"Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot....the only home we've ever known" - Carl Sagan

Land Acknowledgement

The land on which our trails lie is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, including the Ojibway of Fort William First Nation and the Métis of Ontario. With respect, we work to build trails on Robinson-Superior Treaty lands that will remember the long history of this land and create a special place where we can nurture physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being for all.

We're Building Hiking Trails in Northwestern Ontario

NWORTA builds and maintains free-to-use hiking, snowshoe, & back-country ski trails in the District of Thunder Bay

Connecting Communities by Trail

Founded in May 2021, the NorthWestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association (NWORTA) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit registered charity dedicated to building destination-worthy, multi-use trails across the District of Thunder Bay and beyond. Our vision is simple: to connect communities from Nipigon to Atikokan to Minnesota through a free-to-use, year-round trail network. 

Designed as destination to destination trails, they are geared to hikers, snowshoers, and back-country skiers. Wherever possible, trails are designed to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of Northwestern Ontario.

As the network grows, each completed section will become part of the Trans Canada Trail—the longest connected trail system in the world—enhancing and expanding the land-based path to complement the Path of the Paddle water trail route.

More Than Just Trails

Through initiatives like our “Discover the Trail” guided hikes, we help people of all ages experience the joy of being outdoors in our region. Held from spring through fall, these events offer a welcoming introduction to the trail system and help foster a deeper connection to the land.

Support the Trail. Build the Future

Our trails are free for everyone to use, but they aren’t free to build or maintain. We rely on annual memberships and donations to fund insurance, trail upkeep, and to match grant opportunities. Every dollar goes directly into keeping this network safe, accessible, and growing.

Visit our Memberships page to become a member or make a donation today.

Together, we’re building something that will last for generations.