Walking Resources
Walking Resources
This page offers community partners with reference packages and downloadable resources for providing a safe and inclusive community walking program. It also includes seasonal activities and sample themed walks for all participants, including youth and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Materials to Create your Walking Program
Books
- Reference Guide for Community-Led Walking Programs
- Seasonal Activities
- Curriculum Activities for Adolescents
- Sensory-Friendly Community Walking Guide
- Folder of Pictures: Sensory-Friendly Community Walking Guide
Program Resources
- Facilitator’s Tip Sheet
- Checklist for Group Leaders
- Group Attendance and Session Tracking Form
- Hike Leader Emergency Backpacks
- Participants Guide Handout
- Physical Liability Waiver
- Evaluation Questions
Activity Printouts
Wildlife Awareness
Walking in nature means sharing space with animals. This section offers practical tips to help you stay calm, safe, and respectful when encountering wildlife, know what to do and how to be prepared.
Coyotes
- Meeting Coyotes (Coyotes Watch Canada)
- Preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes (Ontario.ca)
- Coyotes Fact Sheet(Ministry of Natural Resources)
Bears
- Bear Wise (Ministry of Natural Resources)
- Be Bear Wise and prevent bear encounters (Ontario.ca)
- The Bare facts on Black Bears (Nature Canada)
- Bear Encounters Tips and Tricks (Ontario Nature)
Preventing Ticks
- Tick-borne diseases (Ontario.ca)
- Ticks & Lyme Disease (Ontario.ca)
- Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association Lyme Disease & Ticks
- Guide to Tick Safety for Backyards, Trails, and Campsites – By Grillio
Eastern Massasauga Rattle Snake
Trail Know-How
Every trail is different, understand the environment you’re walking in whether it’s an urban sidewalk, a local park, or a wilderness trail. Learn how to read signs and maps, follow local guidelines, and walk with care and respect for the land.