A first-of-its-kind national initiative, the MOU between Trans Canada Trail and Destination Canada is focused on sharing resources, knowledge and expertise, including identifying opportunities and maximizing connections with destinations and communities. Today’s announcement is a first step in creating a longterm relationship that enhances Canada’s trail network and will ultimately generate wealth and wellbeing for all of Canada and enrich the lives of our communities as well as guests to Canada.
Eleanor McMahon, President & CEO, Trans Canada Trail and Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada signed the MOU at the Teahouse in Stanley Park, Vancouver, this morning in the company of the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance and Chepximiya Siyam, Janice George, Hereditary Chief of the Squamish Nation, who opened the signing ceremony.
“Today’s partnership between Destination Canada and Trans Canada Trail is a win for Canadians and international visitors,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. “As the home to the longest trail network in the world, Canada is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for outdoor experiences and sustainable tourism offerings. Our recreational trail network connects our communities together, fueling economic growth and promoting healthy lifestyles. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. I look forward to seeing the results of this partnership in the months and years to come.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Destination Canada for this first-of-its-kind initiative, to elevate Canada’s trail network to the significant asset that it is, and to collaborate with both Destination Canada and Minister Boissonnault in driving the renaissance of tourism in Canada post-pandemic in a way that is sustainable and meaningful for local communities,” says Eleanor McMahon, President & CEO, Trans Canada Trail. “Our research tells us that trails are vital in supporting the well-being of Canadians and that trails tourism is an underleveraged opportunity in Canada. We have a tremendous opportunity to activate Canada’s trail-based tourism economy, supporting job creation, economic development in local communities and regenerative tourism.”
“Trails that engage travelers across the country – from city seawalls to spectacular wilderness – are a critical component of our visitor economy. Not only do they connect people from coast to coast to coast, they support the sustainable development of communities, generate fulfilling jobs, protect our natural assets, and strengthen our understanding of Canada,” says Marsha Walden, President and CEO, of Destination Canada. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Trans Canada Trail to share knowledge and seize opportunities. I’m confident, together, we can help bolster Canada’s global tourism competitiveness, while generating wealth and wellbeing for our communities and enriching the lives of our guests.”
Trans Canada Trail initiated Canada’s first-ever National Trail Tourism Strategy in 2020 for the benefit of all trails and the communities they connect across the country. The Trans Canada Trail links over 15,000 communities from coast to coast to coast across 28,000 kilometres.
