of year for the uninformed

Be aware, expect and respect other users, and come home alive.

Ontario Trails Supports Trip Planning

Let’s say you were lostin the backcountry and you could only choose one item to increase your chance of survival, what would it be…GPS? map?compass? matches? knife? emergency blanket? survival manual? The list is endless, and while all those things can improve your odds, there is one item most of us never think about,it’s a Trip Plan. More......

$653,900 in Trillium grants announced for Brant County

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has awarded seventeen grants totaling $653,900 in MPP Dave Levac's riding of Brant. The Foundation works to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province.

The organizations awarded the grants are Active Grand c/o Six Nations of the Grand River, Aphasia Camp c/o Adult Recreation Therapy Centre, Art After School Kids Inc., Brant County Federation of Agriculture, Brant/Brantford Roundtable on Poverty, Brantford Air Force Club, Brantford Black Eye Boxing Club, Brantford Seniors Resource Centre, Canadian Military Heritage Museum of Brant County, Child Nutrition Network of Haldimand & Norfolk, Long Point Basin Land Trust, Long Point Waterfowl Renovation Project, Ontario Forestry Association, Optimist Club of Paris Inc., Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 – Dunnville, Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association, and Waterford Heritage Trail Association.

Singletracks offers comments on cycling show

Singletracks.com - Mountain Bike Trails & Reviews wrote a note titled Toronto International Bike Show. Read the full text here. You may need to join facebook to read this.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Training Opportunities - Bark Lake

Safe Hike Ontario Instructors Course at Bark Lake Leadership Centre. The first day is the hiker course and the second day is the instructor course. After taking this course you will be able to lead and run Safe Hiker Course through Hike Ontario.

This course will take participants through the process of planning a hike in a safe manner. It will start with an Introduction to Hiking, including the Joys of Hiking and Types of Hikes. Students will then be guided through the steps of planning and going on a hike. For more information please go to: http://www.hikeontario.com/services/safehikingprogram.htm

If you’d like more information about this course at Bark Lake and/or registration information, please contact me anytime. Thanks and I would appreciate if you could help spread the word!

Adam Zita
Training and Resources Coordinator
Bark Lake Leadership Centre
1.888.517.9999
fax: 705.447.2475
www.barklake.com

Gearing Up - MS Bike Tour

By Katie
That was the start of what eventually became a love of cycling – the freedom, the quiet, being alone in the sun and eventually cycling in the RONA MS Bike Tour. I would not trade in the bruises, the stitches, and the fabulous friends I ...

Hey - don't put the skiis away.....just yet

posted by Ontario Parks at Parks Blog - 2 hours ago
On Saturday, March 20th, experience a last gasp of winter and the beauty of Quetico’s winter wilderness with a friendly ski tour. Quetico Provincial Park will be hosting the “Beaten Paths 8th Annual Cross ...

Active Transportation Experts speaking in Kingston

The City, in partnership with The Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation (KCAT), KFL&A Public Health and Queen's University's School of Urban and Regional Planning, is holding a public forum on Active Transportation in Kingston on March 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Memorial Hall at City Hall.

Regret over Snowmobile accident in BC highlights Ontario strengths

Our sincere condolences.

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Only a small per cent of snowmobilers take high risks. The B.C. Snowmobile Federation says most riders use common sense when enjoying themselves.....

So where are the 4X4 trails anyway?

Questions enclosed.

Clean Up after yourself on the Hub Trail

Lots of hard work and long hours went in to making the trail ready for all to ... Northern Ontario roads need rumble strip safety feature · Forget anthem, ...

Birding the Seaway Trail

By Grant McCreary
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is not a “birding trail” of the kind developed in Texas. Rather, this trail highlights the various tourist activities along the 518 mile shoreline of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and ...

Adanac Paddles Contest

Good luck! Bon Chance.

Private cops for Bike Lanes?

Darren in Toronto has an interesting idea: Toronto police don’t enforce no parking laws in city bike lanes. Since police can be hiredto police private events, why not hire one just to enforce bike lane no parking zones?

Watch water levels when out on trails

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has issued an advisory warning members of the public to exercise caution near local streams and creeks.

An intense low pressure system that swept across southern Ontario on over the weekend deposited up to 35 millimetres of rain.

Fortunately, there was little snow remaining on the ground by the time the heavy rains began.

OFAH hosts angler and hunter conference

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) will host its 82nd annual Fish & Wildlife Conference in Mississauga later this week. Candice Hoeppner, Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar, Manitoba and sponsor of the bill to repeal the long gun registry, will deliver the keynote address.

Northern Parks alive with March Break activity

Ontario's provincial parks are alive with March break family activities this ... parks in Ontario that maintain groomed trails for cross-country skiing and ...

North Bay Nugget Dogsledding Photos

More than 60 dogs and their owners took part Saturday morning in the Snowshoe Trails and Wagging Tails Dog Walk organized by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. Almost $2,000 was raised and various donations collected for the North Bay and District Humane Society.

Trails profile on TV: Georgian Bay

These cameras are loving the Georgian Triangle area.

The hosts of theReal Lifetelevision show, Sharon Caddy and Ta nya Prokomenko, were in the area last week filming episodes for the show, which appears on the Crossroads Television System.

"Real Life is a family-oriented lifestyle and entertainment program," said Caddy. "We do all kinds of things that are fun and interesting for families. We're on every day at 4:30 on CTS and we do all kinds of fun things."

Monday, March 15, 2010

Riding around Kitchener

I wanted to stay mainly in and around town so I rocketed much of the bike path lane on Ira Needles Blvd in Kitchener, Ontario. That is a fun little stretch because it is mostly flat, has a dedicated bike lane and sometimes you can pace ...

Binational Economic + Tourism Summit

Invest 24 Hours with 30 North American Business & Tourism Specialists to maximize your business potential in 2010

LEARN FROM OTHER REGIONS: North Carolina, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cali-Baha and Pacific North West
- urban/rural regions who have shifted from traditional manufacturing, agriculture and tourism to research, technology, multi-national companies and international visitors
- how they’ve used their strengths, geography and cross-sector partnerships to create new innovation, jobs and wealth for their communities
- speakers from California, Ontario, New York, Newfoundland, Washington State

BENEFIT FROM NIAGARA 2010 INNOVATIONS: Border Remedial Action; High Speed Rail; Tourism, Culture & Logistics; Regional Gateway Development

ACCESS NEW RESOURCES: Funding, Training, Marketing, Research, and Partners to help you succeed in 2010

NETWORK & ENJOY: speakers and binational business, government and academic leaders; Binational Awards Lunch, Trade Show, and Cornucopia Food & Wine Evening with a French Canadian theme

GUARANTEED TO BE THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU’LL MAKE IN YOUR BUSINESS OR CAREER IN 2010!

Trails for Cycling in Guelph

Speed River Bicycle. A bicycle store located in downtown Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Staffed and owned by individuals who live to share their love of all things cycling. Monday, March 15, 2010 ...

For more trails in the area see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/find-a-trail/?regionID=0&activityID=0&cityID=Guelph&CFID=3399428&CFTOKEN=31219013&jsessionid=f030d3ab07f64769f6b064262f4d1a424694#

Bike Lanes for Jarvis

By Michael Haynes
Toronto - Bike lanes for Jarvis. For more than 10 years, Rae and others have been vigorously lobbying for the 5-lane thoroughfare to include bike lanes. On Friday, the city announced it would be pressing ahead with controversial plans ...

Killarney, Hiking and more

Yes, a trip to Georgian Bay means venturing into Ontario’s backcountry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean roughing it. Really.

As soon as we arrive in Killarney, we feel like we’re on the set of Planet Earth. A fox and her pup, oblivious to our presence, frolic in the greenery. We soon spot beavers, deer, porcupines and a curious black bear cub. No wonder: With 1,600 square kilometres of wilderness but fewer than 1,500 human residents, the area – on the north shore of Georgian Bay, an hour south of Sudbury – leaves ample room for fauna. We get our fix of the quintessential Canadian outdoor experience by kayaking, sailing, hiking and canoeing among Killarney’s white quartzite mountains, pink granite ridges and glacier-blue lakes. But we admit that the best natural resource may well be the town’s fish ’n’ chips.

For more trails in the Killarney area go to: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/find-a-trail/?regionID=0&activityID=0&cityID=Killarney&CFID=3399428&CFTOKEN=31219013&jsessionid=f030d3ab07f64769f6b064262f4d1a424694#

Hike at Credit Valley Conservation

The Riverwood Conservancy 4300 Riverwood Park Lane Mississauga, Ontario (map). Join Credit Valley Conservation's Stephanie Pearson on a hike as she shares stories from a variety of cultures that shed new light on some familiar plants ...

Horseshoe Offers Attractive Easter Ski Lift/Lodging Package - OnTheSnow

One of central Ontario's most popular winter playgrounds, Horseshoe Resort is offering a special Easter package that includes a spectacular brunch for two.

Geocrazy: Hunting for my first Geocache (Cammoed Off Quarry Trail) Kanata, Ontario

Geocaching - its a real way to get outdoors and have some fun, this video adventure shows you alot of additional detail. For a full listing of geocache trails go to: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/geocaching/

Gone Outside - The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network - Gone Outside- The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network

Gone Outside - The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network - Gone Outside- The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network
This site is offering up information on a number of activities throughout Ontario. Many or most of hte trails on which they take place can be found at: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Six Cheap Family Vacations - 1000 Islands

On the other hand there are many areas of the country where hotels are cheap and near hiking trails. One of them may be near you. Plan for interesting destinations, like waterfalls, caves and lakes. The kids probably won't tolerate just ... You'll find these in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and in Ontario, Canada. Family vacations at the beach will usually be enjoyed and remembered by all. Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by - 2010/03/14 at 5:42 AM ...
1000IslandsCamping.net - http://1000islandscamping.net/

Cycling Lane Poll - Toronto

check out this online poll re bike lanes in Toronto - http://www.insidetoronto.com/. If you scroll down (closer to bottom) you'll see it on the left side of the screen - please add your voice.

Sudbury Snowmobile trails closed for season

The 2009-2010 snowmobiling season is over, as the Sudbury Trail Plan Association and its member clubs have officially closed down its trails.

Over 80 per cent of STP's trails cross private property, either owned by people or by businesses. Trails on private property are off-limits to ATVs, walkers, bikers, and all other groups unless permission is granted.

"Club volunteers are in the process of removing all safety and directional signage installed to make your snowmobiling experience a safe one," Chuck Breathat, STP president, said in a press release.

Timmins Snowmobile trails close for season

It's time to park the snowmobile for the year.

The Timmins Snowmobile Club formally closed its OFSC trails for the season. Warm weather has caused snow and ice conditions to deteriorate, making snowmobiling hazardous.

"The only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter," said club president Gilbert Fortin. "The risks of trying that one last ride are simply too high now that premature spring thaw has commenced."

Groups push for Greenbelt Expansion

A push to get the Dalton McGuinty government to approve a major expansion of the greenbelt westward through Brant County and in other directions in southern Ontario is gaining fresh energy with the entry of new groups and controversial development activities.

Watch Water Levels - be careful out there

Sydenham under surveillance - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is keeping a close eye on water levels on the Sydenham River, which have led to some road closures in.
Chatham Daily News - http://chathamdailynews.ca/?q=http://www.evilaliv3.org/

The Across Canada Trails Foundation: Supporting the Free Garmin ...

By Across Canada Trails
So it's best to stay within the accuracy of the combined 2 tracks, to get the trail around the mid-point. (Standard OSM Trail Mapping practice). Mapping with Land Information Ontario Trails: method -contact me if you are helping :-) So we dont .... Events Hosted by Across Canada Trails. Dont miss the AcrossCanada Trails -Bike Ride Across Canada, in Support of WWF Canada. May 1st - Sept 1st, 2008. Participation is needed both virtually (online), and on the road and trails. ...
The Across Canada Trails Foundation:... - http://acrosscanadatrails.blogspot.com/

Embracing Ontario's Outdoors

Embracing Ontario's great outdoors and rediscovering my inner ...
By Thai Tourist Attraction
According to the itinerary we would be exploring the expansive Algonquin Park in Ontario, canoeing and hiking by day and camping and cooking dinner by the bonfire at night. It sounded too good to pass up so with thoughts of knot-tying, ...
MillionGossips from all around the world - http://www.milliongossip.com/

Lake Ontario by Bike

Five Good Reasons to See Lake Ontario: Toronto & Niagara Falls Top ...
Although this is not part of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, the bike trails and car-free streets here offer easy biking and a great way to enjoy Toronto's skyline on one side and Lake Ontario in all its glory from the other. ...
Suite101: Ontario Travel Articles - http://ontario-travel.suite101.com/

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Trails in top 10 things to do in Muskoka

Top Ten Things To Do On Your Muskoka Cottage Rental Vacation ...
Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, folks who rent Canadian cottages find a world of nature, culture, and possibility--Muskoka, Ontario. With. ... Haliburton Highlands Water Trails offers nature lovers a chance to explore 26, 985 hectares of land teeming with verdant forest, hiking/cycling trails, and waterways such as lakes and rivers. You and your companion will discover that a love of nature unites fond hearts. 3. Travelers with a family to entertain will find a world of ...
Everyday's Update Everyday - http://wxzhw.com/

Perth Council supports cycling rodeo

Perth and District Chamber of Commerce representatives provided the committee with a regular quarterly update on the chamber's activities. Jim Kerriush, tourism committee chair, accompanied by co-manager Madeleine Bouvier, noted that the chamber is working on plans for the 2010 Festival of the Maples, as well as a cycling rodeo planned for May 16 at Conlon Farm. The event will include a scavenger hunt through the town for participating cyclists. Councillor Beth Peterkin said the chamber's cycling committee has been working hard to organize the rodeo, which "ties into the environmental initiatives of the town."

It's cheaper to buy a provincial trillium trail pass

On March 9, OPP Kaladar officers were on ATV patrol in the areas of Northbrook, Cloyne, and Flinton. Several ATVs were stopped as drivers were riding without helmets. Officers laid several OFVA (Off Road Vehicle Act) charges

New Option for a Trail - Ottawa Valley Railroad closing rail line

Option for trails in this area. The OTC is working on setting up a RTC meeting in the area, through the OEF/OTRA as horses are looking for riding areas. For more information contact Bonnie Simpson through OTC Board page: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/about-the-otc/board-of-directors/

Maple Syrup, Durham and Feed the Need

Feed the Need in Durham is teaming up with the Purple Woods Conservation area at this year's Maple Syrup Festival, at least when it comes to the pancake stand.

On Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14, the Purple Woods Conservation area will be the site of a Maple Syrup Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority.

Horses AND maple syrup?!

All in a day's work: Maple Syrup Time!
By LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango
On the horse riding front, the trainer is still coming over to ride Slick about every day. He's really pleased with his progress. We hope to be able to ride outside some if the weather cooperates but for now Slick is developing hind quarters in the ... Reminds me of my wayward youth in Ontario ! LOL !! My former neighbours and friends in the north country have just started tapping; it's one of the things I miss most about "up north". We have plenty of maple in middle TN, ...
All in a day's work - http://blueeyedtango.blogspot.com/

Environment, Growth Plan and Motorized activity

Longtime Conservation Group Moves To Appeal Fort Erie NASCAR Race ...
By dougdraper
The criteria for such expansions under the Growth Management Plan, are very strict and require on a region wide basis, the achievement of population densities that have not been met in Niagara. .... This species benefits from “active agricultural land and..hay crops.” Its presence however, is dismissed by the developer's EIS since the species – rare in most of the Carolinian zone where its habitat in Ontario is restricted to – is “locally common.” ...
Niagara At Large - http://niagaraatlarge.com/

Mixed reactions to law - Pembroke view

The Ontario Endangered Species Act is being praised by some as a vital environmental protection measure, while others predict it will cast economic catastrophe upon rural communities. Click link for full information.

Kawartha Conservation Publishes DRAFT Management Plan

We presented our research findings and strategies for protecting and enhancing Lake Scugog this week at open houses in Caesarea, Little Britain and Port Perry.

Each year, up to 9.6 tonnes of phosphorous enter Lake Scugog, contributing to aquatic plant growth and a decrease in water quality. One tonne of phosphorous can promote the growth of 500 tonnes of aquatic plants. Additionally, the nutrients taken up and produced by these plants accumulate on the bottom of the lake and feed new plants. Fish are also impacted by a reduction of oxygen in the water as the plants decompose. More- click title

Get Riding Series Launches in Ontario

Canadian Cyclist - Get Riding Series Launches in Ontario
By tharkness@canadiancyclist.com (Editoress)
Confirmed dates are April 11th in the Dufferin County Forest (25 kilometre and 50 kilometre events only), north of Mansfield Outdoor Centre, billed as the “Homage to Ice” event and May 2nd in Durham Forest as part of the Durham Forest ...
Canadian Cyclist - http://www.canadiancyclist.com/

Oxford Trail Council Resident Comment

I have been on the Oxford County Trails Council for two and a half years. I raced motorcycles in the late 70s and 80s, drag racing and road racing. Yet, it is odd for me to be on the trails council (OCTC), building the Oxford Thames River Trail, a walking trail on private land. As a farmer for 40 years, I drove an ATV for many of those years on my land, trying not to cause erosion or damage to the land. This is not so on the Thames River Trail where there are huge ruts on the ATV trails and huge areas of deforestation. OCTC will be part of a huge tree planti

ng program with Upper Thames, Oxford County and school children. I need two bricks; one for the ATV riders not joining the OCTC and asking us to build trails for ATVs. The second brick goes to my fellow OCTC members. The fundraising flyers for the Beachville Trail indicate it's a trail for everyone to enjoy, but that's not true if ATVs are excluded. However, a lot of work has been done with township and county councils, the Upper Thames, CN and CP Railway and private landowners to get permissions which deserves a bouquet for doing this charity work.

George VanDorp

Remember Hunters in the Woods

Almost turkey time in Ontario « The Outdoors Guy
By jeff.morrison
With Ontario's wild turkey season only a few short weeks away, gobbler enthusiasts are anxiously preparing their calls and guns for one of the most exciting times of the year. Although I have never actually tried turkey hunting, ...
The Outdoors Guy - http://blogs.canoe.ca/outdoorsguy/

Woodstock Resident Joins Sears Ride for Cancer

Resident joins Sears National Kids Cancer Ride
Woodstock Sentinel Review
... or all the way to Sick Kids in Toronto." This year, Kay decided it was time for her to join the 48 riders who will cycle 7000 kilometres from Vancouver ...
See all stories on this topic

Coureurs de Bois Blog fills you in on Voyaguer Trail

Coureurs de Bois Voyageur Trail Outdoors Club, Elliot Lake Ontario ...
By Phill
Welcome to the blog of the Coureurs de Bois Voyageur Trail Outdoors Club headquartered in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada. We are a very casual hiking club, affiliated to the Voyageur Trail Association. We have about 250 kilometers of trails in the ... We offer easy and intermediate hiking, canoeing, kayaking, snow shoe hikes, cross-country skiing and special events throughout the year. Pick up our schedule weekly in the Community Bulletin of the Elliot Lake Standard. ...
Coureurs de Bois Voyageur Trail... - http://coureursdeboiselliotlake.blogspot.com/

Darlington Trail Offers March Break Events

Darlington offers March Break Madness
Newsdurhamregion.com
Events kick off Monday, March 15 with Signs of Spring running from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm on the Darlington Waterfront Trail. Participants will be able to join ...

Motorcyling News - trails related

Ontario Federation of Trail Riders - Call to Action - Brighton ...
Our Newsletters are always sponsored by. Parker Bros. Powersports 825 Kipling Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 5G8 Phone: (416) 234-5750. Toll Free: 1-800 862-4662. Visit Our Sponsor ...
motocrosscanada's posterous - http://motocrosscanada.posterous.com/

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Ontario Equestrian Federation supports Trailhead Ontario

The Ontario Equestrian Federation comes through - $500.00 donation for name tags for pre-registered guests to Trailhead Ontario. Thanks OEF!

Ontario Contests Page Created

There are not many posted at this point, but if you have a contest where you are raffling outdoor equipment, trips, prizes that have to do with Ontario's outdoors we'd be pleased to let others know about it.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Green Cycling Paper Released

Share the Road Coalition releases green paper on cycling. We welcome their participation to share these results with the world @ http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trailhead-ontario/

Here is the Green Paper released by Share the Road Cycling Coalition - http://tinyurl.com/yffl8yw

IMBA and the Toronto Cycling Show

Super meeting with IMBA at the Toronto cycling show last night. On today and tomorrow! Shout out to Lora Woolner who lead the meeting! Be sure to check out all the great trail development work performed by IMBA Crews around the country.
Get to the show - nothing says spring like: Leafs out of playoffs, Blue Jays in Dunedin, and the Toronto International Cycling Show.

ATV Road Allowance

There are issues with ATV use, no doubt about it. But there are also positive news stories where communities allow responsible licensed ATV riding. If ATV riders find out where they can ride and those places are known then communities say, OK now you know where you can ride, we've given you an opportunity: use it. The exchange - stay off private property, stay off farmland, wetlands and snow trails in the off season. In exchange you get some places to ride. So please respect and expect other users and ride responsibly. Thanks to Havelock-Belmont-Methuen for their support.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Ontario Trail Videos

We compiled trail videos from, walking, hiking, motorcycling, snowmobiling, mountain biking, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, ice-climbing, snowshoeing, horse, atv, geocaching, cycling, running, and regions - and we've put them all in one spot:

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Call for Presenters

NeORA 2010 Educational Forum Call for Presenters
The Northeastern Ontario Recreation Association, in partnership with The City of Elliot Lake, is seeking to recruit specialists and knowledgeable individuals from the Parks, Recreation, Heritage, Arts and Culture, Healthy Active Living and Festival/Events industry, to speak on a variety of profession specific topics, for our 2010 Educational Forum. For details click here

MHP Healthy Communities Fund

MHP wants more trails groups to apply to this fund. It's there for trail groups to use!

The 2010/11 Healthy Communities Fund was launched on Friday February 28, 2010. If you have a new project you are considering, please review the guidelines and contact an MHP Consultant (as listed on the website) to discuss any ideas you may have. Please note the actual Statement of Interest template will be available after March 5, 2010. http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/healthy_communities/default.asp

Tweet Your Trail

Congrats to the 4 winners of our 1st "Tweet Your Trails" contest: track future contests at http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/tweet-your-trail/

Tweet Your Trail!
www.ontariotrails.on.ca
Find trails in Ontario for walking, hiking, cycling, skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing or horseback riding. The Ontario Trails Council site is your place to start for trails throughout Ontario.

Oxford Trails Committee

The new Trails Council website looks great...check it out @ http://oxfordcountytrailscouncil.com/ (The other OTC - LOL)

Ontario Tourism Partners with OTC

Thanks to Steve Bruno and OTMPC - OTC logo live on http://ontariooutdoor.com/index.aspx?language=en

It's also live with a decicated page on our website: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-news-events-2/great-outdoor-adventures/

2010 Toronto Trails Conference

Ontario Trails Conference and Professional Trail Building Symposium. Join us for two days of discussions on Toronto Trails Policy, Urban Trails, Cycling, Blue/Green Options - Emerging Trends. Then stay for two days and learn to build trail - supported by the Sustainable Trails, the City of Toronto and The Toronto Region Conservation Authority.
Join our tweet page for updates!

February E-Bulletin

The latest trail news out - maybe you should get out there too!!

Trailwise - February 2010
www.ontariotrails.on.ca
Find trails in Ontario for walking, hiking, cycling, skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing or horseback riding. The Ontario Trails Council site is your place to start for trails throughout Ontario.

Linked in Business Page created

Hey check out our new business page on linkedin - new today, must be spring....http://www.linkedin.com/companies/845486

Monday, March 1, 2010

Welcome

Hi Trail Lovers - and welcome to our blog. Feel free to comment on what you enjoy on trails or what is special about them to you. Let us know if there are specific things we can help you with (other than the convoluted way you got to this page through our site).