Regional Trails Forum: Building the Picture

An open conversation about trails, tourism and their potential across the region.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Huntsville, Ontario
Location to be confirmed

Trails are increasingly part of the conversation around tourism, recreation, community development and economic opportunity in Ontario.

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming has identified trails as a growing area of focus, including exploring opportunities to strengthen Ontario’s trail network and better understand how trails can support tourism, recreation and economic development.

Explorers’ Edge is inviting partners from across the sector to come together for a broad, open discussion about trails.

Before jumping to solutions, we believe there is value in first building a better picture of what already exists, who is involved, what is working and where there may be gaps or opportunities.

This is not a conference and we are not arriving with a predetermined definition of what a trail is or what the tourism sector should do next.

Instead, we want to hear from the people and organizations already working with, managing, promoting, developing and experiencing trails.

The conversation will explore questions including:

• What do we mean when we talk about “trails”?
• What types of trails and trail experiences already exist?
• Who owns, operates, manages and maintains them?
• What is working well today?
• Where are the challenges, gaps and opportunities?
• How are trails currently connected to tourism and visitor experiences?
• What infrastructure and services help turn a trail into a tourism experience?
• Where could tourism organizations, municipalities, trail organizations, operators and other partners work more effectively together?
• What should the tourism sector better understand as Ontario’s work around trails continues?

We want the definition to remain broad. Hiking and walking trails, cycling, mountain biking, paddling and water routes, snowmobile trails, ATV and off-road routes, cross-country skiing, accessible trails, multi-use systems, long-distance routes and other interpretations are all part of the conversation.

Who should participate?

Anyone with an interest in trails is welcome.

That could include trail organizations and clubs, municipalities, tourism organizations, economic development teams, parks, conservation organizations, tourism operators, accommodations, Indigenous tourism partners, land managers, community organizations, recreation groups and others with experience or perspectives to contribute.

You do not need to be a trail expert. If trails intersect with your work, your community, your visitors or your thinking about destination development, we would like you in the room.

The objective is simple: bring people together, listen, learn and begin building a clearer picture of trails and their tourism potential.

Space may be limited. Please register in advance by Clicking Here.

Please note: The October 13 date and time are currently tentative and the Huntsville location will be confirmed with registered participants.