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Meet Our Team: Carolyn Chenmeyer

DATE: September 18, 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 Carolyn

Hi, I'm Carolyn Chenmeyer. I’m the Coordinator for Annual Giving at Trans Canada Trail and have been working here for one year.  My favourite Trail section is the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail because it’s just a few blocks from my home in Oakville, Ontario. 

Carolyn takes a selfie in her kayak with water and lush trees in the background.

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

I used the selected amount for a daily walker for my kilometre goal, but one of my supporters (my mom) has already suggested I increase it; I also love to take a nice long hike, bike or paddle on the weekends. I'm excited to use the Great Canadian Hike to challenge myself to get out more in my kayak and see if I can walk to the next town from my house along the Trail, which is something I've always wanted to try. 

What’s your strategy for meeting your kilometre goal?

My plan is to make sure I do at least a little every day. I know that I always feel better on days when I've gotten out for some exercise, so creating that daily routine and sticking with it even after the Great Canadian Hike ends is one of my goals. 

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

The thing I’m most looking forward to for the Great Canadian Hike is a little friendly competition. I've never competed much in sports or running because I have felt intimidated by the amount of training. But I can definitely hike, bike and paddle! I’m grateful for the chance to compete when it’s not about short-term endurance but longer-term dedication to a healthy habit. 

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

When I was growing up, my family loved to take hiking trips together to see national parks. It was always a treasured time to be together and be in awe of beautiful places. Now I’m working to pass this love of exploring trails to my own kids. My advice for new hikers is to always go at your own pace. My biggest realization as a hiker was that if I tried to keep up with the faster person in our group, I was out of breath immediately, but if I take the hill slowly, I could hike forever without a break. I guess that’s my general life advice as well: take the hill slowly. 

A view of the front of a kayak with a river and tree-lined shores ahead.