Ontario Trails News - Trail Counts, Trail Courses and hiking trails in Algoma!

Hiking

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Ontario Trails and Ontario Equestrian Federation launch horse survey

Download the Map App!

Customer Reviews

Amazing!
by klc0718

What a fantastic app! I am always looking for new trails near home and while camping and this will make it so much easier! I love the level of detail... length, difficulty, terrain, photos etc. I've read some negative reviews complaining about the map coverage and the omission of some trails...But I find it quite fine for my needs and there are usually links to the appropriate trail association's website for those requiring a higher level of detail. I think it's a great starting point for when you want to get an idea of what's around you but you don't want to waste several hours doing internet research. And there are many, many trails in Ontario; I'm not surprised if they aren't all included in the very first edition of this app. I'm sure Ontario Trails will be more than happy to include any missed trails that people bring to their attention. Personally, though, I find the current listings to be quite comprehensive. Great work Ontario Trails!

Super app 
by szturmowka

I was waiting for something like that for long time I am big fan of hiking

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Spartan Race -Do you have the Trail?

About Spartan Race:

We do 5+k, 12+k and 20+k obstacle course races throughout eastern Canada each year during the months of May, June and July.  This season our events were hosted at Hardwood Bike and Ski. They are currently seeking a new venue for the 2014 race season.

• 5+k events typically host 5-7,000 racers and 2-3,000 spectators per day and are 2 day events (Saturday, Sunday)

Basic information on venue requirements:

• Within 1 - 1.5 hours of GTA
• Elevational changes (we have done events at multiple ski locations)
• Wooded areas
• Sufficient open space for location of our "village" and several of the obstacles (although most obstacles are placed along the course)
• Water - lake, river, stream is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Electric connection near the village area is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Access to sufficient parking (onsite is desirable, but remote is acceptable).
• Parking for 5-7000 racers 

If you have the trails and the site - give me a call! Patrick 613-396-3226

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Trail Questions

1) Capital Funding for Trails - Please take a minute to complete the capital funding section of our survey. A s many communities head into the budget cycle other communities want to get an idea of the relative and comparative amounts communities of similar size are investing in their trails. Please go to:



2) 

QUESTION:
Does your forest landbase ever get land transferred to it through someone’s estate?  If so,
1.       How do you get the word out about transferring land over?
2.       What kind of process is involved?  Do you have a contract that outlines how the land will be managed, any disclaimers, etc?
3.       How often does this happen?
Linda Touzin, R.P.F. District Forester Tel:  613-258-8268 Fax: 613-258-3920 Email:  linda.touzin@ontario.ca

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Trails Education - Select a Program!


We have updated the program and our 14 module program is here for the using. If you have staff to train, trails to manage or want a session in your area on a particular topic let us know. We'll coordinate a session or series on your behalf.

	DESCRIPTION
COURSE TITLE
Volunteer Management	View PDF
Business Planning and Budgetting	View PDF
Regulation and Legislation	View PDF
Ecosystem and Natural Heritage	View PDF
Wilderness First Aid	View PDF
Food and Nutrition	View PDF
Marketing and Promotion	View PDF
Health and Safety	View PDF
Technology for Trails - Level 1	View PDF
Trail Design (2 days)	View PDF
Trail Risk Management	View PDF
Trail Committee Development	Manual
Trail Steward- On Line Learning	Program
Trail Planning - On Line	Program

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Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

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Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!

• Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
• Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
• Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
  • TBD

Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

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Ontario Trail News - lot's of ways to get connected to an Ontario Trail!

Trail Heroes

Know somebody that works hard on trails? If so nominate them to be an Ontario Trails "Trail Hero!" We'd be happy to review your recommendations and acknowledge in a small way their contribution to trails in your community.

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Trail Blog

Every day trails are news! Every day we blog about trails. In communities all over Ontario trails are big news, for cyclists, runners, canoe or horses, every day we capture in one spot all the trail news - local, provincial or national! Join today!

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Trail Leaders!

Become a trail development leader. Join Ontario's first ever series of 14 trail education courses in the development and management of trails. Designed for both volunteers and professionals.  Register today - registration is open 24/7 until the morning of each training event. 

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Join OTC

The Ontario Trails Council is a non-profit charitable organization, established in 1988, that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails. With over 130 organizational members and 15 individual supporters the OTC has influence! Support trails in Ontario - Join the OTC

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Learn an Activity

Our website contains information on over 2,600 trails, and a description for nearly 2,000. Learn about the places where you can bike, cross country ski, climb or any of another 15 activities. We are linked to over 130 organizations and a variety of provincial groups that can help you learn an activity or become better at one you already love!

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Add Your Event

We post trail or outdoor events on trail specific facebook pages, the main OTC facebook page, and the event section of the OTC website. You can send us your event and we'll post it to these extensive networks. Each week we reach over 20,000 people, so if you want your event known, a bit better, send us the information.

Ontario Trails News - cycling, Sentier Prescott-Russell and Chatham Kent trails and more! Daily on Ontario trails.

Chatham-Kent Trails

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Sentier Prescott-Russell Trails

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South Nation Conservation Authority Trails

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Cycling

Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trail events, cycling, skiing, running, riding and more!

Ontario Trails News - Simcoe Trails, Prince Edward Trails and the HIke Haliburton Festival and more, on Ontario trails!

Prince Edward County Millennium Trail

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Hike Haliburton Festival

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Simcoe County Trails

Ontario Trail News - Mississauga Trails,, Hamilton Burlington Trails and more from all over Ontario's Trails

Mississauga Trails

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Niagara Region

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Hamilton Burlington Trail Council

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Conservation Ontario

Ontario Trail News - Pan-Am Games trails, Hamilton to Burlington Trail Committee and more!

Georgian Bay Coast Trail

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Toronto-Hamilton-Milton Pan Am Trails
We appreciate the Ministry recognition of trails in this announcement. We, and many of us worked hard to get trails included in this announcement over the last year.

News Release
Ontario to Stage a World-Class Pan Am and Parapan Am Games in 2015
August 28, 2013

Province Launches Strategy to Create a Lasting Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Legacy
Ontario is launching its Pan Am and Parapan Am GamesPromotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy to increase the economic benefits and support them in becoming the People's Games.

The Games and Games-related investments will create more than 26,000 jobs - a boost of 11,000 jobs from an earlier assessment, and grow Ontario's real GDP by $3.7 billion from 2009 to 2017.

A key part of the strategy is a plan to celebrate and showcase Ontario talent from the stage to the stadium in local communities. The strategy will also create a lasting legacy for people across Ontario by:
 

• Enhancing support for live music, celebrations and festivals, adding to Ontario's reputation as a live music destination
• Helping kids stay active and healthy
• Encouraging families to get outside and enjoy Ontario's trails
• Strengthening business development opportunities in the Pan Americas for Ontario's companies
• Promoting volunteerism during the Games by organizing and training up to 20,000 municipal and TO2015 volunteers
• Supporting athlete and sport development at all levels - from amateur to high-performance athletes
• Showcasing Ontario's diverse communities, including Aboriginal, Francophone and LGBT communities.
• Supporting a memorable and successful 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games is part of the Ontario government's plan to showcase the province, while creating jobs and positioning Ontario as a sport tourism destination for years to come.

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Essex to Haldimand Trails

Ontario Trails News - Kenora, Algonquin Highlands and more from all over Ontario's Trails!

TEDx Algonquin Park

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Algonquin Highlands Trails

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Kenora Birding Trails

Ontario Trail News - weekly news from all over Ontario's trails

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 5, 2013

• Education • News • Updates • Sharing •  Requests • Meetings • Activity

Trail Openings and EventsFrom Members/Financial Supporters Spartan Race 2014 Location needed - see bottom this newsletter Explorers' Edge

Ontario Trails News - Announcing the Pan-Am and Parapan Am Games and a link to Ontario Trails - Thanks Ontario!

News Release Ontario to Stage a World-Class Pan Am and Parapan Am Games in 2015 August 28, 2013 Province Launches Strategy to Create a Lasting Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Legacy Ontario is launching its Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Promotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy to increase the economic benefits and support them in becoming the People's Games. The Games and Games-related investments will create more than 26,000 jobs - a boost of 11,000 jobs from an earlier assessment, and grow Ontario's real GDP by $3.7 billion from 2009 to 2017. A key part of the strategy is a plan to celebrate and showcase Ontario talent from the stage to the stadium in local communities. The strategy will also create a lasting legacy for people across Ontario by: Enhancing support for live music, celebrations and festivals, adding to Ontario's reputation as a live music destination Helping kids stay active and healthy Encouraging families to get outside and enjoy Ontario's trails Strengthening business development opportunities in the Pan Americas for Ontario's companies Promoting volunteerism during the Games by organizing and training up to 20,000 municipal and TO2015 volunteers Supporting athlete and sport development at all levels - from amateur to high-performance athletes Showcasing Ontario's diverse communities, including Aboriginal, Francophone and LGBT communities. Supporting a memorable and successful 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games is part of the Ontario government's plan to showcase the province, while creating jobs and positioning Ontario as a sport tourism destination for years to come.

QUICK FACTS The 2015 Games will be the largest international sport event ever held in Canada and will be seen by hundreds of millions of people across the Americas and the Caribbean. The Games will attract as many as a quarter million visitors who will stay in local hotels, see great shows and attractions, dine in restaurants and shop in the province’s stores. Ontario will invest $42 million over three years in the Promotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy for the Games. The Pan American Sport Organization (PASO) will host its next Annual General Assembly in Toronto October 7-10, 2013 – showcasing our province pre-Games. The province will make appropriate and necessary investments to ensure Ontarians and visitors can enjoy the Games in a secure and safe environment, traffic disruptions are minimized and public health is protected.

LEARN MORE What People Are Saying About Ontario's Promotion, Celebration, and Legacy Strategy for the Games Ontario’s Role in the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games

QUOTES "The 2015 Games will serve as an enduring expression of Ontario pride – as we welcome the world to celebrate the creativity, diversity and hospitality that is synonymous with Ontario. Comparable to similar Games, we are already ahead in the planning stages and will make these Games enjoyable for all."  — Michael Chan, Minister Responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games "As we prepare to field the largest-ever Pan American team in Canadian history for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, we are confident that this inspiring display of athletic excellence will enhance the experience of sport and culture for Ontario residents, enrich trade for the province’s local businesses and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come."  — Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee "Ontario’s continued investment in sport is creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes with a disability. Many young Canadians will experience the TORONTO 2015 Parapan American Games and will be inspired to become champions, on and off the field of play."  — Gaétan Tardif, Canadian Paralympic Committee "By making these key investments, Ontario is ensuring it fully exploits and maximizes the potential of hosting the People’s Games in the summer of 2015 and as a legacy for future generations. We don’t get opportunities like this very often – we’re delighted that the Province of Ontario wants to make the most of it!"  — Roger Garland, Chairman, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015)

Ontario Trails News - Eco-Trailbuilders, an Ontario Trails Member profiled in the Haliburton (also a Member) Echo - great stories about the people of Ontario Trails!

Trails to the heart rooted in love

By Darren Lum

Monday, August 26, 2013 3:32:32 EDT PM

Image: 1 of 6

Andrea Wilson, left, and her husband Hap use hand tools to shape the trail. They love their work building trails to help people to reconnect with nature through their efforts running Eco Trailbuilders. DARREN LUM/HALIBURTON ECHO/QMI AGENCY

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Eco Trailbuilders owner Hap Wilson and his wife Andrea smile like newlyweds when they look at each other. They sit on a bench, overlooking a marsh on part of a five-kilometre trail in Gooderham under a summer sun.
The couple work as a trail-building team, helping others embrace nature.
They’ve been working together for three years, spending days at a time together along with their dog, Abbey, while working on trails.
Married after close to two years, they took the long road to marital bliss.
It is their second go around together after being separated for 18 years, as Andrea said her decision to leave the marriage the first time around was hers due to being “young.”
They’re definitely making up for lost time, working and living a full life together.
“Finally, we got it together,” she said.
On the second date, Andrea didn’t waste time.
“Hap says to me, ‘would you ever marry again?’ I looked at him and said, ‘I’d marry you in a second.’ He said, ‘done.’”
Both are trail users and skills instructors, who take satisfaction in sharing their passion for nature.
Hap said only recently did the company’s work really start to take off.
“It’s an evolution of ideals. We’ve got to the point where we’re really concerned with our health,” he said.
He has worn several hats: park ranger, canoe guide, outfitter, trail builder, and environmental activist.
Wilson first constructed trails, bridges and boardwalks as a park ranger from 1977 to 1984, including Ontario’s first old-growth hiking trail on Temagami Island.
Since 1977, he has published 12 books and guides. The Cabin, Trails and Tribulations, Grey Owl and Me are the latest additions. He has written for Canadian Geographic, Explore and Cottage Life.
Hap is best known for his ecotourism/travel guidebooks. He has led more than 300 wilderness expeditions in Canada even teaching Pierce Bronson how to paddle a canoe and how to throw knives for the movie the Grey Owl.
The Eco Trailbuilders client list is a who’s who of trail providers in Ontario and Manitoba.
It includes Parks Canada, Trans Canada Trails, Canadian Heritage River Systems, Manitoba Tourism, Manitoba Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the J.W. Marriott Resort Inn Muskoka.
A growing list of private clients signals the public’s desire to get back to basics and improve their health.
Trails can also provide emotional solace.
A woman who used a trail they built told them it helped her cope with the loss of her husband.
“When we put the trails in it gave her a whole new perspective of the value of life and to just move on. She was so ecstatic about the trails here,” he said. “It proves a lot to people at various stages in their life whether they’re children or older people the value of nature and the outdoors and what it means to us as individuals.”
The work, they said, is back breaking and is therefore costly.
For every kilometre, Hap said, it can cost $10,000 without the construction of features such as a bridge. Labourers are needed and are paid well because of the challenging nature of the work.
This past year Hap was sent a letter of endorsement by the Ontario Trails Council for his ethical trail building practices. It’s an acknowledgement he is proud of.
He wishes greater effort were put into trail building, recognizing the sensitive nature of the forest. Most people just don’t understand its complexities.
“They don’t understand the work that goes into it. They don’t understand the science that goes into it,” he said. “A lot of people call themselves trail builders, like landscaping companies, but they don’t have a background in sustainable trail development. That’s a huge problem. They have to understand soil types, sensitive vegetation.”
It’s important to have an awareness of the area so you can transplant a tree or plan a trail to move around certain trees. It is not only aesthetic, but also necessary for the natural health of the area.
Although the couple boasts a 20-year history as eco-tourism consultants, the company claims 30 years of experience in land-based trail design using a “soft” approach to trail building. They employ mainly hand-building techniques and equipment with only a practical use of mechanized equipment. When they do use chainsaws, the company uses a biodegradable chain-oil for their chainsaws, he points out.
In the winter when waterways are frozen the company brings in the bulk of building materials by sled or snow machine, minimizing any threat of trail or vegetation damage.
When possible, they try to use local material, particularly when a feature such as a bridge or boardwalk is in contact with the earth. It not only saves the client money, but it ensures a healthier trail.
The company’s specialty is constructing boardwalks and bridges. This includes simple, floating boardwalks or low puncheons. They are also capable of building anchored observation decks and wildlife viewing stations, which can be used to gain a different perspective or for photographic opportunities. The hallmarks of their trails include bench cuts, switchbacks, rock armouring, stone steps, retaining walls, accents and rock or chainsaw-carved art sculptures. The aim is consistent so the trail blends into the surroundings.
Eco Trailbuilders have completed 425 projects, 3,500 metres of boardwalk, 700 kilometres of land-based trails and 12,000 kilometres of water-based routes. Right now, the company is also lending its expertise to the Trans Canada Water Trail Path of the Paddle from Thunder Bay to Manitoba. This is a 900-plus kilometre water route from Falcon River to Pigeon River.
Based in Rosseau of Muskoka, the couple enjoys their time working in the Canadian Shield area in spite of the bugs. “We can build trails just about anywhere in any situation. Because of the topography it’s so rugged the rock and pine, the roots, the rocks, all of this stuff. We knit trails together surgically. Basically we’ve [only] worked in Canadian Shield country. We’re so used to it now,” he said.
“It’s very beautiful country,” he said. “Even though it’s highly developed as cottage country and retirement properties there are still huge pockets of what you’d call close wilderness.”

Ontario Trails News - the second photo shows a 4X4 near Peterborough Ontario, there's lot's of 4x4'ing on Crown Lands with Ontario Trails

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September 2013 Jeep Shots - Readers' Jeeps

FEATURES

TREVOR REED | WRITER

Posted August 26, 2013

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Homegrown Jeeps

STEP BY STEP

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  Daily Trail Rig
  Justin Hamersma of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, says his 2006 TJ Rubicon six-speed was built to be both a trail rig and a daily driver. His “make it or break it” build includes a 6-inch Rough Country lift and air lockers in the front and rear. The Rubi rides on 35x12.50R17 Goodyear MT/R Kevlar tires on 17-inch ProComp 98 Series Rock Crawler wheels. Hella lights keep those northern trails lit, and the bumper protects the front while providing a home for a Smittybilt XRC winch.
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  The Survivor
  Matt McGaha of Apple Valley, California, is a proud member of the Victor Valley 4 Wheelers that was founded in 1967 and created the famous Hammers trails in Johnson Valley. Matt's daily-driven '01 TJ has not only survived the trails in his backyard, but has also lived through trips to Logandale, Nevada, Big Bear's John Bull Trail, Holcomb Creek, Dishpan Springs, Calico's Odessa/Doran/Mule Canyon, and Truckhaven Hills. The Jeep is built up with a Rough Country 4-inch suspension lift along with a 3-inch body lift, 4.56 gears with Detroit Lockers front and rear, and 35x12.50R15 tires. It also has a MileMarker 9,500 pound winch, homemade rock sliders, corner body armor, and a rear rock bumper with a swing-out tire carrier.
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  Three-Wheel Motion
  Dan McPherson of Meriden, Connecticut, built his '00 Jeep Cherokee to be a four-wheeler, but who ever thought it would also work as a three-wheeler? He told us while at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park he tore off a rear 39.5-inch IROK and folded the wheel over on his TrailReady beadlock. Since he didn't have a spare, Dan drove out of the park on just three wheels while getting some funny looks. His XJ is built for rockcrawling and is equipped with 41⁄2-inch coils and a three-link up front moved the axle forward 4 inches. In the rear it has 31⁄2-inch Rubicon Express leafs and 1-inch JKS Boomerang shackles relocated 21⁄2 inches toward the rear. The front axle is a Dana 60 with a welded diff and 5.13 gears, and the rear axle is a Dana 70 with a Detroit Locker and disc brakes.
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  Never Turn Back
  Beau Holgate of Belleville, Ontario, says his orange '90 YJ has yet to fail him and that he's never had to turn around…yet. Sure, that's the type of talk that can jinx your next trip, but his rig sounds like a solid buildup. The Jeep has a 2-inch body lift, and the suspension has been converted to spring-over axle with Skyjacker shocks along with new OEM leaf springs in the front and Crown Automotive heavy-duty leaf springs in the rear. The front axle is a Dana 30, and the rear is a Dana 35 with an Aussie locker and Alloy USA axleshafts. Everything rides on 31x10.50R15 Hercules Trail Digger mud tires on Eagle Alloy wheels. Other upgrades include a custom rollcage, rock sliders and winch hoop, a Smittybilt rear bumper with tire carrier, a MileMarker SEC8 winch, differential guards, and an interior coated with bedliner.
• 
  Big Baby
  Kevin Warner calls his '04 JK Rubicon "my baby," so it was no surprise when he sent us lots of pictures of his off-road child because he couldn't choose just one. That doesn't mean he coddles his kiddo, though. Along with his friends in the Midcoast Jeep and ORV Club, Kevin tackles everything from mud to rocks to snow all over the state of Maine. The Rubicon rides over that terrain with the help of a 21⁄2-inch Skyjacker lift and 33-inch Interco Truxus tires. Other upgrades include spotter lamps, diamond plate rock guards, an OR-Fab tire carrier, Cobra CB radio, Warn bumpers, a Warn 9000 winch, and the factory lockers rigged to work in high range or 2WD.

Write Us!
Want to get your Jeep in these pages? Just grab the tech form offjpmagazine.com, fill it out, and email it to jpeditor@sorc.com . Be sure to include a high resolution image (at least 1,600x1,200 pixels) with your submission. Or, snail mail it to:
JP Magazine, Jeep Shots
831 S. Douglas St.
El Segundo, CA 90245