The Town of Ajax's 7-kilometre (4.3-mile) waterfront trail is a hidden gem that is just waiting to be explored. Nestled between kilometres of green space and the shores of LakeOntario, it spans bridges, creeks, natural and maintained areas. This multi-use trail is part of the Waterfront Trail, running from Niagara to the Quebec border, and the Trans-Canada Trail. It is perfect for the cycling enthusiast or the passive recreationist. The Ajax Waterfront Trail is one of Southern Ontario's most picturesque trails. Come and enjoy the scenic views first hand or take a virtual tour on our website.
Whether visitors are interested in a family bicycle outing or a challenging mountain bike ride, AlgonquinPark's bicycle trails offer a unique experience. The Old Railway Bike Trail is perfect for a family day trip, as most of the 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) route follows a historic railway bed that stretches between campgrounds. The Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail is a more difficult trail routed through hilly hardwood forests with four loops ranging from 4.7 kilometres (2.9 miles) to 23.4 kilometres (14.5 miles). Riders can also explore the Byers Lake Mountain Bike Trail, which is located in the south end of the park.
AlgonquinProvincialPark covers over 763,000 hectares (1,885,414 acres) and possesses a vast interior of forests, rocky ridges and thousands of lakes. The best way to experience the park is through the network of trails. There are 17 self-guided hiking trails, from 0.8 kilometres (0.5 miles) to 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) in length, each focusing on a unique aspect of the park's history or ecology. Most of the trails are located along the Highway 60 corridor but some are located on the park's north and east sides. There are also three backpacking trail networks with campsites and loops up to 93 kilometres (57.8 miles) in length.
AlgonquinPark offers an array of beautiful trails during the winter. For skiers, the Leaf Lake Ski Trail and Fen Lake Ski Trail offer groomed and trackset loops ranging in length and difficulty level. For a backcountry wilderness skiing experience, the Minnesing Wilderness Ski Trail is the perfect trail. Snowshoeing opportunities can be found on trails throughout the park and dogsledding is offered by commercial operators on two separate trails, one along the Highway 60 corridor and the other in the park's northwest section.
The Avon trail is a backcountry hiking footpath that forms an important link in Southwestern Ontario's network of walking trails. It begins at the termination point of the Thames Valley Trail in St. Marys and travels in an eastern direction past Wildwood Lake towards the picturesque Village of Harrington. The trail then takes a northeasterly turn towards Stratford and follows the banks of the AvonRiver to the farming community of Amulree. It continues through rolling farmland and pasture fields towards the Region of Waterloo and ends in the Village of Conestogo where it meets the Grand Valley Trail.
The Beaver Valley Club recently opened 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) of new trail featuring some of the most interesting hiking terrain in the province. Appropriately named the Falling Water Trail, it is accessible from various locations in the UpperBeaverValley, notably Eugenia and Hogg's Falls. The best way to learn about the new hiking opportunities is to purchase a Day Hike Map Kit ($10). Visit our website to learn where to purchase a copy.
Blue MountainsBruceTrail Club, Lavender to Craigleith, www.bmbtc.org
The Blue Mountains section of the BruceTrail represents an abrupt change in terrain from southern sections of the trail. This section, which features Ontario's best-known ski resorts, is set among high bluffs interspersed with deep, wide valleys. The trail provides excellent views of the rolling countryside and NottawasagaBay. Come out and enjoy the wonderful hiking opportunities. New hikers are welcome to join in on organized hikes.
The Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club is responsible for a varied and beautiful section of the trail traversing the hills and valleys of Caledon and Mono. Along the route, the trail passes through Forks of the CreditProvincialPark, GlenHaffyConservation Area and the beautiful Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve. The trails are always open in Caledon and Mono and organized hikes are open to the public.
Part of the Trans-Canada Trail, the trailway spans the full width of Caledon, from the southwest to the northeast corner, following an abandoned rail line that once linked Hamilton with Barrie. The trailway crosses the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Humber and Credit rivers, numerous streams and wetlands, and provides stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment and the beautiful Caledon countryside.
Looking for fun with friends and family? Curious about the wonders of nature and local culture? Seeking the ultimate challenge? Pursue your passion for walking, hiking, running, mountain biking, cycling, horseback riding, paddling, geocaching and much more. The Celebration of Trails offers events for all ages, abilities and interests, and will get you outdoors and active on Ontario's great trails. It is an annual autumn festival of events that takes place on trails in communities throughout Central and Eastern Ontario from September through December. It's your path to fun, fitness and adventure!
The Collingwood Trails Network was created to promote alternative transportation methods and provide community opportunities for proactive health. The network currently boasts over 60 kilometres (37.3 miles) of trails spread throughout the town. Trail surfaces consist of concrete walkways, wooden boardwalks, crushed stone pathways and dirt paths. Signs at trail junctions mark distances. Visit the Collingwood Welcome Centre at the StationMuseum for more personalized information and advice to get you on the trails. A pocket-sized map is available at the Welcome Centre and other area locations.
Conservation Ontario represents a network of 36 conservation authorities located across the province. Each conservation authority is organized on a watershed basis and is responsible for protecting people and their property from the natural hazards of flooding and erosion. Conservation authorities also protect natural areas and open space, restore and protect aquatic and natural habitats, and provide recreational and educational opportunities to local residents. Ontario's 36 conservation authorities own and protect over 135,000 hectares (350,000 acres) of natural lands and operate more than 250 conservation areas with thousands of kilometres of trail for you to enjoy.
Coureurs de Bois Voyageur Trail Club invites you to join in on one or more of our scheduled outings. Year-round and seasonal activities include hiking, canoeing, bush or backcountry cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and much more! There are activities for all skill levels. "Easy" activities last 2-3 hours and occur on relatively level surfaces. "Intermediate" activities last 3-4 hours and include some hills. "Advanced Intermediate" activities last 4-6 hours and include hills with steep ascents and descents. Visit our website for general information, schedules, notices and photo reports of past outings.
From paved urban pathways to rugged wilderness trails, Discovery Routes Trails Organization celebrates the rich natural and cultural heritage of Ontario's Near North. Working in partnership with community leaders, economic developers, environmental stewards and locally based action groups, Discovery Routes promotes the use of trails in support of better health, tourism, and environmental appreciation and protection. In the fall of 2008, development of a new section of the Trans-Canada Trail through Callander, Ontario was completed. To properly commemorate this new route, Discovery Routes will be hosting a grand opening celebration on June 21, 2009.
The 54-kilometre (33.6-mile) Dufferin Hi-Land section of the BruceTrail begins in Mono Centre, near Orangeville, and travels north to the Village of Lavender. The trail passes through MonoCliffsProvincialPark, which provides dramatic scenic views, dolomite cliffs, talus boulder slopes, glacial spillways, cedar savannas and wetlands. The trail also traverses other beautiful areas including BoyneValley, Murphy's Pinnacle, the PineRiverValley and the scenic uplands of the Mulmur Hills.
The 23-kilometre (14.3-mile) Dutton/Dunwich section of the Trans-Canada Trail spans the municipality as a shared trail for walking, cycling and horseback riding. Varied terrain in bushlots through private property adds interest. History and culture are also incorporated, as the trail passes the BackusPageHouseMuseum, JohnE.PearceProvincialPark, the burial place of Colonel Thomas Talbot and the Southwold Prehistoric Earthworks. Serene countryside, prime agricultural land, natural phenomenon and amiable facilities await trail users along rural roads. A dedicated committee of one councillor and several volunteers manages this special trail as part of the municipality's amenities.
Your backyard just got bigger! Explore a 700-kilometre (435-mile) network of trails built on a foundation of abandoned rail lines and forest access roads. This adventurous route winds its way across the countryside, passing through several rural communities that provide walkers and riders with convenient access to a wide variety of supplies, services and accommodations. Located on the southernmost tip of the Canadian Shield, the natural beauty of these lands is unsurpassed. The trail system borders wetlands, shaded forests, shimmering lakes and verdant farmlands. Eastern Ontario – create a lifetime of memories!
The Elora Cataract Trailway is a 47-kilometre (29.2-mile) trail that links parks, watersheds and communities in south-central Ontario. The trailway is routed along the abandoned railway corridor of the 1879 Credit Valley Railway and runs from Elora to Cataract, passing through the communities of Fergus, Belwood, Orton, Hillsburgh and Erin. It encompasses a range of natural features and corridors and is routed mainly through the agricultural landscapes that dominate the region. The trailway also runs through tree-lined valleys, upland woodlots and wetlands, passing several ponds and lakes. Visit our website for more information, maps and pictures.
The Erie Marsh Trail is routed along a 1.6-kilometre (1-mile) section of the former Erie & Huron Railway line near the community of Erieau. Approximately one-third of the trail's length contains a stone dust surface and the remainder is composed of hard packed gravel. The trail’s location along a marsh surrounded by the fresh waters of Lake Erie and RondeauBay offers a unique opportunity for viewing nature. It is a welcome place of rest and food for migrating birds and butterflies and a place of refuge for species at risk.
Friends of Algoma East (FOAE) is a registered charitable non-profit organization working to enhance and protect natural and human heritage values across Algoma. FOAE is primarily a project-oriented group, involving members in a wide variety of hands-on outdoor projects that are mainly wildlife-, habitat- and environment-related. We feel the key to protecting our environment is to get people out on the land doing something worthwhile and learning at the same time through a variety of "citizen science" projects and other initiatives that create an awareness of what can be lost without good stewardship.
The Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway is a 65-kilometre (40.4-mile) multi-use recreational trail maintained by the City of Brantford’s Parks and Recreation Department. It is used for walking, biking, jogging and skiing and provides access to many of Brantford's historic sites. The trail wanders through natural areas along old rail lines near the Grand River where visitors can see many Carolinian plants and animals or stop to read interpretive signs that recount the area’s local history. Side trails accommodate those looking for a short hike or bike ride, while the main path provides a connection to the Trans Canada Trail.
The Guelph Hiking Trail Club maintains three hiking/cross-county skiing trails slightly outside of the City of Guelph. The 20-kilometre (12.4-mile) Speed River Trail follows the scenic SpeedRiver south to Cambridge. The 35-kilometre (21.7-mile) Guelph Radial Line Trail leads eastward through the quiet valley of the ErmosaRiver to Limehouse where it meets the BruceTrail. The 40-kilometre (24.9-mile) Kissing Bridge Trailway is a multipurpose trail following an abandoned CPR rail line to Millbank. The Club has 180 members and conducts weekly hikes for members and non-members. A guidebook describing trail features and providing maps is available ($20).
Haliburton Highlands Water Trails is an extensive, multi-community trails system that spans 28,000+ hectares (69,190+ acres) of land, 70 lakes and four geographical townships. Its system of 38 kilometres (23.6 miles) of trails, 15 backcountry canoe routes, campsites and portage access points provides access to undeveloped municipal shoreline and Crown lands while promoting environmental stewardship and conservation. The trails are open from May to October, but two enhanced management areas, the Frost Centre and the PokerLakes, are open year round as a popular destination for canoeists, campers, day trippers, fisherman, hunters and cottagers.
Hanover Community Trails System and Free Ride Bike Park, Hanover, www.hanover.ca
The Hanover Community Trails System consists of 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) of trails in the SaugeenRiverValley. The trail features numerous bridge crossings over the majestic SaugeenRiver, including a 91-metre (299-foot) pedestrian bridge that affords fantastic views of the river (access via 16th Avenue North). Trail access areas are spread throughout the town and are listed on trail maps and the Town's website. The newest feature of the trail, the FreeRideBikePark, features contoured trails with ramps, jumps, a moguls circuit and other challenges designed to accommodate all age and skill levels.
The Iroquoia section stretches 130 kilometres (80.8 miles) along the Escarpment overlooking LakeOntario from Grimsby in Niagara Region to Milton in Halton Region. The most densely populated area of the BruceTrail, it travels through a variety of landscapes including lush fruit lands, tree-lined valleys and majestic cliffs with ancient cedars. The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club is named for the Iroquois people, the original inhabitants of the area, who called the lake and adjacent lands "Iroquoia."
The Kenora Urban Trail Network is a system of five trails stretching more than 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) throughout the Kenora landscape. The network includes: Kenora Nordic Trails, a 20-kilometre (12.4-mile) system of grassy and rocky forest trails leading to the top of Mount Evergreen; Mink Bay Trails, a 4.3-kilometre (2.7-mile) trails system through provincially designated wetland in Keewatin; Rabbit Lake Trail, a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) scenic walking route along the south shore of Rabbit Lake; Rat Portage Urban Trail, a 6.5-kilometre (4-mile) path along Kenora's downtown streets; and Rotary Way, the city's first paved, accessible and fully lit trail.
The Kincardine Trails Association operates 22 kilometres (13.7 miles) of trails used for walking, biking, snowshoeing and skiing. Enjoy evening lakeside walks and marvel at the best sunsets in the world, stroll through ravine trails crossing rivers over permanent and seasonal bridges, hike or bike through majestic cedar groves or walk the rail trail that provides some of the best bird watching in Ontario. Loop trails are available in a wide variety of sizes, allowing users to enjoy outings from a few hundred meters up to 10 kilometres in length. Kincardine – a place to take a hike!
Leslie Frost Nordic Ski Centre, Haliburton County/Muskoka District, www.skithefrost.ca
The Leslie Frost Nordic Ski Centre includes 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails for classic skiing. Seven stacked loops of trails on Crown land provide access to a winter wonderland that features rugged terrain, mixed hardwood forests, majestic stands of white pine and hemlock, cliff-top lookouts, frozen waterfalls and two warm-up huts. The centre is managed, maintained and operated by a volunteer committee, the Ski Friends of the Frost Centre. The daily rate for skiing is $10 per person and season passes are available. The trails can be used free of charge for hiking during the off-season.
The Lorne Spicer Trail is a 2.95-kilometre (1.8-mile) trail located in JohnE.PearceProvincialPark. The trail starts at the BackusPageHouseMuseum and meanders through a prairie meadow before entering a Carolinian forest zone. With year-round access, visitors can view a broad variety of plant and bird species.
MiddlesexCounty is in the heart of Southwestern Ontario surrounding the City of London. This lush rural landscape is easily accessible from Highways 401 and 402. Primarily agricultural, the area is steeped in the history of rural life. The Middlesex County Heritage Trail was designed to ensure the preservation of its local heritage and culture. The 85 signs located throughout the county offer the reader a glimpse of the past by outlining unique historical places, buildings and events. Detailed listings and GPS coordinates for each sign are located on our website.
The Niagara section of the BruceTrail runs from QueenstonHeights to Grimsby. It travels through ShortHillsProvincialPark, Balls Falls Conservation Area, past vineyards and waterfalls, across the Escarpment brow, and up and down steep hills. Hikes by the Club are held five days a week, including weekends. One need not be a hiker to volunteer for trail maintenance or land stewardship. There is something for everyone.
With almost 300 kilometres (186.4 miles) of trail, and most of it within an hour's drive of Toronto, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities for Ontarians of all ages and abilities. The trail is available to use at any time of the year, at no charge. You can purchase a detailed trail guidebook (see our website for retailers) and plan your own hike or join one of the more than 200 guided hikes provided by the Oak Ridges Trail Association volunteers throughout the year (see our website for schedules). Happy hiking!
Ontario's Waterfront Trail, Shores of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River, www.waterfronttrail.org
Ontario's Waterfront Trail traverses 730 kilometres (453.6 miles) of GreatLake and HeritageRiver shoreline, connecting 41 villages, towns and cities. It combines dedicated paths, residential streets and paved shoulders, all marked with the distinctive bird, leaf, fish logo, offering a rich variety of natural, rural and urban experiences. If you are interested in experiencing the entire trail, register for the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure. It's a fully supported, eight-day bike ride hosted by the waterfront communities and organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust every July 4 to 11. It encourages a relaxed pace to enjoy all that the Waterfront Trail offers.
Pearce Williams is a 73-hectare facility with over 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) of marked trails located in the beautiful farm country of ElginCounty, just north of Lake Erie. The site is home to a United Church Summer Camp and Retreat Facility that contains a system of trails leading through numerous ravines, rolling hills, wooded area, open fields and beside duck ponds. Open year round for hiking, there is no cost to use the trails. Pearce Williams is located directly west of Southwold Prehistoric Earthworks – a National Historic Site.
Penetanguishene is home to a thriving trail system that includes a Trans-Canada Trail link and two side trails, the Copeland Creek Trail and Discovery Harbour Trail, that branch from the main line. The main trail is 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) in length with both paved and screened limestone sections and winds along the waterfront through marshlands, mixed forests and an abandoned rail corridor. While exploring the trails, you will pass historical markers that commemorate Penetanguishene's logging history, natural wetlands, historic waterfronts and the area’s connection to Samuel de Champlain, Étienne Brűlé and the Huron Nation.
PeninsulaBruceTrail Club, Wiarton to Tobermory, www.pbtc.ca
The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club's 6th Annual Outdoor Festival will occur September 18-20, 2009.Discover the beautiful BrucePeninsula during a fun-filled weekend of expert-guided hikes, workshops and special presentations highlighting the diverse and unique ecology of the area. Explore the Peninsula's rugged trails and breathtaking views of Georgian Bay. Visit our website for more information about this year's festival or any of the regularly scheduled hikes throughout the year.
Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail, United Counties of Prescott and Russell, www.prescott-russell.on.ca
The Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail is a 72-kilometre (44.7-mile) rail-to-trail conversion. The trail traverses the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, crossing through five of the eight local municipalities (East Hawkesbury, Champlain, The Nation, Alfred and Plantagenet and Clarence-Rockland). The trail represents a unique tapestry of history and ecological features and travels through woodlots, wetlands, pasture lands and agricultural fields. There are five pavilions along the trail, each providing a picnic area, information kiosk, toilets and, in most cases, parking. The sections nearest the pavilions are paved but the remainder of the trail contains a stone dust surface.
Come to Greater Sudbury and take a walk on the wild side! See our recovering natural beauty, learn about our city’s history with our History Hikes urban walking tours or join our popular Rainbow ROUTES monthly hiking series. Rainbow Routes Association (RRA) is a not-for-profit organization that develops and promotes non-motorized trails in Greater Sudbury. RRA has been the lead proponent of the Greater Sudbury section of the Trans-Canada Trail and the city's own trail network for the past 10 years. Come and experience Greater Sudbury's ever-expanding network of non-motorized trails.
The Rideau Trail Association maintains a 300-kilometre (186.4-mile) walking, snowshoeing and skiing trail between Kingston and Ottawa. The Rideau Trail, including its side trails, traverses several provincial parks and conservation areas on its path as it crosses a varied terrain of rocky Canadian Shield, forests, farmland, back roads, villages and scenic urban pathways. The three local hiking clubs in Kingston, Perth and Ottawa that comprise the Rideau Trail Association are dedicated to fostering healthful outdoor activity by organizing numerous activities year round, primarily in Eastern Ontario. These activities offer various degrees of challenge and are open to non-members.
The Sheriff Creek Sanctuary contains a network of three trails: the Red Trail, a 3-kilometre (1.9-mile) trail with a boardwalk and two viewing stands; the Yellow Trail, a 2.7-kilometre (1.7-mile) trail through gently sloping terrain; and the Blue Trail, a 5.2-kilometre (3.2-mile) trail with views over Horne Lake. The trails traverse natural habitats such as cattail marsh, tamarack bog, upland mixed forest and transition mixed forest, and provide an opportunity to view native flora and fauna. This beautiful and ecologically diverse sanctuary is under the stewardship of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalist in partnership with Rio Algom Limited.
The Sydenham Club will be participating in the Township of Meaford's "Big Fall Weekend," October 2-4, 2009. Many activities are planned, including a Scarecrow Invasion. On Saturday afternoon, the Sydenham Club will lead hikes on the Crevice Springs Trail starting at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. That evening, there will be a delicious country turkey dinner at Woodford Hall, 4:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Ron Savage (519-371-2276) or Norma Collis (519-371-7178).
Owned and operated by the Township of Tay, the Tay Shore Trail is a paved, multi-use, accessible trail that follows the shoreline of southern Georgian Bay. The 18.5-kilometre (11.5-mile) trail is registered as part of the Trans-Canada Trail and connects the communities of Midland, Port McNicoll, VictoriaHarbour and Waubaushene. It traverses both rural and urban settings, passing several plaques that commemorate the area's unique history and natural environment. Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll, a family bike ride, rollerblading or bird watching, the Tay Shore Trail has been pegged the "Cadillac of Trails" in North Simcoe.
The Toronto Club offers more than 400 group hikes throughout the year, including bus, car and urban hikes. Hikes are free and bus fare is $20 for most outings. A list of hikes offered to the public is available on the Club's website. Buses leave from central downtown and subway stations. Highlights of this section of the trail include HiltonFalls, Limehouse Conservation Area, the Scotsdale Farm property and the spectacular SilverCreekValley.
One of Ontario's most accessible stands of old-growth pine is found in the White Bear Forest. Located within minutes of the Town of Temagami, it was declared a conservation reserve by the Ministry of Natural Resources in June 1996. The forest is named after the White Bear Family ("Wabimakwa" in the Ojibway language) who used this land for their traditional hunting grounds. Archeological carbon-dated evidence proves that local trail systems were used approximately 6,000 years ago. The spectacular trails vary in length and difficulty and are part of a large network of trails in the Temagami area.
Ajax Waterfront Trail, Ajax, 
Algonquin Provincial Park Bicycle Trails, Nipissing District, 
Algonquin Provincial Park Hiking Trails, Nipissing District, 
Algonquin Provincial Park Winter Trails, Nipissing District, 
Avon Trail, Perth County/Waterloo Region, 
Beaver
Blue Mountains
Caledon
Caledon
Celebration of Trails, Central and 
Collingwood Trails Network, Collingwood, 
Conservation 
Coureurs de Bois Voyageur Trail Club, 
Discovery Routes Trails Organization, 
Dufferin
Dutton/Dunwich Trans-
Eastern Ontario Trails 
Elora Cataract Trailway, 
Erie Marsh Trail, Chatham-Kent, e-mail: 
Friends of Algoma East, 
Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway, Brantford, 
Guelph Hiking Trail Club, 
Haliburton Highlands Water Trails, Algonquin Highlands, 
Hanover Community Trails System and 
Iroquoia
Kenora Urban Trails, Kenora, 
Kincardine Trails Association, Kincardine, 
Leslie Frost Nordic Ski Centre, Haliburton County/Muskoka District, 
Lorne Spicer Trail, Dutton/Dunwich, 
Middlesex County Heritage Trail, 
Niagara
Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, Greater 
Ontario's Waterfront Trail, Shores of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River, 
Pearce Williams Christian Centre, Dutton/Dunwich, 
Penetanguishene Trails, Penetanguishene, 
Peninsula
Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail, United Counties of Prescott and Russell, 
Rainbow Routes Association, Greater 
Rideau Trail Association, Eastern Ontario, 
Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Elliot Lake, 
Sydenham
Tay Shore Trail, Tay, 
Toronto
White Bear Forest Trail System, Temagami, 