Canada is certainly a nation for those who like to get outdoors, take a hike and explore some of Mother Nature’s finest landscapes. But, how far would you go before you got tuckered out? If 24,000km is the answer, then you’ll love The Great Trail.
The newly connected trail is the longest in the world, taking hikers through 13 different provinces and territories. They’ll see a variety of landscapes – urban, rural, wilderness, along greenways, waterways and roadways.
Starting in Vancouver, the trail loops up through the Rocky Mountains all the way to the northwest coast before looping back down again, going east all the way to Toronto and on to Newfoundland.
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Of course you don’t have to do the whole 24,000km of the trail – just walking sections of the trail are incredibly rewarding. In fact, completing the journey would take more than two years, provided you walk for 30km each day. Now that’s a soul-searching journey.
Construction of the trail began in 1992, being completed this year for the 25th anniversary of its construction, as well as Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Constructing the trail has truly been a labour of love for the nation. Local organisations, public and private landowners and national agencies have all played a part in bringing the trail to life.
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There are a number of out-of-the-box activities hikers can enjoy along the road as well. In the snowy north of the country in the Yukon, travellers can go dog sledding. Each year in fact there’s a 1,600km race from Whitehorse, Yukon to Fairbanks, Alaska, part of which takes place on The Great Trail.
Sections of the trail are also great for a cycling or taking a horseback ride.
Here are some of the sights you can expect to see along the trail.
You get the picture – it’s beautiful.
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