Canadians Unite Behind Trans Canada Trail’s 30-day Hiking Challenge
Great Canadian Hike inspires people across the country to cover 100,000 kilometres and raise $100,000 to help protect Canada’s national trail system
OTTAWA, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- People across the country are taking to trails, pathways and waterways today as Trans Canada Trail’s annual Great Canadian Hike officially kicks off. The month-long challenge inspires Canadians to collectively cover 100,000 kilometres and raise $100,000 to support Canada’s national trail system.
Throughout September, participants will hike, bike, paddle and roll on their local trails, tracking their progress and contributing to the national fundraising and distance goals. As the challenge opens, nearly 1,000 people have signed up, already raising more than $22,000. Registration remains open throughout September.
The challenge is an invitation to rally around something Canadians have built together over generations. Stretching 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory and connecting all three coastlines, the Trans Canada Trail brings thousands of locally managed trails together as one national network.
“Right now Canadians are looking for more of what brings us together. The Great Canadian Hike is a reminder that the Trail is something remarkable that we all share,” said Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. “The Trail was built through decades of people working together, and its future depends on that same spirit. Every person who participates becomes part of a collective effort to celebrate Canada, care for the Trail and keep it strong for generations to come.”
A national asset worth protecting
The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world, but a network of this scale requires ongoing care.
Trans Canada Trail, the national charity behind the Trail, works with local organizations, municipalities, Indigenous communities, volunteers and other partners to keep trails throughout Canada safe, accessible and open. Aging infrastructure requires repair, while flooding, erosion and other extreme weather events are putting new pressures on trail systems.
The need is growing as Canadians increasingly turn to trails as free, accessible places to get active, spend time in nature and connect with their communities.
Funds raised through the Great Canadian Hike help support maintenance and repairs, accessibility improvements, stronger trail connections, climate resilience and the organizations that care for trails every day.
Building on Year One
The 2026 Hike follows a successful inaugural Great Canadian Hike last fall that saw more than 2,100 participants log 94,076 kilometres — triple the original goal — and raise more than $80,000.
This year, Canadians are being challenged to go further: 100,000 kilometres and $100,000 by September 30.
Registration is free, and there is no minimum distance or fundraising goal. People of all ages and experience can participate from anywhere in Canada.
Throughout September, the Great Canadian Hike will also bring people together through Trail Walks in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Victoria.
The Great Canadian Hike is generously supported 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.
About Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory and connects all three of Canada’s coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs.
Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors.
Attachments
Justin Fauteux Trans Canada Trail jfauteux@tctrail.ca
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