Trailside Highlights

So begins the next exciting chapter in The Great Trail’s story. Moving forward with a new campaign—aptly named Deeply Connected—the goal is to raise awareness and funds, while protecting and enhancing our national treasure.

Alberta


In 2017/18, we saw the connection of the West Bragg Creek Trail in southern Alberta, offering spectacular sections of The Great Trail to the communities of Bragg Creek and in the Kananaskis region. Nestled in a beautiful woodland known locally as an ‘enchanted forest’, this 15-kilometre rural and wilderness greenway is ideal for hikers, joggers, cyclists, horseback riders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. In Calgary, the TCT pavilion was renovated to reflect The Great Trail brand.

The Guardian contributor Kevin Rushby (UK) spent a day on the High Rockies Trail, hosted by TCT.

British Columbia


British Columbia celebrated 100% connection of The Great Trail in BC on October 19, 2017. TCT Champion David Foster was there, spreading good cheer.

After two years of development and $430,000 of funding from TCT, the Elk Valley Community Trail was officially connected to The Great Trail in August 2017. At sunrise on National Aboriginal Day (June 21), the Cranbrook to Wardner Destination Trail, developed by TrailsBC, was re-named the Chief Isadore Trail. The event celebrated the unveiling of interpretive signage developed for TCT, hosted by the Ktunaxa Nation Council.

Trail signage was added to the majority of provincial roadways, in collaboration with the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Six travel writers from China, Germany and Australia experienced sections of The Great Trail. Hosted by Destination Canada and Destination BC.

Manitoba


Bravo, Manitoba! The province celebrated the connection of its section of The Great Trail on June 11, 2017. The event at FortWhyte Alive coincided with the annual Eco Adventure Race, where participants put their orienteering skills to the test on foot, by bike and by boat. Manitoba is now home to 1,400 kilometres of The Great Trail.

The development of a new greenway section began along the South Whiteshell Trail near Penniac Bay in fall 2017, supported by a $25,000 grant from TCT.

German travel writers Carolin Steig & Martin Merten explored The Great Trail, hosted by Destination Canada and Travel Manitoba.

New Brunswick


One of New Brunswick’s many beautiful Trail sections was chosen as the cover story of a special collector’s edition of Canadian Geographic dedicated to The Great Trail. Readers voted for the photo they wanted to see featured. The winner? The Fundy Footpath.

Newfoundland and Labrador


In May 2017, we thanked our partners, Newfoundland T’Railway Council, for their work all their hard work developing the Trail in The Big Land. During the event at the Railway Coastal Museum in St. John’s, we also officially announced a new connection to the East Coast Trail, as well as a partnership with the East Coast Trail Association (ECTA).

The TCT pavilion in St. John’s is fully renovated. Upgrades included the filling of cracks in the structure’s concrete, as well as repairs to damage caused by graffiti, rust and water. The pavilion was painted and given new signs that reflect The Great Trail logo.

Northwest Territories


In September 2017, Tuktoyaktuk hosted a weekend of events to celebrate the 100% connection of its section of The Great Trail. Festivities also welcomed the CAN150 Signature Project, the Canada C3 Expedition. Revelry during the two-day celebration included guided walks, traditional meals, a community-jam session and more.

Nova Scotia


Bravo, Nova Scotia! In July, government supporters, Trail partners, volunteers and supporters gathered on the Salt Marsh Trail to celebrate the connection of the Trail throughout Nova Scotia.

Big news from Cape Breton: the Bras d’Or Lake Water Route opened to the public. This beautiful 387-kilometre section was developed with the support of local Trail volunteers and Indigenous communities located on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, and connects the Trail with this UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve.

The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal helped manufacture and install signage on all provincial roads that are part of The Great Trail network.

Nunavut


Following the connection of the Itijjaqiaq Trail in 2016, our enthusiastic partners in Nunavut are working with TCT to research other Trail development opportunities that will engage more communities along the Trail.

Ontario


Well done, Ontario! The province celebrated the connection of its section of The Great Trail on August 26.


TCT supported the development of one of Canada’s only ‘floating’ trails! With the help of community-wide efforts, TCT raised the funds to create the Hunter’s Bay Boardwalk in Huntsville, which provides an excellent waterfront path for walkers and hikers.
Fourteen access points were installed along the Lake Superior Water Trail. Also, TCT pavilions in Toronto, Ottawa, North Bay, St. Thomas, Burlington, Caledon East and Uxbridge were renovated.

12 international travel writers joined TCT’s Connection Celebration in Ottawa, hosted by Destination Canada and Ottawa Tourism.

Prince Edward Island


The TCT pavilion in Charlottetown was upgraded with the installation of new signs with The Great Trail logo and the repair of damage.

TCT supplied 400 new signs to be installed on Prince Edward Island’s section of the Trail in 2018.

Quebec


Quebec celebrated the 100% connection of its section of The Great Trail on January 26, 2018. Guests enjoyed numerous activities along Le P’tit Train du Nord linear park in Val-David, organized by the Corporation du parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord and the Conseil québécois du sentier Transcanadien.

French travel writer Mathilde Giard experienced the Trail from Toronto to Montréal. Her trip was hosted by Destination Canada and TCT.

Saskatchewan


Elbow Trail received significant enhancements, thanks to a $70,000 grant from TCT. A pedestrian walkway was created on the new White City overpass near Regina, allowing Trail users to walk safely to the Town of White City.

Yukon


New gateway signage was installed at Yukon’s borders with British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.


Five travel writers from Australia, Germany and the United States explored the Yukon along the Millennium Trail, hosted by Destination Canada and Travel Yukon.

Thank you