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Be Part of Something Great

Trans Canada Trail's Great Canadian Hike runs September 1 to 30: hike, bike, paddle or roll anywhere on the 30,000-kilometre Trail, log your kilometres, and help fund the world's longest trail system.

Presented by Trans Canada Trail · · 6 min read
Be Part of Something Great
Capilano River Regional Park, BC

Trans Canada Trail’s Great Canadian Hike is back. The nationwide challenge unites Canadians and inspires them to hike, bike, paddle or roll in support of the world’s longest trail system. From September 1 to 30, 2026, people across the country will be getting active, logging their progress and raising funds to help protect and maintain trails from coast to coast to coast.

Last year’s edition saw more than 2,000 people participate and collectively log 94,076 kilometres in just 30 days — more than triple the original goal. The 2025 campaign also raised nearly $110,000 in support of Trans Canada Trail between individual fundraising and participants unlocking the maximum $30,000 from Athletic Brewing’s $1-per-kilometre pledge.

This year’s Great Canadian Hike is aiming even higher. Whether you go solo or start a team, every step counts towards the goal of 100,000 kilometres of collective trail use in 30 days.

Powered by Trans Canada Trail

The Great Canadian Hike is hosted by Trans Canada Trail, the organization that advocates, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system. Canada is home to the world’s longest recreational trail system — the Trans Canada Trail — which spans 30,000 kilometres, connecting the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. The Trail runs through Canada’s major cities, and rural and wilderness areas. More than 82 per cent of Canadians can find a Trail section within 30 minutes of their home.

When you take part in the Great Canadian Hike, you’re helping to protect and maintain Canada's national trail network. The money raised during the Hike directly supports the Trail — from damage repair to accessibility improvements, trail extensions, training opportunities and more.

You’re also part of a national effort to show that trails matter — for our health, our communities and our connection to nature. Every kilometre you log is a way of showing your community that trails you love are important, and they deserve care and investment.

Log Your Kilometres on Exceptional Trails Across Canada

Canada’s vast landscapes offer a treasure trove of trails, from urban commuter routes like the Waterfront Trail – Martin Goodman Trail in the heart of Toronto to wilderness treks like the CANOL Trail in Northwest Territories, and everything in between.

Here are some suggestions of where to log your kilometres for the Great Canadian Hike, while taking in some of the country’s awe-inspiring natural beauty — and connecting with your loved ones, friends and neighbours on Canada’s incredible trails — and they’re all part of the Trans Canada Trail!

East Coast Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador

The East Coast Trail passes through the historic communities of Topsail Beach, Cape St. Francis and Cappahayden. Silver Mine Head Path offers a great hiking experience that combines sandy beach, forested areas and ocean vistas. Check out the Trans Canada Trail’s Point Zero East at Cape Spear and take in the views of the Cape Spear Lighthouse — a National Historic Site, towering cliffs, sea stacks and fjords.

Hikers on the rocky headland at Signal Hill overlooking the harbour entrance and green coastal hills
East Coast Trail – Signal Hill, NL

Confederation Trail, PEI

This tip-to-tip trail spans the entirety of Prince Edward Island, taking trail users through charming communities, to red-sand beaches, alongside exceptional dining establishments, and right into Charlottetown. Hike, walk or cycle for a few kilometres, or hundreds — the choice is yours!

Two hikers with poles and blue jackets pausing on a tree-lined crushed-stone trail
Confederation Trail, PEIHeather Ogg

Parc linéaire le P'tit Train du Nord, Quebec

This 230-kilometre trail is a cyclist’s and walker’s dream. Built on a former railbed, the trail is well-maintained and meanders through Quebec’s beautiful Laurentians region. Stop at one of several visitor centres at former rail stations, pop into charming communities for a bite to eat or a coffee break, or make it an overnight at one of several bike-friendly bed-and-breakfasts en route.

Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail, Ontario

This gem of a trail in Southwestern Ontario is ideal for cycling or walking through heritage-rich communities and incredible vistas. Set out from the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich and travel towards Guelph, Ontario. The trail traverses diverse landscapes, including rural countryside, forests and small communities.

A long wooden rail bridge crossing a wide river, its boardwalk stretching into the trees
Goderich to Guelph – Lake Huron Route, ON

Meewasin Trail, Saskatchewan

Taking its name from the Cree word for beautiful, the Meewasin Trail certainly lives up to its name in the Saskatchewan prairies. The trail spans from Pike Lake to Clarke’s Crossing, following the South Saskatchewan River through Saskatoon and beyond. It’s an ideal spot to cycle, jog, stroll or roll, and enjoy the scenery.

A smiling rider on an adaptive hand-cycle crossing a river bridge with the city skyline behind
Meewasin Trail – River Landing, SK

Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw – Beaver Hill Road Trail, Alberta

Explore the Saskatchewan River Valley year-round on a continuous path that traverses the city of Edmonton, passing through urban sections, several cultural attractions, parks, and boreal forest. Enjoy a wide range of activities, including walking, hiking, cycling and more. The trail passes alongside Fort Edmonton Park, the High Level Bridge, the Muttart Conservatory and even the funicular!

The riverside boardwalk curving beneath a modern bridge deck in Edmonton, a cyclist passing a bench
Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Beaver Hill Road – Edmonton, AB

Sea to Sky Marine Trail, British Columbia

The Sea to Sky Marine Trail links Horseshoe Bay to the Sea to Sky land route in Squamish. Paddle north through Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay, passing alongside Porteau Cove Provincial Park and Britannia Beach before concluding in Squamish. Stop for a rest and a picnic at Porteau Cove, or in Britannia Beach, visit the Britannia Mines Concentrator National Historic Site of Canada, part of the area’s copper ore mining industry for decades.

A parent and a child on a balance bike on a lakeside dock beneath snow-capped mountains
Sea to Sky Trail – Pemberton, BCBrent Harrewyn

Whitehorse Millennium Trail, the Yukon

Walk, hike or cycle along the Millennium Trail in Canada’s Wilderness City! Whitehorse boasts a vast network of trails, with the Millennium Trail running through the town centre and alongside the Yukon River, with easy access to several of the city’s highlights. Stop to marvel at the SS Klondike, one of the largest 1930s sternwheelers to travel the Yukon River and now a National Historic Site of Canada.

Benches and a stone gathering circle beside the Yukon River on the Whitehorse waterfront in fall
Millennium Trail – Whitehorse, YT

Itijjagiaq Trail, Nunavut

The gorgeous Itijjagiaq Trail is situated in the Katannilik Territorial Park on southern Baffin Island, in the middle of the Meta Incognita Peninsula. The Trail runs from the south shore of Frobisher Bay near Iqaluit to the shores of Glasgow Bay at Kimmirut on Hudson Strait. Follow the topography of the land, with rolling hills, limestone canyons, lakes and valleys, and waterfalls and plateaus.

Ready to get hike, bike, paddle and roll on Canada's trails?

Join thousands of Canadians in getting outside and getting active, making connections and experiencing the country’s incredible natural environment, from coast to coast to coast.


Register today at greatcanadianhike.ca and support access to trails and nature, both today and for future generations. See you on the Trail!

Presented By

Trans Canada Trail

Published Online

What’s Next

Ready to hike, bike, paddle and roll?

Register for the Great Canadian Hike and support access to trails and nature, both today and for future generations.

Click here to register at greatcanadianhike.ca
Takes you to greatcanadianhike.ca
From the print editionThe August 2026 Travel and Lifestyle cover of The Canada Magazine

As featured in The Canada Magazine, August 2026 issue.

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