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TRANS CANADA TRAIL

A Natural Way to Love Our Land Forever

A Grand Trail True To a Great Tradition

A NATION OF TRAIL BUILDERS

Canadians have always been a nation of trail builders. Native people used waterways and woodland trails for their trade and travel; our modern nation was forged by a railway ribbon of steel linking the frontier west coast with the great seaports of eastern Canada; building the Trans Canada highway further bonded our great country together.

Following in the trail of our history, we can meet the next century as a new breed of environmental trail builders, preserving and conserving our natural grandeur for all Canadians to enjoy now and beyond tomorrow.

FROM COAST-TO-COAST AND BEYOND TOMORROW!

When you look at the map, trace with your imagination a fifteen thousand kilometre pathway from coast-to-coast-to-coast; one continuous trail connecting Canada's diverse natural landscapes and cultures by way of a continent-wide system of walkways, scenic country lanes, abandoned railway lines and historic water routes. A "shared use" trail designed to accommodate hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (where desired). Accessible to Canadians of all ages.

Seems too huge and costly to be practical? It really isn't.

Look at the map again. Much of the trail already exists. See how the Trans Canada Trail follows established historical routes. It passes through national, provincial, regional and community parks, bonding community and provincial trails and paths already in place.

In its planning, it will continue to draw upon the knowledge, expertise and support of hundreds of environmental and wildlife groups, agencies, organizations, government ministries and private Canadians. People that have the sensitivity and skills to wea ve together these existing regional threads into one grand national trail.

The Trans Canada Trail will differ according to local needs, topography and the type of trail use. In some places, it need not be more than one metre wide. In other places it may be 5 metres to accommodate cyclists, walkers, joggers, baby strollers and wheelchairs, horseback riders, cross-country skiers and snowmobiles (where desired).

Whatever its changing from, its final shape and course will be determined by the local communities, trail groups, people and provinces that it passes through: a trail by and for all Canadians.

Together, we can begin linking the longest natural trail in the world-from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John's, Newfoundland and from Calgary through the Yukon to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. But it can't happen overnight and it can't happen without your financial support.

Everyone, from kids to corporations can play a part as trail builders. Families, groups, schools, organizations and individuals can contribute to this national trail-building legacy.

For more information on how you can contribute, call the Trans Canada Trail Foundation (1-800-465-3636).

For information about the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario call, 1-877-ON TRAIL (668-7245).

To visit the Trans Canada Trail web page, click here

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