"It isn’t much, but Rainy River District is home to the province’s first stretch of open snowmobile trails for the 2010-11 season.
A five-mile stretch from Emo to the Highway 11/71 junction opened Monday.
“It’s finished and groomed and open right now,” said Borderland Snowmobile Club president Dave Goodman.
“It’s the first piece of trail open in Ontario.”"
The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak. Be sure to follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OntarioTrails Donations and Memberships always appreciated! https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/content/support/join-ontario-trails-council
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
SNAP Clarington - Volunteer Trail Build
"A volunteer trail building project took place at Enniskillin Conservation Area located on Holt Road just outside the little town of Enniskillen. The hiking group, Hiking Buddies joined Dan Hope and Jamie Davidson of Central Lake Ontario Conservation and with Sustainable Trails, constructed a new trail to go all the way around the pond. The day was gray and rainy but spirits where high, all the volunteers grabbed a rake, pick or axe and began to carve out a new adventurous hiking trail in the park for all to enjoy. Anyone can come out and hike with Hiking Buddies www.hikingbuddies.com. The group was honored to be given the chance to give back in this way and have committed to volunteering with the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authorities again in the spring."
Doing a trail project - send us your project information, we'd like to have a record of who is doing what out there! ontrails@gmail.com
Doing a trail project - send us your project information, we'd like to have a record of who is doing what out there! ontrails@gmail.com
Discover Edible Plants and Trees of Southern Ontario... One Hour West of Toronto
"Dec 07, 2010 – Many people hike the forests of Southern Ontario, but have no idea of what is there. In the Grand River Valley there is a beginner’s “hiking classroom” that teaches identification of trees and edible plants. These guided hikes are 2-4 hours, using the Carolinian Forests as the classroom.
During the hike, the guides teach as they come across different plants and trees. On each plant they talk about how to identify, edible or medicinal values and other uses. Learning from these guides is very hands-on, with tasting, smelling and feeling included."
During the hike, the guides teach as they come across different plants and trees. On each plant they talk about how to identify, edible or medicinal values and other uses. Learning from these guides is very hands-on, with tasting, smelling and feeling included."
Get Your Sleds Ready for Algoma Trails - Algoma Country, Northern Ontario
"With Algoma Country covered in a good blanket of snow, the season for snowmobiling is not far off. Algoma Trails has been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming season; District 13 is hard at work making sure that F Trail from Missanabie to Chapleau will open for the 2010 – 2011 season, as well as D 106 Trail between Echo Bay and Aubrey Falls. Another trail to reopen this season is the Blind River to Spragge Trail. A new core trail is in the works, we will have more information about this new trail when it opens!"
For a fuller list of snowmobile trails see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=17&icon=snowmobiling.png
For a fuller list of snowmobile trails see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=17&icon=snowmobiling.png
Early, deep snow cover great news for skiers, snowmachiners
"Not everyone is glum about last week’s snow fall: Cross-country skiers are already hitting the trails, and snowmobilers and downhill skiers hope to, shortly. They’re hoping now for colder temperatures to create thick lake ice. Local cross-country trails are now open, and some snowmobile trails should be groomed in the next week or so, but the back-country trails and the downhill ski club will have to wait on good ice conditions.
Nearly half of the Beaten Path Nordic Trails ski club’s 45 km trail network (including around Kemuel Lake down to the Tourist Bureau and over to Nordic Lake) should be open and “people have been out; I’ve been out skiing a half a dozen times,” said the club’s Chris Stromberg."
For a listing that includes these and hundreds of other cross-country ski trails see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=4&icon=xcountry.png
Nearly half of the Beaten Path Nordic Trails ski club’s 45 km trail network (including around Kemuel Lake down to the Tourist Bureau and over to Nordic Lake) should be open and “people have been out; I’ve been out skiing a half a dozen times,” said the club’s Chris Stromberg."
For a listing that includes these and hundreds of other cross-country ski trails see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=4&icon=xcountry.png
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
New Look Trail Locator: helps trail users
"Well, we're looking good - new web map platform allows for world class look that anybody should be happy to have their trails listed on. Check it out. Plan your outing. Get out - get active!
Importantly the OTC acts as a feeder to others websites. The map site represents points where folks can find trails, we let others talk about the experiences, and the work they do to promote the activity. Over 85% of all traffic to our sites goes elsewhere for more information.
Send us your trail today.
Importantly the OTC acts as a feeder to others websites. The map site represents points where folks can find trails, we let others talk about the experiences, and the work they do to promote the activity. Over 85% of all traffic to our sites goes elsewhere for more information.
Send us your trail today.
i bike burlington: Halton's one size fits all - short-sighted approach
"At home, cycling tourism has a tremendous positive impact in Niagara. ~ 5,000 jobs, $200 million in annual revenues. While cycling our waterfront trail, I encountered a group of Penny Farthing cyclists from South Africa, Germany and New Zealand. Cycling tourists spend more per day and stay longer in the area than other tourists.
Halton Region sometimes adds 1 metre paved shoulders to rural roads when they are resurfaced. Numerous studies show the paved shoulder extends road life and provide other benefits making it worth the added cost. It appears that Halton views the speeds vehicles travel on these roads as a secondary issue e.g. currently under resurfacing, Derry Road has a 1 metre shoulder (sometimes less) despite cars buzzing by at speeds well over 70kph. Going forward after Derry Road, Halton is proposing 1.5m - if it can be easily done. One size fits all is the Halton approach."
Halton Region sometimes adds 1 metre paved shoulders to rural roads when they are resurfaced. Numerous studies show the paved shoulder extends road life and provide other benefits making it worth the added cost. It appears that Halton views the speeds vehicles travel on these roads as a secondary issue e.g. currently under resurfacing, Derry Road has a 1 metre shoulder (sometimes less) despite cars buzzing by at speeds well over 70kph. Going forward after Derry Road, Halton is proposing 1.5m - if it can be easily done. One size fits all is the Halton approach."
Essex kids sing for votes
"'I want a playground for Essex. Only a playground will do.'
Those are the opening lines of the song they're singing as an outpouring of community spirit has pushed Essex public school ahead of schools from big cities across Ontario in the frenzied chase for up to $1 million from the Aviva Community Fund.
'I'm so proud how everybody has come together for this project,' said retired teacher Pam Gibb. 'We are doing well against some major centres. This town is plastered with Aviva signs.'"
Those are the opening lines of the song they're singing as an outpouring of community spirit has pushed Essex public school ahead of schools from big cities across Ontario in the frenzied chase for up to $1 million from the Aviva Community Fund.
'I'm so proud how everybody has come together for this project,' said retired teacher Pam Gibb. 'We are doing well against some major centres. This town is plastered with Aviva signs.'"
Ontario Vacations & Tours, Ontario Travel Guide & Vacation Packages - RealAdventures
"Canadian Canoe and Kayak Wilderness Adventure Trip
Algonquin Park, Ontario Canoeing & Kayaking
Exceptional, all inclusive Canadian wilderness experiences by Canoe, Kayak, White Water Raft or Dog Sled in Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon and Nunavut. Also Belize Coral Islands wilderness kayak adventures.
Rates From C$ 395 Per Person"
Algonquin Park, Ontario Canoeing & Kayaking
Exceptional, all inclusive Canadian wilderness experiences by Canoe, Kayak, White Water Raft or Dog Sled in Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon and Nunavut. Also Belize Coral Islands wilderness kayak adventures.
Rates From C$ 395 Per Person"
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A North Woods adventure | StarTribune.com
"Come winter, things really start to heat up in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
This picturesque slice of the Canadian North Woods is a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, offering almost countless opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and more."
This picturesque slice of the Canadian North Woods is a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, offering almost countless opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and more."
Wye Marsh Winter Workshops and Winter Activities Midland Ontario
"Midland, ON - Shopping for that special gift for the nature lover on your list? Thanks to the generosity of the Moun-tainview Mall the Wye Marsh’s Gift Shop will be conveniently located for your shopping ease. Choose from a wide selection of quality clothing , expert field guides and books to nature inspired jewellery, stained glass and treasured keepsakes. Or, give a gift certificate for a snowshoe ecotour or falconry workshop.
Location: Mountainview Mall Date: December 11—24
Contact: 705-526-7809 or email: info@wyemarsh.com"
Location: Mountainview Mall Date: December 11—24
Contact: 705-526-7809 or email: info@wyemarsh.com"
Kayak found floating on Chemong Lake - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA
"Peterborough County OPP found a 12-foot blue kayak with a white seat on Chemong Lake in Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Township on Nov. 27.
The kayak was found floating upside down, covered in snow and about 30 metres from the shoreline, police said.
Anyone with information can call police at 742-0401 or 1-888- 310-1122 at night."
The kayak was found floating upside down, covered in snow and about 30 metres from the shoreline, police said.
Anyone with information can call police at 742-0401 or 1-888- 310-1122 at night."
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Trail permit sales took a plunge in 2010 - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA
"Snowmobilers engines are revving as the Timmins Snowmobile Club prepares for a better season than last.
With numbers revealed during the annual general meeting, club president Gilbert Fortin called last year's sledding season one of the 'worst in 50 years.'
'It affected everyone,' he said. 'We were actually lucky ot get seven weeks. A lot of places down south got only two.'"
In order to improve sales the OFSC is now offering a no-snow guarantee.
Snow Guarantee: OFSC members are entitled to purchase Snow Guarantee coverage from the OFSC, which pays out $200 if the total snow accumulation at the Barrie airport is 31 cm or less between Dec. 25, 2010 and March 15, 2011.
With numbers revealed during the annual general meeting, club president Gilbert Fortin called last year's sledding season one of the 'worst in 50 years.'
'It affected everyone,' he said. 'We were actually lucky ot get seven weeks. A lot of places down south got only two.'"
In order to improve sales the OFSC is now offering a no-snow guarantee.
Snow Guarantee: OFSC members are entitled to purchase Snow Guarantee coverage from the OFSC, which pays out $200 if the total snow accumulation at the Barrie airport is 31 cm or less between Dec. 25, 2010 and March 15, 2011.
Snowmobiling almost here - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA
"Here in Sudbury, we're lucky to have eight clubs that make up the Sudbury Trail Plan (STP): Broder Dill Snowmobile Club, Walden Sno Runners, Coniston/Wahnapitae Driftbusters, Northbound Sno Drifters, Onaping Falls High Riders, Valley Trail Masters, Nickel Belt Snow Spirits and Capreol Ridge Riders. All combined, more than 3,000 permits are sold. Why? Superior trails, great hospitality, and a wide variety of scenery."
Carolinian Canada December 2010 Eco-News - ontrails@gmail.com
In November and December the CCC Coastal Program team met with local stakeholders along the Lake Erie coast in 4 workshops to plan a Coastal Stewardship Trail from Essex to Niagara. Each workshop identified some great ideas, and we can’t wait to hear what else you have in mind for this exciting project! Send us additional suggestions and participate in the online workshop and survey at www.carolinian.org
This project is supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Parks Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
This project is supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Parks Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Skiis & Biikes
"It was 1996 and Collingwood was just starting a new development boom. We decided to open a Collingwood store in order to look after our customers when they were skiing in Collingwood. Skiis & Biikes Collingwood, was supposed to be a small pro shop servicing our city customers where they skied, but it quickly developed a clientele of its own. In 2003 we built a brand new beautiful building for the Collingwood store right next door. You can’t miss it; it’s right beside the Beer Store."
December Do More On the Shore-zine. Waterfront Trail newsletter - ontrails@gmail.com
The Do More on the Shore Ezine is a newsletter directed towards Waterfront Trail users. It contains information about the Trail including project updates, featured attractions and routes, upcoming events and trail closure notices.
Stay up to date on the most recent happenings on Lake Ontario’s waterfront. To receive this monthly ezine directly, please send an email to info@wrtrust.com.
Stay up to date on the most recent happenings on Lake Ontario’s waterfront. To receive this monthly ezine directly, please send an email to info@wrtrust.com.
Ontario Snowmobile Trails - Garmin : Red Pine Mapping GPS Snowmobile Maps, Sled Maps for Garmin, Magellan, and Lowrance
"We're proud to introduce the OFSC endorsed GPS snowmobile trail map! For the first time, Ontario snowmobilers will be able to ride with a routable GPS map featuring complete and current trails. This map installs on your Garmin GPS and clearly shows you all of the OFSC trail system and thousands of searchable gas / food / lodging / parts / repair waypoints, as well as highly detailed coverage of roads, lakes, rivers, cities, railroads, and natural landmarks.
The map is routable, meaning your GPS can give you turn by turn directions, and also show you how many kilometers are remaining to your destination."
For a full list of the clubs that support Ontario snowmobiling see:
For permits, rider safety information and gps maps of snowmobile trails see:
The map is routable, meaning your GPS can give you turn by turn directions, and also show you how many kilometers are remaining to your destination."
For a full list of the clubs that support Ontario snowmobiling see:
For permits, rider safety information and gps maps of snowmobile trails see:
North America Canoe Trips & Kayaking Adventures, North America Kayak Tours, Ocean Kayaking Vacation & North America White Water Kayaking - RealAdventures
"Ontario Canoeing & Kayaking"
Exceptional, all inclusive Canadian wilderness experiences by sea Kayak into the incredible Georgian Bay 30,000 Island archipelago recognized by the UN as a unique littoral ecosystem of international importance, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Rates From C$ 495 Per Trip
For a fuller list of canoe, kayak and wilderness water trail adventures see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=3&icon=canoeing.png
Exceptional, all inclusive Canadian wilderness experiences by sea Kayak into the incredible Georgian Bay 30,000 Island archipelago recognized by the UN as a unique littoral ecosystem of international importance, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Rates From C$ 495 Per Trip
For a fuller list of canoe, kayak and wilderness water trail adventures see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=3&icon=canoeing.png
Friday, December 3, 2010
LONG-TIME TRAIL USER UPSET - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA
"Sir: Re: The article 'ATVs tearing up trails' (The Observer, Oct. 19, 2010)
I guess what is upsetting is that these trails were made by the local residents of Confederation and
Churchill Line, for the purpose of the recreational use of off -road vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATV's, snowmobiles and also horse riding, which my father was given permission to use. Then we are told, 'You can't use it anymore, we want it for people to use for walking.
As far as I am told, the city didn't ask anyone around the area if that's what the people there wanted. The local residents didn't get a choice in the matter. There is a reason why people live in the country and in the city, but the people who live in the country are not allowed to enjoy what they moved there for."
Earlier we published an article detailing how a nature trail was lost, in this case it's a motorized trail. In each case there was a loss - and this happens all over Ontario to all groups.
At the OTC we promote the development of regional trail committees so that all groups, government, land owners and users can come together to plan. In each of our recent stories that seems to be the problem - a lack of inclusive planning.
I guess what is upsetting is that these trails were made by the local residents of Confederation and
Churchill Line, for the purpose of the recreational use of off -road vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATV's, snowmobiles and also horse riding, which my father was given permission to use. Then we are told, 'You can't use it anymore, we want it for people to use for walking.
As far as I am told, the city didn't ask anyone around the area if that's what the people there wanted. The local residents didn't get a choice in the matter. There is a reason why people live in the country and in the city, but the people who live in the country are not allowed to enjoy what they moved there for."
Earlier we published an article detailing how a nature trail was lost, in this case it's a motorized trail. In each case there was a loss - and this happens all over Ontario to all groups.
At the OTC we promote the development of regional trail committees so that all groups, government, land owners and users can come together to plan. In each of our recent stories that seems to be the problem - a lack of inclusive planning.
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