Trail insurance is an important component to the successful and safe development and management of trails in Ontario. Trail clubs are faced with increasing insurance costs that help protect them from liability. The pressure of higher insurance rates has placed great burden on many of the hiking and walking clubs and trails of Ontario, placing many of the treasured recreational resources of Ontario at risk of closure.
Hike Ontario continues to work diligently with its trail partners and insurance providers to provide the best possible policy conditions to suit the needs of its trail clubs. This in turn is working towards managing for safe and sustainable trails systems throughout Ontario for the pleasure of walkers and hikers. Hike Ontario plays a key role in risk management assistance with trail clubs, thereby assisting in insurance provision.
It is important to recognize the importance of this issue in the Ontario trails community. Everyone from trail users to advocacy groups needs to be aware of this issue. Membership contributions, public campaigns of support and agency or government lobbying can all play key roles in the support of the sustainability of trails in Ontario.
Insurance Program for Member Organizations
The insurance program for Hike Ontario provides coverage to Hike Ontario as the provincial association. Coverage is available on a buy-in basis to member clubs who have applied and been accepted for coverage.
Hike Ontario's insurance program includes the following coverage:
- Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL) - $ 5 million with $1000 deductible
- Errors and Omissions (E&O) – included with CGL coverage
- Directors & Officers (D&O) - $2 million or $5 million with $0 deductible (D&O insurance is only available in combination with CGL insurance and not all member organizations elect to take out D&O insurance)
Activities covered:
- Hiking activities
- Member training events
- Sanctioned non-hiking activities
- Trail maintenance/trail building
- Open houses
- Membership meetings
- Fundraisers
- Certification programs
- Promotion of sport
- Publication of newsletters
- Annual awards ceremonies/wind-up banquets
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our Insurance Program: Questions & Answers document (updated May 2022).
This Q&A document has been compiled based on questions Hike Ontario has received from participating member organizations.
More Information for Members
Please log in to the Members' Area for details about our current insurance program.
Thinking of joining Hike Ontario?
If you have questions about our insurance program, contact us at info@hikeontario.com.