Services
Trail Planning & Green Design
At Ecotrailbuilders, we care deeply about the environment and pay special attention to each one we design and build in order to leave as soft a footprint as possible. Typically, our masterplan will include ecological, cultural, and social surveys, with a final costing based on a prescribed budget. We also take account of local resources, the availability of volunteers and in-kind services. To complete our initial masterplan survey, prospective trails are ground-truthed, and mapped for aesthetic values and GPS.
Sustainable Trail Construction
A well-constructed trail will save money in maintenance in the long term. Our team has studied the techniques of trail building across the globe. In New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Arizona, Maine and Vermont. Using preferred eco-friendly hand-tools for sculpting natural-base trails, we use compacting material and excavating machinery only when absolutely necessary. From the use of bio-degradable saw chain oil lubricant to “green” sourced building materials, our goal is to lessen the environmental impact of trail building. Trails are ‘surgically’ placed within the natural environment and, in most cases, constructed using hand tools only. Our construction techniques are based on the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) sustainable trail manual guidelines.
Trail and Support Structures
Whether engineered or simple, boardwalks and bridge construction is our specialty. Boardwalks built over partially wet low areas are typically “floating” structures sitting on cribs; modified plankway-type boardwalks or “puncheons” often skirt areas of sensitive vegetation. Bridges up to fifty feet in length are built over small creeks and rivers. Our structures are built to last and some of them have lasted more than three decades. Our first bridge was built in 1978 and still stands strong.
Support structures can really enhance the trail experience. Wildlife viewing decks, observation or lookout decks, warm-up chalets, sugar-shacks and trailhead kiosks, all contribute to an enriched usage of your trail system.
Wayfinding & Signage
Wayfinding and signage are key elements in maintaining a safe protocol for risk management. We have a solid background in safety-coded directional signs and wayfinding systems, artistic cartography, easy-to-read trail maps, interpretive signs and trailhead kiosks.
Canoe & Kayak Water Trails
We are the only trailbuilding company actively engaged in mapping out water trails and portage routes. Considered Canada’s first routes, these trails are very much a part of our National and Cultural identity. Since 1977 we have been researching, mapping, and producing guidebooks for water trails. All our routes are graded using the International River Grading System (IRGS) for classifying moving water. Detailed maps highlight rapids, falls and campsites, with care taken to respect First Nations traditional land ownership. A full cultural and environmental survey is completed on all routes, along with detailed cartographic representation.
Remote & Unique Builds
Many contractors avoid taking on remote or hard-to-build projects such as remote cottages, cabins or saunas. No matter the season, we’ve devised ways of transporting materials economically to a building site. This often entails the use of floatplanes, ATV’s, motorboats, canoes or snowmachines. Unlike other trailbuilding companies, our team is prepared to work and stay at the building site for extended periods; this drastically reduces your cost and accelerates the completion date.
Saunas are a specialty
Risk Management Consulting
Risk management is an important facet of trail design, installation, and regular maintenance. All trails present certain types of risks and it’s essential to have a risk management protocol in place. Particularly if you are operating a public trail system. Our complete trail design package includes a “duty-of-care” approach to compiling an informative risk management assessment and user-manual. This includes evacuation logistics, specific safety concerns, and maintenance scheduling.
Education & Training
We are fully engaged in skills training and volunteer initiatives. Talk to us about setting up a program regarding sustainable trail construction, maintenance and risk management.
Photography, Video & Marketing
If you are planning to install trails as part of your amenity package for public use, we have 35-years experience in graphic design, photography, brochure and map design, social media and marketing promotions.
Fixtures
Ecotrailbuilders is a corporate member of the Ontario Trails Council.
Clients
Our Clients Include: Canada Parks, Trans Canada Trails, Canadian Heritage River Systems, Manitoba Tourism, Manitoba Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry Of Natural Resources, Ontario Nature Federation, Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, Township Of Seguin, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, J.W. Marriott Resort Inn Muskoka (200km. Ski, Bike & Hike), Inn At Manitou Relais Et Chateau, Earthroots, Rosseau College, Gangler’s Resort MB, town of Penetanguishene, Pickering College, Town of Bracebridge, Over 75 private land owners.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Pleasure to Work With
A Rare Team
Congratulations
We Are ECO-TRAILBUILDERS
Creating spaces that can be explored and shared for generations while preserving Earth's natural habitats