Trail Wise - February 2, 2026 - news from all over Ontario, grants, investments, trail stories and more!

 

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

ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - February 2, 2026 • National Trail Conference Go Fund Us - Send 10 Ontario Reps to Winnipeg! • • Winter Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services • Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario.  Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.   ONTARIO TRAILS NEWS   Go Fund Us You can Help send 10 Ontario Trails Leaders to the National Trail Summit Ontario Trails Council is revitalizing our partnership with the Trans Canada Trail. Recent talks have gone exceedingly well between the OTC Board and leadership of the TCT. We thank the TCT for the opportunity to support our presence at the national event. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources we missed the World Trail Conference 2 years ago. We wish to have a presence in Winnipeg in support of those OTC members that Support the Trans Canada Trail in their communities. With your help we can help shape a better future for trails in Canada. Please donate to get us there. Thank you. TOP TRAIL NEWS   Guelph Junction Railway Multi-Use Trail open for use City of Guelph Parks and trails · Programs and activities · Recreation Facilities · Sleeman ... One-kilometre trail connects the Trans Canada Trail to the Goderich to ...   Multi-use trail connecting Woodlawn and Woolwich now open - Guelph News Guelph Today The off-road path helps connect the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail with the Trans Canada Trail, the post notes. Construction began in June and was ...   Limit time outdoors or risk hypothermia, municipality says - Sault Ste. Marie News SooToday.com During periods of sustained cold, Environment Canada may issue: Extreme cold warnings; Cold warnings; Wind chill advisories and Wind Chill Index ...   Northumberland named a top global hiking destination for 2026 Northumberland Gazette Featured alongside the Austrian Alps and Canada's national parks, AllTrails named the county on this year's list of the global hiking destinations ... Local river walks aim to connect community with nature and conservation work - Guelph News Guelph Today Freshwater Conservation Canada is leading two educational hikes along the Eramosa and Speed Rivers this February, offering participants a chance ...   PREPARE FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BY WORKING OUT AND PRACTICING PressReader And they thought it was pretty funny to see Pop floating belly up down the river. We were swimming under the Newfoundland Trailway bridge. It's a ...   Ottawa Carleton Trailway Snowshoe Fest - Stittsville Central - Local Stories, Events and Business Stittsville Central In the hopes of grooming the trail portion of our route and having at least two lanes for the whole portion of the Trans-Canada Trail, a “snowshoe ...   Mono Nordic Ski Club hosts annual cross-country race | Caledon Citizen Caledon Citizen | The Mono Nordic Ski Club hosted its annual cross-country race along the trails at Monora Park in Mono on Saturday, January 24. ... Canada is providing ...   Frozen Lake Huron creates shortcut to Canada. International ice bridge opens for 2026. MLive.com Snowmobile, aero sleigh, dog sled, bicycle, cross-country skis and ... trails in both countries. Drummond Island is a large island about one ...   These cities' livability rankings jumped further than anywhere else in Canada. What's their secret? The Globe and Mail ... trails bordering the western edge of Okanagan Lake. Last year, the ... New Brunswick: Quispamsis. ✓New transit projects allow residents to ...   ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING NEWS RELEASE Ontario Investing Over $100 Million in Northlander Rail Infrastructure Province completing track upgrades that will support the return of passenger rail service later this year January 30, 2026 Ministry of Transportation NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is nearing completion of more than $100 million worth of investments in rail infrastructure to support the return of Northlander passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario. Work underway along the corridor, including joint elimination, curve adjustments and improvements at rail crossings, will deliver a smoother ride, enhance comfort and safety, and reduce travel times for passengers. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops, and is part of the government’s work to protect Ontario’s economy by connecting northern communities, creating good-paying jobs, supporting local industries and driving economic growth across the north. “Our government is protecting Ontario by bringing back the Northlander and connecting thousands of people in northeastern Ontario to health care, education and economic opportunities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The rail work underway will help reduce travel times and deliver a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.” Additional work along the corridor, which includes adding warning systems, updating signage at rail crossings and adding gates to existing crossings, will continue to enhance safety across the network. "The return of the Northlander marks an important milestone in our government's plan to deliver new economic opportunities and safe transportation to northern Ontario families," said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “With work underway to enhance the rail corridor and modernize the North Bay Station, we are one step closer to restoring this Ontario staple and helping connect the people of this province." The Ontario government has also awarded a contract for renovations at North Bay Station, which will serve the Northlander, as well as Ontario Northland’s motor coach and Bus Parcel Express services. Construction is underway to modernize the station with new digital screens, seating and service counters, as well as washroom and lighting enhancements to improve accessibility and comfort. Similar work is underway at the Cochrane and Englehart stations, with construction expected to be completed in the spring. “Our government’s investment in track upgrades is delivering safer, smoother travel while building momentum toward the Northlander’s return,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Today’s announced improvements will make it easier and safer to move students, workers, and tourists across the north, and with construction well underway at the station in Timmins, our community is ready to welcome the Northlander back.” The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including completing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, getting shovels in the ground at Timmins-Porcupine Station, reconstructing platforms and installing shelters along the Northlander corridor and Quick Facts North Bay, Cochrane and Englehart stations will offer connections to Ontario Northland’s Motor Coach and Bus Parcel Express services. Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributed over $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024. The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North. Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.   Lovatt Warns Infrastructure Projects, Service Expansion At Risk Without Provincial Support Penticton Herald ... Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. ... Greenbelt review, which periodically reassesses land-use ...   Rural Ontario Development program Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, local services boards and small rural businesses are eligible to apply to the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program until February 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Eligible projects support economic diversification, competitiveness and capacity building; workforce development, attraction and retention; and community infrastructure enhancements. Online information sessions are available. This program is funded by the Ministry of Rural Affairs. Learn more about the ROD program Capital grant applications open February 4 Non-profit organizations in Ontario can apply for Capital grants from February 4, to March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. These grants fund projects that update buildings, enhance physical spaces, or purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive. Apply for $10,000 up to $200,000. Available support: Coaching calls are available to discuss your project with an OTF Program Manager. Book a 20-minute coaching call today. Learn about Capital grant application requirements during a webinar. Register for a Capital grant webinar Get to know Capital grants on our website

Canadian Trail News - you saw it here first!

 

CANADIAN TRAIL NEWS

 

The Epic First Ascent of a 2500-Metre Alpine Wall on Canada's Tallest Mountain Gripped Magazine Trail breaking and accumulated fatigue slowed them more than anticipated. Six hundred metres of climbing remained. Under the clear sky, concern about ...

 

Too cold to ski: Bone-chilling cold warnings sweep the country, lows nearing -50 C Rocky Mountain Outlook The Windsor Park Nordic Centre in Winnipeg advised cross-country skiers that its trails would be closed through the weekend. "It's extremely cold ...

 

Top 5 innovative tents for every outdoor adventure | Camping gear review | Watch - MSN MSN Top 5 innovative tents for every outdoor adventure | Camping gear review ... Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canada if it does China deal.

 

McBride Council: DragiT, airport lighting, water filtration - The Rocky Mountain Goat The Rocky Mountain Goat ... Council asking for a letter of support to include in a grant application for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. The Alliance would use the ...

 

Kananaskis Country rescue calls spike in 2025 - Rocky Mountain Outlook Rocky Mountain Outlook ... trail and that it's maintained,” said Koppang. In Kananaskis Country, designated trails are maintained by Alberta Parks and the Friends of Kananaskis.

 

Parks Canada shuttering Historic Places website, sparking heritage concerns | CBC News CBC Parks Canada says it will deactivate the Canadian Register of Historic Places website this spring, leaving no alternative database to look up Nova ...

 

Kubota Backs Mountain Bike Freeride Trail Builder - Farms.com Farms.com Farms.com Home › Ag Industry News. Kubota Backs Mountain Bike ... Small Farm Canada · Spud Smart. Software & Services. Farms.com Professional ...

 

Golden Skybridge is Canada's highest suspension bridge Curiocity There are also three kilometres of scenic walking trails to roam at your leisure, a mini adventure park for families, and casual bites at an outdoor ...

 

One dead after being thrown from ATV on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula | CBC News CBC Fatal snowmobile collision on New Year's Day in northwestern Ontario prompts safety tips · 18-year-old man dead in Moncton crash. Popular Now in News.

 

Yukon Arctic Ultra faces unique challenge this year - Canadian Running Magazine Canadian Running Magazine A cancelled sled dog race has forced race organizers to forge a new 600 km trail.

 

Conservation officers investigate death of coyotes east of Lanigan, SK | Watch - MSN MSN 'Canada doesn't live because of the US.': Carney. Prime Minister Mark Carney responded directly to U.S. President Donald Trump's claim at the ...

 

Proposed redesign of Hampton Road includes addition of multi-use trail | Telegraph-Journal Telegraph-Journal ... N.B. police 'don't have money' to enforce gun buyback. Subscriber only. guns · New Brunswick · Subscriber only. Offender sentenced for 'disgusting ...

 

This winter festival is bringing the Ice Climbing World Cup to Edmonton - Curiocity Curiocity If you want to keep the party going, the Official YEG Ice Fest After-party will be hosted at Fu's Repair Shop in partnership with Red Bull Canada.

 

Manitoba sledders hit the snow for Journey for Sight | CBC.ca CBC After wildfires, lack of snow, Flin Flon groups prepare winter trails. January 13. Recommended for You. Video. 0:44. Trump shares photo of Canada ...

 

All-terrain wheelchairs available for booking at two Calgary parks - MSN MSN Narcity Canada. This tiny Ontario town is a vacation gem with ... The best winter hiking trails in every province. Reader's Digest Canada.

 

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Ontario Trails Trip Planner

Do you promote user trips and trail tourism by using the Ontario Trails Council 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."

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, RTO8, RTO11, RTO13a, b, c; pages.

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

 

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Professional Development

Trail Stewardship - Starts January, 2026.

Ontario Snowmobile, Winter Trail Activity and other Trail Updates for the week of January 26, 2026.

ONTARIO SNOWMOBILING NEWS
 

Road, snowmobile trail closed after crash involving snowmobile and pickup truck - CTV News CTV News Road, snowmobile trail closed after crash involving snowmobile and pickup truck · Canada · Stay a town or become a city? Alberta community again ...

 

Snowmobilers return to Parry Sound through south-of-town connection Parry Sound News There are currently 20,376 kilometres of available trails in Ontario, according to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC). For live ...

 

Snowmobile incidents highlight risks of thin ice this season - Inside Ottawa Valley Inside Ottawa Valley The Ontario Provincial Police advises snowmobilers to check trail conditions with their local clubs after two incidents of riders going through the ..

 

Midland snowmobiler faces numerous charges after traffic stop Midland Today 20260121-sgb-opp-snowmobile-trail Southern Georgian Bay OPP officers patrol snowmobile trails in the area.Image supplied by Ontario Provincial Police.

 

How people in Northwestern Ontario don't just endure Winter — They Thrive on It! NetNewsLedger Community rinks, curling clubs, ski groups, and snowmobile trails aren't just activities—they're social networks. Even everyday winter habits are ...

 

Snowmobile season now in full swing - North Bay News - BayToday.ca BayToday.ca The North Bay Snowmobile Club is reporting that about 90 per cent of local trails ... Snowmobiling is a $3-5 billion industry in Ontario, and it ...

 

Gravenhurst approves new snowmobile trail agreement with Snowcrest Riders South Muskoka Doppler - Huntsville Doppler However, changes in requirements from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) prompted the need for an updated agreement. Before the ...

ONTARIO CONSERVATION TRAILS
 

Council supports conservation changes | Spare News | pentictonherald.ca Penticton Herald ... conservation authorities, creating uncertainty and delays for builders, landowners and farmers seeking permits." The Canadian Press. All rights ...

 

Niagara conservation authority strikes deal with feds over Niagara Shores Park The Hamilton Spectator The conservation authority and Parks Canada have partnered up on a plan ... 100% Canadian Owned. © Copyright 2026 Metroland Media Group Ltd ...

 

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"The Ontario Trails Council is a valuable advocate for Ontario’s recreational trail system, and Lorimer Publishing is delighted that they have chosen to spotlight our newly released book, Greenbelt Trails: the 36 best west of Toronto, from Oakville and Hamilton to Niagara and beyond by Lindsay Davies. We appreciate their support not only of Greenbelt Trails, but all the work they do to support the Trails community and users of recreational trails across the province." LORIMER PUBLISHING

 

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PLACES, PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES
 

Suspect sought after $15K worth of equipment taken from condo storage locker - CityNews Toronto CityNews Toronto Police say the suspect made off with a number of items, including an orange Scott mountain bike, valued at $13,000, and a gray Marin mountain bike, ...

21 Industry Leaders On Paddlesports' Most Pressing Issues - Paddling Magazine
Paddling Magazine
The longer these tariffs remain, the more permanent our foreign relationships will be. — Morten Fogh, Fogh Marine, Toronto, Ontario. All Pyranha and ...

The Canadian Canoe Museum presents March Break Paddle Carving Day Camps (ages 13-16)
kawarthaNOW
Monday, March 16 & Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - Day Camp: The Canadian Canoe ... Ontario Land Tribunal. January 23, 2026. An elderly man using a cell ...
 

Bikelane law slashes expansion plans - Toronto - PressReader PressReader Critics argue bike lanes aren't a major source of congestion. Asked about the impact on Toronto's cycling plan, a spokesperson for Ontario's ...

 

OPINION: Why bike lanes matter for kids - TorontoToday.ca
TorontoToday.ca
That is why For Our Kids Toronto, a parent-led volunteer group, has intervened in the appeal of the Cycle Toronto v. Ontario case, urging the court to ...
 

2026 is here: A year of racing in Sault Ste. Marie on 2 wheels and 2 feet Canadian Cycling Magazine ... Ontario's most community-driven trail festivals. The weekend includes mountain bike races for all kinds of abilities, alongside trail running events ...

 

'Shocked and so excited': Innisfil teen rolls into cyclocross world championship InnisfilToday.ca The lifelong Innisfil resident and Nantyr Shores Secondary School student ranked third in Canada in her age group in cross-country mountain biking ...

 

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

 

A love of winter & of dogs critical for dog sled racing success - Frequency frequencynews.ca ... dog sled racing events still taking place in Ontario ... A dog sled team follows the trail into the woods. The Haliburton Dog Sled Derby returns ...

Applications For Student Jobs At Ontario Parks Are Open - Muskoka411
Muskoka 411
Looking for a fun winter adventure? Ontario Parks has you covered with plenty of parks offering skating and snowshoeing in winter. Snowshoe rentals ...
 

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Ontario Trails Council: Member Profiles! Week of January 26, 2026

 

Ontario Trails Council:
Member Profiles!

We survive on memberships. We have new rates. We wish to thank the following groups who recently either renewed their membership or who joined for the first time!
THANK-YOU.

Re-up here 

Renewal - Town of Penetanguishene - Thank-you!

The Town of Penetanguishene has many picturesque parks and trails to explore. The largely paved trail is perfect for biking with the family or taking a leisurely walk or run. Experience the beautiful open spaces of Penetanguishene for yourself.

 

Renewal - Yours Outdoors - Thank-you!

 

Renewal - Selwyn Township - Thank-you!

Selwyn Township is committed to fostering a healthy, engaged and connected community. Trail development is one way to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle and to connect community members to the natural beauty in our Township. 

Trails have the ability to strengthen the local social fabric of the community. They tend to create a continuity of volunteers and opportunities for friendships, networking and exploration. Trails bring people together to share social values while participating in meaningful activities.

Payment Methods:

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

 

Ontario Trails Council Risk Management Committee

 

Ontario Trails Council Risk Management Committee

Trail Wise - January 26, 2026 - Ontario and Canadian Trail News, and more, events and stories about trails and the people that make them.

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.

ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - January 26, 2026 • National Trail Conference Go Fund Us - Send 10 Ontario Reps to Winnipeg! • • Winter Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services • Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario.  Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.   ONTARIO TRAILS NEWS   Go Fund Us You can Help send 10 Ontario Trails Leaders to the National Trail Summit Ontario Trails Council is revitalizing our partnership with the Trans Canada Trail. Recent talks have gone exceedingly well between the OTC Board and leadership of the TCT. We thank the TCT for the opportunity to support our presence at the national event. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources we missed the World Trail Conference 2 years ago. We wish to have a presence in Winnipeg in support of those OTC members that Support the Trans Canada Trail in their communities. With your help we can help shape a better future for trails in Canada. Please donate to get us there. Thank you. TOP TRAIL NEWS   City reminds public to respect the trails - Elliot Lake News ElliotLakeToday.com GFL Environmental moves executive headquarters from Ontario to Miami Beach, Fla. 3 days ago · 282. Layoff notices ...   What you need to know in an extreme cold snap | CBC News CBC How to stay safe at home, on the road and outdoors ... It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people ...   How to prevent and treat frostbite - CTV News CTV News If severely cold temperatures are on the forecast, people should limit their time outdoors. ... Canada with 100% tariff if it makes trade deal ...   Extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend | City of Ottawa City of Ottawa Dress warmly, in layers, covering any exposed skin before going outside and seek shelter indoors from the cold. Residents can find an interactive map ...   Maple Leafs notebook: Cold weather wipes out free Etobicoke outdoor events - Toronto Star Toronto Star Maple Leafs notebook: Cold weather wipes out free Etobicoke outdoor events ... A polar vortex is about to hit Toronto and southern Ontario — as more ...   Delayed work on Heritage Trail discouraging for committee members Niagara-on-the-Lake Local As fundraising efforts gain momentum for the Upper Canada Heritage Trail, an unexpected archaeological delay has shifted timelines.   ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING    5 key questions on high-speed rail as public consultations launch | CBC News CBC High-speed rail project ... On Tuesday, CBC News asked Imbleau if popular trail systems such as the Prescott Russell or Cataraqui trails are in peril.   Ontario bike-lane saga is slowing Toronto's cycling expansion Canadian Cycling Magazine Toronto's push to expand cycling infrastructure is continuing under a cloud of uncertainty as a provincial freeze on bike lanes that replace car ...   Over 1600 US ski resorts have been abandoned. Now, many are being reborn as MTB trails Singletracks.com And while I'm focusing on the USA here, central and eastern Canada are home to plenty of these downhill ski area conversions, too. Manitoulin in ...   'Really unique' — Final phase of Amherstburg bike trails brings new skills park - Windsor Star Windsor Star The Windsor-Essex Bike Community is preparing for what it calls the final and most formative piece of Amherstburg's bike trail network: a new skills ...    ONTARIO TRAIL TOURISM, MARKETING AND MEDIA   You're not a true Ontarian unless you've been to at least 8 of these 12 stunning destinations Narcity ... hiking trails, limestone cliffs, and sparkling waters make it ... ontario getaways places to visit in ontario ontario destinations ontario travel.   5 wonderful winter hikes near Toronto - YourCityWithIN.com YourCityWithIN.com ... trails. Forest trails can be unexpectedly slippery. Hiking poles are also useful in winter. hiking winter ontario. Micro spikes are needed on some ...   This destination with beautiful beaches and quaint villages in one of Ontario's best getaways Yahoo News Canada ... hiking trails or the Floral Showhouse. The region is renowned for its wine scene, and you can spend an afternoon sipping vintages at charming ...   '1000 Islands RV' Celebrates 30 Years with Name Change RV Business GANANOQUE, Ontario – The landscape of outdoor adventure in Eastern Ontario is getting a massive upgrade ... Canada 1000 Islands, effective Feb ...   Toronto's Quietest Doorways Are in the Ravines - Everyday Tourist Everyday Tourist They cut through neighbourhoods, link parks and trails, shelter ... Visiting Canada for the 2026 World Cup: What You Need to Know · Everyday ...   This dreamy Ontario town surrounded by shimmering lakes is one of the most romantic in Canada Yahoo News Canada You can cozy up in warm cabins, glide along glistening ice trails, sip hot cocoa in glowing cafes, and more at this picturesque spot. We asked readers ... Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show | February 20–22 Get inspired to explore beyond borders at the International Travel Stage, featuring experienced guides, destination experts, and tour operators from around the globe. Learn insider tips, uncover unique destinations, and start planning your next unforgettable international adventure.  The International Centre, Toronto Get all the details and secure your tickets now: https://www.showpass.com/toronto-outdoor-adventure-show.../ #TorontoOutdoorAdventureShow #InternationalTravel #InternationalCentre #OutdoorAdventures #Toronto #ExploreTheWorld #StageSchedule #TravelInspiration