Canadians Come Together to Log 108,000 KM in 30 Days to Support Trans Canada Trail
Great Canadian Hike 2026 brings together 1,702 participants and raises nearly $75,000 to support trails across Canada
OTTAWA — Canadians surpassed the Great Canadian Hike’s 100,000-kilometre goal this September, collectively logging 108,003 kilometres in support of the Trans Canada Trail.
The month-long national challenge brought together 1,702 participants, who walked, biked, paddled and rolled in communities across the country while raising $74,875 to help care for Canada’s national trail system. Between participant fundraising and sponsor contributions, the campaign generated more than $100,000 to support Canada’s national trail system.
Participants reached the 100,000-kilometre mark before the end of September and continued adding kilometres through the final days of the campaign.
“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 nationwide effort
Stretching more than 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory and connecting all three coastlines, the Trans Canada Trail brings thousands of locally managed trails together as one national network.
The Great Canadian Hike gave people across Canada a way to celebrate that shared national asset while helping support the work needed to care for it for generations to come.
The 2026 campaign built on the success of the inaugural Great Canadian Hike in 2025, which saw participants log 94,000 kilometres in 30 days last fall. This year, participants went even farther, pushing the national total beyond 100,000 kilometres.
A new addition in 2026, participants also gathered at five trail walk events across the country. With special guests including Olympian Bruny Surin, filmmaker Dianne Whelan and adventurer Melanie Vogel, Trans Canada Trail hosted walks in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Victoria.
Support for the Trail
Funds raised through the Great Canadian Hike will support work that helps keep the Trans Canada Trail safe, accessible and resilient.
That includes trail repairs and maintenance, accessibility improvements, stronger trail connections, climate resilience projects, and support for the local organizations and volunteers who care for individual sections of the Trail across Canada.
The Great Canadian Hike is generously supported by Manulife. As Trans Canada Trail’s National Trails for Health Partner, Manulife is helping ensure that more people — of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds — can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of trail use from coast to coast to coast.
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Media Contact
Justin Fauteux
Interim Director, Communications
jfauteux@tctrail.ca
About Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory and connects all three of Canada’s coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs.
Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada, through Parks Canada, various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors.
