I once thought that taking on the Trans-Canada Trail would be impossible. It seemed too big and as though I could never be in a position to start. But now that I’m doing it, it really is pretty simple. I’m just putting one foot, or peddle, or paddle, in front of the other and moving forward, one step at a time.
What? The Trans-Canada Trail (TCT), also known as the Great Trail, is the longest network of multi-use trails in the world. It spans 28,000km, connecting all three of Canada’s coastlines and traversing every province and territory. It offers a unique way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from majestic mountain passes and endless prairies to ancient forests and bustling cities.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail is also a journey through Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. It weaves through various communities, offering connection to the unique traditions, histories and stories of the many people who call Canada home. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, paddling or backcountry skiing, the trail will allow me to explore Canada through a range of activities, deepening my connection to all that Canada is.
I took my first steps onto the Trail on the 26th June, 2024 at 4.15pm, with my expedition partner, Stoney. I began at the southern terminus of the East Coast Trail in Cappahayden and continued until the 10th of October, 2024. I am currently on a break for winter to plan logistics and earn funds before picking up where I left off in the spring of 2025. Stay tuned!
Why? Undertaking the TCT was a dream that lived in my head for a little over two years. I discovered it while on the comedown of my first thru-hike: Te Araroa. During this expedition, I not only fell in love with New Zealand in a way that I had never experienced before, but I also learned to fall in love with myself and everything that I am capable of. It pushed my limits and expanded my mind, teaching me what true freedom really feels like. So, I knew that this couldn’t possibly be the end – it was only just the beginning.
When I discovered the TCT, my sights were set. My ambition was not only ignited by the fact that this is the longest trail in the world, but also because of it being in my other homeland of Canada. I had already been thinking about how disconnected I felt from my family and heritage there, after moving away at eight years old. So, it seemed like an easy decision. Of course it wasn’t that easy though. Being fresh off the back of a five month thru-hike and as a recent university graduate, I was dead broke. The dream felt so out of reach.
Since then, I have worked hard, made a series of risky decisions (like quitting the “dream” corporate job) and have somehow managed to put myself in the way of beginning this dream. Even though I felt like I would never get here, I kept persisting because the inspiration from that first thru-hike never died. Along the way, I have also learned that I am the youngest person to undertake the entire TCT. Therefore, this journey has become so much more than the personal growth and enlightenment that comes from it. It’s about showing youth that their dreams are within reach, despite the obstacles they may face. I want to inspire them to push past barriers, take risks, and pursue their passions with determination because the trail not only represents the physical journey across Canada, but the mental and emotional challenges we all overcome in life.
By sharing my journey, I hope to remind other young people that their dreams are in fact possible, if they have the courage to take the first step.
