Trans Canada Trail surpasses 30,000-kilometre milestone

By Your Southwest Media Group

The Trans Canada Trail has reached a major milestone, surpassing 30,000 kilometres of trail connecting every province and territory and all three Canadian coastlines.

To celebrate the achievement, Trans Canada Trail, the charity that stewards the nationwide trail system, has launched a campaign encouraging Canadians to reflect on what the Trail means to them and to support renewed federal funding beyond 2027.

Built over generations by thousands of communities, volunteers, governments and supporters, the Trans Canada Trail is the world's longest multi-use trail network. It welcomes more than 200 million visits each year, supports tourism and local economies, provides opportunities for recreation and active transportation, and connects Canadians with nature and one another.

However, federal funding for the Trail is scheduled to end in 2027.

Through a new national awareness campaign featuring veteran Canadian broadcaster Peter Mansbridge, Trans Canada Trail is encouraging Canadians to send letters to their Members of Parliament calling for renewed federal investment.

"This is not just a trail," said Mathieu Roy, chief executive officer of Trans Canada Trail. "It's one of Canada's great shared public assets. It connects communities, supports local businesses, improves health and wellbeing, and reflects what Canadians can accomplish when we work together. As we celebrate reaching 30,000 kilometres, we're asking Canadians to help ensure it remains strong for generations to come."

The campaign, titled This Is Not Just a Trail, highlights the many roles the Trail plays in communities across the country.

For some Canadians, it serves as a daily commuting route. For others, it is a place for family traditions, recreation, tourism, education, wellness and connecting with the outdoors.

Trans Canada Trail says that without renewed federal investment, sections of the network could face increasing challenges from climate change, aging infrastructure and rising maintenance costs once the current funding agreement expires.

More information about the campaign, including how Canadians can contact their Member of Parliament, is available at notjustatrail.ca.

The Trans Canada Trail is the world's longest multi-use trail system, connecting every province and territory and all three Canadian coastlines. Individual sections are managed locally to meet the recreational and transportation needs of their communities.

Trans Canada Trail is a registered charity that advocates for, stewards and promotes Canada's nationwide trail network. It receives funding from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, as well as provincial and municipal governments and private donors.