Author: Ontario Trails

The Ontario Trails Council (OTC) - Conseil des Sentiers de l'Ontario – is a charity that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails in Ontario. http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/

COLUMN: Preserving Summerland’s network of trails – Summerland Review

May 10, 2021

The trail network in our community provides a variety of experiences

Summerland is situated between Conkle, Cartwright and Giant’s Head mountains, all offering unique and exceptional recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

Other key locations for trails in the district include areas along the lakeshore, Garnet Valley and regional connections to networks such as the Trans Canada Trail (the Great Trail), and the Fur Brigade Trail.

Following extensive community engagement, in 2019 the District released the Summerland’s Trails Master plan (summerland.ca/parks-recreation/trails-cycling-and-sidewalks-master-plans), a document that provides a framework to ensure that current and future trails meet the needs of the community and that they are safe, well-maintained, adequately signed, and have a minimal impact on the natural environment.

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The trail network in our community provides a variety of experiences, from paved lakeside pathways to rugged mountain hiking trails and almost 23 kilometres of trails are publicly-owned.

Add to this distance trails within the district that are owned by others (approximately 43.5 kilometres) walkers, hikers, dog walkers, equestrians, mountain bikers and other trail users have more than 66 kilometres to explore.

https://www.summerland.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails

Celebrating Bike to Work While Working From Home – Windsorite Dot News CA

May 10, 2021
Photo from WindsoriteDotNews.ca

Bike to Work day, an annual event on the third Friday of May, promotes the trusty bicycle as an option for commuting to work. Cycling offers up many health benefits as well as reduces carbon emissions, reduces traffic congestion and is well also lots of fun! Though right now most of us are working from home why not celebrate by taking a break from the home office and getting out to explore one of the nearby trails and bike patch.

Windsor Essex is a cyclists dream – no matter if you are new to two wheels or an experienced rider! W.E. have miles of trails for you to enjoy.  Use our Cycle Tourism Map to explore – there are six highlighted routes to help plan your next two-wheeled adventure.

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La Ronge walking trail year-round addition funded – Welland Tribune

May 10, 2021

JRBy Jessica R. Durling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Humboldt Journal

Fri., May 7, 2021 timer2 min. read

Approximately seven kilometres of walking trails in La Ronge received provincial and federal funding so they can be made accessible year-round.

These additions include hard surfaces on areas that would be uncrossable in the summer.

“A lot of the trails are only usable in the winter time, after the ground has frozen because there’s some muskeg-y areas the trails go through,” said Tonia Logan, La Ronge’s recreation facility operations manager. “So we’ll either upgrade them with boardwalks or depending on since the price of lumber is so high, there might be other options we can look at.”

The trails are expected to be wide enough to accommodate strollers and bikes. Other modifications may include stairs in some areas as well as handrails.

Logan said the Town of La Ronge has been wanting to do the development for “some time.”

“We’re seeing a trend in parks and recreation that because of the pandemic people are focusing on their health and wellness and they’re trying to get outside and do more stuff,” she said.

“It is driven by the pandemic, and we do think that trend is going to continue and people will be excited about just being able to get outside and do their own type of recreation and leisure.”

The town will be working in partnership with the Boreal Outdoor Recreation Association (BORA), which developed those trails.

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New overnight backpackers’ guidebook out May 11

May 6, 2021

‘Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia: The Essential Guide to Overnight Hiking Trails’ includes Sea to Sky Corridor trips.

2 days ago By: Jennifer Thuncher

Taryn EytonA shot from Rainbow Pass, one of the trips featured in Taryn Eyton’s new book. Courtesy Taryn Eyton

Taryn Eyton has written the book she wished existed for her when she started overnight backpacking.

Eyton, who is also the president of the Friends of Garibaldi Park Society, is the author of Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia: The Essential Guide to Overnight Hiking Trails, which comes out on May 11. 

“This is the first guidebook, as far as I know, that focuses on backpacking,” she said. 

There are 40 spots featured in the book and they are all overnight or multi-day trips, with options for extending trips with day hikes beyond the campsites. 

Routes featured are from the North Shore up to Pemberton and Lytton, and from the Sunshine Coast out to the Similkameen Valley.

She includes information about how to book campsites, how many sites there are, where to source water, and how to store food. 

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25 Things to Do During Summer at Waterton Lakes National Park

May 6, 2021

Published by To Do Canada On May 5, 2021Leave a response

image

Jenny W/Flickr

In the southern part of Alberta, travellers will come across one of the most incredible national parks that the country can offer. Bordering on the United States, Waterton Lakes National Park encompasses an area that, along with the neighbouring Glacier National Park (USA), has been designated an international peace park, a World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserve.

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Lower visits, revenue reported as pandemic measures created unpredictable ski season -CHAT News Today.ca

May 5, 2021

May 3, 2021 9:42 AM

CALGARY — Measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic made for a bumpy ride for most of the ski and snowboard industry in Canada, as revenues slumped even at resorts that were able to maintain near-normal lift ticket sales in a season that’s coming to a close.

While some resorts are reporting increases in visits thanks to local support, most were hurt by the loss of well-heeled international guests as well as COVID-19 related disruptions to food and guest services, said Paul Pinchbeck, CEO of the Canadian Ski Council.

“Across Canada, we’re probably looking at a 35 to 40 per cent decline in our total revenues,” he said in an interview, though he noted the impact varies widely from region to region.

Western resorts cater to a destination traveller who spends more money, “whereas the eastern resorts and the small resorts tend to have a local who comes all the time, but doesn’t have quite as high a spend.”

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16 of the best Canadian running trails that are accessible to all

May 5, 2021

From coast to coast, here are some easily accessible trails to train on for this year’s Wings For Life World Run.

By Ilanna Barkusky Published on 05/03/2021 ·

2:50 PM EDTSavePart of this storyWings for Life World RunView Event Info

Summary

  1. 1British Columbia
  2. 2Alberta
  3. 3Saskatchewan
  4. 4Manitoba
  5. 5Ontario
  6. 6Quebec
  7. 7Nova Scotia
  8. 8Prince Edward Island

Canada’s reputation for outdoor recreation is well-known, from the Western shores of Vancouver Island all the way to the Maritimes. Winding through lakes, forests, and mountains, there are endless possibilities to explore while you get your heart rate going at the same time. Some trails are world-famous, and for good reason — they can be enjoyed by all.

We’ve rounded up our top picks spanning the country, along with all the information you need to know regarding distances, elevation, and accessibility.With the Wings For Life World Run just around the corner on May 9th, consider this your go-to reference for local spots to train. If you’re looking for some guidance on where to get started on your workout plan, we’ve got you covered.

It’s got all the information you’ll need to get revved up to run with purpose and raise funds to find a cure for spinal cord injury. In advance of race day, continue reading for some of our favourite spots to put in the prep work, and don’t forget to download the WFL app which will let you take part anywhere you choose.

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Seize on pandemic-fuelled enthusiasm for outdoors to expand protected wilderness, former parks chief urges

May 5, 2021

In recent weeks, Alberta’s government has moved to add user fees to some of its protected areas, citing the conservation needs from increased visitors seeking to get out of the city

Author of the article:Tyler DawsonPublishing date:May 03, 2021  •  2 days ago  •  4 minute read  •   19 Comments

A hiker looks at Lake O’Hara, located in Yoho National Park, in this undated handout image.
A hiker looks at Lake O’Hara, located in Yoho National Park, in this undated handout image. PHOTO BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Article content

EDMONTON — A former Parks Canada head says governments should look to expand protected wilderness in Canada, seizing on the enthusiasm for the outdoors that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it does help alleviate the potential impacts on existing parks and I think it creates new opportunities for people to connect with nature,” said Alan Latourelle, who headed the federal agency between 2002 and 2015. “We have a base of public support that we should seize at this time.”

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A pathway to Airdrie? How a citizen’s proposal captured the city’s imagination – CBC News

April 30, 2021

Airdrie, Rocky View County and Calgary would need to work together to make this pitch a reality

Helen Pike · CBC News · Posted: Apr 28, 2021 7:50 AM MT | Last Updated: April 28

Matthew Hicks bikes to Airdrie at least once a week to meet with clients for his photography business. (Helen Pike/CBC)

Airdrie is seriously considering a bike and pedestrian pathway that would connect the city to Calgary. 

Last week, the Airdrie city council reviewed a pitch complete with costs, stakeholders to engage, and a planned-out route to pave the path — and the idea, funnily enough, was presented by a Calgary-based photographer.

About a year ago, Matthew Hicks invested in an electronic cargo bike to cut his emissions for client meetings and shoots in Calgary. But he quickly realized that between pedaling and the extra electric-assisted power, he could push his bike range to Airdrie. 

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E-bike bylaw now in place for Whitehorse – Yukon News

April 30, 2021

Council adopts new bylaw despite opposition heard

Those who get around town by e-bike now have a new bylaw to refer to in determining which routes they can travel by.

A cyclist rides along Fourth Avenue in Whitehorse on October 15, 2019. The city has adopted its first e-bike bylaw. (Crystal Schick/Yukon News file)

At Whitehorse city council’s April 26 meeting, members approved third reading of the e-bike bylaw, along with changes to other bylaws to align with the e-bike bylaw.

The new regulations were passed despite more than a dozen presentations by phone and written submissions from residents opposed to parts of the bylaw. Many took issue with the classification system for e-bikes that determines which trails they may travel on.

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