How a Recent Addition of the BlindSquare App on the City of Winnipeg Trail is Improving Access to Trails for All
In the heart of Winnipeg, an accessible wayfinding navigation solution was designed and recently deployed along 6 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail. Trail users can explore the City of Winnipeg Trail via the BlindSquare app.
Bringing the Trail to life through narration
BlindSquare is a free-to-download navigation app for people who are blind or partially sighted. Previously implemented along the City of Victoria Trail, the app helps guide trail users through several of Winnipeg’s attractions, providing information about detailed points of interest and intersections along the Trail. The navigation app supports safer, more independent navigation while also sharing engaging stories about the history and culture of the region.
Highlighting major attractions in the heart of Winnipeg
Working with CNIB Access Labs, Trans Canada Trail staff researched and designed the route, selecting several points of interest right on the Trail. The newly implemented section in Winnipeg passes by several attractions, including Parks Canada’s The Forks National Historic Site, Oodena Celebration Circle, the Manitoba Children’s Museum, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Saint Boniface Cathedral.
The route follows the City of Winnipeg Trail across the Red River, taking trail users to Saint Boniface. The Trail section winds through the neighbourhood before eventually linking back up with the downtown Winnipeg side of the Red River. The route crosses two bridges, including the Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge, creating a loop that brings trail users back to where they started.
“The loop format creates a much more seamless experience,” says Raquel Healey, Trans Canada Trail’s Coordinator for Education and Inclusion, who worked on the ground to help design the route. “Users can explore independently, cross into different neighbourhoods and attractions, and return to their starting point without needing to retrace the same route.”
Place-based storytelling comes to life
The project combines accessible navigation with place-based storytelling, helping users experience Winnipeg’s riverfront, history and cultural landmarks in a more immersive way.
CNIB Access Labs consulted with Parks Canada to provide accurate information and compelling points of interest for National Historic Sites along the Trail. In addition, Raquel and the team selected points of interest that could serve both as navigational landmarks and storytelling opportunities en route, and that could be found on the Trail. There was a wealth of options to choose from, and trail users can visit and learn about several of Winnipeg’s major attractions and the rich history of the place.
Providing bilingual commentary to reflect Manitoba’s francophone population
To reflect the strong francophone identity of Saint Boniface — often considered Winnipeg’s French Quarter — the BlindSquare app is available in both official languages.
“We’re so pleased to be able to provide the BlindSquare narration in both English and French,” says Raquel. Saint Boniface has such a strong francophone identity, so making the experience fully bilingual was an important part of reflecting the community and the stories along the route”
What to know about the 6-kilometre loop
• Terrain: The terrain includes both paved areas and gravel.
• Activities: It’s a great option for walking, rolling, cycling, or even skating in the winter on a small section of the Trail.
• Accessibility considerations: It’s wheelchair- and stroller-accessible throughout the whole 6-kilometre loop.
• Starting point: Several access points are available along the loop. Options include The Forks National Historic Site and the other attractions listed above.
• Food and drink: The loop takes trail users along several cafés and restaurants that are excellent options to stop for a rest and a bite to eat.
• Always check conditions before you go: Before heading out, be sure to check trail conditions as seasonal closures may occur.
Improving accessibility and inclusion on the Trail
Implementation of the BlindSquare app is made possible through CNIB Access Labs, who works to increase accessibility for blind and partially sighted people across Canada. This work is part of Trans Canada Trail’s Trails for All initiative, which aims to improve accessibility and inclusion on the Trail, supporting projects that remove barriers and create welcoming trail experiences for all.
This project was generously supported by Manulife, Trans Canada Trail’s National Trails for Health Partner.
Learn more about Trans Canada Trail’s Trails for All initiative and guidelines.
Donate today to support important accessibility improvements along the Trail, from coast to coast to coast.
