Great Canadian Trails

14/02/2025

Is there anything more romantic than going on an adventure with your loved one? Discovering new places, trying new foods, making memories that will last a lifetime… there’s nothing like travelling with the one you love. 🥰

In fact, studies have shown that travelling together helps couples grow even stronger, citing benefits such as sharing new experiences, taking a break from normal routines, and talking and connecting more.

In honour of Valentine’s Day tomorrow, here are a few of our self-guided hiking and cycling trips. These self-guided trips are perfect if you’re looking for a romantic getaway; you can travel at your own pace and have all the privacy you’d like. Best of all, we’ll take care of all the logistics, so the only thing you’ll have to focus on is your significant other.

Looking for a romantic trip for two? Why not try:

❤️ Niagara Wines and Waterfront Trails (cycling)
❤️ East Coast Trail Highlights (hiking)
❤️ Magdalen Islands Haven Walk (hiking)
❤️ PEI Scenic Trails Experience (cycling)
❤️ Bruce Peninsula Explorer (hiking)

Check out our website for even more amazing self-guided trips this summer!

12/02/2025

Raise your forks and make some noise… today is Canada’s Agriculture Day! What better day to celebrate the hardworking people across Canada who bring us the food we love? 🇨🇦😋

Canadian cuisine might not be as distinct as, say, Indian or Thai or Italian. Mirroring our culture, it’s more of a melting pot incorporating the world’s best tastes. That being said, we sure do have some amazing food produced in Canada! From British Columbia’s fruit orchards to Québec’s fromageries and chocolate shops to Prince Edward Island’s oysters, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to Canadian-grown products.

Read on for even more deliciousness ⤵️

A round-up of Canada’s culinary destinations reveals that great Canadian travels will always be accompanied by great Canadian food. Bon appetite!

07/02/2025

There’s so much more to hiking in Canada than just the Rocky Mountains! In fact, one of the best long-distance trails in Canada is found in Québec 🥾🌲

The Traversée de Charlevoix is one of the longest and most magical hiking trails in the country at 105km/60 miles from start to finish. Located in the mountainous Charlevoix region in the heart of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this rugged trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a wonderful challenge through a pristine forest environment.

If you love forest walking and camping, you’ll love the Guided Charlevoix Hut to Hut trip. The Charlevoix Traverse is a backcountry hike with side trails to amazing view points, and along the way, you’ll enjoy the untouched wilderness of UNESCO-designated Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, take in the beauty of Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-riviere-Malbaie, look out for rare caribou in Parc des Grands-Jardins, and meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts on the trail and at the huts.

Doesn’t it sound like the perfect summer adventure? 🌲✨

A thru-hike in Charlevoix UNESCO World Biosphere reserve from hut to hut led by an expert guide with Great Canadian Trails. It's the perfect adventure for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenge in one of Quebec's most beautiful wilderness regions.

05/02/2025

Regardless of whatever the groundhog said, summer will be here before you know it. And in advance of your summer adventures, it’s time to start preparing, well… now! We always recommend that people feel their active best before a trip, so here are a few steps you can take over the next few months:

👉 Just start moving! It can be easy to be more sedentary in winter. But adding more steps to your day with outdoor walks or a treadmill is an easy way to start preparing. If you plan on cycling this summer, practice rides on a stationary bike.

👉 Break in your boots if you haven’t already, and start wearing your pack on practice walks! As your adventure gets closer and closer, you want to make sure you’re absolutely comfortable with your gear.

👉 As the weather warms up, go for as many practice hikes and cycles in your local area, try walking on the treadmill on an incline, and/or add more stairs to your daily routine.

Think of it this way: with each extra step and every practice hike, you're not just preparing yourself, but you’re also getting one day closer to your summer adventure! 😎

31/01/2025

Today’s spotlight is on the beautiful Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands), Quebec! ⚜️

The Magdalen Islands are a 12-island archipelago found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The jagged remains of the mainland, they were originally settled by the Acadian people, whose vibrant culture lies at the roots of the communities that exist there today. The islands require a five-hour ferry ride from Prince Edward Island, but a visit here is well worth the journey.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll absolutely love the Magdalen Islands. Locals have recently created a long-distance hiking trail of 230 kilometres (143 miles) throughout the archipelago where artisans will open their doors to passing travellers to share in their art, music, and culture.

Along the walking trail, you’ll see everything from long beach stretches to wind-swept fields of grass and flowers to a small, pristine forest with a peaceful and enchanting lake. And don’t forget about all the lively maritime communities that call it home!

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, check out our self-guided hiking trips to the Magdalen Islands this summer 🤩

29/01/2025

Want to see the very best of Prince Edward Island? 🤩

This self-guided cycling trip is perfect for families or those seeking a slower pace, ideal for soaking in the island’s scenic beauty. Known for its sandy beaches, welcoming locals, lobster dinners, and the green fields of Anne of Green Gables, PEI is a cyclist’s dream!

For the Scenic Trails Experience, we’ve curated a flexible route that shows off the best of Canada’s smallest province, including:

🚴‍♀️ The most scenic sections of the Confederation Trail
🚴‍♀️ Lush Anne of Green Gables country and its historic sites
🚴‍♀️ Smooth and scenic Gulf Shore pathways
🚴‍♀️ World-famous oysters, mussels, clams, and lobster
🚴‍♀️ Hand-picked and historical inns close to the trail
🚴‍♀️ White “squeaky” beaches and rugged red sand dunes
🚴‍♀️ Maritime arts, culture, and cuisine

Will we see you on the trail this summer? Read more below! ⤵️

Great Canadian Trails (GCT) specializes in active holidays in Canada. Offering a vast selection of innovative hiking and cycling adventures from coast to coast to coast, its itineraries draw upon some of the country’s most inspiring landscapes, incredible networks of trails, and stunning national ...

24/01/2025

Let's spin the globe! Can you identify where this photo was taken?

24/01/2025

It’s been a while since we’ve played This or That! We’ll give you two options, and you can let us know which one you’d prefer in the comments. Trust us, some might be impossible to choose! 🤔

Seeing the Northern Lights or seeing a meteor shower? 🌌

Whalewatching or birdwatching? 🐋🦅

Coastline or mountains? 🌊🏔️

Keeping up a fast pace or stopping a lot along the way? 🚴‍♀️💨

Taking a photo or taking a video? 📸🎥

And finally… sunrise or sunset? 🌄

Let us know your answers in the comments below! ⤵️

22/01/2025

Here at GCT, we’re all about enjoying nature responsibly, making sure that we leave the environment just as we found it. Fortunately, tourism has embraced a variety of positive initiatives and environmental programs so that we can all learn to be more responsible and aware as we head outdoors in search of adventure. From carbon offsetting to “water wisdom” and more, there are plenty of things we can do to keep our trails happy and healthy.

How many of these initiatives do you practice in nature? ⤵️

How can you embrace a variety of positive initiatives and environmental programs? Here are simple tricks to be more mindful in the great outdoors.

17/01/2025

Are you looking to dip your toe into cycling but not sure where to start? Our P’tit Train du Nord Experience in Québec might be just what you’re after! 🚴‍♀️

This five-day trip allows you to embark on a family-friendly adventure with great views and cultural experiences, all while you enjoy a flat, meandering trail crossing railway stations and historical villages. This trip was specifically designed for families or anyone looking to explore at a relaxed pace with shorter cycling days.

What can you expect on the P’tit Train du Nord Experience? This gentle, crushed gravel trail meanders through the stunning Laurentian Mountains, offering picturesque views as it follows rivers, lakes, and mountain foothills. Along the way, you’ll pedal along historic settler routes through lush countryside, with opportunities to explore charming, restored train stations that highlight the area’s rich heritage.

The trail’s terrain and idyllic villages make it perfect for an experience that blends nature and culture as you appreciate the beauty of the Laurentians at a comfortable pace, taking in the vibrant landscapes and unique charm of each stop along the way.

Find out more here! ⤵️

Travel with the family by bike along the famous "Petit Train du Nord" rail trail through the charming villages of Quebec's Laurentians.

15/01/2025

😍 we can’t wait!

14/01/2025

It’s about time we put the spotlight on one of Canada’s most iconic animals: the beaver! 🦫

There are an estimated 10 to 15 million beavers in Canada; while this is nowhere near the estimated 100 to 200 million North American beavers that existed before the days of the fur trade, the beaver population has been slowly rebounding since protection orders were put in place. And because beavers are so prevalent across Canada, there’s a possibility to see them on any of our trips!

Some fun facts about Canadian beavers:

🦫 Beavers are excellent swimmers and can chew wood underwater without getting water in their lungs, thanks to a special flap at the back of their mouths. Beavers also have clear membranes over their eyes that help them to see underwater, like goggles, as well as closeable nose and ear valves. They can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes while working underwater!

🦫 A beaver’s teeth never stop growing over the course of their lifetime. In order to keep them at a manageable size, beavers grind their teeth against each other, filing them down. Chewing on wood all day also helps.

🦫 Beavers can be found in lakes and streams all across Canada. The world’s longest beaver dam is found in Alberta’s Wood Buffalo National Park and is nearly 800 metres (2600 feet) in length, and scientists believe multiple generations of beavers have been working on the dam since the 1970s. The average dam is only about 100 metres (328 feet) in length!

🦫 The beaver is Canada’s largest rodent and the second-largest rodent in the world (after the capybara).

🦫 The beaver has a pretty intimidating ancestor! Imagine a beaver as large as 2.2 m (7.2 ft) and 125 kg (276 lbs). This huge rodent, known as “Castoroides” lived a semi-aquatic life during the Ice Age in North America.

10/01/2025

Did you know that some of our most amazing trips are all because of the hard work and dedication of the locals in that region?

One example of this is our Magdalen Islands Haven Walk. Locals have recently created a long-distance hiking trail of 230 km (143 mi) throughout the archipelago where artisans will open their doors to passing travellers to share in their art, music, and culture. The full walking trail portrays the beautiful landscapes of each island haven that comprises the archipelago, including long beach stretches, windswept fields of flowers, pristine forests, and lively maritime communities.

Today and every day, we want to share our sincere appreciation for the amazing locals and hiking enthusiasts that help make our trips happen!

08/01/2025

Are you looking for a fascinating trip that blends the best of active travel with local culture? Look no further than the Blueberry Bicycle Route in Quebec, a self-guided cycling trip that follows the 256km/159mi bicycle circuit around Saint-Jean Lake.

On this trip, you’ll:

🫐 Explore Pointe-Taillon National Park
🫐 Experience Lac-St-Jean beaches and stunning views
🫐 Enjoy blueberries, blueberry pies, blueberry chocolate, and much more!
🫐 Sample cheese and craft beer
🫐 Learn about Indigenous history and Quebecois culture
🫐 Visit the historic village of Val-Jalbert

The well-established route offers a gentle ride through farmland, forests, small towns, lovely beaches, and many tourist attractions. Relatively short days of cycling allow you to truly discover the region with its warm hospitality and indulge in the route's namesake: blueberries!

Check out our website to learn more about this perfect summer holiday 🤩

Bike tour on the Veloroute des Bleuets paved cycling circuit around Saint-Jean Lake near Quebec, a region renown for its blueberry production.

03/01/2025

When you think of a family holiday, what do you think of? Family travel can be so much more than theme parks and beach resorts! 🤩

Outdoor adventures lead to quality family bonding, lifelong memories, and the perfect environment for educational opportunities, too. GCT itineraries may not be geared for little ones, but teenagers will have more than enough energy and enthusiasm to participate in our self-guided or group trips. Read on for some of the benefits of bringing kids along for the ride and hike ⤵️

In addition to quality family bonding and lifelong memories, the outdoors is the perfect educational environment. Sharing an outdoor adventure instill

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! 🎉

In 2025, we’re looking forward to an exciting year spent chasing our most adventurous resolutions. We look forward to new trips, including a guided East Coast Trail trip, as well as revisiting old favourites like the P'tit Train du Nord and Bruce Peninsula Traverse. We’re eager to continue our commitment to Leave No Trace principles and strive to make each of our trips the best they can possibly be, from coast to coast to coast.

As you look ahead to 2025, we know you have big plans! What do you most look forward to this year? 🤩

27/12/2024

For this edition of Where in Canada, we’re shifting focus to Where In the Yukon! 🤔

We’ve selected four images, and yes, they are all pretty difficult! Do you recognize any of the locations? If you need a hint, head to our website and scroll through the Yukon itineraries. All of these locations are found in or nearby locations we visit.

Check out these four images and leave your best guesses in the comments! ⤵️

25/12/2024

From all of us at Great Canadian Trails, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄✨

As we celebrate the festive season, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you to our staff, trip partners, host communities, and, of course, our amazing customers. GCT wouldn’t be the same without you, and we cherish all of the amazing memories from the past year. We wish you all the happiest holidays and all the best in the year to come 🤩