Celebrating 20 years...and looking forward to Connection 2017

The Trans Canada Trail, the world’s longest and grandest trail, is celebrating its 20^th Anniversary in 2012. What began in 1992 as a legacy project of Canada’s 125^th Anniversary has grown into 16,500 kilometres of connected trail from coast to coast to coast. Through the dedication and commitment of countless volunteers; generous donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations; and the support of all levels of government, the Trail is 6,000 kilometres away from being fully connected. Our goal is to fully connect the Trail in time for another celebration – Canada’s 150^th Anniversary in 2017.

The remaining sections of trail – 200 gaps across the country – traverse some of Canada’s most challenging terrain. In collaboration with its trail partners, the Trans Canada Trail organization has developed a detailed Connection Plan to meet these special demands. The Trail also recently established a new Foundation and launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise the 150 million dollars needed to connect the Trail.

The Trans Canada Trail is the largest volunteer effort of its kind ever to be undertaken in this country. As the organization turns 20, we applaud the contributions of over 100,000 Canadians who have selflessly donated their time, talents, labour, and essential fundraising dollars to this national treasure.

As we look forward to fully connecting the Trail in 2017, we remember a few of the many milestones of the past 20 years: opening the first pavilion in Caledon, ON; the exploration of a route through the Northwest Territories; and the 2009 reception hosted by then Governor General Michaëlle Jean, celebrating our provincial and territorial partners. We invite you to share your memories on our new website by signing up to our online community and uploading photos and stories of your Trail experiences over the years.