Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy

The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy is a long-term initiative to revitalize and enhance one of Ontario’s most significant trail systems. Building on more than 30 years of trail development, it sets out a shared vision for a connected, primarily off-road trail across the Moraine that improves access to protected landscapes, deepens public understanding of the Moraine’s watersheds and natural heritage, and creates a more consistent, recognizable trail experience for communities across the region.

The strategy envisions the trail as more than a recreation asset. It presents the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail as a way to connect people to the lands where many of southern Ontario’s rivers begin, strengthen stewardship of an essential natural heritage system, and create opportunities for people to experience the Moraine in ways that are local, accessible, and meaningful.

When it is completed, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail will be one of Canada’s most iconic trails. It will connect to two of Canada’s other iconic trails – The Bruce Trail and The Trans Canada Trail – through Canada’s most populous region, providing a uniquely natural experience in an increasingly urbanized landscape.

Truth and Reconciliation is central to the strategy. The report calls for stronger relationships with First Nations Rights holders and other Indigenous Peoples through trail governance, stewardship, access to greenspace, and opportunities to share histories, cultures, and ways of knowing in ways defined by Indigenous Peoples. It also highlights Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space as important approaches for long-term trail development, education, and stewardship.

The strategy is organized around seven strategic objectives that together provide a roadmap for strengthening the trail and deepening public connection to the Moraine.

1. Strengthen alignment, leadership, and collaboration of partners along the Oak Ridges Moraine, including the First Nations whose treaties and territories the Trail goes through.
2. Create opportunities for Truth and Reconciliation with First Nations Rights holders and other Indigenous Peoples who would benefit from access to greenspace.
3. Invest in the Trail to create connections through greenspace that provide a consistent, accessible experience to safely connect First Nations Rights holders and all users to the Moraine’s natural and cultural assets.
4. Secure and Maintain access to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail through partnerships with the Province of Ontario, municipalities, First Nations, conservation authorities, landowners, and other agencies/ trail organizations.
5. Foster sustainable tourism and economic development in the communities and First Nations along the Trail and expand awareness of the Trail and the history of the land and peoples through enhanced wayfinding, branding, partnerships, and promotions.
6. Protect the natural heritage system through teaching, outreach and the development of programs that build personal connections to the Oak Ridges Moraine and encompass a Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space approach.
7. Connect the Trail to other trail networks across the length of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Together, these objectives position the trail as a tool for conservation, education, community well-being, and regional connection. The strategy charts a path toward a future where the trail is complete and connected, supports local businesses, strengthens stewardship, and helps protect the Moraine for generations to come.