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Meet Our Team: Amy Schwartz

DATE: October 10, 2025

We spoke with Trans Canada Trail staff members about how they're training for the Great Canadian Hike, how they’ve set their kilometre goals and their advice for getting outside and getting moving. 

Meet Amy

Hello! I’m Amy Schwartz, Marketing Content Manager with Trans Canada Trail. I have two top Trail sections: the Ville de Montréal Trail in the north end of the city, where I live. It runs alongside the Rivière des Prairies and is a great walking and cycling path with beautiful views. I’m also partial to the Slocan Valley Rail Trail in BC. As a kid, I spent tons of time in the Kootenays, and the trail is great for walking, cycling and taking beach breaks. 

How did you determine your kilometre goal for Great Canadian Hike, and what activities will you be doing over the month?

I thought about how and where I can build active time into my daily activities – lunchtime walks, school pick-up and drop-off, running errands – and tacked on some extra kilometres for weekend hikes and bike rides. I’m planning to mainly walk and ride my bike, with some longer hikes added in. 

What’s your strategy for meeting your kilometre goal?

My strategy is to be consistent, making sure to get out every day (or at least almost every day), even it’s just for a kilometre or two. My hope is to meet at least two-thirds of my goal with everyday activities. Also, lots of family time on trails on the weekends – it's such a great time to be outside! 

What are you most looking forward to during the Great Canadian Hike?

There are a couple of things I’m most looking forward to. One is having a great reason to spend time and explore trails around where I live – and to encourage my kids to do the same. I’m also looking forward to sharing outdoor time with friends and loved ones who will be on my team. I have a pretty busy schedule, and this is a great way to plan for social time and outdoor time all in one shot. 

How did you get started with outdoor activity and what’s one piece of advice you have for newbies?

I grew up in a family where regular exercise and outdoor time was a real priority – in fact, my parents will be on my team for Great Canadian Hike, and they walk at least an hour a day, rain or shine – so I’m counting on them to log a significant portion of our kilometres! My advice to those starting out is to fit outdoor time into your schedule when you can and how it works for you. Between work, kids and everything else in daily life, it can be a real challenge to find extra time. My solution is to slot in outdoor time for personal time or family time, groceries, and lunch breaks or evening walks – it's more manageable, more fun and you feel better afterwards!