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The worlds longest and grandest trailis less t han half a n hour a way for mos t Canadians. Get out there, Canada.

Your Trail. Your Journey.TCTRAIL.CA

IN HALF AN HOUR.

Get a million miles away

Special

The Trans Canada Trail

YOUR TRAIL.YOUR JOURNEY.

FRIDAY, JULY 1 , 2011 SECTION TCT

A N I N F O R M A T I O N F E A T U R E F O R T H E T R A N S C A N A D A T R A I L

lready the worlds longestpathway, the TransCanada Trail will one day

span more than 22,000 kilometresof breathtaking Canadian land-scapes. For Canadians already hit-ting portions of the trail, as well asthose contributing to its comple-tion, the journey is historic.

To be able to work on some-thing that will be a lasting legacyfor generations to come is a realhonour, says Deborah Apps,Trans Canada Trail president andCEO. When it was first launchedin 1992, it must have seemed im-possible and yet here we are, in2011, with over 16,500 kilometresalready completed.

For many dedicated volun-teers, the hardest work is justbeginning. Were committed tocompleting the the trail mak-ing the final connection by

2017, which will mark the 25thanniversary of the trail launchand coincide with the 150th an-niversary of Confederation, saysMs. Apps.

Inspired by Dr. Pierre Camuof Quebec and the late Bill Pratt,one of the drivers behind theCalgary Olympics, the trail began

with a dream almost as immenseas Canada itself. Since then, morethan 100,000 Canadians havecontributed through volunteerefforts and donations.

Bill and Pierre were verystrong Canadians, with a senseof our past and future and theideas that bring people together,says Paul LaBarge, a member ofthe founding board and a currentboard member. The trail is a

celebration of the grassroots ofCanada, drawing people outdoorsto walk, ride bicycles and horses,run, ski, snowmobile and evencanoe together on water routes.

Its also a celebration of Ca-nadian values, he says. Among

volunteers, whether theyre in

British Columbia or Newfound-land, there is a warmth, welcom-ing and sharing that exemplifiessome of the best characteristicsof who we are as a people.

Jim Bishop is chair of theTrans Canada Trail CharitableOrganization, which has beeninstrumental in mobilizing andorganizing volunteer groups onthe ground. We have developeda system that has been very suc-cessful for us, using the conceptof a memorandum of under-standing with provinces and alsocollaborating with provincialtrail groups, he says.

Were down to the mostdifficult parts of the trail tocomplete, so we have to bring afair bit of structure to bear, says

Mr. Bishop. There are so manypleasant dreams around thisproject that it could almost beneverending. Ultimately, we wantto involve every Canadian withthe trail in some way.

Over 400 volunteer trailorganizations, provincial andterritorial partners, the federalgovernment and Parks Canadaare intensely committed to thecompletion of the last, mostchallenging parts of the trail, says

Ms. Apps. This trail is being builtby Canadians for Canadians itis a personal passion for so many

people. We have a very inspiredboard of directors dedicatedto making this happen, and

weve just launched a founda-tion board, a group of nationalleaders committed to raising themoney required to complete thetrail and sustain it in the future.

Technical expertise and in-kind support from companieslike Cascade EnvironmentalResource Group and ESRI CanadaLimited have been instrumentalin the development of the trailscompletion plan and efforts tomake the trail even more acces-sible. We want to make it easyfor people to get out on the trail.With todays technology, we candeliver the best possible informa-tion so individuals will know, in

advance, what theyre undertak-ing, whether its a day hike or athree-day trek.

When she talks to peopleabout the trail, says Ms. Apps,they share a sense that despiteCanadas vastness, when westand on the trail, we are con-nected to other Canadians and

visitors to this great country. Thetrail is an emotional tie to ourheritage and history, to all thethings were so proud of.

INSIDE

PACESETTERS.A $1-million gift from Winnipegs Richardson Foundation includes $500,000 inmatching funds to encourage all Canadians to donate, starting at just $25. Page TCT 2VISION.Trans Canada Trail Foundation Co-Chair Valerie Pringle welcomes Canadians everywhereto embrace the spirit of this nation-building initiative. Page TCT 3

SOARING:One intrepid Canadian explores Canadas richness by walking the entire Trans CanadaTrail. Page TCT 5

Perhaps not since the completionof Canadas transcontinentalrailway in 1885 have Canadians

shared in such an audaciousnational dream. Yet today, suchan aspiration is coming to life inthe form of a recreational trailthat reaches from coast to coastto coast and links more than 1,000communities as it passes throughsome of the wildest and mostbeautiful terrain in the world.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

What is the

Trans Canada Trail?

The Trans Canada Trail is theworlds longest network of trails.When fully connected, the trailwill stretch 22,500 kilometresfrom the Atlantic to the Pacific tothe Arctic Oceans, linking 1,000communities and 34 millionCanadians.

Today, more than 16,500 kilo-metres of trail are developed.Millions of Canadians and inter-national visitors are using thetrail to hike, cycle, ski, horsebackride, canoe and snowmobile.

The Trans Canada Trail is madeup of over 400 community trails,each with diverse features andunique landscapes. Thousandsof Canadians, community part-ner organizations, corporations,local businesses and all levelsof government are involved indeveloping and maintainingthese trails and creating ourworld-renowned national trail.

The trail is 73% complete. Twohundred gaps remain to be filled

in order to achieve a fully con-nected trail by 2017.

ONLINE

Vi si t Globeandmail.com/transcanadatrail for moreinformation.

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The joyousness of true freedomis closer than you think: the worlds longest and grandest trail

is less than half an hour away for most Canadians. The Trails land and water routes connect Canada from

coast to coast to coast. And connect us all to a feeling of harmonious bliss. Get out there, Canada.

Your Trail. Your Journey.TCTRAIL.CA

THERES A REASON WHY PEOPLE GROAN IN THE MORNING.

And birds sing.

5)&(-0#& "/%."*- t '3*%": +6-:

n order to complete thelast and most challeng-ing segments of Trans

Canada Trail achieving a con-nection from coast to coast to

coast on the 150th anniversaryof Confederation in 2017 thenewly formed Trans Canada TrailFoundation is undertaking anambitious campaign.

Led by notable philanthropistand business leader Hartley Rich-ardson and Canadian broad-casting icon Valerie Pringle, thefoundation will invite iconic

Canadian individuals, families,companies and foundations tobecome members of Chapter150 a select group of Canadianleaders who contribute $500,000or more towards the connectionof the Trans Canadas spectacularnetwork of recreational trails.

The Richardson Founda-tion has committed a total of$1 million to the $150-millionTrans Canada Trail initiative $500,000 as Chapter 150s inau-gural member plus an additional$500,000 that will be providedas matching funds to encourageall Canadians to support theirnational trail through symbolicmetre sponsorships starting at

just $25.Wed like to see every single

Canadian make a donation sothat everyone feels they played arole in creating this historic trail the longest, grandest trail inthe world, says Ms. Pringle.

The trails ability to con-nect Canadians to each otherthrough outdoor spaces, sharedhistory, diverse cultures andpride in their country are idealsthat resonate deeply with theRichardson Foundation, saysMr. Richardson, president & CEOof James Richardson & Sons,Limited. Both the symbolic and

the physical aspects of the trailhold great appeal for us. Our firmoperates from coast to coast, andas Ive come to understand thediversity of our country, both inits people and geographically,Ive come to understand theimportance of initiatives like thisthat bring us together.

This first gift puts a stakein the ground, says Ms. Pringle.Hartley is an extraordinarilygenerous and passionate partnerin this venture. James Richard-son & Sons, Limited predatesConfederation by 10 years, andhas a history of making con-nections in aviation, radio,pipelines, shipping and grain achievements that have been soimportant to Canada so there isgreat symmetry in their supportfor the trail.

Ultimately, the trail celebratesengagement and shared achieve-ment, says Mr. Richardson. Itis important to remember thatit was many local communityinitiatives that built this trailand made it what it is today. Theeconomic impact on these com-munities and the opportunity toengage youth to be part of an ini-tiative shared across the countryties into both our foundationscommitment and my own.

VALERIE PRINGLE, C.M.Co-ChairTrans Canada Trail Foundation

alph Waldo Emersonwrote: Do not go wherethe path may lead; go in-

stead where there is no path andleave a trail.

Pathways define this massiveand magnificent country of ours;timeless native trails, explorerroutes, railway beds and endlessblacktop. The names that echofrom our past were trailblaz-

ers: Radisson and La Vrendrye,Matonabbee and Saukamapee,Thompson, Mackenzie, Secre-

tan and Fleming. As Champlainwrote: As for me I labour alwaysto prepare a way for those willingto follow From the birch-barkcanoes of this countrys firstinhabitants to trains, cars andtelecommunications, Canadianshave explored many ways ofovercoming the distances that canseparate us.

The Canadian Pacific Railwayand Last Spike are a significantpart of our collective memory,and a road trip across Canada onthe TransCanada Highway is a riteof passage.

Now we have a new way.In 1992, as we celebrated

Canadas 125th birthday, Pierre

Camu and Bill Pratt had the boldvision to create the final symbolicand tangible thread to bind our

country together: The TransCanada Trail. It is the worldslongest and grandest network oftrails and when it is completed

will stretch 22,500 kilometresfrom the Atlantic to the Pacific tothe Arctic Oceans linking 1,000communities and 34 millionCanadians.

More than 16,500 kilometres oftrail are already developed, com-prised of over 400 communitytrails in every province and ter-ritory with evocative names thatgive a sense of place and history:

The Wreckhouse Trail, TheConfederation Trail, The CeilidhCoastal Trail, The Fundy Footpath,Sentier Gabrielle-Roy, the North

Muskoka Trail, the Pinawa Trail,the Piping Plover Trail, the BanffLegacy Trail, the Kettle Valley Rail

Trail, Itijjagiaq Trail, the Hay RiverTrail and the Klondike MilleniumTrail. Just by reading the names ofthose trails, you are able to get afeeling for our amazing geography.

This is a big, visionary project.It is a model for the world and willbe a great legacy, so that futuregenerations can appreciate andenjoy the pleasure of travelling athuman speed. Think of what you

would learn about Canada if youtraversed the Trans Canada Trailfrom coast to coast to coast. Thinkof the Canadians you would meet.The stories you would hear.

The Trans Canada Trail is apath cutting across fields, a bridgespanning a river, a trail through

the heart of a forest or along a his-toric mountainside trestle, a lakecrossed by paddle stroke or an

urban cycling commuter route. Itis a range of diverse, breathtakinglandscapes. And it is much more;it is a great collective endeavourand a source of national pride. Itis a grand and ambitious projectthat depends on the collabora-tion and generosity of volunteers,donors and partners from 10 prov-inces and three territories.

Our dream is to finish con-necting the Trans Canada Trail in2017 to celebrate Canadas 150th.A gift to Canada from Canadians.Once it is on the ground, it will besacred. As iconic Canadian folksinger Stan Rogers put it, One

warm line through this land, sowild and savage.

WALKAt the heart of the Trans

Canada Trail are thousandsof kilometres of walkingand hiking paths fromeasy strolls in urban set-tings to strenuous multi-day backcountry hikes.

Need a quick break fromthe rat race? Take a noonhour run on the TorontoWaterfront Trail section ofthe TCT.

In Nunavut, a 120-kilometre stretch of theItijjagiaq Trail between thehamlet of Kimmirut andthe capital cityof Iqa-luit will give visitors a newreason to experience theNorth.

Beyond their pure rec-reational usage, TCT trailshave become popular back-drops for local events andfundraising activities inmany of the 1,000 commu-nities with TCT segments.

Suffice to say, the possi-bilities are nearly as endlessas the trails themselves.

PEDALThousands of kilometres of

the TCT are cycle friendly.Among the countlesscycling highlights is PrinceEdward Islands 365-kilo-metre Confederation Trail,

which Destination Canadanamed its top Canadiancycling route in 2007.

In Quebec, La RouteVerte was named the

worlds top long-distancecycling route by NationalGeographic in itsJourneysof a Lifetime: 500 of theWorlds Greatest Trips.

In Manitoba, you canhike/ride along 512 kilome-tres of continuous signedtrail from Spruce WoodsProvincial Park to the out-skirts of Winnipeg.

In Nova Scotia, twonew bridges have beenadded to the St. MarysTrail at Cameron Lake andMacKeen Brook, expandingriding opportunities in thisprovince.

SKIThe TCT beckons winter-

time activity.In Fredericton, NewBrunswick, more than 85kilometres of non-motor-ized, multi-use trails aregroomed for cross-countryskiing, snowshoeing andother winter activities.

Meanwhile, near Que-bec City, Sentier des Capsde Charlevoix is consideredQuebecs #1 snowshoeingdestination. With nearly65 kilometres of trail, thisarea is equally popular forskiing and winter hiking.

In Ontario, Beaten PathTrail offers a 14-kilometrecross-country skiing routelinking the magnificentQuetico Provincial Parkand the town of Atikokan.

In Saskatoon, youcan sled, snowboard andcross-country ski throughthe heart of the city alongSouth SaskatchewanRivers Meewasin ValleyTrail.

PADDLEThe Trans Canada Trail of-

fers over 3,300 kilometresof water-based trail.In the Northwest

Territories, the TaigaYouth Camp has made anannual canoe trip alongthe MacKenzie River animportant part of its pro-gram to enrich the lives of

young northern women byproviding leadership andadventure opportunitiesin a fun and supportiveenvironment.

In Ontario, 310 kilome-tres of hiking and canoeroutes span nine north-

western Ontario provincialparks.

In B.C.s urban LowerMainland, a 23-kilometrecanoe route extends fromhistoric Fort Langley to theFrench-speaking enclave ofMaillardville.

RIDEMuch of Canadas earliest

exploration was made pos-sible thanks to horses. TheTCT honours this timelesstradition with a number oftrail segments across thecountry that are suitable forhorseback riding.

Horse-drawn wagonadventures are enjoyedby residents and visitorsalike on the 172-kilometreRossburn Subdivision Trailin Manitoba.

In Saskatchewan, riderscan explore Duck MountainProvincial Park and CypressHills Provincial Park.

Meanwhile, AlbertasAthabasca Landing Trailfollows a historic tradingand settlement corridoralong country roads, old raillines and through bush and

woodland.On rural Vancouver Is-

land, B.C.s Cowichan ValleyTrail provides stunning sce-nic views. Similarly, Main-landers can enjoy myriadFraser Valley dike trails.

SNOWMOBILEAcross the nation, groups

such as the Yukons Klon-dike Snowmobile Asso-ciation help develop trailsthat offer snowmobiling onselect winter routes.

The SaskatchewanSnowmobile Association,for example, is helpingdevelop 1,400 kilometresof trails spanning theshimmering lakes of DuckMountain Provincial Parkto the QuAppelle Valleyand urban pathways ofRegina, Saskatoon, Moose

Jaw, Yorkton and NorthBattleford.

In Alberta, snowmobil-ing along the Iron HorseTrail will take you throughlandscapes ranging fromboreal forest and parklandto farms where sight-ings of bear, moose andother wildlife are juxta-posed against a tapestryof historic buildings andfarmsteads.

Pacesetting gift encourages all Canadians to back the trail Why a Trans Canada Trail?

This report was produced by RandallAnthony Communications Inc. (www.randallanthony.com) in conjunction with the advertising department of The Globe and Mail. Ric hard Deacon, National Business Development Manager, rdeacon@globeandmail.com.

In the Yukon, the Whitehorse Copper Trail of the Trans Canada Trail runs north/south just west of Whitehorse. Pictured above, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon. In the Northwest Territories, the TransCanada Trail reaches from the Alberta border to the Arctic Ocean. Pictured above, fireweed in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories. PHOTOS:LEFT,GOVERNMENTOFYUKONPHOTO/R.POSTMA;RIGHT,JAMIEBASTEDO

In Nunavut, seasoned hikers can traverse some 120 kilometres of Nunavuts isolated Itijjagiaq Trail, which extends from Frobisher Bay to Katannilik Territorial Park. Pictured above, crystal clearrivers are among the Itijjagiaq Trail highlights. Albertas portions of the Trans Canada Trail traverse settings ranging from vibrant urban backdrops to the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Picturedabove, a cyclist pauses at Spray Reservoir near Kananaskis, Alberta. PHOTOS:LEFT, BRUCESIMPSON; RIGHT, ALSKUCAS

Nunavut AlbertaNorthwest TerritoriesYukon

arks Canada and theTrans Canada Trail (TCT)share a common objec-

tive, says Parks Canada CEO AlanLatourelle: to connect Canadiansand bring them close to our na-tions great outdoors and culturalheritage.

A major supporter of theTrans Canada Trail, Parks Canadarecently provided federal fund-ing of $10 million towards thecompletion of the trail by 2017,the 150th anniversary of CanadasConfederation.

This trail is already the lon-gest trail network in the world,says Mr. Latourelle. We linkedCanada with the national railwayand the TransCanada Highway,and now Canadians will be ableto connect with one another, and

with nature, across the country ina new way.

Parks Canada has also part-nered with TCT and the Canadianarm of the International Moun-tain Biking Association to developthe Trail Care Crew Program.

Two people work full-time,travelling across Canada to

visit various trails and volun-teer groups. The Trail Care Crew

visited 17 trail projects last year,seven of which were Parks Canadasites, says Mr. Latourelle. Thecrew delivers training on buildingsustainable trails.

Several Parks Canada trailsare part of the Trans Canada Trail.One such trail is the Banff LegacyTrail, which runs 15.5 kilometresfrom the east gate of Banff Nation-al Park into downtown Banff.

It is a multi-use recreationaltrail for athletes, people who com-mute or those who are just out fora pleasure trip between Canmoreand Banff, says Mr. Latourelle.The trail was celebrated as oneof the major initiatives by ParksCanada in celebration of the 125thanniversary of the Banff NationalPark in 2010.

I encourage all Canadiansto experience the Trans CanadaTrail and our national parks andhistoric sites, and to really ap-preciate all Canada has to offerin terms of its geographic andcultural diversity. There are also22 historic sites situated along theTrans Canada Trail.

Visit the Parks Canada website atwww.pc.gc.ca

Through Parks Canada, federal government shows support for TCTFUNDING

Banff Legacy Trail, a multi-use recreational trail, runs 15.5 kilometres, fromthe east gate of Banff National Park into downtown Banff.PHOTO:FRANOIS PELETIER, PARKS CANADA

Canadas history was forged by pioneers and trailblazers; na-tion builders. Today, numerous esteemed Canadian leaders,families, businesses and foundations share a similar characterand vision.

Chapter 150 will bring together a select group of 150 present-day leaders who believe in nation building and connectingCanadians, each contributing $500,000 or more to contributeto the trails full connection and celebration by 2017, Canadas150th. Together, Chapter 150 members will help write a page inhistory that will benefit Canadians for generations to come thefull connection of the Trans Canada Trail.

The Richardson Foundation has set the pace with a generous$1-million gift that will contribute to the trails development and match the gifts of Canadians whoalso want to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime story.

The support ofall Canadians will make a differenceThere are many ways for all Canadians to get involved in the success of the trail and ensure its fullconnection by 2017: Sponsor a symbolic metre in your name or someone you care about; Become amonthly donor; Or, join TCTs Governors Program with a special gift commitment of $1,000 a year.

And now, thanks to the support of The Richardson Foundation, your gift to Canada can bedoubled. Visitwww.go.tctrail.ca for details.

Nation builders and visionaries will help write the next chapter

CHAPTER 150

LEADERSHIP

Trans Canada Trailboard and patronsThe Trans Canada Trail isgrateful for the involvementof the following distinguishedpatrons and board members

whose support is essentialto help make this nationallegacy initiative a reality.

Honorary PatronHis Excellency the Right HonourableDavid Johnston, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.,Governor General of Canada

PatronsDr. Lloyd I. Barber, C.C., S.O.M.Jean Bliveau, C.C., O.Q.Hon. J. Judd Buchanan, P.C., O.C.Mel Cooper, C.M., O.B.C.Purdy Crawford, C.C., Q.C.Phillip Crawley

A trail for active Canadians everywhereHighlights offer glimpses of ways to enjoy the TCT

PHOTO: NEW BRUNSWICK TOURISM & PARKS PHOTO: COURTESY HARRIS COXPHOTO:NATIONALCAPITALCOMMISSIONPHOTO: TCT PHOTO: JAMIE BASTEDO PHOTO: TRAVEL ALBERTA

Hon. William G. Davis, P.C., C.C., Q.C.James K. Gray, O.C.James K. Irving, O.C.Barbara Ivey, C.M.Murray B. Koffler, O.C.Hon. Peter Lougheed, P.C., C.C., Q.C.Hon. Frank McKenna, P.C., O.C.Peggy McKercher, C.M.Michael Phelps, O.C.Barbara Poole

Hon. Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C.John A. Rhind

Hon. Robert G. Rogers, O.C., O.B.C.Beckie ScottAllan C. Shaw, C.M.Jonathan Wener, C.M.W. Galen Weston, O.C.Victor L. Young, O.C.

Trans Canada Trail CharitableOrganization Board of DirectorsJim Bishop (Chair)Cameron ClarkBruce Croxon

Betty-Anne Graves

Ron HicksAlan MacDonald

Ruth Marr

Rick MorganClaire Morris

Andrew Parsons

Mia PearsonSerge Rancourt

Harold WestdalPresident and CEO

Deborah Apps

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When complete, the Trans Canada Trail will stretch 2,400 kilometres in New Brunswick. Pictured above, Fundy Trail overlooking Melvin and Pangburn Beaches. Prince Edward Island completed the273-kilometre Confederation Trail, pictured above, in 2000. PHOTOS:LEFT, NEWBRUNSWICK TOURISM &PARKS; RIGHT, DOUG MURRAY

Prince Edward IslandNew Brunswick

In April, the Saskatchewan Trails Association entered into an agreement with the Trans Canada Trail to develop a trail spanning the provinceby 2017. Pictured above, Elbow View Trail near Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan.

PHOTO: TCT

Saskatchewan

Across Canada, the Trans Canada Trail Societys regional partners continue to restore historic trails and forge new ones, linkingcommunities and drawing Canadians into our magnificent outdoors.

THE YUKON

Retracing the KlondikeGold RushThe Overland Trail was origi-nally built in 1902 as the first roadbetween Whitehorse and DawsonCity. Today, some 100 kilometresof this route from Takhini Riverto Braeburn form part of theTCT and are open for adventure.

The trail follows breathtakingnarrow valleys, steep hills androcky mountains. Snowmobiles,mushers and skiers take to thetrail in the winter, while hikers,mountain bikers and horseback

riders frequent it in the summer.A challenging path backinto time, the old stagecoachroute still boasts evidence of itspast. There are the remains ofroadhouses every 20 miles alongthe route. Weve partnered withthe Yukon government to put upinterpretive signage, says MarkDaniels, president of the KlondikeSnowmobile Association theTCTs agent in the Yukon.

Among its recreationalhighlights, Mr. Daniels says theOverland Trail hosts the YukonQuest dogsled race every year.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

B.C. sections of TCTshaping upFor 11 years, Al Skucas has

worked with Trails BC: The TrailsSociety of British Columbia theprovincial volunteer group forthe Trans Canada Trail.

One of his proudest momentswas the opening of the MyraCanyon along the Kettle ValleyRailway Trail in 2008. We hadover 500 cyclists for that event,riding 80 kilometres of long

switchbacks to gradually makethe 3,000-foot drop in eleva-tion, says Mr. Skucas, presidentof Trails BC. Myra Canyon has18 trestles. People say it is one ofthe highlights of the whole TransCanada Trail.

The southern B.C. route of theTCT is 75 per cent complete, withmost of the work still to be donein the Rocky Mountains and Koo-tenay area of eastern B.C.

A 26-kilometre pathwaybetween Cranbrook and Kim-

berley was recently completed,with hopes it will become partof the Trans Canada Trail by thissummer.

Its a crown jewel. The scen-ery is beautiful. People will comefrom a long way just to ride thistrail, says Mr. Skucas.

ALBERTA

Urban trails highlightWild Rose CountrysbestAlberta TrailNet is Trans CanadaTrails provincial partner in WildRose Country.

Both Calgary and Edmontonhave extensive trail systems,according to James Clark, projectmanager for Alberta TrailNet, thatserve as some of the TCTs bestexamples of urban trails.

The 28.7-kilometre Edmontonportion of the TCT traverses thecity along the North Saskatch-ewan River. This trail is one ofmany in the Capital Region River

Valley Park, which spans a num-ber of jurisdictions from the Townof Devon to Sturgeon County.

The trail crosses the river sixtimes by means of pedestrianand traffic bridges as it winds its

way though Edmonton, leadingto popular destinations includingthe Muttart Conservatory, HighLevel Bridge, Alberta Legisla-ture, University of Alberta, FortEdmonton Park and WhitemudNature Reserve.

Its pretty unique. Youve gotthis major urban population of

well over a million people andstill feel like you are in a forest,says Mr. Clark. The trail hasspectacular views of the river allalong it.

SASKATCHEWAN

Taste a banquet of

prairie diversityCanadians who think Saskatch-ewan is entirely flat need to taketrip along the provinces beautifuland diverse route of the TransCanada Trail.

We have some phenomenalfeatures right across the province,including valleys that take yourbreath away and areas that people

just cant believe are in Saskatch-ewan, says Jo-Ann Carignan-Vallee, Trans Canada Trail co-ordinator with the SaskatchewanTrails Association. One of ourgems is the Cypress Hill s Interpro-

vincial Park Trail, which has beenbranded part of the TCT.

She says the long-term vision,which is still being fine-tuned, isfor the TCT to enter Saskatchewanat Duck Mountain Provincial Parkin the east and wind its way toMoose Jaw. From there, it will splitand go either north or south toCypress Hills.

Weve got lots to accomplishin Saskatchewan, but were mak-ing good progress every year,says Ms. Carignan-Vallee, whosays the trail is 40 per cent com-plete and will be approximately1,428 kilometres long.

MANITOBA

From border tobeaches, a grand visiontaking shapeManitobas commitment to itsBorder to Beaches (B2B) Trailhas been rare and exceptional ac-cording to Harold Westdal, boardmember of the Manitoba Rec-reational Trails Association andchair of the B2B Trail committee.

Its a rare chance to get theopportunity to do somethingridiculously grand and lasting, hesays. Our volunteers sensed this,picked up the workload and aregetting it done.

B2B is a 370-kilometre link inManitobas portion of the TransCanada Trail.

Linking the Ontario border at

Whiteshell Provincial Park in theeast with Lake Winnipeg in GrandBeach Provincial Park in the

west, this magnificent trail windsthrough the bedrock and crystallakes of the Canadian Shield,along old fur trading routes of the

Winnipeg River system and pastthe mouth of Pine Falls.Last year, the Whiteshell

River Bridge a cable-stayedbridge was officially openedin August, and over 400 people,including the premier, federalMPs and major donors like FWSGroup, attended, says Mr. West-dal. Our Imagine campaign hasbeen wildly successful.

ONTARIO

Ontarios Blueways:The explorers firstpathwaysWhen early explorers unravelledthe mysteries and diversity ofthe geographical landscape ofOntario, their biggest routes were

waterways.Today, in recognition of that

history, between 200 and 500

kilometres of blueways are be-ing investigated as potential TCT

water routes.We have a huge history in On-tario with our water as transpor-tation routes, says Al MacPher-son, chair of Trans Canada TrailOntario. Weve hired someoneto research where those water-

ways are navigable...especially innorthern Ontario from ThunderBay west.

By the time Ontario is fullylinked, 4,800 kilometres in total,including waterways, will makeup this diverse segment of theTrans Canada Trail.

Weve been at it since 1992,trying to get a network of routesconnected together. Were 60 percent complete now and have em-barked on site plans for 46 areas

where we dont have a connectionright now, says Mr. MacPherson.People believe in this. It will bedone by 2017.

QUEBEC

A taste of Europe in theLaurentiansNorth of Montreal, the 234-kilo-metre Ptit Train du Nord (LittleTrain of the North) trail offersexperiences that span the charmof Quebecs built and naturalenvironments.

Starting on a roadway, thepath winds through an urban trailnetwork. Then, following a formerrailway line, it curves aroundrivers and lakes through livelytourist towns and the peacefulLaurentian Mountains.

Users will find everythingthey need from bistros and camp-ing to stores and hotels, saysRichard Senecal, co-ordinator

with the Conseil qubecois dusentier Transcanadien. If they

want to bike for a few days, theycan make reservations for bag-gage transportation along the

way.Restored train stations serve

as shops, restaurants, galleriesand cafs.

The route runs betweenSaint-Jerome and Mont-Laurier,passing by the Mont Tremblantski centre, says Mr. Senecal.With Lac Mercier on one side andthe mountains on the other, it isquite an experience.

ATLANTIC CANADA

Atlantic trailscollaboration will inspiredestination travelWhen you imagine craggy oceanshores, rolling red soil hills,lighthouses and historic rivers,the possibility of a trail experiencethat is truly one of a kind quicklyemerges. The Atlantic CanadaTrail Associations Destina-tion Trails Initiative is a uniquecollaboration that will turn thedreams of present-day explorersinto reality.

The association, which hasrepresentation from federal andprovincial governments and vol-unteer groups from each Atlanticprovince, is creating a collabora-tive plan to promote trail destina-

tions that entice visitors to comeand soak up the beauty, historyand culture of the entire Atlanticregion.

Deborah Apps, president andCEO of TCT, says this co-operativemodel is setting the pace for howgovernments and communitiescan work together to creativelymarket their trails to local, na-tional and international visitors.

The Atlantic Canada experi-ence is something all Canadiansdream of, as do tourists fromother countries. This initiativeis bringing all the right peopletogether to do something trulyunique for their region, she says.The entire trail community willbenefit, and TCT is proud to sup-port it.

Tourism Atlantic, a branch ofthe Atlantic Canada OpportunitiesAgency, funded the destinationtrails initiative in partnership

with Trans Canada Trail, NewBrunswick Trails Council and eachof the Atlantic provincial govern-ments.

Updates from the trail

Trailhead - Le Ptit Train du Nord,Laurentians, Quebec.PHOTO:TCT

Cycling the Fundy Trail Parkway,

New Brunswick.PHOTO:NEWBRUNSWICK TOURISM &PARKS

The Trans Canada Trail along theNorth Saskatchewan River inEdmonton crosses the river sixtimes, affording walkers, cyclistsand runners spectacular views.PHOTO:TCT

The Overland Trail forms part ofthe TCT and is used year-round.PHOTO:GOVT OF YUKON PHOTO/C. ARCHBOULD

Last year, over 400 peopleattended the Whiteshell RiverBridge official opening.PHOTO:MRTA/D. LIPNOWSKI

The Myra Canyon section ofthe Trans Canada Trail includes18 trestles and two tunnels.PHOTO:BRUCEOBEE

The Cypress Hills Provincial Park Trans Canada Trail runs through both theAlberta and Saskatchewan portions of the park.PHOTO:TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN/DOUGLAS E. WALKER

Ontario blueways form parts of the provinces TCT links and celebrate itshistory of waterway travel and exploration.PHOTO:TCT

www.tctrail.ca

Visit globeandmail.com/transcanadatrailfor more stories.

7/31/2019 TCTJuly_1_2011

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7/31/2019 TCTJuly_1_2011

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Announcing the inaugural Trans Canada Trail

Foundation Board of Directors

Your Trail. Your Journey.TCTRAIL.CA

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest and grandest in the world. Its land and water routes connect the

country from coast to coast to coast. And connect Canadians to each other and to the majesty of our land.

This group of notable Canadians will proudly lead the development of a national fundraising campaign to

provide for the full connection of the Trans Canada Trail by 2017, Canadas 150th Anniversary of Confederation.

A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAN

BRING TOGETHER A COMPANY.

O r, in this case, a country.

David M. Hoffman, FCA

Co-CEOBragg Group of Companies

Anthony R. Graham, LL.D.

PresidentWittington Investments, Limited

Paul LaBarge, JD, LLM

Managing PartnerLaBarge Weinstein Professional

Corporation

David Cottingham

Vice Pre sidentPineBridge Investments Canada

Deborah AppsPresident & CEO

Trans Canada Trail

Gail UrquhartVice P residen t

Resource Development &

Government Relations

Trans Canada Trail

Bruce SimpsonDirector

McKinsey & Company

Pierre Lassonde, C.M., O.Q.Chairman

Franco-Nevada Corporation

Jim BishopChair

TCT Charitable Organization

Hartley T. RichardsonC.M., O.M., LL.D.

Co-ChairTCT Foundation

President & CEO

James Richardson & Sons, Limited

Valerie Pringle, C.M.Co-Chair

TCT Foundation

David AisenstatPresident & CEO

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar