OUR TRAILS
(PROPOSED)
“Leave the road.....take the trails” Pythagoras
Our planned trails are broken down into FIVE phases. Once completed this will represent nearly 500 km/300 mi. of NWORTA's destination-based trail system.
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**NOTE: The map below is representative of "POTENTIAL" routes only. Routes shown have not been approved**
PHASE I: KAKABEKA FALLS TO SHABAQUA
Proposed to connect Kakabeka Falls 30 km/20 mi. west of Thunder Bay to the hamlet of Shabaqua, this trail is our primary focus. It will utilize existing old roads and trails, and will come in at approximately 60 km/40 mi in length, with 6 proposed overnight campsites with water access. There will be a number of trailhead locations with parking for vehicles, including horse trailers.
Applications for approval of the most westerly 40 km/25 mi. of the trail through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has been approved, and work has begun to make this trail a reality. We anticipate some, if not all of the trail will be operational sometime this Fall.
The remainder of the eastern 15 km/9 mi. of trail will utilize an existing snowmobile trail, township roads, and Highway 590 to connect to Kakabeka Falls.
PHASE II: THUNDER BAY TO KAKABEKA FALLS
Proposed to connect Thunder Bay to Kakabeka Falls. Several route options are available. This trail will extend the existing 40 km/25 mi. City of Thunder Bay Trans Canada Trail at Old Fort William Historical Park to Kakabeka Falls. We have approached the impacted municipalities and are compiling required information to submit for approval. The preferred route will utilize Broadway Avenue, 25th Side Road, Rosslyn Road, Harstone Road, and Luckens Road.
PHASE III: KAKABEKA FALLS TO MINNESOTA
Proposed to connect Kakabeka Falls south to the Ontario/Minnesota international border on Highway 61, this trail will connect the Shabaqua Trail to the existing Path of the Paddle Trans Canada Trail along the Ontario/Minnesota border. A potential route has been identified and confirmed as viable. Route distance will be approximately 60 km/50 mi. Combined with the TCT/POPA trail, total distance from Kakabeka Falls will be approximately 110km/68 mi.
PHASE IV: THUNDER BAY TO NIPIGON
This trail has been deferred to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Association. We will likely revisit this trail in the future.
PHASE V: SHABAQUA TO ATIKOKAN
Proposed to connect Shabaqua west to Quetico Provincial Park and Atikokan. Trail distance approximately 160 km/100 mi.
