Trans Canada Trail and ‘Come From Away’ celebrate connection, community and Canadian identity 

July 7 event to feature a special performance from the hit musical followed by a trail walk on Toronto’s waterfront 

Toronto – What do a hit musical about kindness in Newfoundland and the world’s longest trail network have in common? A shared belief in the power of connection.  

On July 7, Trans Canada Trail and the Toronto production of Come From Away are coming together to celebrate two uniquely Canadian symbols and their ability to unite. At a special event in Toronto’s Sir Casimir Gzowski Park members of the Come From Away cast will be performing and joining a trail walk along the Martin Goodman Trail, a section of the 29,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail, which spans every province and territory and connects Canada’s three coastlines.  

The event will commemorate a donation the Come From Away cast and crew made to Trans Canada Trail’s Connected Canada Fund during the show’s Toronto run, which spanned seven years and more than 1,000 shows. The production raised funds for various Canadian charities through its ‘Come From Kindness’ program, including a gift to support Canada’s nationwide trail system in early 2025.  

But as Meghan Reddick, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Trans Canada Trail, explains, the celebration carries an even more profound significance. 

“The story of Come From Away and the purpose of the Trans Canada Trail are rooted in the same value: that kindness connects us.” says Reddick.  “Whether it’s welcoming strangers or making space for each other in nature, these simple acts reflect the very best of who we are as Canadians. We’re honoured to walk alongside the cast and crew in celebrating the values we all share.” 

Based on the true story of the town of Gander, NL welcoming airline passengers stranded by the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Come From Away is a story of kindness, compassion and meaningful human connection. The Trans Canada Trail reflects those same values by connecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast to nature and their communities.   

It was in that shared spirit of connection that the Toronto cast and crew of Come From Away generously made the first donation to Trans Canada Trail’s Connected Canada Fund, an effort to maintain the Trail not just as a connected series of land and water routes, but as a powerful symbol of Canadian identity. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Come From Away cast and crew for their inaugural gift to the new Connected Canada Fund,” says Linton Carter, Chief Development Officer at Trans Canada Trail. “Their support helps ensure that our national trail system continues to connect communities, promote accessibility, and strengthen our sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast.” 

To support Trans Canada Trail’s Connected Canada Fund, visit: tctrail.ca/connected-canada/. 

Taking place at the Trans Canada Pavilion in Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, the July 7 event will feature a performance by Cailin Stadnyk, who played American Airlines pilot Beverley Bass during Come From Away’s Toronto run, along with guitarist Bob McAlpine and violinist Valerie Li. The performance will be followed by a short walk along the Martin Goodman Trail/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail.  

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  

Members of the media can get in touch with Justin Fauteux at jfauteux@tctrail.ca to coordinate attendance and interviews. 

Event Details

From Stage to Trail: A Trail Walk with Come From Away
July 7, 2025 | 11 a.m.
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, Toronto, ON 

-30-  

Media Contact

Justin Fauteux
Manager, Media and Public Relations
jfauteux@tctrail.ca  

Resources 

• Learn more about Trans Canada Trail’s Connected Canada fund 
• Explore Trans Canada Trail’s interactive map 

About Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory and connects all three of Canada’s coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs.  

Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors.