Connecting Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast.
In 1992, a group of individuals with a bold vision were determined to connect Canadians via a national trail network. Today, the Trans Canada Trail of Canada (formerly The Great Trail ) is connected from coast to coast to coast, making it the world’s longest network of recreational, multi-use trails.
Trans Canada Trail Facts
- 24,000+ kms connecting Canadians from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic Oceans
- 400+ individual trail sections
- linking 15,000+ communities across Canada
- 80% of Canadians are within 30 minutes of a section
- community-based project, so trail sections are owned, operated, and maintained by local organizations, provincial authorities, national agencies, and municipalities
- funded by donations from the public, corporations, foundations and all levels of government
The City of North Vancouver’s section of the Trans Canada Trail, registered in 1999, begins at the Sea Bus at Lonsdale Quay and meanders along the waterfront before veering north through Mosquito Creek and William Griffin Park into the District of North Vancouver. Visit the Trans Canada Trail website to learn more and to see an interactive map of the Trail network.
The City’s involvement with the Trail includes:
- partnering with the Squamish Nation in 2003 to build the Aboriginal Pavilion (link to the pavilion section below) in Waterfront Park
- organizing and running Relay 2000 in the North Shore to carry water from the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans along the Trail to Ottawa
- hosting the Trans Canada Trail AGM in 2008
- maintenance and upkeep.
A committed core of volunteers at Trails BC champion the Trail’s cause in our community.
Aboriginal Pavilion
On Aboriginal Day in 2003, the Aboriginal Pavilion in Waterfront Park opened.
For the design and build of the pavilion, the City partnered with the Squamish Nation and artist Darren Yelton. Darren’s carving of a welcoming grandmother and grandfather invites friendship on the trail and promotes it as a place for everyone to enjoy. The pavilion also marksthe Trans Canada Trail’s presence on the North Shore.
Aboriginal carving of a welcoming grandmother and grandfather by artist Darren Yelton
Most of us will never have time to walk the Trans Canada Trail's entire 23,000 km completed route. But in Metro Vancouver, we can experience multiple municipalities, diverse environments and mixed geography over the course of a few hours thanks to our extensive trail network. Here are two great ideas:
Spirit Trail/Trans Canada Loop
This is a perfect loop trail for the entire family that combines the Trans Canada with the Spirit Trail. (approximately 3 hours to complete):
- Start from the Aboriginal Pavilion in Waterfront Park.
- Walk west on the Spirit Trail past the Mosquito Creek Marina along the waterfront.
- Continue along the Sprit Trail through Squamish Nation lands, the District of North Vancouver and into West Vancouver until Taylor Way Avenue.
- Turn left (south) on Taylor Way towards the Lions Gate Bridge.
- Walk over the Lions Gate Bridge on the south-bound sidewalk to Stanley Park in Vancouver. Be mindful of cyclists.
- Once in Stanley Park, turn left (southeast) and walk along the Sea Wall. You are now on the Trans Canada Trail.
- As you leave Stanley Park, stay on the waterfront through the city centre sea walk. Stay on the trail past Marina Square, Coal Harbour Park and Harbour Green Park.
- Continue walking until you reach the Sea Bus station just past Canada Place.
- Take the Sea Bus back to North Vancouver where you can enjoy a beverage or a snack at the Quay.
Check out the Trans Canada Trail's interactive map for detailed route planning.
Trans Canada Loop
Those looking for a chance to explore more of the Trans Canada Trail will love this loop that follows the trail through our community, up to Cleveland Dam and into West Vancouver before dropping down to the Lions Gate Bridge into Stanley Park and through downtown Vancouver's Sea Walk (approximately six hours to complete):
- Start at from Aboriginal Pavilion in Waterfront Park.
- Travel north on Forbes Street until 3rd Street. Turn left (west) onto 3rd Street. 3rd Street merges into Marine Drive.
- Stay on Marine Drive until Mosquito Creek Lane. Turn Right (north).
- Keep travelling north at the intersection of Mosquito Creek Lane and 15th Street.
- Follow the Trans Canada Trail signs through Mosquito Creek Park.
- Continue north through William Griffin Park until Queens Road. Turn left (west) on Queens Road to Edgemont Boulevard.
- Turn right on Edgemont Boulevard and walk northwest to Capilano Road.
- Turn right (north) on Capilano Road and follow the signs for Cleveland Dam.
- Follow the Trans Canada Trail signs through Capilano River Regional Park.
- At the intersection with Glenmore Drive in West Vancouver, turn left (south).
- Turn right (west) onto Deep Dene Road and then make a left onto Stephens Drive (south).
- Follow Stephens Drive all the way to Taylor Way Avenue.
- Turn left (south) on Taylor Way Avenue.
- At Inglewood Avenue, the trails heads west. Stay south on Taylor Way Avenue towards the Lions Gate Bridge.
- Walk over the Lions Gate Bridge on the south-bound sidewalk to Stanley Park in Vancouver. Be mindful of cyclists.
- once in Stanley Park, turn left (southeast) and walk along the Sea Wall. You are now back the Trans Canada Trail.
- As you leave Stanley Park, stay on the waterfront through the city centre sea walk. Stay on the trail past Marina Square, Coal Harbour Park and Harbour Green Park.
- Continue walking until you reach the Sea Bus station just past Canada Place.
- Take the Sea Bus back to North Vancouver where you can enjoy a beverage or a snack at the Quay.
Check out the Trans Canada Trail's interactive map for detailed route planning.
Health
The Trans Canada Trail encourages and inspires active living and transportation.
Environment
One of the major benefits of the Trans Canada Trail is its role in preserving natural environments across Canada. The trail preserves green space and promotes conservation.
Education
Another important component of the trail is its role as educator to Canadians and visitors alike. At various points along the trail, walkers can learn about Canada's heritage, natural environments and history.
Economic Development
The trail promotes tourism and creates jobs across the country.
National Legacy
The trail is a sustainable gift which will link Canadians from coast to coast to coast for generations to come.