Hear success stories, learn how to manage and develop your trail, and find out where Ontario Trails is headed.
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#trailheadnorth
Trailhead North 2019
National trails tourism developers bring their expertise to Thunder Bay discussing techniques to maximize your return on trail tourism products and services.
This includes a thorough review of asset integration, trail inventory, trail providers, resort products, Signature Trail Product Reviews and provincial or national branding to certify your trail product and services as “Certifiably Canadian Trails.”
All these product and services recognitions drive customers and consumers to your natural assets, improving community visibility, supporting local business, promoting entrepreneurship and maintaining your trails as long-term business providers to your community.
Important Topics
Discover best practices, innovations and ideas from across the country.
Inspiring Speakers
Gain insights from a range of influential leaders and experts.
Networking & More
Exchange ideas with fellow attendees and those shaping the future of trails in Ontario.
Conference agenda
A glimpse of what’s in store.
08:30
30min
Lobby
09:00
Coffee Served
15min
Lobby
09:15
What We Mean by Economic Development and its Applicability to Recreational Trails
45min
Thunder Bay
10:15
Coffee served
15min
Lobby
10:30
An Economic Development Pathway for Trails – Building from the National Experience Destination Canada – A study of trails best practices in trails tourism from across the country profiling: The East Cost Greenway, New Brunswick Mills, Mines and Trails, The World Class Mountain Bike Experience of Carcross Taglish, with input from Banff National Park and Parks Canada Experiences Program.
120min
Thunder Bay
12:00
The Georgian Bay Coast Trail Development Experience Lessons Learned
60min
13:00
Explorer’s Edge – Providing Regionally Based Trails and Trails Tourism Products and Services (2010-2020)
- Profile Trail Destinations and Experiences – 30 min
- Destination North Tools and Tips for Industry Development – 30 min
60min
Thunder Bay
14:00
Trails and Trail Activity - Local Product of National Importance
- TCT Trail Completion, Hunters Bay Trail – 15 min
- Ontario Parks– Parks Blogger and Algonquin speak to Trails – 15 min
- Cycling and Trails Promotion – Ontario By Bike + GBCR - 30 min
45min
Thunder Bay
14:45
Coffee Served
15min
Thunder Bay
15:00
Trail Branding and Marketing
- Representatives from Parry Sound, Algonquin Park, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville talk to their local and regional inputs to trail branding and marketing stratagies. Providing local uniqueness with 'Muskoka' impacts. - 10 minutes
- The Signature and Trillium Recreational Trail Designations – 20 min
30min
16:30
Regional Projects Next Steps – leadership buy in
30min
Thunder Bay
16:45
Keynote Speaker TBD The revitalization and re-development of product lines takes both a strategy and fortitude. In the face of opposition and resistance sometimes community trails tourism development takes fortitude and an idea that your community can be better through supported product lines. Ms. Maitland will talk to the experience of improving small town rural trails, on and off crown and in a four season destination; through strategy and partnership development.
XXmin
Thunder Bay
08:30
30min
Lobby
09:00
Coffee Served
15min
Lobby
09:15
Business to Trail Connections
- Resorts
- Outfitters
- Trip Planners
60min
Thunder Bay
10:15
Coffee Served
15min
Thunder Bay
10:30
Town, Country and Wilderness Trails Planning for trail tripping in outof the way outdoor situations. Indigenous Exploring ways to improve trip tourism and hetitage trail integrations among and between nations. Activity Declaring options for improved provincial and local club supports for 22 trail activities with a discussion about new and emerging products: tree-top trekking, winter biking, skate trails and managing volume due to popularity.
120min
Thunder Bay
Central Counties Trail Tourism Integration, A Process of Improved Service to the Trails Tourist
60min
Thunder Bay
60min
Thunder Bay
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Register
120
TRAILS
43
TOWNS
1712
APROX. KMs
16
TRAIL ACTIVITIES
Download agenda and map
Click here to download the complete conference program and area map.
THE VENUE
Northwest Ontario, home to lumber, mills, mining and rail, is now home to some of the longest stretches of trails in Canada.
Join us in Thunder Bay!
Thunder Bay
Ontario
P7A 0A2
Accommodations
See current availability and make your reservation today – before rooms fill up!
Sponsors & Partners
Sponsorship Opportunities
Trailhead Ontario events have great sponsorship opportunities available for companies looking to extend their brand within and beyond the trails community.
Your tax-deductible conference sponsorship is a great way to reach trail directors and decision-makers, showcase your organization, and support healthy communities.
Opportunities for sponsors include:
Conference program/ speakers
Food/beverage
Welcome bag
Contact us for more!
Pay by cheque to Ontario Trails Council – contact trailhead@ontariotrails.ca
See what past attendees have to say
“Awesome speakers, great networking and a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend. I’ll be back next year!”
“Excellent presentations and good debates around practices that are changing how trails are used in Ontario.”