Ontario Provincial Parks: Trails Guide

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Using this guide is as easy as strolling down a boardwalk. Describing
more than 300 trails in 87 parks sounds like a recipe for confusion. The
arrangement of the information, however, makes the guide a masterpiece
of organization.

MacPherson’s extensive background in developing and managing
recreational trails enables him to identify the factors that matter most
to hikers. His short trail descriptions are sensitive to these
information needs, providing a supplement to the standard data of phone
number, location, trail length, and time commitment required.

Each trail is designated as interpretative, hiking, or backpacking and
rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous. Trails suitable for wheelchairs
and baby strollers are indicated as barrier-free. Often trail width is
included, as is the condition of the trail (boardwalk, earth path, rock
surface, etc.). The brief notes itemize exceptional views and
attractions and highlight goodies to watch for, such as lakes,
wildflowers, forest type, and birds. Safety, rules of conduct, and
advanced planning are stressed in both the introductory essays and the
individual listings.

The guide will interest outdoors enthusiasts of every level of
fitness—the family with baby in arms, those confined to a wheelchair,
the average day-tripper, and the more adventurous wilderness camper. Its
advice on selecting the best trail for their purposes will be valuable
to birdwatchers, wild-flower enthusiasts, photographers, and others who
have a specialized interest in the outdoors.

The guide is beautiful in its disciplined simplicity and ease of use.