Canada’s trail sector comes together at inaugural Canadian Trail Summit
300+ participants gather in Winnipeg for four days of connection, learning and celebration
Trail leaders, builders, advocates, researchers, partners and community champions from across Canada gathered in Winnipeg from June 16 to 19 for the inaugural Canadian Trail Summit.
Hosted by Trans Canada Trail, the Summit brought the trail sector together for four days of learning, connection and celebration. Under the theme “Trails for a Changing World,” more than 300 participants from across Canada explored a vast array of topics crucial to the future of trails.
The program featured three keynote speakers, each bringing a unique perspective: Lisa Franks, six-time Paralympic gold medallist, mechanical engineer and accessibility advocate; Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician, Co-Founder of PaRx and a leading voice on the health benefits of nature; and Ryan Shackleton, CEO of Know History, the Summit’s Supporting Sponsor. Together, their presentations helped frame broader conversations about how trails can support healthier, more connected and more resilient communities.
As the host city, Winnipeg played a central role in the week’s success. From the opening-day Field Trips to an incredible evening experience at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park, attendees experienced the city’s trails, outdoor spaces and cultural destinations firsthand.
Across breakout sessions, workshops, social events and informal conversations, participants shared ideas, built relationships and celebrated the people and organizations shaping the future of trails in Canada.
“Bringing so many people together, each with their own unique connection to trails, was incredibly inspiring,” said Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. “The energy throughout the week showed the strength, creativity and commitment of Canada’s trail sector. We are grateful to everyone who joined us, to Winnipeg for being such a welcoming host city, and to all our partners who helped make this gathering possible.”
One key learning from the first-ever Canadian Trail Summit: the trail sector is stronger when it comes together. The conversations, ideas and connections sparked in Winnipeg will continue to shape the future of sustainable, inclusive and resilient trails across Canada.
