Across the Near North, we have a thriving community of volunteers who provide stewardship for a vast and diverse trails network. There are many rewarding opportunities to get involved with the trails community whether its joining a membership-based club, volunteering time to participate on a committee or picking up trash along the trail.
Trail Associations and Advocacy Organizations
Forgotten Trails Association: creates, maintains and promotes safe and ecologically sustainable trails of natural or historical significance in the South River area. The four-season, backcountry trails are managed by volunteers for the purpose of non-motorized recreational trail activities. In recent years, the association has suffered from volunteer burn-out and currently does not have an active volunteer base. Contact Discovery Routes to get involved with revitalizing the Forgotten Trails.
Friends of Laurier Woods: a group of volunteers that raise funds and actively make improvements to the trail system within the Laurier Woods Conservation Area in North Bay. Support the Friends either through membership or by volunteering time.
Friends of Mashkinonje: dedicated to carrying out environmental protection and preservation of Mashkinonje Provincial Park and its trails as well as education and recreation relating to the natural, scientific, historic and cultural resources of the Park. The Friends lead seasonal guided hikes in the Park.
Friends of John Kennedy Memorial Park: volunteer stewards of the John Kennedy Memorial Park, a greenbelt stretching only a few city blocks in North Bay. Find them on Facebook
North Bay Mountain Bike Association: advocates for the sport of mountain biking and mountain bike trails in North Bay. Established in 2019, the association hopes to unify the mountain biking community in an attempt to develop an extensive network of legitimate trails, deliver group rides, as well offer opportunities for education and skill development. The NBMBA is membership based.
Cycling Advocates of Nipissing: an active working group under Discovery Routes, comprised of community members with skills and abilities to advocate for cycling in the region across the District of Nipissing and Province of Ontario. Participate by joining the Cycling Advocates of Nipissing Facebook Group.
Near North Trails Association: snowmobile association for District 13 of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs representing 10 area snowmobile clubs across Nipissing.
Special Interest Clubs
Nipissing Naturalists Club: a friendly group interested in exploring and learning about our natural world. The NipNats host monthly meetings with guest speakers, member outings and events in North Bay and Nipissing. There is also have an active group of birders known as Bird Wing.
Gateway Breakaway: informal group of road cyclists that enjoy long-distance road rides. Find them on Strava.
Almaguin in Motion: group of cycling enthusiasts who live and play in the Almaguin Highlands. Weekly group rides throughout the area welcome all riders. Find them on Facebook.
Our Municipal Trails Partners
Many of the local municipalities across the Near North maintain, manage and support trails and active transportation. Some through Recreation Committees others through Active Transportation Committees. Contact Discovery Routes if you are interested in a specific community.
Agencies and Organizations Supporting Trails
Trails touch a variety of sectors from health promotion to tourism and everything in between. We work with many agencies in the Near North to further our mission. North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit, Near North District School Board, North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, to name a few.
