Recently, Emily decided that she wanted to run Canada Running Series’ TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. She registered for the half-marathon and trained three to five times a week on the Trans Canada Trail in preparation for the race.

Emily explains that she really wanted to set her mind to something and complete it, and for her, that something is a half-marathon! “I have a history of giving up on goals that feel unattainable. I’m really excited to feel complete gratitude for myself and my body for pushing through,” she says.

Emily also cites Trans Canada Trail’s Martin Goodman Trail – starting at Coronation Park and running west to Mimico – as her training route of choice. She often heads out on the Trail with her dog and her partner. “We don’t often realize how lucky we are to live in a big city and still have so much access to nature,” she says.

To Emily, the Trans Canada Trail – and trails in general – are important for our longevity. “[Trails] get so much use, which can really start to show if they are not properly taken care of. I hope to see that Trans Canada Trail can continue providing the top-quality care they currently provide to our trails.”

“Having the space to breathe fresh air, and being surrounded by water, trees and wildlife is critical to our well-being.”
– Emily Peotto

The outdoors has always been a part of Hugh’s life, from growing up in rural Ontario to raising his family in Montreal, where they spent every moment they could hiking and biking at their cottage in Mont Tremblant.

“That’s why we chose to leave a gift in our wills to Trans Canada Trail. This way, I know future generations can enjoy the Trail, the same way Paule and I have enjoyed it with generations of our family.”

Today, Hugh’s connection to the Trail has only strengthened. In June 2022, the Canada Games torch was transported along the Trans Canada Trail for the first time in history. Hugh was a torchbearer, passing it to his granddaughter, Léa – a moment that symbolized the legacy he’s leaving for future generations. “It’s this feeling of interconnectedness that makes the Trail so unique,” says Hugh.

Thank you to the Scott family for ensuring that the Trans Canada Trail remains a strong and accessible national treasure for generations to come!

Across Canada, Indigenous communities are leading incredible projects to enhance trail access, cultural learning and environmental stewardship.  

Here are three inspiring projects you’ve already made possible through our Trails Support Program for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Communities:  

• Garden River First Nation: Expanding Access to Nature To ensure all trail users can enjoy the scenic beauty of Ojibway Park, Garden River First Nation built an additional 60 metres of raised boardwalk, improving accessibility to a breathtaking lookout.  

• Pays Plat First Nation: A Trail of Traditional Knowledge Years in the making, the Stories of Pawgwasheeng Medicine Trail is now open! This 750-metre interpretive trail shares the rich tradition of medicinal plants, with guided hikes led by band members and educational panels along the way.  

• Uapishka Station: A Gateway to the Innu Landscape Located in the Uapishka Station World Biosphere Reserve, this project created a welcoming rest area with seating, shelter and a dock, along with interpretive lookouts highlighting Innu culture and traditional life.

These projects demonstrate the power of the Trail to connect people, honour traditions and enhance accessibility — and it’s all possible thanks to supporters like you!

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Harris. 

For over 65 years, Harris Cox has dedicated himself to trail work across the Yukon. This included many years of involvement with the Yukon sections of the Trans Canada Trail, helping to keep them safe, accessible, and adventure-ready. His tireless work as a trail groomer has allowed countless snowmobilers, skiers, runners and dog walkers to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.

Now 83 years old, he has no plans to slow down. “I won’t quit until I can’t do it anymore,” he says.

Thank you, Harris, for your incredible commitment to the Trans Canada Trail!