Monday, June 29, 2026

Ontario Trails News - Information and updates from around Ontario and Canada, social media, tourism, health and more!

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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canada day july 1, 2026 logo
TRAIL WISE the ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - June 29, 2026

• Project Funding Builds Trails •
• Activity on Ontario Trails •
• Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services •

sentiers prescott russell rail trail

the province of Ontario flag
Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario. 

Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.

 
TOP TRAIL NEWS
 
Baxter Conservation Area's showcase boardwalk redefines access to nature
Capital Current
To build it, Peters said she pulled from guidelines across jurisdictions, including Canada, the United States and Europe, comparing best practices for ...
 
Coyote den in Lalande Conservation Park decommissioned; park reopening
CTV News
“Since its closure, the city and its service provider, Coyote Watch Canada, have been monitoring the den and employing deterrent methods to discourage ...
 
Doon Heritage Village reopens - CTV News
CTV News
“Vintage Black Canada: A Doon Village Introspection” is curated by Aaron T. Francis, who said it's particularly meaningful to share this exhibit in a ...
 
Canada Day Activities - Frontenac News
Frontenac News
Trans-Canada Highway. Telephone lines. Canadian Pacific Railway. Trans-Canada Trail. 10) What was the name of the secret routes and safe houses used ...
 
The adventure capital of Ontario has a historic train ride - Waterloo Chronicle
Waterloo Chronicle
Located on Lions Lookout Point Rd., hikers can take in sights of both the Muskoka River and Fairy Lake with Huntsville nestled in between them from ...
 
Skip the long commute to the trails. Hiawatha Highlands is practically in your backyard.
SooToday.com
You're only seconds from Hiawatha Highlands—one of Northern Ontario's premier outdoor playgrounds, featuring over 35 km of hiking trails, 50+ km ...
 
Celebrate Canadian history outdoors in Millbrook this Canada Day - InQuinte.ca
InQuinte.ca
Join 4th Line Theatre on Wednesday, July 1st and celebrate Canada Day in with an evening of entertainment at the Winslow Farm on the outdoor stage as ...
 
List of City Services On Canada Day 2026 - PtboCanada
PtboCanada
... outdoor-adventure/boating. Riverview Park and Zoo. The Riverview Park and Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including on Canada Day. Guest ...

Ontario Canada Day Guide 2026: Fireworks, music and events from Ottawa to Niagara Falls
Durham Region News
... outdoor stage at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at sundown. More ... The event is recognized as a Top 100 event by Festivals and Events Ontario.
 
“LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES. NO EXCUSES, NO EXCEPTIONS.” | Caledon Citizen
Caledon Citizen |
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging everyone heading out on ... Before purchasing a dirt bike or off-road vehicle, residents are ...
 
Niagara River Challenge tests paddlers against powerful currents
Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
Hosted by Paddle Niagara and held at Queen's Royal Park June 20, the event is part of the Ontario SUP Series, which attracts competitive paddlers ...
 
Be Flood-Aware and Stay Safe this Summer - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Monitor weather forecasts and Environment Canada alerts. Visit: weather.gc.ca. Plan ahead. Check traffic before you go and limit travel during storm ...


Add your Voice Ontario!


trans canada trail state of the trails survey 2026Trans 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 


 

ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING


Ontario Investing Over $3 Million to Restore Wetlands and Protect Communities Against Floods
Dawn Gallagher Murphy
... Conservation and Parks. “Our government is proud to partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada, a true conservation leader, to restore and enhance an ...
 
Preserving connectivity in the Laurentian Highlands | Canadian Geographic
Canadian Geographic
P2T is also one of the first connectivity initiatives in North America developed using the International Union for Conservation of Nature's “ ...

Free Parkbus shuttle offers summer day trips to Rouge National Urban Park - NOW Toronto
NOW Toronto
(Courtesy: Parks Canada/Government of Canada). Facebook · Twitter · Reddit ... Enjoy on-board programming, guided tours, and access to 40+ km of trails ...

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Trans Canada Trail re-gravelling - Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller
Glen Gower
This summer, crews will be re-gravelling the Trans Canada Trail (Ottawa-Carleton Trailway) between West Ridge Drive and Ashton Station Road.
 
Alto rail project must stop, eastern Ontario residents say | Globalnews.ca
Global News
... project could cut right through her land. “It is where my dad taught me how to fish. It's where my dad and I used to walk down the Cataract Way Trail ...
 
  
Sault's mountain-biking network gets major upgrade, expansion - YouTube
YouTube
... Canada's most-watched news organization both locally and ... http://www.ctvnews.ca/ For breaking news, fast, download the CTV News App: ...
 

Closing of RLT section 6

At the request of a landowner, we've had to close a piece of RLT section 6, including Kong Hill, see map.

The trail heading south along Sixth Line ends when it reaches Pineridge Drive, and is discontinuous at this point. Kong Hill is no longer accessible. There are no reasonable alternate paths at the moment, although we are in discussions with other nearby landowners.

Please do not try to hike on this closed portion!

guelph hiking club trail closure

The eastern half of Section 6, from Dublin Line into the abandoned rail bed and the wooden bridges across Blue Springs Creek, is still open for hiking. For now this is an "out-and-back" section - but do not proceed west beyond the abandoned rail bed! Turn around and go back along the same trail, to Dublin Line.

We hope to establish a reasonable new route for the trail in this area, and will provide updates here when that becomes available.

Trans Canada Trail Reaches 30,000 Kilometres. Now It's Asking Canadians to Help Protect ...
BNN Bloomberg
Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada's nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that ...

The Whole Enchilada is Redefining the Ontario Trail Scene (Plus, Score Two Free Bibs!)
iRun Magazine
... Hike Enchilada and kids' courses. “Curated” means that every aspect of the race is considered with excellent detail: The atmosphere: from graphics ...
 
A Backyard Makeover Could Help Keep Ticks at Bay | GlobeNewswire Press Releases
The Canadian Press
Toronto, Ontario, June 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With more time spent outdoors ... Canada. For over fifty years, Unilock has been transforming ...
 
Headwaters Crafted Journey Launches Across Region - GTA Weekly
GTA Weekly
HEADWATERS, ON — A new tourism initiative is inviting residents and visitors to discover the best of Ontario's craft beverage scene while exploring ...

 

Do you have Tourism Investment Lands?

Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) and the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Gaming (MTCG) are partnering to host their annual EDCO Invest Table: Tourism Edition (previously named Tourism Investment Dragons) on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. This event offers municipalities the opportunity to get to pitch their tourism ready sites to interested investors over a quick 15-minute meeting rotation.

Apply to be one of the municipalities selected to participate. Complete the online application form to outline up to two tourism-ready investment sites along with any supportive initiatives. Applications will be evaluated based on the strength and clarity of their tourism opportunity and its potential impact to the local and regional economies. Selected municipalities will be contacted in early September to confirm participation. 

Complete the online application form to outline up to two tourism-ready investment sites along with any supportive initiatives. Application window opens this Friday, June 26th!

Application deadline is Friday, July 31st, 2026.

Apply for Tourism Table Event



PLACES, PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES


Ontario’s June trail events feature a mix of scenic running challenges, ATV Adventures and outdoor festivals Key highlights include the multi-distance 5 Peaks event at Crawford Lake, the iconic Niagara Ultra along the river, and the high-energy Rockin' the Trail ATV event in Tweed. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

ontario trails council add your event gadgeFor more regional races and running clinics, check out the Ontario Ultra and Trail Race Series or the Running Directory for a broader list of local options.
      These events generally support local trails and conservation efforts. For the latest, always check the Ontario Ultra and Trail Race Series website. [1, 2]

      Trail conditions can change rapidly - it is recommended to check specific trail or club websites before visiting.

      Please see the Ontario Trails Events Page for more information.
       
      Fish for free in Ontario from June 27 to July 5 - Sudbury News
      Sudbury.com
      To celebrate Canada Day, Ontario is allowing Canadian residents to fish ... Outdoors Card required. “Whether you're a lifelong angler or ...
       
      From Trails to Transforming Conservation - Women of Influence
      Women of Influence
      ... Canada (NCC), to realize ... In university, she found her “happy place running in the woods” and developed a passion for cross country skiing.
       
      Things to Do in Eganville, Ontario: Caves, Lakes, Food & Travel Guide - Toronto Guardian
      Toronto Guardian
      John Egan Geoheritage Walking Trail. The Eganville geological and fossil trail combines both an outdoor hiking adventure with history and science.

      paddlestock july 19, 2026 advertisment
      Building Relationships with Indigenous Communities - The Salvation Army
      The Salvation Army
      Join the Journey of Hope ... Enter your email for inspiring stories and exclusive updates. Join now. Accredited imagine canada ...
       


      Join Ontario Trails Council


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

      NEW Member Profile

      Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

      aspen valley wildlife sanctuary badge

       
      Our goal at Aspen Valley is to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Once rehabilitated, we release these animals back into the wild for a second chance.
       
      Aspen Valley also provides forever homes for native species that cannot be released back into the wild due to human interference.

      Our motto at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is to ‘keep wildlife wild’. We believe that it is best for all species, including humans if wild animals are allowed to live their lives uninterrupted by human interference. If an animal causes you to pause, we want you to be well informed. Check out our fact sheets on living with wildlife and learn how to co-exist 

      Beavers - Black Bears - Deer - Raccoons - Skunks - Squirrels - Rabbits - Mice

      These are but a few of the situations we invite you to learn more about!
       


      Payment Methods: call 613-484-1140 to Pay by Credit Card.

      paypal membership payment badge qr codeinterac logo for dorect deposit
       

      Monday, June 22, 2026

      Ontario Trail News - information about recreational trails in Ontario, activities, events, developments and more!

      canadian trail summit with ontario trails council
      TRAIL WISE the ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - June 22, 2026

      • National Trail Summit • Project Funding Builds Trails •
      • Activity on Ontario Trails •
      • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services •

      rideau trail association banner

      the province of Ontario flag
      Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario. 

      Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.

       
      TOP TRAIL NEWS

      ontario trails representatives at the canadian trails summit
       
      $330M for Southern Ontario as Ottawa opens applications for community projects
      StThomasToday.ca.
      ... projects, including upgrades to community centres, recreational facilities, parks, trails and cultural spaces. Municipalities, Indigenous ...
       
      OPP lay 72 charges during ATV Safety Week - CTV News
      CTV News
      ... riding ATVs pictured. (OPP). A number of central Ontario All-Terrain ... Canada's B.C. born players prepare for hometown World. Video · 'It's a ...
       
      Conservation authorities commit to 'transparency' during amalgamation - 570 News
      570 News - CityNews
      The Grand River Conservation Authority, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Kettle Creek Conservation ... Canada to a Canadian citizen. May 19, 2026 ...
       
      How to catch a free ride from Toronto to Canada's first and only urban national park all summer
      Toronto.com
      This drop-off will place you near the Tallgrass Trek, Monarch Trail, Reesor Way and Tanglewood Trail. Rouge National Urban Park. Although Rouge ...

      Phone Reporting is Game-Changer for Quetico, Others Eye NEXUS Program to Replace ...
      Paddle and Portage
      The results have been positive for a new telephone reporting system set up by the Canada ... Paddle & Portage media. Meanwhile, people who travel ...
       
      How communities across Canada are celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day | CFJC Today Kamloops
      CFJC Today Kamloops
      Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon will host a National Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration with traditional dancing, drum performances and ...
       
      Signs across Niagara Region trails, sites will connect hikers to its Indigenous history - CBC
      CBC
      Trail signs popping up along major paths in Ontario's Niagara Region ... Trail Network's project director. “It was important to have ...
       
      Trail Movement creates community for racialized Queer newcomers - NOW Toronto
      NOW Toronto
      While hiking may seem like an unusual element for an organization focused on refugee support, coming to a country like Canada, Simpson says nature ...
       
      Over $20K in trees 'intentionally damaged' on Millennium Recreational Trail - Thorold News
      ThoroldToday.ca
      At the suggestion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), a valued community partner, has agreed to redirect a planned Fall ...
       
      Public Safety Notice Issued After Vancouver Island Trails Found Booby-Trapped With Steel Spikes
      Pinkbike
      I haven't heard of bikers sabotaging hiking trails. [Reply]. 204 ... Canadian skate parks. Some people would just chuck stuff into the park ...
       
      School forest initiative set to expand outdoor learning in Ontario - Future of Good
      Future of Good
      With your support, the sector you're building gets the journalism it deserves, and you get a tax receipt. Support Us. Upcoming Events. Aug ...
       
      Coyote incident forces closure of Lalande Conservation Park - CityNews Ottawa
      CityNews Ottawa
      Lalande Conservation Park closes as City doubles down on coyote problem ... Canadian Municipalities (FCM) president in 87 years. Tierney said he ...
       
      National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21 - UPEI
      UPEI
      ... heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions ... The Government of Canada's Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada ...


      Add your Voice Ontario!


      trans canada trail state of the trails survey 2026Trans 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 


      Mayor's Walks - 2026
       

      mayor's walk badge

      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.

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

      Itr was a busy weekend all over Ontario as communities and their leaders explored their local trails. We wish to thank all the communities that celebrated this year.

      It was helpful that many municipalities took to social media to announce their events and then post the group photos of people outdoors enjoying their local trails. One such community was the Township of Front of Yonge.
       

      July 5-6: Caledon Hills/Dufferin Hi-Land
      July 19-20: Boyne Valley Provincial Park/Mulmur Hills
      August 2-3: Noisy River Provincial Park/Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Park
      August 16-17: Petun Conservation Area/Old Baldy
      August 30-31: Hoggs Falls/Talisman Mountain
      September 13-14: Bognor Marsh/Bill & Cecilie Moses Family Property
      September 27-28: Skinner’s Bluff/Bluewater Park
      October 11-12: Cape Croker Park/Greig’s Caves
      October 25-26: Devil’s Monument/The Grotto
      November 1: Tobermory/Celebration!

       

       

      ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING

       
      GRCA seeks volunteers to help design future single-track trails in Ganaraska Forest
      93.3 myFM
      The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is looking for volunteers to help plan the future of non-motorized...
       
      Thunder Bay councillors to get update on proposed Waterfront Trail extension on Tuesday
      CBC
      Plan would see trail run 13.5 km from Fisherman's Park to Mission Island ... Canada can achieve 'win-win' with U.S. if we don't 'panic and freak ...
       
      Ajax Council Applies for $122 Million to Widen Roads and Build Parks - boringnews.ca
      boringnews
      ... Trans-Canada Trail. “This is a big opportunity for Ajax to get major infrastructure built while keeping the cost to local taxpayers low,” said ...
      Creating pathways for nature in one of Ontario's top ski and beach regions
      Canadian Geographic
      At that time, we literally had no idea about the global conservation movement towards corridors. ... Canadian Geographic is a publication of the Royal ..
       
      New project will restore 6.5-acre Kolapore meadow back to native species - Collingwood News
      Collingwood Today
      ... Ontario's Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. Through strategic grant making and philanthropic partnerships, community ...
       
      Temporary Partial Trail Closure At Collavino Conservation Area in Effect For Turtle Protection
      windsoriteDOTca News
      windsoriteDOTca - windsor ontario news, breaking news, local news ... Events · News Tips. More Info. Comment Policy · Contact Us · Our Staff · Privacy ...
       
      Investment in Invasive Species Action Fund for Southwestern Ontario - Kingsville Times
      Kingsville Times
      Grey Highlands Secondary School (Bluewater District School Board); Kettle Creek Conservation Authority; Maitland Trail Association; Ontario Farmland ...
       
      City of Ottawa considering aversion conditioning for Orléans coyotes - CTV News
      CTV News
      “Following consultation with the Province and wildlife specialists, including Coyote Watch Canada, the City is finalizing its operational plans. This ...
       
      Rosehaven Homes Launches Springside Trails in Midhurst, Ontario, Expanding Its Low ...
      Yahoo Finance
      ... Trail system, giving residents access to hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and year-round outdoor recreation just steps from home. With Snow ...
       
      WTRCAT Raising Money for Thunder Bay Waterfront Trail - Wawa-news.com
      Wawa-news.com
      ... Trans Canada Trail begins. With municipal, federal and provincial support, coupled with collaboration among service clubs like Port Arthur Rotary ...
       
      Fifty organizations unite to advance nature-based education across Canada
      The Laker News
      The Centre's partners represent a diverse cross-section of Canadian society, including conservation organizations, educational institutions ...

      LETTER: Reader criticizes council's handling of Kortright Waterfowl Park lands - Guelph News
      Guelph Today
      For context, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is planning to sell this part, presumably to developers, in light of its current ...

      June 16: Don't profit off nature's beauty and other letters to the editor - The Hamilton Spectator
      The Hamilton Spectator
      Warren Waxman is opposed to the Hamilton Conservation Authority's proposal to build a 30-space parking lot for Tiffany Falls. A reader suggests ...

      Elementary school students in Sault Ste. Marie awarded 30 mountain bikes
      Education News Canada
      Education News Canada is part of the Jaguar Media Group. Our daily e-newsletter delivers the latest news and developments related to the education ...
       
      $330M for Southern Ontario as Ottawa opens applications for community projects
      StThomasToday.ca.
      ... projects, including upgrades to community centres, recreational facilities, parks, trails and cultural spaces. Municipalities, Indigenous ...
       
      Durham Meadoway Project
      Durham.ca
      The project was inspired by other Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) hydro corridor trail projects, particularly The Meadoway project in ...
       
        
      Lassonde Art Trail in the newest addition to the Port Lands revitalization project - CityNews Toronto
      CityNews Toronto
      Lassonde Art Trail in the newest addition to the Port Lands revitalization project ... 333 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1G9 © 2002 - 2026 ...

      Current News & Trends - Durham Region

      In this DurhamRegion.com column from Chair John Henry, discover how Durham Tourism’s Open Skies adventure planner positions Durham Region as a destination full of nearby adventures and experiences.

      Last call has been extended at licensed restaurants and bars during the FIFA World Cup™ tournament. Learn more about the temporarily extended alcohol service hours.

      Pinterest reports that sports-themed gatherings, food spreads and fashion are trending this summer. Discover Pinterest’s Summer 2026 Trend Report to see how they could inspire your summer offerings.

      The City of Pickering has received nearly $17 million in non-tax gaming revenue from OLG over the past year through the Pickering Casino Resort. Explore how this partnership supports local programs, services and infrastructure.

      Ajax’s Sum 41 is the latest inductee into the DREAMS! Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame. Read all about the honour. Nominations for this year's DREAMS! Music Awards closed June 15. The winners will be announced on September 18 at the Biltmore Theatre.

      Whitby has received $200,000 in federal funding to support revitalization efforts along its waterfront. Discover how the investment will enhance public spaces.

      Pickering has endorsed the final design concept for a new park that will replace a downtown parking lot. Explore the plans for City Centre Park.

      There’s been strong interest in Whitby’s hotel attraction program, prompting council to consider expanding its scope. Find out more about the response to the program.



      canadian trails summit 2 june 2026