Canada boasts one of the world’s most ambitious hiking endeavours: The Great Trail. Formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail, it stands as a testament to human determination and natural beauty.
Spanning over 16,000 miles, this trail network offers a journey of a lifetime, traversing diverse landscapes from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up to the Arctic Oceans.
The Great Trail is not just a singular path but a network of various trails, greenways, waterways, and roadways that connect communities and showcase the country’s stunning vistas.
Managed by a dedicated team, the trail is accessible to the majority of Canadians, with four out of five citizens living within a half-hour reach of a section.
Beginning its epic journey outside the Railway Coastal Museum in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the trail meanders through Alberta to Edmonton and onward through the majestic landscapes of British Columbia to Yukon.
Noteworthy stops include breathtaking viewpoints like the one in Banff.
While hiking the entirety of The Great Trail is a daunting prospect, many adventurers choose to tackle it in sections, savouring the diversity of experiences along the way.
For those daring enough to undertake the full journey, the challenge is monumental, requiring approximately 26 months to complete at an average pace of 18.6 miles per day.
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sheer scale, it stands as a beacon for adventure seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a 16,000-mile journey of discovery.
