Trans Canada Trail prepares stage for nationwide 2017 Canada Day celebrations: Canada's National Trail now 80 per cent connected

MONTREAL, June 30, 2015 /CNW/ - As of July 1, 2015 and as Canada's sesquicentennial fast approaches, the Trans Canada Trail is delighted to announce that it has reached 80 per cent connection. Watch the TCT Canada Day Video here. 

"The TCT is on a bold mission to fully connect our nation's Trail by 2017, Canada's 150th birthday and to being the nationwide natural stage for celebrations," said Deborah Apps, TCT president & CEO. "Thanks to the generous support and hard work of our volunteers, donors and all levels of government, we are thrilled to have achieved 80 per cent connection this year."

Thanks to the support of numerous Saskatchewan municipalities, the TCT also connected significant portions of Trail in this province this year, adding just over 500 kilometres of new road cycling route that will provide enthusiasts with a scenic way to explore the 'land of the living skies.'

Saskatchewan Trail builders also developed the province's first TCT water trail: the Chief Whitecap Waterway, a 108-km water trail, running through the Whitecap Dakota First Nation from the Gardiner Dam to Saskatoon.

Significant Trail development also took place in British Columbia, the Yukon and New Brunswick, while the remaining provinces will experience important progress over the next two years.

The momentum that is driving TCT's progress is reflected in the ever growing number of patriotic Canadians who are voicing their support for the Trail. To find out who is supporting our bold nation-building project, please visit us at www.tctrail.ca or look for our insert in the July 4 Globe and Mail (also available online at: www.tctrail.ca )

"I feel privileged to be part of the TCT. I represent nothing more than a small step in a long journey that leads to and constitutes being a proud Canadian." Tom Jackson, actor, singer, activist and TCT Champion.

"As Canadians, we have so much to be thankful for. I hope Canadians are as thrilled as we are that our national Trail is now at 80 per cent connection—an amazing achievement for such a vast country, and that they take advantage of experiencing the Trail on Canada Day," says Apps.

Trail Connection by Province/Territory:

• Newfoundland and Labrador: 100%
• Prince Edward Island: 100%
• Nova Scotia: 38%
• New Brunswick: 61%
• Quebec: 97%
• Ontario: 73% 
• Manitoba: 92%
• Saskatchewan: 71%
• Alberta: 59%
• British Columbia: 80%
• Northwest Territories: 99%
• Yukon: 99%
• Nunavut: 99%

Since 1992, the Trans Canada Trail has been working with provincial and territorial partners and all levels of government to develop a multipurpose recreational trail, linking Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

As of this Canada Day, Trail builders across the nation have created nearly 19,000 kilometres of Trail, promoting six preferred activities: walking/hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling (on selected trails in winter).

About the Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail is a nation-building project being realized by provincial and territorial Trail groups across the country. Currently 80 per cent connected, the TCT is on a bold mission to fully connect our national Trail by 2017, Canada's 150th birthday, and to being the natural stage for celebrating our majestic landscapes and our proud Canadian journey from coast to coast to coast.

Quick facts

• National Trail Connection: 80%
• Current length of TCT: 18,777 kilometres
• Projected Length of TCT in 2017: 23,605 kilometres
• Trail added this year: 1,291 kilometres
• Land Trail added this year: 783 kilometres
• Water Trail added this year: 508 kilometres
• Remaining Trail Gaps: 4,828 kilometres
• Remaining Land Trail gaps: 4,065 kilometres
• Remaining Water Trail gaps: 763 kilometres

TCT Video embed code

To post TCT's video message to your website, please copy and paste the following embed code:

SOURCE Trans Canada Trail

For further information: Gay Decker, Director of Communications, Trans Canada Trail, (O) 514-485-4350 | (C) 514 793-8537 | [e-mail]