29 June, 2015

Happy Canada Day! Canada’s National Trail is now 80 per cent connected

As of July 1, 2015 and as Canada’s sesquicentennial fast approaches, the Trans Canada Trail is delighted to announce that it has reached 80 per cent connection. Watch the TCT Canada Day Video here.

“The TCT is on a bold mission to fully connect our nation’s Trail by 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday and to being the nationwide natural stage for celebrations,” said Deborah Apps, TCT president & CEO. “Thanks to the generous support and hard work of our volunteers, donors and all levels of government, we are thrilled to have achieved 80 per cent connection this year.”

Thanks to the support of numerous Saskatchewan municipalities, the TCT also connected significant portions of Trail in this province this year, adding just over 500 kilometres of new road cycling route that will provide enthusiasts with a scenic way to explore the ‘land of the living skies.’

Saskatchewan Trail builders also developed the province’s first TCT water trail: the Chief Whitecap Waterway, a 108-km water trail, running through the Whitecap Dakota First Nation from the Gardiner Dam to Saskatoon.

Significant Trail development also took place in British Columbia, the Yukon and New Brunswick, while the remaining provinces will experience important progress over the next two years.

The momentum that is driving TCT’s progress is reflected in the ever growing number of patriotic Canadians who are voicing their support for the Trail. To find out who is supporting our bold nation-building project, please visit our site or look for our insert in the July 4 Globe and Mail (also available online at: globeandmail2015.tctrail.ca

“I feel privileged to be part of the TCT. I represent nothing more than a small step in a long journey that leads to and constitutes being a proud Canadian.” Tom Jackson, actor, singer, activist and TCT Champion.

“As Canadians, we have so much to thankful for. I hope Canadians are as thrilled as we are that our national Trail is now at 80 per cent connection—an amazing achievement for such a vast country, and take advantage of experiencing the Trail on Canada Day.” says Apps.

Trail Connection by Province/Territory:

Newfoundland and Labrador: 100%
Prince Edward Island: 100%
Nova Scotia: 38%
New Brunswick: 61%
Quebec: 97%
Ontario: 73%
Manitoba: 92%
Saskatchewan: 71%
Alberta: 59%
British Columbia: 80%
Northwest Territories: 99%
Yukon: 99%
Nunavut: 99%

Since 1992, the Trans Canada Trail has been working with provincial and territorial partners and all levels of government to develop a multipurpose recreational trail, linking Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

As of this Canada Day, Trail builders across the nation have created nearly 19,000 kilometres of Trail, promoting six preferred activities: walking/hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling (on selected trails in winter).

Quick facts