It took 25 years, but in August 2017, Canada finally unveiled its Great Trail -- nearly 15,000 miles (about 22,000 km) of linked trails spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Also known as the Trans Canada Trail, it is thought to be the longest recreational trail system in the world. Founders Pierre Camu, Bill Pratt, and Paul LaBarge came up with the idea for the mega-trail in 1992 to celebrate the nation’s 125th birthday. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent on the trail network, designed for those who enjoy hiking, biking, and paddling.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee:
- You can spend two weeks cycling through the woods across Newfoundland, from St. John's to Port aux Basques, along the T'Railway.
- On Vancouver Island, you can hike from the Cowichan Valley to Victoria, traversing a new suspension bridge spanning the Goldstream River.
- In the Yukon and Northwest Territories, you can travel the Dempster Highway, or canoe along the McKenzie River Trail.