Hit the trails and step into nature on Ontario's 64,000 kilometres of walking, hiking and biking paths.
A good way to get started is at one of the "open houses" during Trails Open Ontario, a "natural heritage tourism program" held by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Trails traverse some of Ontario's most beautiful and remote destinations and "infuse the urban areas with a healthy dose of nature," the trust says.
Here are some opportunities to get in touch with nature:
- The Grand River Conservation Authority's Chesney Wilderness Area will have guided hikes of its Hemlock Trail as part of Doors Open Oxford on May 23.
Hikes on the four-kilometre trail from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. pass a sphagnum bog with associated plants including the lady's slipper.
Hawthorn scrub in the north part of the property east of Woodstock near Drumbo is home to the blue-winged warbler. www.doorsopenoxford.ca/chesneyhemlocktrail.html
- Strathroy Conservation Area's Nature Walk and Bagel Breakfast, presented by the St. Clair Conservation Authority, takes place June 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
There will be guided nature hikes followed by a toasted bagel breakfast. Pre-registration is required. www.scrca.on.ca; (519) 245-3710.
- Webster's Falls in the Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area will unveil its Hiking Hamilton Waterfalls guide June 6, International Trails Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This booklet lists 10 self-guided walks that pass multiple waterfalls throughout the Hamilton Conservation Authority area. www.conservationhamilton.ca; 1-888-319-4722.
- Grey Sauble Conservation Authority staff will host interpretative hikes at the Inglis Falls Conservation Area on June 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The walks will pass mill-pond sink holes and cedar growth forest as well as the old filtration plant and its lighted cavern. www.greysauble.on.ca/trails_open_2009.html; (519) 376-3076.
- Woodstock Trails Day is July 14 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's Pittock Conservation Area.
Activities include a half marathon, five-kilometre trail run, fun run, guided hikes and trail biking, an introduction to safe paddling, dragon boat and fishing demonstrations, barbeque and live entertainment. www.trailsdaywoodstock.ca
Experience a gem on Ontario's West Coast, the MacNaughton-Morrison section of the South Huron Trail including the famous white squirrels of Exeter.
- The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority invites hikers to the Morrison Dam Conservation Area July 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Events include a four-kilometre, all-season trail from through the picturesque Ausable River Valley between MacNaughton Park in Exeter and the conservation area. www.abca.on.ca; 1-888-286-2610.
- An arboretum hike featuring the "Wonderful World of Trees" is presented by the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority at the Inglis Falls Conservation Area on July 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This is an "easy" trail hike to learn about Carolinian trees and those of Grey and Bruce. www.greysauble.on.ca/trails_open_2009.html; (519) 376-3076.
- Hike the Bognor Marsh and view wildlife from the observation tower, bird watch along the boardwalk and visit the Ducks Unlimited dam.
This happens at the Bognor Marsh Conservation Area on Aug. 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and includes tips from outdoor survival expert Geno Ferri. www.greysauble.on.ca/trails_open_2009.html; (519) 376-3076.
- Hikers can explore one of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority's trails at Dan Patterson Conservation Area Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca; (519) 631-1270, ext. 229.
- The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club's sixth annual Outdoor Festival runs Sept. 18 to 20 with guided hikes, workshops and special presentations highlighting the diverse ecology of the area.
Visitors can explore the peninsula's rugged trails and breathtaking views of Georgian Bay. www.pbtc.ca
- Search for hidden gems during the Geocaching Treasure Hunt at Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area on Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The St. Clair Conservation Authority event invites visitors to bring or borrow a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit to locate a hidden cache in the 115-hectare wetlands/forested habitat. www.scrca.on.ca; (519) 882-2399.
- The Laurel Creek Nature Centre in Waterloo offers guided hikes on Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of Doors Open along with children's programs. www.grandriver.ca
- Join the Salamander Festival at the Credit Valley Conservation Authority's Belfountain Conservation Area on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A leisurely family hike will explore the Niagara Escarpment along the West Credit River. www.creditvalleycons.com; 1-800-267-0980.
- A Fall Colour Walk in Backus Woods Conservation Area in Port Rowan is planned by the Long Point Region Conservation Area on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. and includes a hike along the Sugar Bush Trail. www.lprca.on.ca; (519) 586-2201.
IF YOU HIKE
For more information on Trails Open events and hiking areas across the province, go to www.heritagetrust.on.ca and click the link.
The Doors Open Ontario guide that includes Trails Open Ontario information is available at tourism centres or call 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746); E-mail: marketing@heritagetrust.on.ca
