Canada is known for its sweet maple syrup, bustling cities, dynamic culture, and vast landscapes. Now, however, Canada is also home to the world’s longest hiking trail.
Why The Great Trail Was Created
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) is a non-profit organization that raised money and continues to support the creation and expansion of The Great Trail. Their mission is multi-layered, and the formation of the Great Trail is one way in which they fully realize their vision. Trans Canada Trail seeks to protect the earth, encourage people to connect with nature, and offer trail opportunities in all seasons. TCT is consistently replacing roadways with greenways and adding new networks to the existing trail. What’s more, they help fund repairs as needed, ensuring that the paths are as safe and useable as possible. Bringing The Great Trail to fruition has allowed Canadians and tourists to easily gain access to some of the planet’s most captivating sights. (1, 2)
10 Amazing Facts About The Great Trail
Before you plan your next vacation, consider the following amazing facts about The Great Trail (1,2):
- Coast to coast, The Great Trail stretches nearly 15,000 stunning miles. In fact, it branches out into hundreds of mini-trails, spanning so much territory that three out four Canadians live within half an hour of the trail.
- It took nearly a quarter of a century to prepare The Great Trail.
- The Great Trail is not hidden away in the deep forests and mountains. On the contrary, it connects many of Canada’s most sizeable cities, making the nation’s greenways accessible for city-dwellers and suburbanites.
- The trail officially begins in North America’s most eastern point, what some call “mile 0,” at Cape Spear.
- It stretches and winds around rivers, bays, mountains, and flatland. Its cycling trails and hiking paths span Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and more.
- The greenway comes to a magnificent end in Vancouver, a west coast city.
- In all, the greenways link thirteen territories and provinces.
- It is funded by the federal and local governments. However, The Great Trail has also attracted numerous donors from all walks of life who help maintain and enhance the trails.
- As recreationists revel in the pathways, they will see color-coded markers: green lines represent land trails, blue lines signify water trails, and blue dotted lines point towards ferry rides.
- Along the hundreds of paths within this extraordinary network of trails, outdoor enthusiasts can horseback-ride, hike, kayak, canoe, bike, cross-country ski, and snowmobile. For the less active, there are plenty of places to look up at the stars or bask in the sunshine.
Benefits of The Great Trail
The most obvious advantage of The Great Trail may be that it draws people from their dark, technology-laden offices and homes back into the wild. It makes reconnecting with the great outdoors effortless for almost anyone, regardless of location, age, or ability. Encouraging people to spend time outside helps us re-learn how to relax and be present. It also inspires a love of outdoor activities, promoting active and healthy living. For parents, grandparents, or educators, bringing children onto the easy-to-find greenways teaches them to appreciate wild animals and fresh air. Furthermore, The Great Trail is sparking tourism, thereby creating job opportunities and boosting the economy. (1, 2)
A Labor of Love
Built and maintained by volunteers, Canadian agencies, and local businesses, the trail has been a labor of love and dedication. It serves to honor the planet and connect visitors to the earth in an easy and breathtaking way.
