Central Ontario » About Central Ontario

"Located northeast of Toronto and southwest of Ottawa we are in the heart of cottage country.  Located in the Southern Canadian Shield we have a wide variety of rivers in the area. Almost all rivers are pool drop with a treasure-trove of lakes in between and connecting the rivers.  Most rivers in the area are class 2 to 4 difficulty but a few can offer greater challenges."

Ontario's Canoe and Kayak Trails

Jericho House finally becomes reality - Welland Tribune - Ontario, CA

"The forest and green space around it allows for peaceful solitude but also outdoor recreation such as walking, hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, swimming, bird watching, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

'Young people enjoy the outdoor activities' as part of the contemplation atmosphere of the centre, Carrothers said."

Councillor Stintz Wants to Target 5% of Cyclists Who Use Sidewalks | Biking Toronto

"A Toronto city councillor wants the city to enforce a bylaw barring bicycles from the sidewalks.
Coun. Karen Stintz says there’s already a bylaw on the books, but it’s never enforced.
She says in her midtown ward she hears lots of complaints from pedestrians who are upset they have to battle for the sidewalk with cyclists."

Ontario's On-Road Cycling Trails

Active Baby Boomers on the nordic ski trails in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. » Parks Blog

"Active Baby Boomers on the nordic ski trails in Wasaga Beach, Ontario."

Ontario's Cross Country Ski Trails

Mark Latti: Enjoy trails on snowshoes this winter | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Here's what they write about snowshoeing in Maine -

"Snowshoeing opens a window to another world. Trails, forests and fields that seem so familiar spring through fall take on a totally different look, feel and sound in the winter. If you've never tried it, this winter is the ideal time to do so. And if you can walk, you can snowshoe.

The sport is relatively inexpensive. Prices for various models can range from $50 to $300. Choose a snowshoe based on your weight and the terrain you expect to walk. Snowshoes are loosely categorized into three groups -- recreational, hiking and back-country or technical."

Ontario Snowshoe and Back Country Trails

Cross-country heaven: Three cheers for volunteers across Ontario who get the trails ski-ready — MyNewWaterfrontHome.com

"I remember the first time I strapped on my cross-country skis and headed into the woods across from Hazeldean mall in Kanata, where I lived in the suburbs during my 10 years in Ottawa. I had no idea what to expect, since I was new to the city, and had yet to get my hands on the National Capital Commission’s Greenbelt trail map. But it took only 15 minutes to realize that I had stumbled onto a little piece of heaven."

Ontario's Ottawa Region Trails

Ontario Dog Sled Racing | nomadracing

"“Mushing is the sport of ‘next year,’” a friend commented to me recently. We were talking about the dismal training year we’ve had so far and how I plan to make up for it next year. It always seems as though something comes up during training season that skews our plans, so we pin our hopes on the next season and make the best of what we have this year. Making the best of what we have this year has been hard because we have a deficit in the equipment department."

Ontario's Dog Sledding Trails

Bancroft has become a mecca for ice climbers | QNetNews.ca

"Bancroft has become a mecca for ice climbers.
It is home to steep cliffs behind its main street known as the Eagles Nest. Runoff water slowly freezes over the course of the year and by mid-December climbers from Toronto soon flock to the small mineral town."

Ontario's Ice Climbing Trails

Sleeping Giant Loppet – Early Bird Registration! » Parks Blog

"Hello early birds! The early registration deadline for the Sleeping Giant Loppet is fast approaching. Register by February 6th to take advantage of the lowest entry fee. This annual loppet offers distances of 8 km, 20 km, 35 km or 50 km http://www.sleepinggiantloppet.ca/."

Ontario's Cross-Country Ski Trails

Daily Exchange

"Cambridge - Money available to landowners to protect drinking water sources More than $800,000 will be available to help landowners protect municipal drinking water sources in four watersheds, including the Grand River, under the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program."

INFRASTRUCTURE ONTARIO | SHORT-LISTED TEAMS INVITED TO BID ON TORONTO 2015 PAN/PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES ATHLETES' VILLAGE PROJECT LOCATED IN THE WEST DON LANDS

"TORONTO, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario, in partnership with Waterfront Toronto, released a request for proposals (RFP) today inviting three short-listed teams to submit proposals to design, build and finance the development of the section of the West Don Lands that will be home to the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes' Village. "

Toronto's Off-Road bike paths

"We will build a comprehensive network of bicycle trails across the city. This will include 100 km of off-road bicycle paths along rail and hydro corridors, ravines and valleys. This system of dedicated 2-metre wide, paved trails illuminated with street lamps will provide a safe, convenient “backbone” for bicycle transportation across Toronto. Cost: $50 million.
We will build 100 km of pedestrian paths alongside the bicycle trails. Walking, jogging and running are inexpensive, effective recreational activities that encourage physical fitness. We will provide a well-lit network of safe, connected paths for runners, joggers and walkers. Cost: included in the bicycle trails cost.
We will create some on-road bicycle lanes where they make sense. Where the community supports them and where they do not impede traffic flow, we will create on-street bicycle lanes and complete some critical connections in the city’s current bicycle network. Cost: $5 million"

durhamregion.com | Bowmanville skier brings home Olympic gold

"Before she left to win her gold medal, the ski club cheered her on with a banner wishing her good luck and an announcement on its web site.

'They were proud of me,' she said.

In the summer, the local athlete spends her time kayaking, horseback riding and swimming. She likes working on her fitness. With the help of a personal trainer, she lost 140 pounds four years ago and has kept the weight off."

Sweepstakes Could Help You Go On a Ski Vacation in Canada

"I've been dying to try skiing all my life, but so far, I haven't managed to actually do it. But whoever wins the Resort Ski & Stay Contest from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation will have the chance to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Canada.
The grand-prize winner will receive a four-day trip for up to two adults and two children to Collingwood, Ontario to enjoy winter activities. The prize includes private ski and snowboard school lessons, two days ski or snowboard and snowshoe rentals, one guided family snowshoe trek, four one-day passes to Plunge! Aquatic Centre, daily breakfast, and $2,000 CAD to be used towards travel costs. The total prize value is $4,450."

Media Advisory/Winter Celebration: A Family Event not to be Missed

"OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 28, 2011) - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston invite families and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in the Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall, this Saturday, January 29, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This public event is a great opportunity for everyone to get active and experience Nordic sports and traditions."

Randonneurs get head start - Tillsonburg News - Ontario, CA

"A group of dedicated randonneurs will be riding out of Tillsonburg Saturday morning.

But Tillsonburg's Glen Steen – who officially retired today – won't be with them on his bike.

' I tore my hamstring three weeks ago cross-country skiing,' said Steen. 'I can't do the bike ride, but there's several people coming to do it.'

Steen had organized a Frosty 200 on the 29th for Randonneurs Ontario, Huron Branch, who will be able to get a head start on the 2011 brevet series of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km and 600 km rides, which qualifies them for a 1,200 km brevet."

Regional Tourism Organizations - Meetings?

Anybody know of Regional Tourism Organization meetings in your area? Discussing trails tourism, developing tour strategies, working on infrastructure, trail product? Etc. If you are aware and have a phone number for the local Director of the RTO culd you send it to OTC? Thanks

Hiking Buddies on Snowshoes

Hiking Buddies on Snowshoes! This I have to see Snowshoeing at Enniskllin Snowshoes rentals are $4, you can bring your own or rent a pair. FORTY pairs of snowshoes are available for rent, those bringing your own, thank you for posting that as this event is really filling up. Rentals will be offered to the earliest sign ups first...winter hiking and skating will also be available as a morning option and snow shoes can be rented in the afternoon for those that didn't have a chance in the morning. The NEW yearly membership of $20 is payable prior to the event.

Connections: Strategic planning for a County-wide trails network - Bradford Times - Ontario, CA

"An estimated 32% of adults over the age of 18 in Simcoe County are overweight, 21% are obese - and a sedentary lifestyle is the chief culprit. Inactivity costs the health care system in the County an estimated $5.1 billion per year.

Encouraging 'Active Transportation' - walking, running, cycling, skiing, skateboarding - is part of the County's strategy to promote healthy lifestyles - and a connected trail system is a key component of that strategy. Trails are also an economic driver, attracting tourism dollars, providing environmental benefits and educational opportunities."

Ontario's Simcoe County Trails

TVO.ORG | Greenbelt Adventure - Dog Sledding

"Dog Sledding: A young boy rides a dog sled for the first time in Ontario's Greenbelt."

Ontario's Dog Sled Trails