Canada Opens World’s Longest Hiking Trail From Coast to Coast : The Hearty Soul

For nature lovers who enjoy hiking, paddling, and outdoor adventures all year round, Canada is the ultimate destination. Home to the world’s longest hiking trail, The Great Trail offers an expansive network of 400 trails spanning 16,777 miles (2,000 km) across all 10 provinces and two territories. This remarkable project, initiated in 1992, has been a collaborative effort involving volunteers, conservation groups, and local authorities, making it the largest volunteer project in Canadian history.

The World’s Longest Hiking Trail

The Great Trail is not just a single hiking path but a collection of interconnected trails that showcase Canada’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems. This trail network offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including biking, hiking, running, skiing, and paddling. Approximately 26% of the trail requires paddling, with sections like the Lake Superior Water Trail and the Mackenzie River Trail offering unique challenges for outdoor enthusiasts.

Not Your Average Hike

From urban cityscapes to remote wilderness, The Great Trail traverses a range of terrains, including major cities like Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, as well as vast plains, stunning lakes, and majestic mountains. Depending on the route chosen, hikers can experience arctic tundra and coastal islands, providing a truly immersive Canadian outdoor adventure.

Two Route Options

Splitting into two routes at Edmonton, hikers can choose to travel south towards Calgary, passing through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver Island, or head north through Alberta and B.C., reaching the Arctic Ocean before looping back down. The map categorizes trails by color, with red indicating connected gaps, green for land trails, and blue for water trails that require paddling.

Despite the challenges posed by its remote locations, The Great Trail offers a unique and rewarding outdoor experience for travelers looking to explore Canada’s natural beauty. Open since 2017, this trail network continues to rely on the support of volunteers and organizations like the Trans Canada Trail to ensure its maintenance and expansion.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and explore Canada’s diverse landscapes along The Great Trail. Happy hiking!