5 November, 2026

We Came, We Moved, We Had a Great Time!

An older woman walks along a coastal path using two trekking poles, with wildflowers, a wooden fence, parked cars, and other walkers nearby; the scene feels calm and sunny.

Celebrating the 2026 Great Canadian Hike 

It’s a wrap on the 2026 edition of the Great Canadian Hike! Throughout September, Great Canadian Hike participants across the country hiked, biked, paddled and rolled in support of Trans Canada Trail. 

Together, 1702 participants logged an incredible 108,003 kilometres – surpassing last year! – and raised $74,875 to help care for Canada’s national trail system. When we combine participant fundraising and sponsor contributions, the campaign raised more than $100,000 to support the Trans Canada Trail. . To everyone who logged a kilometre, rallied a team, shared in their networks or donated: thank you. Your enthusiasm and generosity is deeply appreciated, and it will help protect and maintain the trails that connect us to nature and to one another. 

Your Great Canadian Hike experience, in your own words 

To many participants, the Great Canadian Hike also provided an opportunity to reflect on why getting outside along the Trail is such an integral part of their lives.  

Irene S., from Vancouver Island, BC, says: 

Hiking allows me to explore, to challenge myself, to appreciate where I live and to feel grateful for the incredible landscape around me. It reminds me that adventure doesn’t always require travelling far away. Sometimes it is right outside the door, waiting at the beginning of a trail. 

Jenny B., from Montreal, QC, says: 

The Great Canadian Hike was an excellent opportunity for me to get out and explore the Trans Canada Trail, both my homebase of Montreal, Quebec, and farther afield in Nova Scotia, on a long-distance cycling trip! I’m a regular trail user as part of my daily life, and this was a great opportunity to support and raise awareness for the Trail. 

Two hikers, one wearing a red backpack, walk along a leaf-strewn path through a sunlit autumn forest, creating a peaceful, warm scene.

Celebrating the prize winners 

Congratulations are in order to the Great Canadian Hike prize winners, who took home excellent prizes from generous sponsors Columbia Sportswear, Garmin, Tom’s of Maine and Trans Canada Trail. 

The lucky winners are as follows: 

Early registration draw 

• Christine Y., Quebec 

Instagram giveaway 

• Émilie B., New Brunswick 

Grand Prize winners – individual 

• Andrea M., Ontario 
• Bryan M., Manitoba 
• Cheryl G., Ontario 
• Kelly L., Ontario 
• Natasha G., Ontario  

Grand Prize winners – team  

• Team Autumn, Ontario 
• Gymnosaures, Quebec 

Final week fundraising challenge 

• Stella G., Alberta 
• Maro Z., Alberta 
• Lori C., British Columbia 
• Ryan D., Ontario 
• Danielle F., British Columbia  

A small green cabin sits beside a calm lake, framed by orange, gold, and evergreen autumn trees reflected in the water, creating a peaceful scene.

Photo credit: Vanessa Racine

Made possible by our incredible supporters 

We’re grateful to Manulife, Trans Canada Trail’s National Trails for Health Partner, for generously supporting the Great Canadian Hike and helping more people experience the benefits of spending time on trails. 

Thank you also to Columbia Sportswear, Garmin and Tom’s of Maine for the prizes that helped inspire participation and fundraising throughout the challenge. And of course, a huge thank you goes out to all participants, donors, and cheerers-on throughout the Great Canadian Hike. 

“Every kilometre covered and every dollar raised reflects a shared commitment to the Trans Canada Trail and what it makes possible: access to nature, stronger communities and connections across Canada,” says Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. “Thank you to everyone who took part and supported the Great Canadian Hike. You’re helping care for a place that brings us together, today and for generations to come.” 

A broad river flows past an autumn shoreline of gold and rust-colored trees, with a geodesic dome and buildings in the distance; rocks edge the foreground.

Photo credit: Jennifer Mahon

Help care for the Trail year-round 

The Great Canadian Hike may be over, but caring for the Trans Canada Trail continues year-round. Your gift helps support trail maintenance, repairs and accessibility improvements, keeping outdoor experiences within reach for more people. 

Donate to Trans Canada Trail today and help keep the Trail ready for the next adventure. 

Feature photo credit: Geoff Howe