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

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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Trail Wise - December 29, 2025. Trail News and Events from all over Ontario and Canada. More program and service information plus trail news through the title link.

 

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 - December 29, 2025 • National Trail Conference Go Fund Me - Send OTC to Winnipeg! • • Winter Activities • Cross Country Ski Trails • Trail Projects  • 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   You can now book 2026 reservations for national parks in Ontario - blogTO blogTO ... outdoor adventures in Ontario's numerous national parks. Parks Canada ... Plan your next adventure with blogTO's travel newsletter. Get travel ... These Ontario parks have stunning scenery during winter with snowy adventures to explore Toronto.com Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has over 30 kilometres of groomed trails. Ontario Parks. Skis and snowshoes replace sand and sun at Wasaga Beach come ... Cross-country ski trails still open but skiers want more snow | Owen Sound Sun Times Owen Sound Sun Times Cross-country ski trails are still open at Massie, Sauble and Hepworth, but skiers want more snow.   Peaceful Toronto walking trails you have to explore before the year ends Curiocity Canada's first and only national urban park, according to Destination Ontario, has multiple hiking trails that range in length and difficulty. Get ...   Ontario's Winter Parks Are A Snow-Covered Paradise, Discover Mind-Blowing Trails and ... Travel And Tour World Ontario's Winter Parks Are A Snow-Covered Paradise, Discover Mind-Blowing Trails and Thrilling Travel Adventures in Canada · serene snowshoeing to ...   Flood, wind warnings issued as heavy rain, ice, and runoff threaten region CTV News Environment Canada (EC) and local conservation authorities are urging residents across southwestern Ontario to prepare for significant rainfall, ...   Snowmobilers urged to ride responsibly as OPP steps up enforcement - BayToday.ca BayToday.ca With thousands of riders expected on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails this season, the OPP is ramping up patrols to ensure everyone rides ...   These are the best outdoor skating trails and loops in Ontario - Curiocity Curiocity Start sharpening those ice skates because there's a wonderful ice skating trail in Ontario opening soon. ... It's a popular event throughout the winter ...   8 of the best skating rinks to glide into this winter in Toronto - Curiocity Curiocity A beloved spot every year, the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail in Toronto's College Park is illuminated with bright city lights for the perfect night ...   Toronto lets you see snow plows in real time and here's how it works - Curiocity Curiocity Peaceful Toronto walking trails you have to explore before the year ends ... Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in ...   The Ontario Trails Council works with Intact Public Entities on trail risk management   Region sees economic promise in new snowmobile trail funding - Barrie News Barrie Today Provincial funding aimed at stabilizing Ontario's snowmobile trail network is being welcomed by tourism leaders in the Orillia and Lake Country ...   In pics: snowy day in Toronto - Xinhua Xinhua A man rides an e-bike during a snowy day in Toronto, Canada, on Dec. 26, 2025. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua). People walk on a street during a snowy ...   Welland connects city with federally funded trails Welland Tribune ONTARIO NOW NEWSLETTER. Get our free new weekly newsletter. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the ...   10 Ways To Extend Your Holidays! - windsoriteDOTca News windsoriteDOTca News From sparkling outdoor skating rinks and dazzling light festivals to ... Packed with the best local events, standout dining options, party ...   Walking the rails: the legacy of railroad bridges | Canadian Geographic Canadian Geographic Nearly 20 years after flooding from New Brunswick's Mactaquac Dam ended freight rail service between Fredericton and Woodstock in 1967, Patty Trail ...   London tattoo artist inks Canada's birds to fund conservation London Free Press London tattoo artist inks Canada's birds to fund conservation. “I am on a journey to tattoo every Canadian wild bird – more than 450 species,” Lori- ...   Political control over ancient sites sparks alarm in Ontario | CBC News CBC Section 66.1 of the revised Ontario Heritage Act allows the provincial cabinet to grant sweeping exemptions from mandatory archaeological assessments ...   Ontario's favourite small town filled with history - Toronto.com Toronto.com Canada's first Heritage Conservation District is this vibrant Ontario town that's surrounded by natural beauty. Article was updated 23 hrs ago.   Walk fast, live longer? McMaster University researchers say walking speed is an important ... - CBC According to McMaster researchers on aging, walking speed could be considered a vital sign of sorts for seniors ... Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. Toll- ...   Ontario's Bruce Peninsula National Park, Secure Your Spot in Ontario's Top Outdoor ... Travel And Tour World It provides a wealth of activities, from exploring the pristine waters of Cyprus Lake to Backcountry Camping along the renowned Bruce Trail. Visitors ...   "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

Trail Wise - December 22, 2025. Trail News and Events from all over Ontario and Canada. More trail news, OTC Program and service information through the title link.

 

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 - December 22, 2025 • National Trail Conference Go Fund Me - Send OTC to Winnipeg!• • Winter Activities • Skating Trails • Trail Projects • 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 TRAIL NEWS   Council opposes authority mergers - PressReader PressReader We, the Chatham-Kent Trails Council, are a group of committed volunteers who have worked hand in hand with our regional municipality and the Lower ...   Volunteer Information Quinte Update – December 18, 2025 | 91X FM CJLX 91X FM *If you are tech savvy, then the Ontario Trails Council could use you. The team needs people to help keep their website up to date, including ... Conservation HaltonConservation Halton12,738 followers12,738 followers Conservation Halton has provided comments, endorsed by the Conservation Halton Board, to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) in response to Bill 68 and the proposed consolidation of conservation authorities. Details on our submission, which is being shared with our watershed municipalities, Conservation Ontario, and neighboring conservation authorities, can be found starting on page four of our most recent Board minutes: https://lnkd.in/eavUVDim   Land trust buys significant conservation property | Brockville Recorder & Times Brockville Recorder ... Conservation Partnership administered through the Ontario Land Trust Alliance; Wildlife Habitat Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada ...   Doube's Trestle Bridge | Atlas Obscura Atlas Obscura The Kawartha section of the Trans-Canada Trail - or as locals know it, simply "the rail trail" - consists primarily of the former rail lines.   Millennium Time Capsule Opened After 25 Years - Kawartha 411 Kawartha 411 8. Cassette from Y92 FM, 11:00am, November 1, 2000. 9. “Celebrating our past and future” Trans Canada Trail train whistle. Signed by Mayor Art ... Southern Georgian Bay OPP Snowmobile Patrols Focus On Rider Safety - Muskoka 411 Muskoka 411 ... trails and enjoy Ontario's scenic landscapes. With thousands of riders expected on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails this ...   OPP 'ramping up' patrols as snowmobile season rolls into region - Bradford News Bradford News As winter settles over Southern Georgian Bay, snowmobile enthusiasts are eager to hit the trails and enjoy Ontario's scenic landscapes. With ... Happy trails: Snowmobilers get an early Christmas gift from government - Cornwall Seaway News Cornwall Seaway News The freeze imposed by the Ministry of Transportation was limiting the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs' (OFSC) ability to manage its increasing ...   The Ontario Trails Council works with Intact Public Entities on trail risk management   This Ontario town's trails are compared to snow-covered highways in the winter - Curiocity Curiocity ... Canada,” according to Northern Ontario Travel. ... In addition to the 80 kms of trails dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, there are over ... Windsor rally calls on province to reverse conservation authority restructuring - CTV News CTV News 'Keep conservation local': Windsor rally calls on province to reverse conservation authority restructuring ... Snuneymuxw First Nation ...   Halton backs funding bid for Crawford Lake's upgrade - MiltonToday.ca MiltonToday.ca The resolution formally supports Conservation Halton's application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund — Greenhouse ...   Local lands, local control - PressReader PressReader ... Ontario's Greenbelt, and now prompt First Nations to shudder with every Ring of Fire remark the Premier makes. The most important land management ...   "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   How years of Red Cross training helped save a neighbour's life. Red Cross Jonathan's passion for first aid began as a teenager when he attended an outdoor education camp during the summer months, going on extended canoe ...   Canada to end Minnesota-Ontario remote border crossing program - Duluth News Tribune Duluth News Tribune New telephone reporting sites will be established in areas currently served by the permits, Canadian officials said. canoe. Visitors paddle a quiet ...   Canada's Most Magical Outdoor Skating Rinks to Experience This Winter - Everyday Tourist Everyday Tourist Many cities also offer refrigerated trails and park loops—for example, the well‑maintained Parc Jean‑Drapeau skating trail in Montréal is a scenic ...   7 Ontario parks near Toronto where winter adventures await - Curiocity Curiocity The park also offers cross-country skiing with about 10 km of ungroomed trails that loop through the land, as well as snowshoeing and tobogganing.   Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas in Ontario - ToDoOntario ToDoOntario Many Ontario cranberry farms offer seasonal activities such as: Skating trails. Snowshoeing through cranberry marshes. Fireside lounges and winter ...   Stay off frozen stormwater ponds, conservation authority urges - Barrie Today Barrie Today Stay on the official trails at Ontario's conservation areas. Keep family members and pets away from riverbanks and edges of all water bodies. Do not ...   11 Best Ontario Towns For Retirees - World Atlas World Atlas For those seeking the outdoors, Island Lake Conservation Area sits just outside of Orangeville, featuring a well-maintained trail called the Vicki ...   Uber launches new ski service in select Canadian markets | Canada.Com Canada.com With many enthusiasts already hitting the slopes across the nation, Uber has launched what it calls an easier way to reach select Canadian ...