Why are there “W”s in the middle of the trail?

To create a unique way to enjoy the trail, the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association in partnership with our managing partners and with financial assistance from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion has produced a podcast composed of 12 interpretative sites located at unique places along the east section of the trail. These sites are marked with a large Ws in the middle of the tread with a smaller painted Ws1, Ws2, etc. opposite this marker along the fence line. When stopped at one of these locations you can listen to the corresponding companion podcast for an interpretive cultural or natural experience relating to your location. We hope this provides trail users with another way to enjoy the Kawartha Trans Canada trail.

To experience this unique interpretive trail journey, just follow the simple directions below:

  1. Download the FREE companion podcasts linked below to your computer by right-clicking on each link and selecting “Save Link As…” or something similar.

  2. Load the podcasts onto your chosen listening device as you would any other MP3.

  3. On the trail, when you encounter a Ws, find the painted sign with its number and use your chosen device to listen to the podcast corresponding to your location.

  4. Continue along the trail to enjoy more interpretive talks and immerse yourself in the local history of the trail!

Podcast Downloads

Introduction 4.1 MB
Whistle Stop 1: Agriculture 4.5 MB
Whistle Stop 2: Community in Action 3.2 MB
Whistle Stop 3: Village of Reaboro 4.1 MB
Whistle Stop 4: Eskers 2.9 MB
Whistle Stop 5: Trains, Plains & People 4.5 MB
Whistle Stop 6: The Pigeon 3.0 MB
Whistle Stop 7: Marsh or Swamp 2.2 MB
Whistle Stop 8: Beaver Lodge 2.6 MB
Whistle Stop 9: Drumlins 2.2 MB
Whistle Stop 10: Trestle Bridge 2.5 MB
Whistle Stop 11: Missing Link 2.1 MB
Whistle Stop 12: One Step at a Time 6.8 MB
Thank You 1.7 MB

Special thanks to BOB FM 91.9 for their in-kind technical support and to Dave llman, the voice of this podcast.

We would also like to thank David Archibald. He is the talented musician behind “One Step at a Time”, which was written and recorded for the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail and captures the beauty of travelling the trail through our region. You can learn more about David from his website, davidarchibald.com.

Five Core Uses:

Prohibited Uses: With the exception of snowmobiles, all motorized vehicles including ATV’s and dirt bikes are not permitted on the trail.

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Hiking / Walking / Running

The trail surface is ideal for hiking, walking and running, all of which have a powerful effect on your health. There is a bench about 1 km east and west of Lindsay, Omemee & Reaboro. Walk there and back every day, enjoy the fresh air and reap the benefits.

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Cycling

The trail is suitable for hybrid, cyclocross and long distance touring bikes (anything with a wider tire). Enjoy this relatively flat surface free from traffic and the flora and fauna along the way.

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Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the trail and experience the natural beauty of our region. The crushed limestone surface is suitable and safe for horses. Please help keep the trail beautiful and safe for other users by cleaning up after your horses.

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Cross-Country Skiing / Snowshoeing

Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the outdoors on the trail. During winter months, the trail is an ideal location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

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Snowmobiling

Uxbridge to Opmar Road is groomed by the ‘Heart of Ontario’ Snowmobile Club. The rest of the trail is not groomed, but snowmobiles are welcome. There is currently no route through the town of Lindsay for snowmobilers.

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