Trans Canada Trail Challenges Canadians to Collectively Cover 30,000 KM in 30 Days

The Great Canadian Hike invites participants to hike, bike, paddle or roll to raise funds for the world’s longest trail system 

OTTAWA — 30,000 kilometres in 30 days. That’s the ambitious goal behind an initiative being launched by Trans Canada Trail.  

Registration is now open for The Great Canadian Hike, a national challenge that invites people of all ages and abilities to get active in support of Canada’s nationwide trail system. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, people across the country will be hiking, biking, paddling and rolling on their section of the Trans Canada Trail, logging their distances to collectively cover 30,000 kilometres, the approximate length of the Trail, in 30 days. 

How it works: 

• The Great Canadian Hike is free to join and open to all skill levels  
• Registration and donations are open now
• The Hike begins on Sept. 20 when participants have 30 days to log their activity 
• All activities count — hike, bike, paddle or roll — anywhere in Canada 
• Participants can register, create a team, raise funds and log their activity online at greatcanadianhike.ca  

All funds raised directly support the Trans Canada Trail, including critical projects like trail maintenance, greenway development, climate resilience efforts and accessibility upgrades.  

“Every kilometre of the Trans Canada Trail has the power to inspire and bring us together and I invite everyone to join the Great Canadian Hike to experience that power firsthand,” says Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. “This challenge is about more than raising funds and logging kilometres, it’s about forging meaningful connections with nature and our nationwide community. The Trail is a truly national, multi-generational project and when we come together to support it, we are protecting an essential part of who we are as Canadians.”  

Why this challenge matters: 

Spanning nearly 30,000 kilometres and touching every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail connects thousands of communities and reaches more than 80% of Canadians within 30 minutes of where they live. A 2023 study showed the Trail delivers significant benefits, including: 

• $23.1 billion in economic activity 
• $1.7 billion in public health impact 
• $82 million in environmental benefits 

Canadians agree: 

• 94% say trails are essential for accessing nature 
• 92% use trails to support their mental health 
• 91% value trails as a free, accessible way to stay active 

The Great Canadian Hike is generously supported by Athletic Brewing Company, a long-time champion for trails and access to the outdoors, and Manulife, who is committed to helping Canadians live longer, healthier, better lives in alignment with their Impact Agenda. 

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Media Contact

Justin Fauteux
Manager, Communications
jfauteux@tctrail.ca 

Resources 

• Find more information and register at greatcanadianhike.ca 
• 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.