Marking Earth Day with a Special Presentation and Trans Canada Trail Outing
To celebrate Earth Week — from April 21 to 25 — students from Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill, Ontario, were treated to a virtual presentation by filmmaker Dianne Whelan, who travelled along the Trans Canada Trail over six years – and 24,000 kilometres — from 2015 to 2021. Her award-winning documentary about her travels, 500 Days in the Wild, chronicles this exceptional journey.
“Dianne Whelan’s story really inspired me today in the sense that she spoke a lot about the importance of taking time to step away from the stresses of life and just experience and connect with nature,” said Stephanie, a student at the school.
Exploring the Trail firsthand
Photo Credit: Holy Trinity School
After hearing from Dianne about her experiences on the Trans Canada Trail, a group of approximately 20 students set out on a trail experience of their own: they headed north to Uxbridge, Ontario, also known as the Trail Capital of Canada due to the 300-kilometre-long trail network running through town, including sections of the Trans Canada Trail. The group set out on a guided walk on Glen Forest Major Loop, along the Uxbridge Trans Canada Trail section.
Students expressed how being out on the trail helped them to think about connecting with nature as a way to de-stress.
“I would definitely encourage others to experience the Trans Canada Trail for themselves. I think it’s important that we connect with nature and also important that we exercise and spend some time away from the bustling city life here in Toronto. I think it’s important for us to step away from that to really think about what we’re grateful for and why we’re here,” said Kayley, a student at Holy Trinity School
Another student, Sophie, added, “My mom used to take me on a lot of walks, and I used to think of it as work; it was not fun… But after going on the trail, it inspired me to go out in nature where it’s so beautiful. The peacefulness of nature was very inspiring.”
A meaningful donation to Trans Canada Trail
Photo credit: Holy Trinity School
Holy Trinity School also made a donation to Trans Canada Trail as part of their Earth Week initiatives, in recognition of the importance of trails and access to nature.
“We’re deeply grateful to Holy Trinity School for the generous donation to Trans Canada Trail. Their support means a great deal and reflects a shared commitment to connecting people with nature, community and one another. It’s especially meaningful to see young people encouraged to step onto the Trail, fostering a lifelong connection with the natural world and the communities that surround it,” said Linton Carter, Trans Canada Trail’s Chief Development Officer.
Learn more about Dianne Whelan’s inspirational journey on the Trans Canada Trail.
Explore Uxbridge on our interactive map.
Donate to Trans Canada Trail to share the joy of the Trail across Canada.
