ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - May 4, 2026
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• Seasonal 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.
TOP TRAIL NEWS
Add your Voice Ontario!
 Trans Canada Trail is supporting a national research study on the State of the Trail sector in Canada. The research is being conducted by UNITY Workforce Strategies, a women-led, Canadian research and consulting firm.The State of the Trail Sector study looks at how trails are used, supported, and experienced across the country, including both day-to-day use and the work involved in governance, stewardship, and funding. The insights gathered through this study will help build a clearer picture of the trail sector across Canada, supporting stronger planning, coordination, and understanding of the conditions shaping trails in different communities and contexts. We hope the findings will be useful to organizations, communities, and partners working to sustain and strengthen trails over time. As part of this, we’re inviting you to take part and to help circulate the survey within your networks. The survey link below will guide respondents to the questions most relevant to them. Organizations can share perspectives on stewardship, funding, governance, and coordination, while individuals can share their experiences using and accessing trails. Some people may be relevant to both. The survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Take the survey: https://www.research.net/r/TrailSectorv4
Wasaga Beach Featured in National Tourism Case Study Wasaga Beach... Canada during the War of 1812. After HMS Nancy was destroyed to keep it out of American hands, its crew escaped and later helped capture the ...
Mayor's Walks - 2026
Many communities will hold walks on Provincial/International Trails Day. We provide links to walks and trail celebrations that take place June 6, as well as throughout the year. The Ontario Trails "Mayor's Walk" events are open to OTC member organizations to act as hosts for a walk in 2026. Tell us when you are having an event in 2026 Event Notification Sheet.With trails in 100's of Ontario Communities this is a great way to showcase your local support while enabling all the Mayor's and their trail friends to get out for a celebration of trails.Send us details about your Trail Day Celebration! Did you Know? Please search 'Trails Day' on Facebook, Ontario Trails provided 80% of Canadian messaging content about trails day. Ask for the Mayor's Walk event planning tool, email us at execdir@ontariotrails.ca
| Dear Partner in Conservation, I am writing to provide an update on the Province of Ontario’s changes to the Conservation Authorities framework and what this means for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and our shared work. Since our last update in December, the province has confirmed its direction to move toward a new regional model, including the creation of nine Regional Conservation Authorities across Ontario. NPCA has been identified as part of the future Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority alongside Hamilton Conservation Authority, Conservation Halton, and Credit Valley Conservation. A transition process is anticipated to take place throughout 2026, with implementation expected to be phased following amalgamation in early 2027. While this outcome is not what NPCA had originally advocated for, we recognize that this transition is now moving forward. Our focus is on working constructively with the province, partner conservation authorities, municipalities, and community partners to help shape this process in a way that reflects the unique needs, priorities, and strengths of the Niagara Peninsula watershed. It is important to note that there are no immediate changes to NPCA’s programs, services, or operations. Our work continues as usual, including ongoing projects, partnerships, and community engagement efforts.
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ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING Thunder Bay, Ontario Builds New Trail Network Connecting to Minnesota as US-Canada ...Travel And Tour WorldThunder Bay launches a new trail system linking Ontario to Minnesota, boosting American tourism as the iconic Chilkoot Trail border crossing ... How a Trans Canada Trail grant helped save a historic bridge in Ontario
After a 2024 fire on the popular Doube’s Trestle Bridge on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail in Ontario, the bridge – and trail section – were temporarily closed. Thanks to funding from our Trail Catalyst Fund, along with local fundraising efforts and a dedicated team with the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association, the bridge has been restored and a historic structure has been preserved. |
Polaris TRAILS GRANTS Award More Than $125,000 to 14 OrganizationsMotorcycle & Powersports NewsKyle Alexander is the Multimedia Journalist of Motorcycle & Powersports News. Published: May 1, 2026. polaris-spring-2026- trails-grants.
TRAILS OPENMany trail systems have finally closed off winter operations, many have had posted warnings about muddy conditions. Please stay off muddy trails.  Please make sure to check conditions before you got to, or use your local trails. Key Trail Resources & Openings:- ATV Trails (OFATV): Many trails generally re-open around May 1st, though conditions vary; use the QuadON app.
- Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA): Routes like the Tweed to Gunter Loop and Hastings Heritage Trail offer multi-use, year-round access.
- Frontenac K&P Trail: A 180 km four-season trail from Kingston to Renfrew, ideal for hiking and cycling.
- Snowmobile Trails (OFSC): The Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) is offline for the summer, returning in the fall.
- Off-Road/Dirt Bike: The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) maintains trails, requiring memberships valid Jan 1 - Dec 31.
- Hiking/Multi-use: The Ontario Trails Council website provides a comprehensive list of hiking, cycling, and walking trails across Northern and Southern Ontario. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
Before heading out, it is always recommended to check the specific trail club’s website for closures due to maintenance or weather. TRAIL CLOSURE: Please note that Woodpecker Way trail at Baxter Conservation Area is currently closed due to unsafe conditions. Thank you for your patience! |
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