30,000 KM in Eight Days – Canadians Come Together to Reach a ‘Great’ Milestone

After achieving the collective 30-day goal in just over a week, Great Canadian Hike participants aim even higher

The Great Canadian Hike started with a bold challenge: 30,000 kilometres in 30 days. Even with more than 1,400 people registered when we launched on Sept. 20, it was an ambitious goal. 

But it turns out, eight days was all our nationwide community needed.  

On Sunday, Sept. 28, a little more than a week after we began counting kilometres, our collective total surpassed 30,000.  

“The support for the Great Canadian Hike across the country has been truly incredible,” says Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. “This is a good reminder that when we unite behind a common goal, we can achieve amazing things. We are very grateful to the thousands of people who have contributed to this milestone, and I am excited to see how much further we can go together.” 

30,000 km of impact  

Racking up kilometres was never the only goal of the Great Canadian Hike. This initiative was always about inspiring Canadians to get active, connect with nature and support the trails that play such an important role in our communities. 

Over the first 12 days of the challenge, participants raised over $60,000 — more than halfway to our $100,000 goal. These are funds that will go right back into trails across Canada, helping to support everything from damage repair to accessibility improvements, trail extensions and training opportunities. 

In addition to individual donations, reaching 30,000 kilometres also unlocks $30,000 from Athletic Brewing Company, who pledged $1 for every kilometre hiked, up to 30,000. 

Where do we go from here?  

Collectively covering 30,000 kilometres in just eight days is an achievement worth celebrating. But it does not mean our work is done!  

With more than two weeks remaining in the Great Canadian Hike, we hope to double the length of the Trans Canada Trail — 60,000 kilometres in collective activity. We’ve already travelled the length of the Trail together, why not complete the loop?  

There are plenty of ways you can make the most of the days and weeks we have left before our Oct. 19 finish line:  

• Help us raise $100,000 for the Trail – One milestone is achieved, but we still have some work to do on our fundraising target! If you haven’t already asked your community for support, now is a great time; check out your dashboard for pre-written messages than make asking for donations easier. 

• Focus on your goals – Our first collective goal is checked off but stay focused on hitting your personal activity target and our total will reach new heights!  

• Tell your friends – Registrations are open right up until Oct. 19! It’s never too late for your friends and family to sign up and help us turn 30,000 km into 60,000 km.