Trail-Fuelled Fitness: How Ontarians Stay Active Outdoors
Hitting the gym has its moments.
But for many of us, it’s hard to beat the feeling of staying active outdoors— with fresh air, open space, and a national trail network right outside our doors.
The Trans Canada Trail in Ontario isn’t just for scenic strolls. It’s a place to move, explore and challenge yourself, at your own pace.
From local running routes to smooth cycling paths and iconic paddling adventures, the Trail offers endless ways to stay active — all while connecting with nature and discovering new places across the province.
Here’s how people across Ontario are using the Trail to fuel their fitness routines.
Photo: Thunder Bay | ON — Jennifer Mahon
Hitting the Trail for fitness and confidence
For walkers, hikers and runners, the Trail is more than just a route — it’s motivation. Whether you’re logging steps, exploring new pathways or simply building confidence, the Trail gets you pumped with scenic spaces to move your way.
In Sudbury, the team at Rainbow Routes is making it even easier for people of all abilities to enjoy the Trail. Their Inclusive Trail Trekkers program welcomes anyone who might feel unsure about hiking on their own — with short, group hikes along the Bell Park Walkway section of the Trail.
“First, you have the option to get out in the community, feel safe and get your bearings,” says Rachel Mantas, Executive Director of Rainbow Routes. “Second, we always try to provide a free map to participants, to provide them with a tool to help them move outside of their comfort zone.”
Read more about Inclusive Trail Trekkers in Sudbury
Cycling towards new goals
The Trans Canada Trail isn’t just for casual downhill coasting. It’s a place where cyclists of all abilities can set big goals, explore new terrain and challenge themselves.
Just ask Cyndy McLean, an avid handcyclist from Guelph, Ontario, who turned the Trail into the backdrop for an ambitious fundraising challenge.
“Trails are a particularly good choice as a handcyclist because I sit very low to the ground and don’t move nearly as fast as vehicular traffic,” explains Cyndy. “I average about 15-20 kilometres per hour. Also, these trails are relatively flat, paved or well packed, and very well maintained.”
After receiving treatment for cancer, Cyndy endeavoured to complete 10 rides of 21 kilometres each, including sections of the Trans Canada Trail, to raise funds for chemo chairs at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre. Her rides took her along the Kissing Bridge Trailway, Iron Horse Trail and Laurel Trail, showcasing both her resolve and the beauty of the Trail network.
Read Cyndy's full story
Paddling for strength and solitude
The Trans Canada Trail connects to some of the country’s most iconic waterways, offering paddling routes for all levels — from peaceful, family-friendly outings to multi-day expeditions that test your endurance.
David Jackson, a seasoned canoeist and photographer who tackled the Path of the Paddle, a 1,000-kilometre water route through Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba that forms part of the Trans Canada Trail.
“It’s sometimes hard to believe that a trail exists for such a vast distance, across a region best navigated by canoe, let alone that it’s maintained by a volunteer base of dedicated trail stewards who enable us to dream wild dreams,” says David, who spent 30 days paddling, portaging, and exploring this breathtaking water route.
The waterways on the Trans Canada Trail aren’t just about adventure. They also link communities, help protect wild spaces and invites paddlers to experience Canada’s landscapes and heritage in a way that few other routes can.
Read David's full story
Your Trail. Your Fitness. Your Way.
No matter how you love to stay active — running, riding, paddling, or all three — the Trans Canada Trail offers endless ways to challenge yourself, connect with nature and keep moving.
Ready to get inspired and plan your next outdoor workout?
