Saturday, February 21, 2026

Canadian Trail News, Updates from the trail community, our Confederation College Courses and more!

 


CANADIAN TRAIL NEWS
 

Taiwan eyes Indigenous tourism cooperation with Canada | Taiwan News | Feb. 15, 2026 11:57
Taiwan News
The delegation toured local attractions, including an Indigenous art village, hiking trails, and cabin lodges operated by the Haida people, CNA ...
 
Manitoba Government Announces New Recreational Trails Grants - News Releases
News Releases - Manitoba.ca
Thompson Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club Inc. – $49,980 for Mid Lake trail; and; Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association – $27,809 for community trail ...
 
Salt Marsh Trail vital piece of shared heritage - PressReader
PressReader
Nova Scotia's parks boast many wonders, but few offer the unique and accessible blend of history, ecology and community spirit found along the Salt ...
 
BC Bike Race launches new BC Bike Fest weekend with all the bikes
Canadian Cycling Magazine
A big festival environment bringing all kinds of mountain bikers together in the same palce. XC, downhill, enduro, adaptive mtb and e-bikes all ...
 
Safety top of mind amid terrific Nova Scotia snowmobile season - CBC
CBC
Canada • Nova Scotia • Northern Nova Scotia. Safety top of mind ... Snowmobile trails in Nova Scotia are busy during what's being called a ...
 
BC Bike Fest Is Bringing a New MTB Festival to Vancouver Island
Mountain Bike Action
... Bike RaceCanadian mountain bike festivalCowichan Valley MTBMegaVolt eMTBmountain bike festivals ... Home Page News · VIDEO: “FIGHTING FOR IT,” THE ...
 
  
Yukon Arctic Ultra winner says new trail, fresh snow, made race hard | CBC.ca
CBC
It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges ...
 
Early spring weather cancels Canadian Birkebeiner ski festival | Edmonton Journal
Edmonton Journal
One of Canada's largest cross country ski festivals, which has blazed a trail through Edmonton's parkland for 40 years, has been forced to cancel ...
 
Lodge-to-lodge hiking offers an easy entry point for thrill seekers - The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail
... hiking trails throughout the country, which means the barrier to entry is low. ... In Canada, the most popular lodge-to-lodge hiking options are ...
 
Funding for B.C. parks and outdoor recreation isn't discretionary | Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Sun
... Canada's deadliest mass shootings. Search vancouversun.com. Perform ... Improving access to parkstrails and green spaces will help the whole ...
 
Sledders hitting the trails for 1000 Mile Challenge - Telegraph-Journal
Telegraph-Journal
Dozens of snowmobilers plan to be trek their way across New Brunswick next week in the 1,000 Mile Challenge to raise money to send kids to summer ...
 
Alberta's plan for parks aims to balance conservation with tourism | CBC News
CBC
2025 budget earmarks $236 million over 3 years to update provincial park trails, facilities. Greg Colgan ...

A new trail in Alberta expands recreation opportunities in Baraga County
The Keweenaw Report
For many years, the small town of Alberta supplied the wood that was used in the production of the Ford Motor ...
Manitoba Government Supports Festival du Voyageur, Manitobans Invited to Celebrate the ...
Manitoba | News Releases - Manitoba.ca
... heritage, Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced today. “Festival du Voyageur is not only a cultural highlight ...
 
Rockslide occurs at Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Hope | Hope Standard
Hope Standard
It is a decommissioned rail trail that was converted into a family-friendly recreational trail network and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The ...
 
Outdoor recreation demand at an all-time high - PressReader
PressReader
Improving access to parkstrails and green spaces will help the whole ... Newspapers from Canada · PressReader · Work with us · Blog · Help center ...
 
Lake Louise visitors don't want 'Costco parking lot vibe': Parks Canada dealing with overcrowding
Rocky Mountain Outlook
To do this, Parks Canada is considering reducing daily volumes of hikers ... “Currently, that's a hiking trail that can be accessed without advance ...

Petition launched to preserve KVR trail near Princeton | Kelowna Capital News
Kelowna Capital News
... trail between Princeton and the Coquihalla. The section is a portion of the Trans Canada Trail. During the atmospheric river event in November ...
 
Baseline Mountain's historic Canada Cup downhill race track gets a $115,000 makeover
Singletracks.com
The Baseline Mountain Biking Club in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, hired professional trail builders to restore the steep, technical trail that ...
 
9 Storybook Towns In Alberta - World Atlas
World Atlas
While the ski season runs for about half the year, thanks to glaciers ... The Canmore Nordic Center was an Olympic venue for cross-country skiing ..
 
One of Alberta's best frozen waterfalls has a new trail and viewing platforms - Curiocity
Curiocity
At the end of the trail, you'll reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Bighorn Canyon, according to Alberta Parks. Alberta's famed ice bubbles.
 
  
Hazard tree assessment and removal continues this winter in Jasper National Park ... - Facebook
Facebook
➡️ Check our interactive map to see all the areas and trails that are currently open parks.canada. ca/Jasper-status If you're still ...

Gros Morne Calling - The Trek
The Trek
... Park, Newfoundland, Canada. ... I'm Kelly (or Generous Dude on the trail), an IT consultant hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
 
Snowmobile trails holding up in mild weather - SteinbachOnline.com
SteinbachOnline
Copied! Grooming snowmobile trails (Photo credit: South East Sno-Riders) ... Gobeil says for sledding purposes, it really has not been a winter with a ...
 
Martensville looking at licensing, designated trails for ATV users - SaskToday.ca
SaskToday.ca
Union warns of public safety risks as Transport Canada cuts jobs · More National Business >. Tune In for Great Music! Album Art. Your vote matters.
 
Tourism operators in Cape Breton hope for more winter visitors - CTV News
CTV News
“We've got lots of access to snowmobile trails,” Coffin said. “Cross-country ski at Baddeck Nordic and Cape Smokey is booming, so there's lots of ...
 

Ontario Trails Trip Planner


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

banner saying welcome to the ontario trails trip planner

1. Go to the OTC Website ontariotrails.ca

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

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

5. Review your itinerary.

6. Print Your Personalized Trip Plan.


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

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

 

 

Professional Development


Trail Stewardship Starts January, 2026.


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

                   Ontario trails council logo       with 
       intact public entities logo

Ontario Trails - Trails Risk Management Committee 2025-26
 
The purpose of each meeting is to gather resources from practitioners on the topic in advance so we can have a productive discussion on the topic and the various sub sections below. The materials will be crafted into supporting documents, educational sessions and a follow-up webinar so that maximum distribution of these up to date best practices can be achieved, and then shared with the Ontario Trails Community.
  • Intact Co-Chair - Jaden Hodgins
  • Ontario Trails Co-Chair - Dave Naulls
There will be 6 online meetings over the year.

N/C for OTC Members
Donation for non-members
__________________________________________________________

Meeting Date - March 20, 2026 1030-1200
Topic: User Education and Training

Meeting Date - May 5, 2026 1030-1200
Topic: Regulation and Legislation

 

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Ontario Conservation Trails, People, Place and Experiences, Winter Trail Activities, Cross Country, Snowshoe, Ice Climbing and MOre!

 

ONTARIO CONSERVATION TRAILS

Winter welcome, but motorized vehicles 'strictly prohibited' in conservation areas, ERCA warns - MSN
MSN
“We ask all visitors to respect posted signage and trail rules and to use conservation areas and trails ... Ontario snowmobile club aiming for a ...
 
Boreal: It's time to put a value on Canada's Natural Assets, before it's too late
Ducks Unlimited Canada
It's time to take action towards long-term conservation investment in Canada's boreal region. A Climate Solution Right in front of us. Canada's boreal ...
 
COLUMN: From literature to land — a Canadian story of stewardship - Orillia News
Orillia Matters
Region's natural beauty shapes decisions, communities, and even politics, says chair of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.

 
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | Daily Bulletin | University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
... conservation and educational innovation across Canada and pursue new academic and research projects together. “CWF is one of Canada's leading ...
 
COLUMN: From literature to land: A Canadian story of stewardship - Collingwood Today
Collingwood Today
From ski hills to hiking trails, cottages on the water, potato farms, and fishing holes, landscape is intrinsically linked to our lives. This was ...
 


PLACES, PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES

February 2026 offers diverse Ontario trail events, featuring winter hiking, snowshoeing, and trail running, including the Fire and Stars Torch-lit Trail at Sibbald Point and guided wildlife walks in Algonquin. Major highlights include the Family Day weekend at Trail Hub (Uxbridge) and the lantern-lit skiing at Hiawatha Highlands (Sault Ste. Marie)
  • Guided Hiking & Wildlife (Algonquin Provincial Park): Feb 15 & 21: Guided walks
  • searching for moose, birds, and ontario trails council add your event gadgebeaver signs along the Old Railway Bike Trail and the Logging Museum.

  • Torch-lit Trails (Sibbald Point Provincial Park): Feb 15: Evening hikes lit by fire and stars from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.

  • Family Day Weekend (Trail Hub, Uxbridge): Feb 16–17: Family Day Winter Adventure event.

  • Lantern-lit Skiing (Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie): Feb 14: Ski the Pinder Trail under lanterns and the moon, part of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.

  • Winter Trail Running (Long Point & Thunder Bay): Throughout February: Dog-friendly 5-25km runs at Long Point Eco-Adventures, and the Hoot Winter Trail Series in Thunder Bay (Feb 22).

  • Trail Hub Events (Uxbridge): Country Music Nights are scheduled for Feb 6, 20, and 27.

  • Virtual/Educational: The Bruce Trail Conservancy offers a webinar on the "Fascinating World of Ferns" on Feb 12. 
Please see the Ontario Trails Events Page for more information.

An Essex County, Ontario, MTB club raised $200,000 and built 8km of trails in just 3 years
Singletracks.com
It is also home to a large wooded area behind the building that, other than hiking trails, was relatively untouched. “Behind the community center ...
 
GTA ski club maintains wilderness trails for 50 years - PressReader
PressReader
... skiingCross-country travel through untracked forest, powered by camaraderie, grit and shared knowledge of handmade trails. “Many of our members ...
 
A Legacy in the Land: Four Generations at Pukaskwa National Park
Parks Canada - Canada.ca
For Karson, it's where past and present meet – on trails, on fire lines, and out on the land. The Otiquam family's story is one Parks Canada is ...
 
No Ice at Ice Fest? Try Drytooling, a Little Bit of Doom, and Dance Parties.
climbing.com
... ice fests across the country, with many more in Canada and Europe. ... Climate ChangeIce ClimbingMichigan Ice Festouray ice festOuray Ice ParkValdez Ice ...
 
Iconic outdoors apparel retailer is filing for bankruptcy, closing all of its stores - PennLive.com
PennLive.com
Published: Feb. 05, 2026, 5:00 a.m.. Eddie Bauer is closing most of its stores in the U.S. and Canada as it files for bankruptcy.
 
This beautiful small town 1 hour from Toronto was named among Canada's most liveable
Narcity
The town's website notes that "from hiking trails to ball diamonds, snowmobiling, outdoor soccer to tennis, residents of the Town of Erin enjoy lots ...
 
11 Most Charming cities in the Great Lakes region - World Atlas
World Atlas
The capital of Ontario, Toronto sits along the shores of Lake Ontario ... Oak Openings Preserve Metropark offers great outdoor activities like ...
 
2026 Frozen Toe Fat Bike Race registration now open in Ontario - 9&10 News
9&10 News
The 2026 Frozen Toe Fat Bike Race returns to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Feb. 7. Riders can choose from three courses and enjoy the icy trails.
 

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

Ice Climbing ALL LEVELS of Instruction $150.00 - SooToday.com
SooToday.com
Join the Team that has Developed most of the Ice Climbs in Algoma and written over 35 guidebooks, and taught well over 4500 students since 1989 We ...
 
Canoe and Kayak athletes from across Ontario hit the snow this weekend for training
North Bay Nugget
Warren Hastings is the Canoe Kayak Canada President. He was in North Bay to train for himself (as he competes for the Balmy Beach Canoe Club in ...
 
This Ontario tradition sees sled dogs deliver mail by paw - Toronto.com
Toronto.com
The trails are always fun and new for the dogs and me. Even though it ... As part of the Seguin Sled Dog Mail Run, mushers from across Ontario ...
 


Ice climbers scale Tiffany Falls in Hamilton | CBC.ca
CBC
Ice climbers scale Tiffany Falls on Jan. 26. Muskoka Mountainworks is one of two organizations allowed to climb at that conservation area.
 
Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club Successfully Hosted Ontario Cup #3 to Open 2026 in Sault Ste Marie
Saultsports.com
Soo Finnish skiers delivered strong performances
 
Snow Much To Do: Your Guide To Winter In Simcoe County | Rock 95
Rock 95
... Ontario, with the Barrie Downtown Waterfront offering outdoor activities all day long. Some Event Features Include: Live Entertainment: Lumberjack ...
 
Kearney Dog Sled Races return this weekend - Huntsville Doppler
Huntsville Doppler
... trails in multiple race classes. Fun for ... Don't miss out on one of Ontario's most beloved winter traditions — the Kearney Dog Sled Races 2026!
 

Thursday, February 12, 2026

New Member Profiles - we thank you for your support! Snowmobile Updates, accidents and safety measures. Snowmobile safety week

 

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 - Sentiers Recreatif Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail  - Thank-you!

The recreational trail is a safe and multifunctional trail that crosses the entire territory of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, located in Eastern Ontario between Ottawa and Montreal. With a distance of 72 km, the trail is primarily used in the winter for snowmobiling and in the summer for walking and biking.
Sentier Récréatif Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail


Renewal - Catfish Creek Conservation Authority  - Thank-you!

The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is located in southwestern Ontario. The Conservation Authority implements programs to reduce the risk of life and property from flooding and erosion; water and land stewardship; forestry; wildlife habitat creation and outdoor recreation. 




NEW - Ramara Township - Thank-you!

township of ramara logoWhether you're seeking a quite escape into nature or a scenic route to stretch your legs, the Township of Ramara offers a diverse network of trails to suit every pace and preference. From tranquil strolls through rolling farmland and charming cottage country to invigorating walks along paved roads, there's a trail waiting for you.

Ramara's trail system features a variety of routes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, making them accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're walking solo, with family, or alongside a furry friend, these trails provide a safe and welcoming environment to enjoy the outdoors.



NEW - Carl Friesen - Individual - Thank-you!

 
 
Join Ontario Trails Council - we'll help you make an impression!

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

 
  

ONTARIO SNOWMOBILING NEWS
 

Ontario Trails Council advises - sled smart. Take a driver education course. Follow posted speed limits. Drive your sled according to conditions. Do not drink and drive. We encourage the OPP and the MTO to enforce all safety rules and laws to protect the general public, trail users, and ensure the safety of all snowmobilers. As the OPP say - 

Preventable behaviours like excessive speeding or alcohol and drug impairment put your safety – and your return to your loves ones – at risk. Please make every ride a safe one for you and your family,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Karen Meyer, Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
 
Snowmobile club stresses safety after pair of fatal crashes | CBC News
CBC
Last Thursday, a 61-year-old woman from Kingston, Ont., died after her snowmobile collided with a pickup truck in Loyalist Township, Ontario ...

OPP stress safety after responding to 7 snowmobile deaths this season - Halton Hills News
Halton Hills News
... trails as these groomed, maintained trails remain the ... With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week kicking off next week, the OPP and the Ontario ...

Ontario Provincial Police offer snowmobile safety tips as snowy weather lingers - Windsor Star
Windsor Star
Stay on designated trails. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs lists trails that are the safest routes. Article content. The use of all ...

Don't let “living it up” on a snowmobile cost you your life: OPP - Huntsville Doppler
Huntsville Doppler
With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week kicking off next week, the OPP and ... The OPP and OFSC encourage snowmobilers to stick to available OFSC trails as ...
 
Sledders should make 'safest bet' for riding | Local News | chroniclejournal.com
The Chronicle-Journal
... trails in the lead-up to next week's annual Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week. According to the OFSC's online, province-wide trail map, the majority ...

OPP reminds snowmobilers of the safety risks - Blackburn News
Blackburn News
... trails, obeying speed limits ... Information on snowmobile safety is provided on the official Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs website.
 
  
Timmins police ride the snowmobile trails - CTV News
CTV News
... Canadian Robert Schellenberg in drug smuggling case. February 06, 2026 at 7:58PM EST. Canada loses 25,000 jobs as unemployment rate rises to 6.5 per ...

Officers complete cold water drills in snowmobile certification program - TimminsToday.com
Timmins Today
... trails, assist with search and rescue operations, and improve ... 9-16, a winter campaign across Ontario promoting safe snowmobiling. The ...
 
  
Timmins police and snowmobile club on joint trail patrol for the rest of the season
Timmins Press
Members of the Timmins Snowmobile Club (TSC) Trail Patrol along with the Timmins Police Service have begun patrols of the local Ontario Federation ...
 
Police urging caution ahead of Snowmobile Safety Week - Hunters Bay Radio
Hunters Bay Radio
Snowmobilers across Ontario are being reminded to put safety first, even as excellent snow conditions attract riders to the trails. With Snowmobile ...
 
Snowmobiler, 14, Dies Following 'Tragic Collision' with Pickup Truck - People.com
People.com
A 14-year-old boy died following a collision between a snowmobile and a pickup truck in Ontario, Canada, on Jan. 31; The teen was a ninth grader ...
 
Dominic Cross, 14, killed in snowmobile crash near St. Marys, Ont. remembered for his spirit
CBC
A teenager killed in a snowmobile crash in southwestern Ontario is ... Brandon Bowen, president of the Thamesford Snowmobile Club, said trail ...
 
Barbecues and brotherhood fuel snowmobile trail volunteers - TimminsToday.com
Timmins Today
... snowmobile trails around Timmins.Amanda Rabski-McColl/TimminsToday ... Canada · World. More. Games and Comics · Helpers · Let's Eat · Then and Now ...
 
Officials urge caution after snowmobile crash on busy local trail - Orillia Matters
Orillia Matters
... snowmobile trail groomer took this photo while grooming Orillia District Snowmobile Club trails. ... Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. “It ...
 
Warwick Snowmobile Club opens trails
Blackburn News Sarnia, Breaking News Sarnia
Buy your 2026 Snowmobile Trail Pass and on the Go Snowmobiling Ontario app, all of our staging areas are posted on that," Vaughan said. The club has ...
 
10 sleds caught without valid trail permits - TimminsToday.com
Timmins Today
The Timmins Snowmobile Club and the Timmins Police Service are working together to patrol local Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails.
 
Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week Starts February 9 - Kingsville Times
Kingsville Times
Stay on Designated Trails: Stick to Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails, which are the safest routes. Riders can access real-time ...
 
Snowmobiler airlifted after hitting steel gate on marked trail - CTV News
CTV News
... snowmobile had struck a steel gate on a marked snowmobile trail. ... Canada's top-rated luxury Airbnbs that are worth the splurge · These are ...
 
  
Stay right, wear your helmet and no drugs or alcohol on snowmobile trails please
CTV News
Quebec Snowmobile Federation safety supervisor Jocelyn Desfossés urges snowmobilers to follow the rules or they could face fines.
 
What's good in Exeter Grand Bend? Not quite green yet: Snowmobile trails still limited in the ...
90.5 Exeter Today
Exeter is included in Region 5 within the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, along with Grand Bend and all of our area trails are currently in ...
 
Police issue 23 notices on snowmobile trails on weekend - Midland Today
Midland Today
Police patrolled 100 kilometres of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails and issued notices for speeding, trail pass violations, and permit‑ ...
 
Manitoulin OPP patrolling OFSC trails - Elliot Lake News
Elliot Lake News
... Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails, and will continue these efforts throughout the remainder of the snowmobile season. On Jan ...
 
Check international ice bridge conditions 24/7 with Drummond Island's webcam - mlive.com
MLive.com
The 12-mile stretch of frozen lake links the Upper Peninsula's Drummond Island to Ontario's St. ... Drummond Island has 80 miles of snowmobile trails ...
 
OPP, snowmobile clubs urge riders to put safety first as season continues
Sydenham Current
Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile ... The OPP and OFSC are encouraging riders to use groomed and maintained OFSC trails ...