Ontario Partnering with Hamilton Brewery to Help Restore the Forest at Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Proceeds from limited-edition specialty craft beer contributing to reforestation project that will plant more than 1,000 new trees

May 18, 2023

Environment, Conservation and Parks

HAMILTON — Ontario Parks is collaborating with Collective Arts Brewing for a second year to produce a limited-edition specialty craft beer, Trail Loop. The proceeds from this partnership will directly support vital reforestation work at Balsam Lake Provincial Park near Kawartha Lakes.

“Ontario is always looking at new, innovative ways to partner with local businesses to help protect the biodiversity of our provincial parks and conservation reserves,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “This partnership is a true made-in-Ontario story — a delicious craft beer by a renowned Ontario brewer, with locally sourced ingredients and original artwork by a local artist in support of one of the province’s beloved parks. I look forward to raising a can of Trail Loop to toast our work to ensure the forest at Balsam Lake Provincial Park remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.”

Trail Loop gives Ontarians a unique way to support the protection and restoration of the province’s natural spaces. This collaboration will allow Ontario Parks to plant native tree species, such as Sugar Maple, Paper Birch, White Cedar and Red Oak, and remove invasive species, which will support habitats and the overall enhancement of the park’s ecological resilience.

“Working with Ontario Parks on our collaborative beer and merchandise has been fulfilling to say the least. In our second year we continue to amplify the beauty of our province and its parks as well as helping to make it thrive through the Balsam Lake Provincial Park restoration project,” said Steve St. Jean, Head of Brand Creative, Collective Arts Brewing. “This year’s art on our Trail Loop Honey Lager is once again created by the incredible Gosia Komorski. Gosia spent her childhood summers camping at Balsam Lake and many other fantastic Ontario Parks and now revisits years later with her daughter making this a notable project for all involved.”

Trail Loop is a honey lager, brewed with locally sourced honey. It is a tribute to the trails that weave through Ontario’s provincial parks and the people who explore them. The can was designed by Gosia Komorski, a Toronto-based artist with a personal connection to Balsam Lake Provincial Park and who shares a passion for the restoration of its forests.

“When we can champion an innovative partnership that restores our provincial parks and promotes Ontario’s craft breweries, you can bet our government will proudly support it,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and MPP for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the work of a talented Ontario artist, while encouraging tourists from near and far to support the local economy by visiting a great local business.”

The limited-edition beer is now available for purchase through Collective Arts Brewing and at select grocery stores across the province and will be available at The Beer Store later this month. A special run of Trail Loop merchandise is being sold exclusively at collectiveartsontario.com.

“The team at Balsam Lake Provincial Park is grateful to be the recipient of this collaboration — it’s heartwarming to know that Ontarians from across the province will have a hand in restoring our beautiful forest,” said Mike Cappello, Park Superintendent, Balsam Lake Provincial Park. “The reforestation project is helping us to bring diversity back into the habitat that nurtures species and park visitors alike. We look forward to planting even more trees this year as we work toward rebuilding this special and treasured green space.”

This is the second year of partnership between Ontario Parks and Collective Arts Brewing. In 2022, the collaboration raised nearly $6,000 for the Balsam Lake project. The Balsam Lake Provincial Park reforestation project aims to plant over 1,000 trees.

This partnership is just one of the ways Ontario Parks is working to protect natural areas and promote the importance of healthy, natural spaces for generations to enjoy. By restoring the forest at Balsam Lake Provincial Park, the Ontario government is strengthening the protection and health of local wildlife and the environment while ensuring access to recreational opportunities for Ontario families to enjoy and boosting local tourism.

Quick Facts

Thirty cents from each can of Trail Loop sold and 50 per cent of merchandise sales will be donated directly to the Balsam Lake Provincial Park Reforestation Project.
Located in south-central Ontario on the Trent-Severn Waterway, Balsam Lake Provincial Park was established in 1968. The park is classified as a Recreation Class Park that offers numerous recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, camping and hiking.
Collective Arts Brewing is an Ontario-based local craft brewing and distilling company with facilities in Hamilton and Toronto. Collective Arts is dedicated to supporting local communities and is known for their commitment to creating exceptional products while showcasing the work of emerging artists from around the world.
Ontario manages and protects 340 provincial parks and 295 conservation reserves representing over eight per cent of the province’s land and waters.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the Ontario Parks and Collective Arts collaboration

Purchase Trail Loop craft beer and merchandise

Visit Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Ontario Partnering with Hamilton Brewery to Help Restore the Forest at Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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