Trans Canada Trail - The Great Trail of Canada

Whether travelling east, west, north or south, The Great Trail (renamed from the Trans Canada Trail) is the best way to discover natural beauty of Canadian greenways, roadways and waterways linked by recreational multi-use trails.

Trans Canada Trail or The Great Trail of Canada - Trans Canada Trail or The Great Trail of Canada is the longest trail of its kind in the world, spanning more than 27,000 kilometres connecting Canada from coast to coast to coast. Trail is created by Trans Canada Trail (TCT), a not-for-profit organization, and its partners offers thousands of kilometers of natural beauty, rich history and enduring spirit of Canadian land and people.

The Trail accommodates five core activities: walking, horseback riding, cycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (where possible/desired).

The main section of the trail runs along the southern areas of Canada connecting most of Canada's major cities and most populous areas. Some parts of the trail are equipped with regularly spaced pavilions which provide shelter as well as fresh water to travellers.

This trail wind its way through every province and territory, linking Canada and Canadians with system of multi-use trails. Much of the trail has been built along defunct rail lines donated by CP and CN. Other parts of the trail have been developed with the help of partners, individual donations, trail enthusiasts and all levels of government.

Moving forward, TCT will continue to enhance the Trail and preserve it for future generations. This involves adding new Trail sections, converting interim roadways to greenways, making the Trail more accessible and funding emergency repairs. They will also strengthen Their relationships with Indigenous communities and work with them to share their stories and heritage.

Interesting and Useful Trail Info:

Let the Journey be Your Destination - Looking for the ultimate Canadian adventure? Whether you have already planned your trip to Canada and would like to include The Great Trail, or you would like to visit Canada specifically for the Trail, their Journeys section has something for you. Perhaps you’re a passionate foodie, or an urban explorer. Maybe you prefer the serenity and natural beauty of rural adventures, or the thrills of experiencing our wild landscapes and coastline. No matter where your interests lie, you’ll find your ideal Trail itinerary here....

Bruce Trail, Ontario -The oldest and longest marked footpath - 900 kilometers from Niagara to Tobermory - the Bruce Trail connects you to the wonders of the Niagara Escarpment. The Niagara Escarpment, along which the Bruce Trail runs, was proclaimed a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 1990. The spectacular Niagara Escarpment encompasses farms, recreation areas, sweeping scenic views, 1675 foot cliffs, clear streams, wetlands, pebbled beaches, rolling hills, pristine waterfalls, wildlife habitats, historic sites, villages, towns and cities.

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail - The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail links nature and 155 communities and First Nations along the great lakes Ontario, Canada. This trail, stretching over 3600 km, is a signature project of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a charity committed to protecting, connecting and celebrating the world’s largest body of freshwater. The Trail consists of both on-road and off-road facilities and it is a catalyst for improvements in many of the communities it joins.

The Ontario Trails Council - Whether it's cycling through Niagara's wine country, trekking through Algonquin Park or going for an ATV ride north of Superior, they will help you find your trail.

Hike Ontario - Hike Ontario is a non-profit organization which represents the interests of walkers and hikers in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick - The Fundy Trail Parkway is the perfect place to view the natural, unspoiled beauty of the Bay of Fundy coast and witness the highest tides on the planet! You can choose to experience 30 km (19 km) parkway by car, bike, or motorcoach, walk or hike trails by foot, or kayak on the bay or river. Enjoy this coastal access network that includes a low-speed auto parkway with over twenty scenic lookouts, many of which are wheel-chair accessible. Explore the 10 km pedestrian/bicycle trail, hike footpaths, relax on one of the five beaches, walk across the suspension footbridge or visit one of four waterfalls.

P’tit Train du Nord - P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park is a bike trail, a multi-use pathway, a unique 232 km cycling trail in the Laurentians constructed from a former rail line. This jewel in Quebec’s crown of trails is open in all seasons. This section of The Great Trail offers the opportunity to explore the Laurentians while breathing fresh, evergreen-infused air.

The Confederation Trail - Threading through P.E.I. gentle landscape, PEI Confederation Trail ties the friendly island together from tip to tip. The 449-kilometre trail, a former railway bed, stretches from Elmira in the northeast, to the fishing communities of Tignish, St. Jude and beyond in the northwest. Walkers. Hikers and cyclist love the PEI Confederation Trail because they can access it from almost anywhere and enjoy spectacular scenery along the trail.

The Centennial Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park - This 15.8 km trail is another portion of The Great Trail of Canada and a must for hiking enthusiasts. Journey across the boreal shield in Whiteshell Provincial Park and explore high granite ridges, low areas of bog and the stunning McGillivary Falls.

The East Coast Trail - The East Coast Trail unites genuine wilderness hiking with richly historic communities from Topsail Beach, to Cape St. Francis, to Cappahayden. There are over 336 kilometers of trail to explore. The paths of the East Coast Trail take you past towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and a natural wave-driven geyser called the Spout. Experience abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world's southernmost caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-metre suspension bridge, two active archaeological dig sites, and many more attractions.

Trails Society of BC - Official website of a registered non-profit society with a mandate to assemble and preserve the British Columbian section of The Great Trail, (renamed from the Trans Canada Trail) as well as advocate for the expansion, sustainability and preservation of greenway trails in B.C. Find information about many sections of The Great Trail in different regions of British Columbia such as: Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Okanagan, Boundary, West Kootenay, East Kootenay, Northeast BC, and information about trail closures across British Columbia.

Trans Canada Trail in Alberta - Alberta TrailNet is responsible for implementing the 2,960 km Trans Canada Trail (TCT) route in Alberta. To date, 1,700 km or 58% of the TCT route is in operation (including portions of the Arctic land and water route as well as the main east-west trail route through this province).

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