Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Trails need more snow - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"New Year's Eve rain served its purpose and outdoor enthusiasts are now crossing their frigid fingers for a moderate blanket of snow to cover up the blemishes.

We have a good base now, it's nice and hard,' said Mark Thomas, trail director at the North Bay Nordic Ski Club on Northshore Road.

But we need a few centimetres to cover up the rocks and bare spots ... there are some holes, some icy spots.'"

TheSpec - Natives and the right to hunt

"Many HCA directors have had extensive interviews with Spectator reporters on this matter and selected quotes offered from these seem to show some members think Miazga overstepped his bounds, and should have consulted with HCA’s board of directors and the public before doing anything. At first glance, Miazga seems to look like a loose cannon and his board looks like they are disconnected from his actions.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Miazga did not give the Haudenosaunee people the right to hunt in Dundas Valley. Indeed, he cannot give them that right. They already have it."

'Sno fun on the trails - The Sault Star - Ontario, CA

"There's no business like snow business. What was supposed to be a traditional Northern Ontario winter has been interrupted and is causing headaches for local ski and snowmobile trail operators.

After nearly three weeks of optimal cross-country skiing at Stokely Creek Lodge in Goulais River, a three-day mild spell that began last Wednesday 'just did us in,' said manager Jamie Martin Monday."

Let's hope northern conditions improve soon - OTC

Thunder Bay Tourism Partners: Trans Canada Trail Ontario Retains New Trail Intern

"Tourism Thunder Bay is part of a regional community partnership working with the Trans Canada Trail Organization to connect Northwestern Ontario's vast geography through multi use trail development. This is an exciting regional partnership that has evolved over the past two years and demonstrates the importance of collaboration and the tourism values that trail infrastructure can bring to the region.

One project is looking at the abandoned Kinghorn rail line between Thunder Bay and Nipigon for conversion to a multi season, multi use trail that will improve local recreational and tourism opportunities."

…a Recreational and Sea Kayaking Club based in Chesterville, Ontario | The Spare Paddle

"…for great kayak paddling in the eastern Ontario triangle of  Ottawa – Kingston – Cornwall;  Contact the Chesterville Kayak Club

http://www.chestervillekayakclub.com"

Ontario Canoe and Kayak Water Trails

Cycle Toronto: The Great Sharrow Debate

"Sharrows are a sorry substitute, a poor compromise, and an illusion of safety and progress." - Blog opinion

Monday, January 3, 2011

Live Right Now

A great idea! - at OTC appreciate the research that has gone into identifying the problem and glad we are prepared to assist you with a trail activity to make you part of a healthier Canada!

Ontario Trails Live Right Now Profile - Join today!

Discover Ontario Family Day Weekend And March Break

"For Family Day, Ontarians can hit the slopes in Central Ontario, snowshoe in Algonquin Park, or snowmobile in Algoma. They can go ice fishing in Northwestern Ontario's Sunset Country or take in Ottawa's Winterlude Festival and skate the Rideau Canal. The whole family can also visit one of the many galleries, museums and festivals across the province."

OR they could use Ontario Trails Map to find a location to get active in their own backyard!!

GREG OUTDOORS: Sledding into new year - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA

"While local trail-making weather has fluctuated greatly in the past 20 or so years, it doesn't mean snowmobiling is losing its popularity.

The sport is best appreciateddby utilizing the 14,000 kilometres of trails across Ontario, not to mention thousands more in Quebec.

'Trail passes are a bit expensive, but once you buy one you can travel all over the province.

32,000km, and at $180 per season, that's just .0056 cents a kilometer! Passes are not that expensive given the value they represent

'To me, that the funniest thing, going to places (far) or just 10-15 minutes away, into the wilderness.

'It's adventurous, you're exploring.'"

Searchmont Offers Big Time Skiing, Affordable Lift/Lodging Packages - OnTheSnow

"Located just above Sault Ste. Marie on the Canadian side, caters to both Ontario and Michigan skiers and snowboarders with its big 750-foot vertical drop and affordable lift and lodging packages.

The packages start from $154 CA ($151.75 US) per person, based on double occupancy for a two-night stay and two days of skiing and riding. It includes free night skiing weekends. Follow the link below to book a stay or for more information."

Ontario Downhill Resorts with Trails

Terry Lynn Johnson’s Debut: Dogsled Dreams « Northwriter

"I know from first-hand experience that this is an exciting read that will get under your skin in a good way if you like experiencing adventure through a twelve year-old’s eyes."

Ontario Dog Sled Trails

Bike Friendly Businesses - Toronto

An interesting list of bike friendly businesses in Toronto.

Ontario On-Road Cycling Trails

Sunday, January 2, 2011

PUNCH CANADA | TELL YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO "TAKE A HIKE"

"This year, we'd like to provide your readers with a better approach to their New Years resolutions…  Escaping outdoors and embracing Ontario's winter wonderlands to help shed unwanted weight or kick-start your 2011 fitness plan.

Consider that on average, outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing burn 20 percent more calories than the treadmill.  With that in mind, it's time to stop wasting money on under-used gym memberships or exercise equipment and get outside where the health benefits are just as good - if not better."

Ontario Snowshoe Trails

Trails as part of Economic Development

Our department is looking into developing a separate website dedicated to economic development. I'd like to know the pros and cons and feedback if you do have a separate investment site.

We like to think our website on trails is one type of micro-site promoting overall economic development in Ontario. To follow this thread Join Linkedin, then join our group Economic Development Professionals.

Linkedin

Wasi Offers Great X-Country Skiing - Ontario's Near North, Northern Ontario

"We like Wasi because they have a variety of trails to try out.  They have a small chalet that is open all the time and the people we met were friendly and helpful. The trails are kept in good condition and the view is breathtaking, with snow covered trees.  Awesome!!"

Ontario Cross Country Ski Trails

You CAN get there from here - One Tank Trips - The Buffalo News

"St. Davids, on the southern edge of Niagara-on-the-Lake, is now home to the Ravine Vineyard and Olson Foods. Anna Olson, along with her husband Michael, a professor chef at the Niagara Culinary Institute, are owners of Olson Foods, a homestyle restaurant offering delectable edibles. The menu is filled with reasonably priced items that highlight fresh local ingredients and reflect Olson’s signature style.

Next door to the restaurant is the Woodruff House, a heritage home dating back to 1802, considered to be among the 50 most architecturally significant houses in Canada. It was first built as a log home in 1802, destroyed by fire in 1814, rebuilt, dismantled and rebuilt. The historic house is now the hospitality center of Ravine Vineyard, 1366 York Road, St. Davids, Ont.; www.ravinevineyard.com; (905) 262-8463."

Wilderness by Rail - Algoma Country, Northern Ontario

"Extreme adventurers will discover ice climbing in winter and rock climbing during the summer. Load up ATVs or snowmobiles to take to the many trails cut through rugged Canadian Shield. Follow the footsteps of Canada’s Group of Seven by booking a getaway in the Camp Car located in our world famous Agawa Canyon."

Ice Climbing Ontario

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Ontario's Biggest selection of trail videos

Remember its good to see how the activity is done before you go. See one of our over 400 videos on file! For written content see Trail Smart

Wye Marsh Winter 2011 Events November Environmental Education Family Fun Midland Ontario Eco Tours

"Midland, ON - For those individuals who love to take advantage of the crisp cold air of winter, Wye Marsh offers a unique setting through our woodlands for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With 25km of track-set trails
skiers of all levels can enjoy wonderful trails while being immersed in some of the areas nicest scenery. Snowshoeing
enthusiasts can experience the varied terrain found on our new Graham MacDonald Snowshoe Trail which leads di-rectly to a breathtaking clearing at Freshets Creek. Bring your own equipment or rent ours. Wye Marsh has trails you’ll want to experience again and again."

Click the link for a more complete listing of cross-country ski trails

County needs more snow before trails open - Minden Times - Ontario, CA

"Haliburton County's snowmobile trails remain closed, but that should change soon, hopefully, the president of the Haliburton County Snowmobile Association says.

Scott Doan says the county needs another six inches of snow before the trails will open.

'With the weather we've been having, everything is closed,' Doan said late last week.

The Haliburton County Rail Trail had been open to snowmobilers before last week's warm weather hit and the association has been out on the trails with its grooming equipment for some time."