Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Trail Wise - August 5, 2025. Ontario Trail News and Events, plus Canadian Trail News! Click the title for more news, info about OTC Programs and Services.

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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toronto bruce trail club hike


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


Algonquin adds a trail
Ontario's oldest provincial park has a new hiking trail - Toronto.com
Toronto.com
Back in December 2024, The Friends of Algonquin Park, a Canadian registered charity, announced the construction of a new trail in the park. The last ...

Coburg installs a new interpretive trail! Congratulations Coburg!
This sandy beach with calm blue waters is in one of the best places to live in Canada - Toronto.com
Toronto.com
... Canada,” Parks Canada says online. And for ... Ontario's oldest provincial park has a new interpretive hiking trail for the first time in more.

Hopefully this clears when the fires stop
Toronto among worst air quality in the world as special statement continues | CBC News
CBC
Environment Canada is suggesting people limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events due to smoke levels.

Beautiful paddling
No permit required: Superior National Forest's 13 hidden canoe routes
Quetico Superior Foundation
The two routes we've included all begin along the Gunflint Trail. This National Scenic Byway heads north toward Canada. Originally a footpath to ...
 


Ontario Trails Council presents
Trail Stewardship - Coming this Fall

Offered in Partnership with Confederation College
OnLine Learning




Why Confederation College? Learn more about OnLine Learning.
Course details coming soon.


 

Water is an attractive feature for trails tourism
Debris removed from sluice gate in Stratford - CTV News
CTV News
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority said the sluice gate at RT Orr Dam in Stratford, Ont. ... Canadian destination is seeing a 'tourism ...

Perhaps more durable than others?
Engineered for Whatever: Columbia Sportswear Debuts Bold, New Brand Platform ...
The Globe and Mail
... outdoor conditions. The campaign's irreverent tone is paired with outrageous scenarios that put a playful lens back on outdoor adventures. “Since ...

Many are concerned
ANALYSIS: Doug Ford's Bill 5 may lead to environmental 'slaughterfest' - Newmarket Today
Newmarket Today
In 1946, the Conservation Authorities Act was established to create Conservation Authorities in Ontario to manage natural resources, addressing ...

Also home to a great mountain bike club!
This beach was once referred to as 'Ontario's Riviera' for its beauty and warm waters - Toronto.com
Toronto.com
... Ontario Park. Jul 26, 2025. This Ontario forest is home to 20 lakes and over 70 kilometres of trails through cliffs · Travel · This Ontario forest is ...

West Nile still here.
Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here's what to know about the virus | - Global News
Global News
... outdoors this weekend. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS? The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002. The virus was originally ...
 

Ontario Trails Council partners with Granite Rapids Moon as a fundraiser. See this film in Waterloo. Support Ontario Trails.
granite rapids moon trailer video
We’d like to donate a significant chunk of our box office receipts from the 6:45pm August 12th screening of Granite Rapids Moon at Princess Cinemas in Waterloo (6 Princess Street) to the Ontario Trails Council.
 

Sault Ste. Marie continues to offer more trail opportunities.
New Alpine Club of Canada Section in Ontario - Gripped Magazine
Gripped Magazine
Announced in the 2024 ACC Gazette, the Sault Ste. Marie section focuses on building community through outdoor activities. Plans include monthly social ...

Increased demand - are your trails ready?
The Growing Demand for Camping and Hiking Tents Reflects Shift Toward Outdoor ...
Travel And Tour World
The rise in outdoor adventure tourism is fueling demand for camping and hiking tents, with top destinations like Yellowstone, Banff, and Patagonia ...

Rock Glen is a great spot
You can find 350-million-year-old fossils less than three hours from Toronto
Toronto Life
Live out your paleontologist dreams at Rock Glen Conservation Area in Arkona. ... Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life ...

Some folks are challenging this idea.
Fighting the privatization of Wasaga Beach - Rabble.ca
Rabble.ca
... Canada from fossil fuels to modern, clean energy. Tim was a founding Board member of Global Forest Watch Canada and Wildlife Conservation Society ...

Affects paddling and other water habitat issues.
Eastern Ontario conservation authorities warn of low water levels - CTV News
CTV News
There is little to no precipitation in Environment Canada's seven-day forecast for Ottawa for the first week of August. Conservation authorities are ...
 


Membership Update

 

  

Thank-you for your support!




Monday, July 28, 2025

Trail Wise - July 28, 2025. Ontario Trail News and Events, plus Canadian Trail News! Join Today. More news, information on Ontario Trails Programs and Services 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.
wandering women north of 50 women in a canoe on lake in northern Ontario


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


US Access fees, and a loyalty charge proposed?!. Staycation, find a trail and enjoy! Ready in COVID, Ready Now.
Stats: Canadians Staying Put, U.S. Travel to Canada Down
Woodall's Campground Magazine
Stats: Canadians Staying Put, U.S. Travel to Canada Down. by ... OutdoorsOutdoor IndustryRV ParkOutdoor BusinesstravelCanadaTourismcamping.


Limberlost Forest - find it at ontariotrails.ca
This Ontario forest has over 70 kilometres of hiking trails - Toronto.com
Toronto.com
Situated near Huntsville, about 3.5 hours away from Toronto, is the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve. This wilderness “haven” has 20 private ...


Outdoor clubs connect people with nature! See our full list here: Clubs and Associations
Halton Outdoor Club will keep you active in August with these events
Inside Halton
Club volunteers lead cycling, hiking and paddling adventures throughout the region and across Ontario. With August approaching, the club offers a ...
 


Ontario Trails Council presents
Trail Stewardship - Coming this Fall

Offered in Partnership with Confederation College
OnLine Learning




Why Confederation College? Learn more about OnLine Learning.
Course details coming soon.


 


Important tips for your health when outdoors!
  
Heading outdoors? Tips to stay alive during deadly weather - Yahoo
Yahoo
... Canada told Radio-Canada.CBC News is checking and it's not yet clear whether a tornado happened.As of 3 p.m. Friday around 14,000 customers were ...


More heat warnings issued!
Environment Canada issues heat warning for southern Ontario and Quebec - MSN
MSN
A woman paddle boards along Lake Ontario in the extreme heat in ...


The Paris to Cambridge Rail Trail is one of our favourites!
Canada's prettiest town is in Ontario and it's also the country's cobblestone capital - Toronto.com
Toronto.com
This Ontario town with tree-covered rolling hills has freshwater streams and hiking trails. Jul 19, 2025. Charming lakeside Ontario village has long ...
 

Ontario Trails Council partners with Granite Rapids Moon as a fundraiser. See this film in Waterloo. Support Ontario Trails.
granite rapids moon trailer video
We’d like to donate a significant chunk of our box office receipts from the 6:45pm August 12th screening of Granite Rapids Moon at Princess Cinemas in Waterloo (6 Princess Street) to the Ontario Trails Council.
 

Elliot Lake BioBlitz - saves trails, helps nature!
Nature challenge invites public to explore and record species - Elliot Lake News
ElliotLakeToday.com
Share via Text Message. 20250724-participant-in-ncc-bioblitz The Big Backyard BioBlitz, hosted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada ... hiking trails or ...


Learning cycling safety lasts a lifetime!
'Kidical' mass ride promotes cycling safety in Carlington
CTV News
... group Bike Ottawa. The family-friendly event hosted by the Queer Bike Club of Ottawa welcomed everyone of all ages, abilities and skill levels.


Lots of Greenspace to explore in Toronto!
'THE GREAT OUTDOORS': Exploring Toronto's best green spaces
Toronto Sun
... Canada. 'THE GREAT OUTDOORS': Exploring Toronto's best green spaces. In our How Canada Wins series, we look at our favourite ways to tour Toronto ...


Cameras everywhere!
THE WOODS ARE WATCHING - PressReader
PressReader
... recreational trail cams being deployed in nature. Trail cameras were once the domain of sportsmen collecting prehunt intelligence along game trails.


Great paddling in Southwest Ontario - check this out!
Make A Splash In Windsor Essex – Your Paddling Guide | windsoriteDOTca News
Windsorite.ca
Here's what I did and I invite you to either follow it or add it to your list of things to do in Windsor Essex, Ontario's outdoor adventure gem.


A great fundraising idea!
Birdies for Trails Strengthen Community Ties at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open
Credit Valley Conservation
... Canadian Open, where Birdies for Trails raised nearly ... Cookie Policy. Accept all. Reject non-essential. Preferences. Notifications. Menu. Home; Parks ...
 

See all the great Lake Erie Shore trails at Ontario Trails!
Charming lakeside Ontario village has long stretches of white, sandy beach and a scenic pier
Toronto.com
To step further into the nature of Erieau, there are several walking trails in the area. Check out McGeachy Pond Conservation Area Trail for “stunning ...

 


Membership Update

 

NEW - Wollaston Township 

wollaston township logo

The Wollaston multi-use trail is located across from the Municipal Offices located at 90 Wollaston Lake Road. Free Parking is available here for vehicles and trailers.

ATVing

The Township has an ATV and Off Road Vehicle By-Law.

Snowmobiling

Wollaston Township snowmobile trails are part of a system of over 400km of groomed trails throughout the surrounding area.

Permits and information on trail conditions and are available through the “Old Hastings Snow Riders”.  OFSC Snowmobile Trail Interactive Map

Hiking, Walking and Biking Trails are also supported by Wollaston Township. Trails can be found at Nellie Lunn Park currently closed due to weather damage), McGeachie Conservation Area, and the Gut Conservation Area.

Thank-you for your support!
 



Monday, July 21, 2025

Trail Wise News - July 21, 2025. Trail News and Events from Ontario and Canada. Join Today. Published regularly by Ontario Trails Council.

 

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.
provincial official shaking hands with mayor of sudbury on announcing funding for facility upgrades.


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


In Ontario, arenas and community recreation complexes, libraries and even Tim Horton's are hubs for trails and trail based activity. In many northern communities cross country and snowmobile trails pass by or through these complexes. Their upgrades support trails and the trails ecosystem. Ontario Trails Council thanks the government of Ontario for making investments in northern recreation.
 

SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing over $12.6 million to protect jobs and support the construction of the new Valley East Twin Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex in the City of Greater Sudbury, along with upgrades to other sports and recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) — a provincewide initiative to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

The government’s $10 million investment in the Valley East Twin Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex in Greater Sudbury will help create a state-of-the-art facility featuring two NHL-sized accessible rinks, 18 changerooms, a multipurpose gymnasium, support spaces, daycare, administrative offices, a heated viewing area, café and concession area and a public concourse. Designed to meet the needs of athletes, families and community members, the complex will also create jobs and support economic development as a community hub and world-class events hosting venue.

"Thank you to the Government of Ontario for this major investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund,” said Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Greater Sudbury. “This $10 million contribution will help us deliver a modern, inclusive and accessible facility that meets the growing needs of families, athletes and community members in Valley East and across Greater Sudbury. With strong provincial support, we’re building not just a sports complex, but a true community hub for generations to come."

In addition, the province is investing:

  • $1,000,000 to replace the aging refrigeration system at the Espanola Arena with a state-of-the-art CO₂ system. This upgrade will reduce energy consumption while ensuring continued service for residents.
     

  • $614,600 to support critical repairs of the Kashechewan Arena, including roof replacement, bathroom renovations and lighting and safety upgrades. These improvements will extend the life of the facility and create a safer, more welcoming environment for the community.
     

  • $585,250 for renovations at the Municipality of Markstay-Warren’s Multiplex to support expanded programming such as floor hockey, pickleball and Zumba, creating more opportunities for residents to stay active in their community.

  • $484,100 to replace the roof at Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena in the City of Temiskaming Shores, improving energy efficiency and extending the facility’s lifespan.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

 

Quick Facts

  • The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
     

  • Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
     

  • Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.

 

Additional Resources

Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

2025 Ontario Budget - A Plan to Protect Ontario

 

Ontario Trails Council appreciates the promotional work of Destination Northern Ontario
person hiking in the snow in northern ontario

Many of these events support communities that support trails!
Government of Canada invests over $4.5 million to enhance tourism across Northern Ontario
Canada.ca
... Ontario. Timmins Festivals and Events Committee $391,820. To help maximize ... outdoor spaces to support new tourism offerings in Northern Ontario.

Many rails became trails
POSTCARD MEMORIES: Trail one of few reminders of once-thriving railway
Bradford Today
One of the most notable exceptions is the Thornton-Cookstown Trans Canada Trail that follows the abandoned rail line between these two communities.

The outdoors is a great tourism experience
Canada's hidden gems: Quieter alternatives to tourist hotspots - pvtistes.net
pvtistes.net
... Canadian adventure to avoid overcrowding and overtourism ... If you want to escape the city for some outdoor adventures, try the Thunder Bay area.

60% of travellers prefer the outdoor experience.
Here are Nine Hiking Destinations for US and Canadian Tourists, What You Need To Know
Travel And Tour World
According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, over 60% of post-2020 U.S. travelers favor outdoor experiences, and hiking is now the top-booked ...

On our list of trails at Ontariotrails.ca
Vanderwater Conservation Area – Picnic by Limestone Rapids and Hike Through Mature Forests
To Do Canada
In total, the park offers 16 km of hiking and cycling trails, spread across four main trails. ... Canada Day · Thanksgiving · Halloween · Christmas

Congratulations Rouge Park. Great trails! We would appreciate your membership support at OTC!
The Government of Canada Celebrates Rouge National Urban Park's 10th Anniversary
Canada.ca
... heritage. Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice. The details are as follows: Date: Monday, July 21, 2025. Time ...

This helps make links across the G2G - loved doing your trail audit in 2014-15
New pedestrian bridge proposed to replace Middlebrook Bridge - EloraFergusToday.com
EloraFergusToday.com
Calling the bridge a safe connector to the G2G railway system, Cottontail Road Trail, Elora-Guelph Trail, Grand Valley Trail, Trans-Canada Trail ...
 
This is quite an adventure!
The Hudson Bay Girls: Kayaking 1900km Through the Heart of Canada - Explorersweb »
Explorersweb »
... canoe guides, wilderness medical technicians, and trail maintenance foremen in the Boundary Waters and Quetico Provincial Park. Olivia Bedsoe ...
 

Membership Update

 

City of Waterloo Trails
 

Renewed this week. The City of Waterloo manages their trails through Christopher Hodgson, P.Eng. the Manager, Active & Autonomous Transportation at Transportation Services a department of the Integrated Planning & Public Works, facilitating Active Transportation and Trails.Waterloo has over 150 km of off-road and multi-use trails. We have installed trail counters at several points along our trail network.


Thank-you for your renewal!

 





Monday, July 14, 2025

Trail Wise News - July 14, 2025. Trail News and Events from Ontario and Canada. Join Today! Click here for more information on OTC Programs, Services and even more Trail News!

 

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.
two bike riders on a trail participating in a trail ride the voyageur 200


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


Trails in Ontario happen through the generous donation of land, money and time. Thank you to the Goettier Family Foundation!
Goettlers makes $50K donation for heritage trail restoration - Niagara Now
Niagara Now
The restoration of the Upper Canada Heritage Trail continues to gain ground, with the team about halfway to finishing the entire trail, and a ...
Fun fact - last year the OYC ED went to Niagara on the Lake at the request of the St. Catharines and Lake Rotary Club in support of this trail!

Wild fire smoke is having far reaching impacts.
Wildfire smoke impacting Timmins and area - TimminsToday.com
Timmins Today
Environment Canada says people should limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports and activities. "You may experience ...

We think highly of this park and the Town of Mono and its trails as well.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – Discover Towering Cliffs, Ancient Cedars, and Canyon Trails at ...
To Do Canada
The year-round park is a popular hiking destination with certain trails also open to cycling. ... Canada Day · Thanksgiving · Halloween · Christmas

Get your Canada Strong Pass today!
Here's how to visit Ontario's national parks and museums for free this summer
Streets Of Toronto
The Canada Strong Pass allows Canadians and ... This historic military post defended Upper Canada against American attacks during the War of 1812 ...
 
Congratulations Wilderness Tours on your anniversary!
Wilderness Tours celebrates 50th anniversary | The Eganville Leader
The Eganville Leader
... outdoor adventure companies in not only Ontario, but Canada and beyond. Joe Kowalski's Wilderness Tours began operations on the Ottawa River at ...

No end in sight for unrelenting heat
Multi-day heat warning in effect for southern Ontario | INsauga
INsauga
Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of day. Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave children or ...

Check out this page on Reddit for some quality tips for hiking in the heat.
https://www.reddit.com/r/hiking/comments/1c79ldr/tips_for_hiking_in_the_heat/
More warnings about heat.
Environment Canada issues widespread multi-day heat warning, including Kingston region
Kingstonist News
Environment Canada suggests planning and scheduling outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. “Limit direct exposure to the sun and ...

There are also great trails put on the ground by the Oxford County Trails Council
There's an epic 31-stop cheese tour just two hours from Toronto
Toronto Life
It's the 10th anniversary of the Oxford County Cheese Trail, a dairy-drenched 31-stop self-guided tour two hours southwest of Toronto. The official ...

Join this event today!
Lock And Paddle 2025 Returns To The Peterborough Lift Lock On July 19 - Kawartha 411
Kawartha 411
PETERBOROUGH-Parks Canada is once again inviting paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to one of the most unique paddling events in the country — Lock ...

Check this out for Fido before you trail!
Thousands of private dog parks now available for rent across Canada with Sniffspot
WTNH.com
Sniffspot hosts are sharing fields, beaches, hiking trails, indoor dog parks and more. Founded in 2018 by David Adams, Sniffspot was a solution to ...
 



Ontario Trails Council encourages the Economic Developers Council of Ontario


Storms are reshaping and costing many trail closures because cleanup costs are not covered in management budgets.
BACK ROADS BILL: Storm reshapes Ontario park as experts predict forest's future
SooToday.com
Scott hopes to continue to observe the changes over time along the park's Forestry Research Partnership Trail and the Permanent Sample Plot ( ...

In other March storm cleanup news...(its July!)
March ice storm cleanup continues across Simcoe County trails - CTV News
CTV News
... trails across Simcoe County remain closed on Wed. July 9, 2025 ... Newfoundland town experiences surge in whale watching tours, creating ...

Another new trail! Thanks TRCA!
New Bridge, Trail to Connect Stouffville's Madori Park and Ken Betz Court
Bullet Point News Stouffville
The three-metre-wide pathway will extend from Madori Park's existing paved trail ... Canada, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Five trees ...

Glad to see ongoing forums about conservation issues.
Willowbank to host open house for future heritage conservation students
Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
... Restoration Arts has grown to become Canada's leading institution for heritage conservation education. As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2026 ...

When you are in St. Thomas check out their great trails as well.
New exhibit in St. Thomas explores legacy of global icon — Jumbo the elephant - CBC
CBC
It's the subject of the new Jumbomania exhibit at the Elgin County Heritage Centre in St. ... ©2025 CBC/Radio-Canada. All rights reserved.

We appreciate the membership support of the City of Toronto. Signed the Ontario Trails Strategy with Minister Jim Watson there in 2005
That time Toronto's popular wetland park was just a giant hole in the ground - blogTO
blogTO
Nothing beats a day spent at Toronto's Evergreen Brick Works, complete with hiking trails, beautiful ravines, a boardwalk around wetlands, ...