29 November, 2024

Filmmaker who Trekked the Trans Canada Trail Calls for Support

Dianne Whelan walks by a lighthouse with backpack on.

Dianne Whelan calls on trail users across the country to donate to the maintenance and development of Canada’s national trail system

There aren’t many people who can say they’ve seen every inch of the Trans Canada Trail. Dianne Whelan is one of them.

The award-winning filmmaker spent six years walking, cycling, paddling and snowshoeing across the entirety of the Trail from coast to coast to coast. Dianne’s epic journey culminated in her 2023 documentary 500 Days in the Wild, a film that captures not only the incredible natural beauty of the Trail, but also, its power to forge connection.

“I began this journey looking for adventure, but what I found was much more meaningful — a connection to this land and its people,” Dianne says. “Everywhere I travelled, I met people who, like me, found something profound on the trail — whether it was peace, purpose, or the simple joy of being surrounded by nature.”

While her journey across Canada’s vast, challenging landscape wasn’t always easy, Dianne remains sure of one thing: “This kind of connection to the environment, to communities, and to each other is valuable. I am certain that the Trans Canada Trail is important, and it is worth supporting.”

“Dianne is an inspiration. Her trek across the entire Trans Canada Trail was an amazing display of courage, perseverance and honouring our vast natural landscape,” says Meghan Reddick, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for Trans Canada Trail. “But even more poignantly, she put the power of the Trail on full display, showcasing its unique ability to inspire and connect. A story like Dianne’s illustrates the value of Canada’s national trail and why it’s so important to support and maintain for future generations.”

Learn more about Dianne’s journey and how to donate.