Enhancing The Great Trail experience by sharing it with others

Canadians across the country have embraced The Great Trail of Canada for its power to connect them more deeply with their natural environment, as well as Canada’s history and cultural diversity.

The connections fostered on the Trail, however, are not purely defined by the places it passes through; many build connections with other people as they use and enjoy the Trail. To demonstrate the value of sharing Trail experiences with others – and to encourage people of all ages and from all kinds of backgrounds to discover and enjoy this Canadian legacy, TCT has begun to host unique events called “Instameets” in different communities.

The Instameets are organized through social media and the result is a walking tour in which people can explore the Trail in their local areas, take photos and share them on Instagram with the hashtag #BetterTogetherTGT.  To date, TCT has hosted successful events in Winnipeg, Victoria and Halifax, and has plans to do the same in other parts of the country.

“It was such a treat to spend an evening with people who truly love our city and our province,” says Dayna Robbie (@daynarobbie), who attended the Winnipeg Instameet. “We all came together with the same goal – to learn more about Winnipeg’s urban trail, how we can share it with others, and how we can access different parts of The Great Trail across Canada. Perhaps what I appreciated most was how the meet up felt like community over competition.

“The hashtag we used was #BetterTogetherTGT, and I feel the evening completely embodied that,” she adds. “If you haven’t heard of The Great Trail before, get excited! It’s another way we can share something as Canadians, and I hope to see you out there exploring on it!”

Trans Canada Trail is a not-for-profit organization. If you value our work, please consider supporting us by visiting our Give page.