Trail Smart

Trail Smart - header image

Trail Smart pages are a great place to start when planning your next adventure.

There's a lot of fun waiting for you on Ontario's trails, but safety and preparedness should always come first.

Each page contains in-depth information covering everything from tips for first-time explorers, to safety in the back-country and on the water. Check them out for expert advice and all the essentials for your outdoor pursuits.

In general we want trail users to understand its user responsibility first. Stay on the Trail, only use permitted uses - if its a hike only trail, don't dirt bike on it - if its a ATV only trail don't walk on it. 

Their are basic guidelines for all trails use - we call this trail etiquette. Learn to be a responsible trail user - its actually very easy.

Trail Smart

4WD Smart

4WD Smart

Learn to 4WD in the safest way on trails

ATV Smart

ATV Smart

Learn how to use your ATV in a safe way on Ontario's Trails

Bike Smart

Bike Smart

Ride your bike as best you can, in as safe a way as you can.

Climb Smart

Climb Smart

Whether you are bouldering or going up a vertical face, climb smart and stay safe!

Cross Country Ski Smart

Cross Country Ski Smart

Cross Country Ski Smart contains general trail safety recommendations for when you are out cross country skiing. Always check with the local trail or local club before heading out cross country skiing.

Geocache Smart

Geocache Smart

Geocache full of both fun and safety on an Ontario Geocaching Trail using the tips below from the Geocaching Blog website

Hike and Walk Smart

Hike and Walk Smart

Before using an Ontario Hiking and Walking Trail, be sure to review rules for a safer hiking and walking experience.

Mountain Bike Smart

Mountain Bike Smart

A perfect fact sheet of tips for the mountain bike rider on the trail

Paddle Smart

Paddle Smart

Before hitting the water use our safety tips to be the best, safest paddler around.

Ride Smart

Ride Smart

A perfect fact sheet of tips for the horse rider on the trail

Skate Smart

Skate Smart

Be sure that before you skate on an Ontario Skate Trail, you learn and are familiar with Skate Smart Tips!

Snowmobile Smart

Snowmobile Smart

Rider and Trail user education is goal number one for the safe use and enjoyment of Ontario Trails

Snowshoe Smart

Snowshoe Smart

Snowshoe Smart in a way that allows you to have fun, stay warm and trail safe!

Trail Etiquette

Trail Etiquette

In the woods, hiking? Know how to manage yourself and others in this non-urban environment

Summer Fun Guide

Summer Fun Guide

In Ontario, we are known for our incredible cottage country in areas with forests, Canadian Shield rock, stunning lakes and rivers and abundant conservation areas.

Join Ontario Trails Council

Join Ontario Trails Council

Support Ontario Trails Council - the trail association for everybody

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icon OTC Members Login.

Welcome to the Ontario Trails Council member login. This section is for members of the Ontario Trails Council. It includes information about OTC policies, member programs, public relations and meetings. It's also where members can trade information, join discussion groups and keep up to date on trends and events. If you don't have a login yet, you can create one here.