Celebrate your favourite trails during International Trails Week

Annual celebration culminates with International Trails Day on Saturday, June 6

There are hundreds of kilometres of trails throughout the Kawarthas, including the Trans Canada Trail (pictured here near Jackson Park in Peterborough). International Trails Week, running from June 1 - 6, is an opportunity to explore and discover local trails. (Photo: Drew Monkman, www.drewmonkman.com)
There are hundreds of kilometres of trails throughout the Kawarthas, including the Trans Canada Trail (pictured here near Jackson Park in Peterborough). International Trails Week, running from June 1 - 6, is an opportunity to explore and discover local trails. (Photo: Drew Monkman, www.drewmonkman.com)

We’re incredibly fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of trails winding their way through our region, allowing for biking, walking and a variety of other uses. Not only do trails connect communities, but they also allow people to get out and about and become more physically active.

It’s these trails that are being feted as part of International Trails Week, which runs from Monday, June 1st to Saturday, June 6th.

The Lakefield Rail Trail, built on the Midland Railway bed, runs from Trent University to Lakefield (photo: Steve Manders)
The Lakefield Rail Trail, built on the Midland Railway bed, runs from Trent University to Lakefield (photo: Steve Manders)
International Trails Week coincides with International Trails Day, which falls on Saturday, June 6th this year. Trails Day is celebrated in many provinces including Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia and encourages people to explore and discover trails and appreciate their presence in our communities.

During the weeklong local celebration, a wide variety of community groups, municipalities and cycling and hiking clubs are coming together to promote our trails.

Throughout the week, community residents and visitors to the area are encouraged to take part in organized walks, hikes and cycling opportunities on trails in Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Lakefield, Millbrook, Norwood, and Peterborough.

The beginning of the de Pencier Trail at Trent University in Peterborough (photo: Drew Monkman, www.drewmonkman.com
The beginning of the de Pencier Trail at Trent University in Peterborough (photo: Drew Monkman, www.drewmonkman.com)
Trails week kicks off on June 1st, with a celebration of all wheeled transportation at GreenUP Ecology Park. This includes bikes, trikes, wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.

Several guided hikes are available on Saturday, June 6th, including an opportunity to discover the Lakefield Trail at Imagine the Marsh Conservation Area from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., as well as explore the Millbrook Valley Trails, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. There will also be a celebration of the trails at the Harold Town Conservation Area with events and exhibitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beyond celebrating our trails, International Trails Week is about discovery and exploration. By promoting several trails from throughout our region, it’s an opportunity to discover a new trail or section of trail you’ve never used before. There’s no better way to explore our region than by bike or on foot, using one of our local trails to get from point A to B.

The Lang-Hastings Trail, built on the old Grand Junction Railway bed which ran from Belleville to Peterborough from 1879 to 1987 (photo: Steve Manders)
The Lang-Hastings Trail, built on the old Grand Junction Railway bed which ran from Belleville to Peterborough from 1879 to 1987 (photo: Steve Manders)
Following is a listing of trail events happening as part of International Trails Week in the Peterborough area. Attend an event near you to learn more about our trails and celebrate their importance in our communities.


Monday, June 1st

Wheels Day

A celebration of all wheeled transportation — bikes, trikes, wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. Enjoy a picnic, ride, and group cycling workshop. Meet at GreenUP Ecology Park. Activities begin at noon.


Tuesday, June 2nd

Royal Gardens Seniors Walk

Meet at the Millennium Trail, across from Princess Gardens, Peterborough
2:00 p.m.
Host: Royal Gardens
For more information: Heather McGinn 705-741-6036, ext. 4006


Wednesday, June 3rd

Norwood Trails Day at the Norwood Conservation Area

Meet at the Trailhead
11:30 a.m. Elementary School Hike
1:30 p.m. Secondary School Hike
6:00 p.m. Community Hike
Host: Township of Asphodel-Norwood and Local Businesses
For more information: Ron Scott 705-639-2149


Thursday, June 4th

Discover Sawer Creek

Enjoy a walk or cycle the Scenic River Road Trail and discover the natural beauty of Sawer Creek.
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Meet at County Road 32 at Hickey Road (near Lakefield)
Host: Peterborough County


Friday, June 5th

Cycling on the Peterborough-Hastings Trans Canada Trail

10:00 a.m.
Meet in the parking lot at Lang Pioneer Village.
Ride from Lang to Hastings with a picnic lunch in the Hastings Waterfront Park.
Host: The Peterborough-Hastings Trans Canada Trail Association (PHTCTA)
For more information: Peter MacLoghlin 705-743-7317


Saturday, June 6th

Imagine the Marsh and Discover the Lakefield Trail

10:00 a.m. to Noon
Meet at the Marshland Centre, 65 Hague Blvd., Lakefield
Guided Trail Hike with renowned birdwatcher Tony Bigg
Host: Lakefield Trail Committee & Township of Selwyn
For more information: Tiffany Jacobs 705-292-9507, ext. 243

Explore the Millbrook Valley Trails

11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Meet at top of Distillery Street (serves as the trail head)
Guided Trail Hikes suitable for Novice and Advanced Hikers
Host: Millbrook Valley Trails Committee
For more information: Alex Bushell at alex.m.bushell@gmail.com

A Celebration of Trails at the Harold Town Conservation Area

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Located at 2611 Old Norwood Road (east of Peterborough)
Guided (Mountain Bike) Trail Rides, Workshops, Exhibitors, Fun for the Entire Family
Host: Peterborough Cycling Club and Otonabee Conservation
For more information: Stephanie Conkie 705-745-5791, ext. 224