Our founding member, Doug Campbell.

In 1971, during a meeting of national outdoor organizations, the slogan “Towards a Foot Trail across Canada” was introduced, leading to the official launch of the National Hiking Trail at a ceremony in Ottawa in 1987. This scenic footpath is gradually being completed, stretching between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Our long-held vision of a natural corridor that connects existing natural-surface pedestrian trail systems with parklands and wilderness areas is now becoming a reality.

The Bruce Trail in Ontario, which was completed in 1967 during Canada’s Centennial Year, is the pioneer of the country’s modern trail system. Its purpose is to protect the Niagara Escarpment and its unique natural features from development by establishing a 900-kilometre trail along its path. This trail originated from a strong partnership based on handshake agreements for access permission between land managers and the trail organization, which allowed for public use of the trail.

The National Hiking Trail has adopted similar principles in certain provinces. It traverses Crown Land, Provincial and National Parks, and has received permission and support from numerous private landowners.