 2026 Trail Maintenance Scheduled
2026-04-10: Plans are set.
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Spring Break-up Advisory
2026-03-25: Winter crossing routes on lakes and ponds are closed for the 2025/2026 winter season.
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2026 Hunting Season @ SLBM Trails
2026-03-10: HEADS UP notice of trail use restriction dates for autumn 2026.
This notice is to help you plan timing of your visit to the SLBM Trails in autumn 2026.
The Spectacle Lakes / Bear &
Burnetts Mountains recreation trails lie within the Ontario Wildlife Management
Unit (WMU) 55A.
PDF version of this notice for viewing, download & print.
Refer to Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources
2026 hunting regulations for more detailed information.
>> Website
>> PDF copy of hunting regulations
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Spectacle Lake Ice Conditions
2026-01-12: Ice formation on Spectacle Lake is now of sufficient depth for crossing safely on snowshoes and cross-country skis.
RECOMMEND that you follow routes on Spectacle Lake identified on map below. These routes link up with the on-ground winter trails.
SLBM Trails winter use map.
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Full Moons in Canada 2026
2026-01-12: Below graphic identifies the 12 full moons that will appear in Canada for 2025.
See this briefing note for complete details (date, name & time) for each of the full moons.
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Why Do Leaves Change Colour in Autumn
2025-09-11: Briefing note below.
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Storm Damage Recovery ~ Completed
2025-09-04: Volunteer crew completed maintenance of trails damaged by 21 June severe storm. Downed trees and rubble have been removed.
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Frostbite Risk ~ Quick Guide
2025-01-10: The "Dead of Winter" is upon us in the Ottawa Valley & Madawaska Highlands. For at least the coming month, sub zero temperatures and wind are factors that combine to determine the risk of frostbite.
Below is a quick guide of frostbite risk based on various combinations of temperature and wind speeds that form what is commonly known as "wind chill".
The cold temperatures should not be a deterrent to enjoying winter in nature as long as proper preparations are undertaken to ward off frostbite. For such guidance refer to posting immediately below this one.
Now you can prepare for an enjoyable snowshoe hike or cross-country ski on the SLBM Trails.
Printable (PDF) version or downloadable larger image version available.
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Frostbite Prevention Tips ~ Quick Reference
2025-01-10: The "Dead of Winter" is upon us in the Ottawa Valley & Madawaska Highlands on 19-20 January. This is the period of coldest of cold based on 30-year temperature average (see Climate Normals).
The cold temperatures should not be a deterrent to enjoying winter in nature as long as proper preparations are undertaken, including warding off frostbite.
Below is a quick tip sheet on how to prevent frostbite as you prepare for an enjoyable snowshoe hike or cross-country ski on the SLBM Trails.
Printable (PDF) version or downloadable larger image version available.
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Winter Safety Tips ~ Quick Reference
2025-01-10: Winter 2024/2025 has begun to settle in on the SLBM Trails with significant snow coverage and cold temperatures. Below is a quick tip sheet to help you prepare for an enjoyable snowshoe hike and cross-country ski on the SLBM Trails.
Click on images below to view larger version.
For complete document (PDF, print version) Winter Sport Safety.
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Summer Hike Survival
2024-06-19: Below is document providing guidance on how to prepare for and survive summer hiking.
Note: Do not exercise strenuously when the temperature is over 32 degrees Celsius or the humidity is over 75 per cent. It is especially important not to work hard when both the temperature and humidity are high. Your body cools off through perspiration. When humidity levels are high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly and your body's temperature can reach dangerous levels.
PDF document "Summer Hike Survival".
Other information on preparing for a hike here.
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Biting Insect Calendar and Preparations to Fend Them Off
2024-05-24: The biting insect season has begun. But, with some simple preparations to fend them off you can still get out and enjoy hiking on the SLBM Trails. Also, below is calendar indicating when each type of biting insects are active in the Algonquin region (which includes SLBM Trails).
PDF version for printing.
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Trashed Trail Signs Replaced
2024-05-18: Over a dozen trail signs were wantonly trashed by irresponsible hunters last November and this past March.
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We are Pissed Off! - Trail Maintenance Team Message
2023-12-18: Wanton destruction of trail signs.
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Trail Marker Revision & Replacement
2023-11-06: As announced earlier this year, the SLBM Trails maintenance team has begun to replace trail markers that have reached an end-to-life state. See bulletin below.
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Trail Signage Revisons & Maintenance
2023-05-29:
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Winter Parking Restrictions
2023-01-15: Winter parking restrictions affecting access to SLBM Trails are in effect.
See bulletin below for parking options.
PDF version of Bulletin 2023-01.
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Winter Parking Ban in Effect
2022-01-19: SLBM Trails is affected by the South Algonquin Township's complete, no exception, parking ban on all township roads for period 1 November - 15 April.
As there is no off-road parking locations at the 4 trailheads that serve the SLBM Trails network, the trails are no longer accessible for winter use.
See posting immediately below for reason why SLBM Trails are not accessible at trailheads along Hwy 60.
South Algonquin Township notice of parking ban (print version PDF).
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Burnetts Trail ~ 2 Sections Flooded
2020-08-14: An exploding beaver population has resulted in multiple beaver dams being constructed along Burnetts Creek, resulting in the flooding of two sections along Burnetts trail (see accompanying briefing note with map).
With no feasable option for rerouting the flooded eastern section of the trail it will remain closed for an indeterminate period. (Note: It is possible to wade through flooded area using high-cut or calf-high rubber boots.)
PDF version of briefing note for viewing, download & print.
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