Embracing Winter Across Canada with Help From #Blahs2Ahhhs
Winter activities took centre stage as thousands of people across the country turned their seasonal blahs into Ahhhs during Trans Canada Trail’s annual #Blahs2Ahhhs campaign, presented by Manulife.
For the sixth year in a row, #Blahs2Ahhhs helped remind us how time outdoors provides mental and physical health benefits, including improved mood and reduced stress; better cardiovascular health; and a stronger feeling of connection to nature and our own communities.
Canadians got outside and got moving along the Trail, walking, jogging, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking and more, enjoying “Ahhh” moments of joy as they embraced the winter season.
Ahhhs were tracked
Our national Ahhh Counter tracked moments of joy spent outside, filled with winter wonder. Every time someone smiled at the snow, took a deep breath of crisp air or enjoyed a wintery moment on the Trail, Ahhhs were had. Participants across Canada tapped our Ahhhs counter to add their moments of joy to the tally, with a total of 16,495 Ahhhs logged, from coast to coast to coast!
Exciting prizes were won
Two lucky winners took home prizes from the #Blahs2Ahhhs contest. Congratulations to:
• Valérie B. from Quebec, who won the #Blahs2Ahhhs Everyday Essentials Kit, including prizes from our presenting sponsor Manulife and gear from Columbia Sportwear and Trans Canada Trail.
• Morag F. from Ontario, who won the #Blahs2Ahhhs Getaway at Pêmiska Lodge, including a 3-night winter getaway for two people, winter activities, and much more.
Thank you to Manulife, Columbia Sportswear and Pêmiska Tourism for their generous support.
Inspiring moments were shared
Highlights throughout the 2026 #Blahs2Ahhhs initiative include a wonderful online photography presentation from nature photographers and father-son duo, Scott and Trevor Haldane, whose Wild Places, Wild Faces fundraiser for Trans Canada Trail celebrated its fifth year in January.
Plus, participants far and wide shared tales of winter adventuring along the Trans Canada Trail (check out some of our faves below!)
Winter joy was featured far and wide
This year’s #Blahs2Ahhhs campaign received media attention across the country – from Vancouver to Cape Breton Island and numerous spots in between. Multiple Trans Canada Trail staff members and trail partners spoke with national, regional and local media outlets to spread the word about the joys of winter on the Trail. A highlight: our Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Meghan Reddick spending some time on the Trail with Breakfast Television’s Rick Campanelli – how many people can say they’ve pushed a Canadian media icon down a toboggan hill?
Generous support from partners and donors
#Blahs2Ahhhs is presented by Manulife. As Trans Canada Trail’s National Trails for Health Partner, Manulife is helping ensure that more people — of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds — can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of trail use from coast to coast to coast.
Blahs to Ahhhs is also funded by TD Bank Group through the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment – and by donors from across the country, whose support of Trans Canada Trail helps ensure more people across Canada can get outside and access trails safely, all year long.
About Trans Canada Trail
Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail is cared for locally by trail and community groups. As a charity, Trans Canada Trail advocates for and stewards this nationwide system, helping ensure people can keep finding moments in nature that support their wellbeing. We support community-led trail projects through the Trail Catalyst Fund and we share reliable trail knowledge through the Centre for Trail Excellence.
