Showing posts with label @ontrails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label @ontrails. Show all posts

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Ontario Trails News and Updates - from the people that make, develop and enjoy Ontario's recreational trails #ontariotrails

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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spring sky over ontario water trails
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - May 4, 2026

• National Trail Summit - Go Fund Us - • Project Funding Builds Trails •
• Seasonal Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services •

ontario canoe and kayak paddling trails

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

 
County unveils new Barrie-Collingwood active transportation trail
Collingwood Today
New multi-use trail runs along former Barrie-Collingwood rail line, for 23 kilometres from Stayner to Angus.
 
Napanee Council rail/trail land sale sparks allegations of 'closed meeting' deal - The Record
The Record
ONTARIO NOW NEWSLETTER. Get our free new weekly newsletter.
 
Merger of conservation authorities could lead to fiscal impacts says Petrie - The Hamilton Spectator
The Hamilton Spectator
100% Canadian Owned. © Copyright 2026 Metroland Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved 8 Spadina Avenue, Suite 10A, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. Back
 
Ontario faces growing opposition in consolidating conservation authorities - The Brock Press
The Brock Press
The Ontario government is facing mounting criticism over a proposal to restructure the province's conservation authority system, ...
 
Mattawa prepares as conservation authority warns of rising river levels - The Hamilton Spectator
The Hamilton Spectator
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) issued the warning at 10:30 a.m. yesterday. ... 100% Canadian Owned. © Copyright 2026 Metroland ...
 
New Partnership Protects Land in Oxford - 104.7 Heart FM
104.7 Heart FM
Scouts Canada, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, and the Thames ... trails and events." Koscinski says it will now be known as Sycamore ...

national accessibility week 2026 badge
A full week of events in store for this year's National AccessAbility Week - Sudbury News
Sudbury.com
Outdoor Night Market, 125 Durham St., Friday, May 29, 5-9 p.m.. “An ... Northern Ontario Business · Oakville News · OntarioFlyers.ca ...
 
Joint Funding For Northern Ontario Trans Canada Trail - Your Sunset Country
Your Sunset Country
Laureen Harper is trumpeting a joint funding announcement to help the Trans Canada Trail complete its routes in Northern Ontario.
 
Provincial Funding For Path Of The Paddle - Your Sunset Country
Your Sunset Country
The Path of the Paddle continues its work to establish a 900-kilometre water trail to the Trans Canada Trail. The trail will stretch through the ...
 
New General Manager For Path Of The Paddle - Your Sunset Country
Your Sunset Country
... trail down towards Sault Ste. Marie. Carrie Nolan has a two ... Nolan says she is also looking further ahead with the Trans-Canada Trail project.
 
Parks Canada warns of hazardous hiking conditions following several rescues - CochraneNow
Cochrane Now
On April 9, a solo hiker was air-lifted from the Big Beehive after sinking thigh-deep into isothermal snow while following a route on a trails app.
 
Nipissing paramedics roll out off-road unit to reach patients in remote areas | CBC News
CBC
He said there are opportunities to deploy the vehicle as more people use of ATV trails ... Canada is getting a sovereign wealth fund. What are ...
 
 

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 


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 ...
 
Search for missing Australian hiker ongoing in Cape Breton Highlands National Park - CP24
CP24
... Canada, involved. The search has been ongoing since then. Williams ... There are 26 hiking trails within the park. Missing hiker Denise Ann ...
 
Body of hiker found near Squamish waterfall 10 months after disappearance | CBC News
CBC
... British Columbia, according to B.C. Parks. (Anita Bathe/CBC). Shannon ... trails, including the Shannon Falls Pools Trail. The route, although ...
 
Win a Forbidden Reya & Support the Trails in Cumberland, BC - Pinkbike
Pinkbike
Win a Forbidden Reya & Support the Trails in Cumberland, BC. Apr 30 ... Ticket sales are limited to residents of British Columbia. 3. Tickets ...
 
Near-record snowpack in the Rockies means dangerous conditions for spring hikers - CP24
CP24
... trails and injured themselves,” said Brian Morgan, a visitor safety specialist with Parks Canada. ... snow line,” Morgan said. “We just want to get ...
 
Canada's longest suspension bridge opens in May | Daily Hive | Urbanized
Daily Hive
Continue your outdoor adventure along one of the many wilderness trails available. You can even hike along the canyon lake shoreline for another ...
 
5 Most Rattlesnake Infested Areas In The Great Lakes - World Atlas
World Atlas
... Park, Ontario, Canada. Image credit: Viktorus ... trails at locales like Killarney Provincial Park and Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
 
ATV Driver Charged With Impaired - Kawartha 411
Kawartha 411
Drive off-road vehicle – no insurance. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville ...
 
 

Mayor's Walks - 2026
 

mayor's walk badge

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.

MORE>>>>>>>>

 
 

ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING

   
Thunder Bay, Ontario Builds New Trail Network Connecting to Minnesota as US-Canada ...
Travel And Tour World
Thunder Bay launches a new trail system linking Ontario to Minnesota, boosting American tourism as the iconic Chilkoot Trail border crossing ...
 
PowerCo and city forge new community nature trail in St. Thomas - CTV News
CTV News
Thomas staff and workers from the PowerCo EV battery gigafactory under construction joined forces to clear a new public nature trail. Workers cleared ...
 
Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival paddling toward $5 million fundraising milestone for ...
The Hamilton Spectator
Ontario · Ontario Regional News · Ontario Communities News · Canada · British Columbia · Alberta · Quebec · Nova Scotia · World · United States ...
 
Ontario grants back Espanola projects from inclusive ice sports to local history at the library
Elliot Lake News
Planned improvements include an archery range, a disc golf course, and trails for cross-country skiing and mountain biking. Tom Hutchinson, the ...
 

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. 
Read more
 
Will this provincial plan lead to fewer e-mopeds in Toronto bike lanes? By - TorontoToday.ca
TorontoToday.ca
Though these vehicles are not permitted in any Toronto bike lanes, riders often use them there, which has led to frustration among some cyclists.

Polaris TRAILS GRANTS Award More Than $125,000 to 14 Organizations
Motorcycle & Powersports News
Kyle Alexander is the Multimedia Journalist of Motorcycle & Powersports News. Published: May 1, 2026. polaris-spring-2026-trails-grants.
 
GRCA launches fundraiser to maintain local trails, natural areas - The Record
The Record
The Trails to Wellness campaign was launched by the Grand River Conservation ... Find out more or donate at www.grandriver.ca. ONTARIO NOW NEWSLETTER.
 
Huron County prepares for standardized official plans | Spare News | pentictonherald.ca
Penticton Herald
... land use designations developed in consultation with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. ... management and larger developments, and its ...
 
Reid Street and Cherryhill Road Undergoing Temporary Sidewalk Closures For Repairs
PtboCanada
... Trans-Canada Trail crossing but does not impede it. Detour routes will be posted. The sidewalk on the east side of Reid Street is available. The ...

BRUCE TRAIL DEMOLISHING BUILDINGS TO PROTECT TRAIL
 
The UTRCA Contributes 855.76 Hectares to Canada's 30x30 Project in Partnership with ...
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), in collaboration with Ontario Nature, is proud to announce the contribution of 855.76 hectares ...

 

TRAILS OPEN


Many trail systems have finally closed off winter operations, many have had posted warnings about muddy conditions. Please stay off muddy trails.

ofatv opening weekend posterPlease 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.
 

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

TRAIL CLOSURE: Please note that Woodpecker Way trail at Baxter Conservation Area is currently closed due to unsafe conditions. Thank you for your patience!
 

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Ontario Trail News - all the latest information about Ontario's favourite recreation and leisure activity!

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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View it in your browser.
ontario trails in winter, watch for flooding and fast water, follow all warnings
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - April 13, 2026

• National Trail Summit - Go Fund Us - • Project Funding Builds Trails •
• Seasonal Activity on Ontario Trails • Trail Projects • Updates • Member Services •

ontario trail in the winter, it;s spring stay off of muddy trails, stay away from water

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

 
'No ice is safe ice,' police remind public - Elliot Lake News
Elliot Lake News
The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario's highways, trails and waterways through high visibility patrols and enforcement in order to reduce ...
 
49-year-old man dies from injuries following ATV crash in Ottawa
edge injury law
Ottawa police are seeking witnesses after a fatal ATV crash in the city's west end. ... Ontario Personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of ...
 
How Canada can reach a target of 15 national urban parks by 2030 - Rabble.ca
Rabble.ca
And as one would hope, the Policy includes a requirement to conserve nature: explore opportunities to expand the area, strengthen conservation ...
 
You can now get a prescription for nature access if you live in Hamilton, here's how - CBC
CBC
... Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. It launched in Halton in late 2024. Then interim vice ...
 
Skepticism is natural as Ford rolls out regional reform - PressReader
PressReader
Ontario's proposed Better Regional Governance Act is being sold as a ... Greenbelt was heavily influenced by a small group of developers who ...
 
Disbursement quota change released extra $711 million into charitable sector: Imagine Canada
Future of Good
According to Imagine Canada's principal researcher David Lasby, these foundations would previously have been “disbursing below the levels required by ...
 
Volunteer Peterborough presents "United to Thank Volunteers" - kawarthaNOW
kawarthaNOW
... Canoe Museum during the event. Volunteer Peterborough is inviting local ... Ontario's first college merger to strengthen financial ...
 
This Ontario city with 330 lakes was named among Canada's best places to live in 2026
Yahoo News Canada
... activities and outdoor adventures. The city is home to a range of attractions and things to do, including Science North, where you can explore an ...


 

Mayor's Walks - 2026
 

mayor's walk badge

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
 
 

ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING
 

  
Feds announce $51B infrastructure fund, first project to be built in Ontario
CityNews Calgary
... projects across the country, starting with a community centre in Brampton, Ontario. ... Trail Monday morning. 17h ago. 0:49. City of Calgary services ...
 
  
'Long, long overdue': Ottawa residents push for bike share return - YouTube
YouTube
Go to channel Forrest's Outdoor Adventure · Bike Shop Manager Exposes The ... 8 Canadian Families That Quietly Own Canada. Make That Change•254K ...
 
Quinte West to consult public on ATV use on Lower Trent Trail - The Quinteist
The Quinteist
... Ontario Trail Alliance for the maintenance, operation and management of the trail. This expired in January 2021, the staff report noted. In ...
 
New $8.6M pedestrian bridge over Conestogo River approved for Guelph-to-Goderich trail
CBC
... tourism in the area ... Related Stories. This hiker and author wants you to hit an Ontario trail this long weekend ...
 
North Bay to purchase ski hill, other land from conservation authority - CTV News
CTV News
In addition, the trail network will remain part of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Conservation Area with no changes to availability or ...
 
  
Snowmobile club acquires bridge to gain access to Bruce Mines - Sault Star
Sault Star
... snowmobilers are known to spend money on fuel, food and lodging. The 30,000 kilometres of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail network ...

 

Kitchener Trail Improvements

Industry Name: Leisure/Parks/Recreation

Trade Name: Hike/Bike Trails

Project Street: Various/Multiple

Project City: Kitchener

Detail Of Services: The City is looking to partner with a qualified Contractor to complete trail improvements, including the reconstruction of multi-use trails, upgrades to trail entrances, installation of wayfinding signage, and construction of a new boulevard trail and raised crossings.

Questions Contact: Questions related to this report are to be submitted to the Project Representative through the Bidding System by clicking on the Submit a Question button associated with this opportunity.
 

Trans Canada Trail in Innisfail gets new boost - The Albertan
The Albertan
A third major grant for Innisfail since 2021 will help fund repairs and maintenance of main trail at Centennial Park.


Ontario's Trails
Are Rural Recreation
in 85% of Ontario.

flyer for the rural recreation conference

Patrick Connor Writes - "I'm Proud to be a Board Member with Kim Goodman on this initiative." https://www.facebook.com/ruralrecreationassociation/

 



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.

RENEWAL - Township of Cavan-Monaghan - Thank - you!

cavan monaghan logo with link to their recreational trails

The Township of Cavan Monaghan has a number of parks and playgrounds throughout the Township. 

All parks, parkland and trails, with the exception of Whitfield Landing shall be considered non-operational from Thanksgiving Monday of each year, until the Friday prior to Victoria Day of each subsequent year. Whitfield Landing will be considered non-operational from the Monday following the 3rd weekend in November, each year to the Friday prior to Victoria Day each subsequent year.

During these periods, the Township of Cavan Monaghan will perform no maintenance and only complete minimal inspections. Parks, parkland and trails will have signs erected indicating open season and clearly stating that there is no maintenance when closed. This measure must be taken to protect the safety of persons using park facilities and equipment during a time when environmental conditions may promote or increase the potential for personal injury.

Payment Methods:

paypal membership payment badge qr codeinterac logo for dorect deposit
or call 613-484-1140 to Pay by Credit Card. Thank-you!

 


 

CANADIAN TRAIL NEWS 

Canadian Trail Summit – Winnipeg, MB - The Environment Journal
The Environment Journal
Hosted by Trans Canada Trail, it is a unique opportunity for the people who build, fund and manage Canada's trails to come together to chart a path ...
 
Unlock the Best of Canada in 2026 with the Canada Strong Pass—Free Access to National ...
Travel And Tour World
... outdoor adventures aren't possible. Conclusion: The Future of Travel in Canada. The Canada Strong Pass represents a bold step forward in making ...
 
British Columbia Sets New Standard in Adventure Tourism with Streamlined Permits, Iconic ...
Travel And Tour World
British Columbia's adventure tourism sector thrives in 2026, with streamlined permitting, iconic routes, major events, and enhanced ...
 
Halifax hikers criticizing a popular trail's maintenance after province takes over operation
Global News
A popular HRM trail is facing criticism for how it's being maintained with some ready to do the work themselves if things don't change.
 
Red Bull Hardline is coming to Canada in 2026 - Singletracks Mountain Bike News
Singletracks.com
Home / Mountain Bike Trails / Canada / British Columbia / News. Red ... british columbiatrails, british columbia. First published April 9 ...
 
Rangers end 'majestic' snowmobile trek through Canada's North in Churchill | CBC News
CBC
... Canada's conservation officers and local industry. The trek, "was majestic. It was sublime," he said. "There was pieces where we were just ...
 
Dirt Camp Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Expansion to Five Locations - Canadian Cyclist
Canadian Cyclist
Dirt Camp, the longest-operating mountain bike camp in Canada, today proudly announced its 30th anniversary. A specialized summer camp dedicated to ...
 
Outdoor running must-have gear: Essentials for every runner - National | Globalnews.ca
Global News
... outdoors. The right running gear does more than just get you out ... Health Matters: Health Canada warns against injecting unauthorized peptides.

 

canadian trail summit showing the trans canada trail logo and a group of people out walking on a recreational trail in the woods

2026 Canadian Trail Summit

– Funding support is available to help individuals and members of non-profit organizations cover costs of attending the summit. Join us in Winnipeg June 16 to 19, 2026, to help shape the future of Canada’s trails!  
 

Learn more + Register here

  
Off the Beaten Path in Canada: Lesser-Known Destinations and Activities - Everyday Tourist
Everyday Tourist
For lovers of outdoor activities, there is much to enjoy at this park, including: Scenic mountain hikes. Beautiful boat trips through the Western ...
 
  
Canada opens world's longest hiking trail from coast to coast - MSN
MSN
... outdoor adventure. 41. I Told My Grandpa It Was a Scam, But He Bought It ... Canada through a multi-use national trail for outdoor recreation.
 
Why Carney is aiming to protect 30 per cent of Canada's land by 2030 - MSN
MSN
... conservation strategy at Le Belvedere in Wakefield, Quebec March 31, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable/Postmedia. OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney may ...
 
Are You Tough Enough to Handle These 42 Hard Hikes?
backpacker.com
A hiker on the West Coast Trail in British Columbia. A hiker on the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, BC (Photo: Credit: Dan Rafla / Aurora ...
 
Havasu Side by Side Trail Association volunteers groom nearly 300 trail miles at season's end
Havasu News
Trail groomers and members of
 
Revelstoke Cycling Association leverages funding for more accessible trails
Revelstoke Review
ORCBC's Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC, established in 2024 through a $10-million provincial endowment, has already benefited more than 325 kilometres ...
 
Canada's Stunning New Brunswick National Park Is An Outdoor Haven With Warm-Water ...
AOL.com
With surprisingly warm waters, hundreds of campsites, and stunning trails that take you through a variety of landscapes, this Canadian national ...
 


Please Help send Ontario Trails Council 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.
 

Go Fund Us

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.
 
 
World's toughest mountain bike race is coming to Metro Vancouver | Daily Hive | Sports
Daily Hive
Daily Hive is a Canadian-born online news source, established in 2008, that creates compelling, hyperlocal content. Daily Hive Part of Zoomer.

Escape to an agriturismo - PressReader
PressReader
I'm an enthusiastic day hiker on Ontario's Bruce Trail, but I'm unlikely to ever conquer the five-day West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island let alone ...
 

call out to trail organizations to join the Ontario trails council