Origin of trail idea Edit

The creation of the Trail was born of Canada's 125th anniversary celebrations in 1992.[3] It has its counterparts in such other greenway routes as the 12 EuroVelo routes, the UK's National Cycle Network, and the United States Numbered Bicycle Routes network.

Funding Edit

It has been funded largely by Canadian federal and provincial governments, with significant contributions from corporate and individual donors. The first province to have completed its designated section of the trail was Prince Edward Island (see Confederation Trail).

Development and maintenance Edit

The network of the Trans Canada Trail is made up of more than 400 community trails. Each trail section is developed, owned and managed locally by Trail groups, conservation authorities and by municipal, provincial and federal governments, for instance in parks such as Gatineau Park or along existing trails such as the Cataraqui Trail and Voyageur Hiking Trail. The Trans Canada Trail supports the construction and use of greenways to replace roadways. Moreover, considerable parts of the Trail are repurposed defunct rail lines donated to provincial governments by Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railway railbeds rebuilt as walking trails. As such, much of the Trans Canada Trail development emulated the successful Rails-to-Trails initiative in the United States, whereby these transportation corridors are "rail banked" as recreational trails, allowing conversion back to rail should future need arise. Thousands of Canadians, community partner organizations, corporations, local businesses and all levels of government are involved in developing and maintaining these trails. TCT does not own or operate any section of The Great Trail. As an ensemble, The Great Trail might be one of the largest volunteer projects ever undertaken in Canada.

Routes and amenities Edit

The main section runs along the southern areas of Canada connecting most of Canada's major cities and most populous areas. There is also a long northern arm which runs through Alberta to Edmonton and then up through northern British Columbia to Yukon. This map of the province British Columbia shows the Trans Canada Trail, starting in North Saanich. The Trail is multi-use and depending on the section may allow hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, cross country skiers and snowmobilers. In theory, the Trail is equipped with regularly spaced pavilions that provide shelter as well as fresh water to travellers, but this varies widely from section to section, and particularly from province to province. "Mile zero" of the Trail is located outside the Railway Coastal Museum in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Future developments Edit

While the Trail is connected, TCT have said they will continue to fundraise for the future development and enhancement of the Trail. Among its objectives, TCT says it plans to replace interim roadways with off-road greenways, where possible, to make it safer and more accessible for all users, to add new Trail sections, and to provide emergency funding for Trail sections damaged by natural disasters, etc. The Trail is not owned or operated by TCT, but the organization provides support to local partners and volunteer groups who maintain individual sections.

Infrastructure and route details by province Edit

Photos Edit

See also Edit