Discovery Routes - Trail "Stuff"

Trail "Stuff"

Trails Defined - Excursion Checklist - Kids Activities - Advantages of Trails - Benefits of Trails - Trail Etiquette Environmental Tips - Healthy Living Tips

Trails are defined as (according to Northern Trail Collaboration):

Footpaths with natural surfaces
On-road bicycle routes
Multi-use tracks with manufactured surfaces
Walkways, boardwalks, and sidewalks
Utility corridors or former sidewalks
Utility corridors or former rail lines
Forestry and mining access roads designated as trails
Waterways and portage routes

Back to TOP

Checklist for before you leave:

Backpack
Water
Snacks
Hat for sun protection
Sunscreen
Whistle
First aid kit
Pocket knife
Comfortable and appropriate shoes
Extra clothing
Matches
Trail map(s)
Compass
Flashlight
Extra batteries

Back to TOP

Trail Activities for Kids

Identify different types of flowers or trees
Play "Follow the Leader"
Play "I Spy"
Take pictures
See what shapes are in the clouds
Find the letters of the alphabet in nature
Try to identify the different sounds you hear
Have a scavenger hunt

Back to TOP

Advantages of Trails

Affordable

Most trails used recreationally are free of charge or require only a minimal contribution, which helps keep the trails maintained

Nearby and Accessible

Trails can be found in most communities, and can be easily accessed. Some trails have gravel surfaces, but others are paved. Contact local trail groups for more information.

Variety

No two trails are exactly the same, and many trails can be used for various activities such as biking, hiking, inline skating, and cross-country skiing.

Educational

Trails offer users first-hand experiences with different plants and animals, and are a unique way to learn about the history of the community.

Relaxation

Trails offer beautiful scenery and calming clouds, without the interruptions of city-life.

Back to TOP

Trail Benefits

Better Health

Trails support an active lifestyle that leads to improved health. Physical activity can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and depression. Trails are definitely well-suited to help people become more active, as many are designed to accommodate activities such as walking, jogging, and bicycling. Trails are readily accessible to most people, and are an inexpensive way to attain daily exercise. Trails also provide activity to a wide range of people, including persons with disabilities, children and youth, and the elderly.

Strong People, Strong Economy

Trails attract people into communities, and tourism increases local economy by creating jobs. Many trail users purchase equipment such as mountain bikes, snowmobiles, hiking boots, and equestrian equipment. Many Canadians are beginning to take vacations closer to home, which puts money into local restaurants, accommodations, and retail businesses. The Ontario Trails Council estimates that at least $2 billion a year are contributed to the provincial economy due to trail use. Trails also increase property value, as a home near a trail can offer peaceful settings, a pleasant view, and recreational opportunities.

Strong Communities

Trails help strengthen social fabric. Most trails require volunteers to help keep them accessible, and this allows people to work together for a common interest. Volunteers are working together on their own time, sharing in meaningful activities, hence creating strong communities. Many trail builders and users depend on the generosity of land owners, as many trails are found on property owned by individuals. Trail construction and maintenance builds partnerships among community groups, property owners, businesses, governments, trail members, and residents.

Conserving and Appreciating the Environment

Trails lead visitors through varied landscapes. They allow people to experience diverse plant and animal habitats like wetlands, forests, and historic places in the area. Trail guides and signage can educate people about the history of the land as well as various features along the trail. Trails can lead through sensitive lands, by having well worn paths to help protect fragile environments by providing a safe walk-way through these areas. Trails give people a chance to experience wilderness, which is a major attraction for tourism. Trails also provide people with the opportunity to connect with the environment, and appreciate the natural heritage of the area.

Back to TOP

Trail Etiquette

- Stay on the main trails. Some areas surrounding trails are very fragile and sensitive to disturbances, and therefore can be easily destroyed. Animals live near trails and do not like to be disturbed.

- Some trails are only open in certain seasons. Please obey the signs that are posted along trails - they are there for your safety!

- Please stay on the right to allow other users to pass. If you plan to take a rest, please move to the side.

- Make sure to check with local trail groups or conservation authorities as to whether the trails you plan to visit require a user fee. These fees help to keep the trails maintained.

- Leave the trails as you found them. Pick up your garbage and do not gather plants from the trails. This will ensure that the trails and the surrounding environments remain intact for years to come.

- Respect neighboring land owners. Some trails are located on private property, and the owners of such property have been generous enough to allow the public access to the trails. Remember, land owners have the right to allow or forbid people on their land at any time. Respect for the owners will ensure that the trails can be accessible in the future.

Back to TOP

Environmental Tips

The quieter you are on a trail, the better your chance of seeing wildlife in their natural environment. Please remember not to feed the wildlife.
On your next trail outing, plan on using a camp stove to cook your lunch and save the forest from being ravaged by wood gatherers and forest fires.
Walk, bike, or blade on your next outing instead of driving. The exhaust from your car contributes to acid rain and poor air quality.
Please stay on the trails to avoid damaging sensitive ground vegetation.
If you smoke on the trails, please remember to BUTT IT OUT.
Take only photographs, leave only footprints.
Remember to take all litter with you, and help to keep our trails by picking up litter left by others.
Be aware of your activities on the trail and remember that some ecosystems are more sensitive than others.
Avoid paddling near waterfowl nesting sites as you may disturb their fragile environment.
Keep pets on leashes and remember to STOOP and SCOOP.
Don't pick or try to remove Purple Loosestrife while on the trails because it can easily spread faster if not removed correctly.
Bring reusable picnic containers to reduce the amount of garbage we are sending to landfill sites.

Back to TOP

Healthy Living Tips

Thirty to sixty minutes of physical activity a day will keep you happy and healthy.
Wear required safety gear approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) whenever appropriate (i.e. helmet for cycling and in-line skating).
When going outdoors, dress for the weather and remember to dress in layers - they provide better insulation.
When hiking, wear comfortable shoes that provide cushioning and support.
Make a personal or family commitment to try a new activity each season: snowshoe, hike, bike, ski, swim, in-line skate, walk or run. Remember, all of these activities can be done on the trails.
To protect yourself from the sun - SLIP on a shirt, SLAP on a hat, and SLOP on some sun screen!
Breathe in the fresh air on the trails and remember to breathe regularly when doing exercise - don't hold your breath.
Remember to drink plenty of water when exercising.
If you are short on time, go for a shorter walk, it will lift your spirits.
Before and after your hike, do some stretches to reduce aches and pains.
To get active at work, have a "walking" meeting - grab your colleague and discuss business while taking a walk.
Take your bike to work or walk - you'll save on gas and you'll be protecting the environment.

Back to TOP