"Winter Wonderland" Guided Snowshoe Hike

We are planning a "Winter Wonderland" guided hike on the Shabaqua Trail in the coming weeks. The route will encompass a trail section TBD (to be determined). Total trail distance also TBD, but it will be an "out and back" snowshoe hike (conditions permitting) in the 5 km. range.

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It will be rated as moderate and requires the participant to be physically capable of navigating hilly, uneven terrain, and snowshoeing/hiking for 3 - 4 hours. Snow, rain, or shine, so bring appropriate clothing. Bring lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, appropriate footwear.

 

Participants are expected to heed the directions of the hike leaders, and will be required to sign a waiver which will be valid for 1 year from date of signing. This will be our last guided hike in 2023, so make sure to sign up. This is your opportunity to come explore the trail and discover what it has to offer. We hope you can make it out! 

 

Meet up at the vacant lot next to Odena Foods in Kakabeka Falls - time TBD. We will depart for the hike start location at X:XX AM. We will need to "ride-share" so a donation of $5 per person to help cover gas costs would be greatly appreciated.

 

Please RSVP via nworta@nworta.ca if you plan to attend so we can plan for transportation needs.

Your NWORTA Team! 

 

Trans Canada Trail Affiliation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NWORTA and TRANS CANADA TRAIL AFFILIATION ANNOUNCEMENT
 

Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association (NWORTA) is thrilled to announce that we have been officially recognized by Trans Canada Trail as an affiliated trail organization and partner. Trans Canada Trail membership comes with a number of benefits, including being part of a nation-wide network of trails that connects Canadians from coast to coast to coast. As a candidate for extension to the Trans Canada Trail, NWORTA will also be eligible to apply for funding to offset the costs associated with construction, maintenance, and signage for the Shabaqua Trail and proposed Kakabeka Falls Trail.

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“This is huge,” said Len Day, President of NWORTA. “We have worked hard over the past several years to get this designation, and today we are finally there. There is no question how recognizable a brand Trans Canada Trail is across Canada and throughout the world, and that affiliation will help to put the Thunder Bay region on the map in terms of increasing tourism opportunities for our area. This is testament to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. Without them, this affiliation, and these trails, would not be possible. My hat goes off to them. Kudos, and thank you all.”

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Day also noted that without support from local municipalities, this momentous occasion would not likely occur. “One of the key components to making this come to fruition is support from local municipal Councils, including O’Connor, Conmee, Oliver-Paipoonge, and the City of Thunder Bay. Having that support was very important to our organization's Trans Canada Trail acceptance. We thank them all for that support”.

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Day said that, with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry trail permit approval in August, work has already started on their Shabaqua Trail on Crown lands, and to date approximately 42 kilometres of 52 have been constructed, cleared of brush, and signed with wayfinder markers. The trail currently begins at Highway 590 and Sovereign Road in O’Connor Township, then heads northwest to Shabaqua. All of this was made possible through volunteer contributions and a shoestring budget. “Rather than establishing a whole new trail, our focus has been on reusing existing old roads and trails, then connecting them together with short new connector trails. This substantially reduces trail construction costs, minimizes added impact on the forests, while providing an efficient way of adding trail distance. It’s a win-win scenario and greatly minimizes our footprint. We anticipate an official opening of the Shabaqua Trail mid next year.

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Work continues to finalize the remaining 10 kilometres to connect the existing trail to Kakabeka Falls. Trans Canada Trail affiliation will help in that endeavor. “We have two possible options in that respect,” added Day.

“One involves securing approval of 2 landowners permitting our access to their property. Failing that, our Plan B is to utilize the Highway 590 right-of-way from Sovereign Road to Luckens Road, where it will connect with our proposed Kakabeka Falls Trail and potentially Kakabeka Falls itself. While the B option is not ideal in terms of user experience, it remains a viable alternative. Funding through Trans Canada Trail and other grant programs will help us offset environmental review costs associated with Ministry of Transportation corridor access requirements, and related trail construction costs”.

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Day noted that work continues to secure approval of their 30 kilometre proposed Kakabeka Falls Trail. “Our intent is to extend the existing Trans Canada Trail in the City of Thunder Bay at Fort William Historical Park west along Broadway Avenue, 25th Side Road, Rosslyn Road, Harstone Road, and Luckens Road. We have had initial discussions with Oliver-Paipoonge and the City of Thunder Bay in that regard and hope to have a positive response soon. If successful, we will have added another 80 kilometres of trail to our local Trans Canada Trail system. For those traveling through our area, such a route will provide a much safer alternative vis-a-vis Highway 11/17.”

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About NWORTA:

NorthWestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association (NWORTA) is a volunteer Ontario nonprofit corporation dedicated to the expansion of the existing Trans Canada Trail land trail in the District of Thunder Bay. Our 5 phase trail plan will connect Thunder Bay to the local communities of Atikokan, Nipigon, and Grand Portage Minnesota, thus providing more user groups increased free access to the Trans Canada Trail experience. Additionally, it will also serve to augment and complement the existing Trans Canada Trail water trail from Sault Ste. Marie to Winnipeg Manitoba. When completed, we will have added over 400 kilometres of new Trans Canada Trail trails in the Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.

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About Trans Canada Trail:

The Trans Canada Trail (the Trail) is the longest recreational trail in the world, spanning over 28,000 kilometres on land and water. Linking three oceans – the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic – the Trail connects 15,000 rural, urban and Indigenous communities across every province and territory. It is a ribbon that connects Canada’s diverse landscapes, seasons, people and experiences, and fosters unity, collaboration and connectedness. Trans Canada Trail is a registered charity and stewards this national trail in collaboration with local Trail partners. With funding from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, and investments from all levels of government and generous donors, Trans Canada Trail is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in Canada, supporting improvements, growth and enhancements for generations to come. tctrail.ca

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