19 September, 2025

How Trans Canada Trail Staff is Gearing Up for the Great Canadian Hike

The Great Canadian Hike kicks off on September 20 and runs through to October 19. Participants across the country will be walking, hiking, rolling, paddling and cycling, on and off the Trans Canada Trail, logging their kilometres and raising funds for the organization. We polled some of our staff members on their goals, strategies and motivations, as well as tips and tricks for success.

Building kilometres into a daily routine

Trevor Hunsberger, Trans Canada Trail’s Manager of Events, explains that his approach was practical, based on his usual schedule. “I have a rambunctious border collie who loves long walks and makes sure to herd me out the door at our scheduled walk time. I wanted to choose a goal that matched my current activity level, knowing that life is busy with other commitments. So, I estimated how many kilometres dog walking normally is and then rounded up; my pup won’t mind if she gets longer walks for 30 days!”

Amy Schwartz, Trans Canada Trail’s Manager of Marketing Content, has a similar approach, aiming to build outdoor time into errands and lunch breaks: “Slotting in outdoor time for personal time or family time, groceries, and lunch breaks or evening walks is manageable, more fun and you feel better afterwards!”

Setting realistic goals and having fun

Like many of our participants across Canada, our CEO Mathieu Roy has a busy fall schedule. He was careful to consider other commitments when setting his Great Canadian Hike goal, while still making time to get outside. “I usually go out on my mountain bike two to three times per week, covering about 10-15 kilometres each time. Considering my travel schedule in September, I set a goal of 100 kilometres, which feels realistic,” he says.

Chrissy Cusack, Trans Canada Trail’s Coordinator, Community and Volunteer Development, agrees. “My advice would be to find the activity you genuinely enjoy! If you’re more drawn to biking than running, start there; it’s all about doing what feels right for you. For me, trail running has always felt natural because I love being in the woods,” she says. She set her kilometre goal by looking at her usual activity and adding a little – keeping it attainable and fun.

‘Consistency is key’

For Stacey Dakin, Trans Canada Trail’s Chief Program Officer, maintaining activity throughout the month is the key to achieving her kilometre goal. “Consistency is key! I plan to map out weekly hikes and walks, and I’m using the Trail as a way to unwind after work and connect with friends and colleagues,” she explains.

Brenden Blotnicky, Trans Canada Trail’s Manager of Network Development, planned out his kilometre goal by activity: walking, paddling, cycling and running are all part of his Great Canadian Hike schedule. An avid trail runner, Brenden plans to log over half of his kilometres on his usual runs, and is aiming to build in extra outdoor time for school pickups and dog walks. He says that “Just getting out the door is the hardest part.”

Connecting with participants across Canada – and some friendly competition!

For Linton Carter, Chief Development Officer, making connections with people across Canada is a major motivator. “I’m most excited about the connection to other Canadians as we achieve a goal together,” she says. Linking her time in nature and being active to meaningful impact on trails is another motivating factor.

Meggie Carrier, our Social Media Coordinator, echoes Linton’s excitement. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the Trail community light up on socials! There’s something about knowing hundreds of us are out there together across provinces and territories connecting with the land, logging our kilometres and building momentum.”

Carolyn Chenmeyer, Trans Canada Trail’s Coordinator for Annual Giving, adds that a little competition goes a long way. “I’ve never competed much in sports or running because I have felt intimidated by the amount of training. But I can definitely hike, bike and paddle! I’m grateful for the chance to compete when it’s not about short-term endurance but longer-term dedication to healthy habits,” she explains.

man and dog smiling for a photo

Tips and tricks for motivation on the daily

• Trevor: Listen to podcasts! “I like to play the on-demand version of Your World Tonight in the CBC Listen app. These activities keep my mind engaged and I can get some physical activity in at the same time.”

• Mathieu: Make outdoor time a priority. “At the end of the day, the most important step is simply to get outside.”

• Stacey: Start small. “Start small, be curious and don’t worry about pace or distance. The Trail is for everyone, and every step is a step towards something meaningful.”

• Linton: Get active with others. “It is way easier to stay motivated and to encourage each other!”

• Carolyn: Go at your own pace. “My biggest realization as a hiker was that if I tried to keep up with a faster person in our group, I was out of breath immediately, but if I take the hill slowly, I could hike forever without a break. I guess that’s my general life advice as well: take the hill slowly.”