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How to Build Active Outdoor Time into Your Daily Routine

DATE: August 19, 2025

With the Great Canadian Hike coming up from September 20 to October 19, you may be wondering how to build kilometre logging into an already busy schedule. Here are some tips to get you moving, feeling good and crushing your kilometre goals. 

Grab some Trail time on your commute

Opt for walking, cycling, rolling or jogging to and from work or school. Not only will you arrive at work fully energized, you’ll also be able to cross off exercise time without adding extra steps to your day. Got school- or daycare-aged kids? Those shorter trips with your kids twice a day for drop-off and pick-up can add up to dozens of kilometres over the month. 

A beagle walks along a trail with tress on either side of the path, with someone off camera holding the dog's leash.

PHOTO CREDIT: SARA SPIKE

Walk the dog ... and yourself!

If you’ve got a four-legged furry family member, remember to clock your walks! Heading out a few times a day for 15 minutes or more adds up to a lot of steps covered. Whether you’re walking around the block, hitting your local Trail section or hiking for a couple of hours with your dog, it all counts.

Make it social

Do you find it hard to fit coffee chats and social time into your packed schedule, plus exercise? Create a win-win situation when you invite a friend or loved one to get outside with you and catch up on a walk. Enjoy the views and the company, and fit in active time (plus kilometres) so you can get closer to your total goal. While you're at it, maybe even invite them to be part of your Great Canadian Hike team.

A canal runs along side a brick pathway with.

PHOTO CREDIT: JENNIFER MAHON

Lunch and leisure

When possible, fit in a 20- to 30-minute stroll on your lunch break. Pop out to grab a coffee and head back, make it an errand for double duty, or just explore your neighbourhood and clear your head at the same time. We promise: it’s always worth it to get outside! 

Turn Trail time into playtime

Bring the little ones onto the Trail and make it fun – invent stories or create a task list, and walk, bike or push a stroller as the kids discover nature and burn off some energy. Aiming for shorter stints with the family will help keep your outings doable. 

Swap the gym session for some outdoor activities

Do you generally head to the gym for your workout time? Try switching it up and heading outside for an exercise session instead. Some Trail sections may even include outdoor exercise equipment, or you can just start your playlist, get moving and enjoy the fresh air. Bonus: you might be surprised at how many kilometres you cover!
So, there you have it – incorporate these suggestions into your daily routine (find more training tips here), and you’ll up your chances of meeting or exceeding your Great Canadian Hike kilometre goals – or just feeling great! 

Find more Great Canadian Hike inspiration here!

Main image credit: Marty Samis