About OTC

Ontario Trails Council brings the right people together to provide reliable information that advances the management and operation of recreational trails, while providing public access to the largest multi-use trail inventory in Canada. 

With over 220 individuals, economic development, tourism, planning, recreation, park and club organizations, municipalities, conservation areas as members, the Ontario Trails is the largest, most diverse trail association in Canada. We continue to reach out to new stakeholders and create new working groups at the regional level. It supports our goal of making a difference locally, while acting provincially.

As a major stakeholder in the development of the Ontario Trails Strategy, and the Ontario Trails Act. Ontario Trails was pleased to see 30 years of hard work represented in this provincial policy statement, and legislation for Ontario. We also acknowledge the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport as the lead Ministry for trails in Ontario.

Ontario Trails Council Goals

• Continue to increase the number, length, variety and accessibility of trails throughout the province, examples of our work includes

  • The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail - we wrote the management plan, maintenance plan and community action plans.
  • Horses on the Chrysler Greenway Trail - we worked with local groups and the conservation authority to remove the horse ban.
  • Hastings Destination Trails - we helped 8 townships and user groups come together to create a brand and common purpose.
  • Niagara Glen - we advocated for climbing and are working on a new management plan with the NPC and Brock University.
  • St. Lawrence Parks Commission - worked with community volunteers and the SLPC to create a citizens trails advisory committee.

• Provide government and other public bodies with credible information about community groups and volunteers working to create, preserve and promote trails-

  • Trail Clubs - find a local club that supports your favourite trail activity.
  • Community Trail Advisory Committees - we help trail stakeholders get organized for projects, planning and results.  

• Promote the safe and responsible use of trails, by producing guides for trail users, operators and managers -

  • Trail Classification

• Act as a provincial resource centre for trail information, providing ready access for the public, communities and trail users

  • Events
  • Add a Trail