Participant toolkit
Whether you're hiking solo or leading a team, these tools are here to help you spread the word and meet your fundraising goal.
Social media graphics
A collection of branded images for a variety of social platforms. Download the image to your device and use it to create a post on your social platform of choice.
Not sure what to say? Start here
A personal message is often the easiest way to recruit a teammate or ask for support. Copy one of these, make it your own and hit send. (Tap the headings to open)
For your social media
Short, ready-to-use messages to help you promote your hike, ask for donations and share why the Trail matters to you. Don’t forget to use #GreatCanadianHike and to tag Trans Canada Trail.
- Facebook: @TCtrailSentierTC
- X: @TCtrail
- Instagram: @TransCanadaTrail
- LinkedIn: @TransCanadaTrail
Ask for donations
- I’ve joined the #GreatCanadianHike to support the world’s longest trail — and I need your help. Your donation supports a safe, connected, accessible Trans Canada Trail. Support my hike here: [Insert profile link]
Ask people to join your team
- I’ve started a team for the #GreatCanadianHike. From Sept 1-30, we’ll be hiking, biking, paddling or rolling to raise funds for the Trans Canada Trail. Join us: [Insert team link]
Encourage sign-ups
- Register now for the #GreatCanadianHike: a nationwide challenge to hike, bike, paddle or roll in support of the Trans Canada Trail. Join for free from anywhere in Canada: greatcanadianhike.ca/register
Promote the Hike
- The Trans Canada Trail stretches across every province and territory and connects all three coastlines. Join the #GreatCanadianHike or support someone who has; your steps help protect and maintain this national resource. Learn more: greatcanadianhike.ca
For your group chat
I signed up for the Great Canadian Hike this September, anyone want to join? It’s a monthlong challenge to log as many kilometres as we can and help raise money for the Trans Canada Trail along the way.
I started a team here if anyone’s in: [LINK]
For a one-to-one text
Hey! I’m doing the Great Canadian Hike this September and thought you might be into it too. Want to join me? We can set our own KM and fundraising goals and hike/bike/paddle/roll however we like. Here’s the link: [LINK]
For your work Slack or Teams
Anyone up for a September challenge?
I’ve signed up for the Great Canadian Hike and started a team for [WORKPLACE/TEAM NAME].
The goal is to get outside, log some kilometres and raise funds for the Trans Canada Trail. You can hike, bike, paddle or roll, no epic expedition required.
Join the team here: [LINK]
Who’s in?
For your club or community group
Hi everyone! I’m taking part in the Great Canadian Hike this September and thought this group would be perfect for it.
We’re already getting outside together, so why not put some of those kilometres toward a national challenge and raise funds for the Trans Canada Trail at the same time?
You can join [TEAM NAME] here: [LINK]
Would love to have you with us!
Fundraising tips
- Start with a personal donation: Make the first gift to your own campaign. It shows commitment and sets the tone for others to follow.
- Tell your story: Share why you're hiking and what the Trail means to you. A personal story makes your ask more meaningful and inspires others to give.
- Use your network: Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers directly. A one-to-one ask is often more effective than a general post.
- Make it easy to give: Include your fundraising link in every message and on all your social media posts.
- Share updates: Post progress reports, photos from your hikes, or milestones you’ve reached. It reminds people to give — and shows the impact you're making.
- Say thank you: Always thank your donors — publicly or privately. A quick message or shoutout helps build momentum and encourages others to get involved.
Sample emails
Sample emails are loaded into your profile. You can send invitations to donate or join your team directly from the Great Canadian Hike Platform.
To modify and send a sample email, visit your dashboard page and select "get support." An email editor will be available on-page.
Team leader resources
These tools are designed to help team leaders recruit participants, stay organized, and motivate their teams. Whether you're leading a team in your workplace, community, or friend group, these resources can help.
Tips for team leaders
- Set a clear goal: Decide as a team how many kilometres you want to log and how much you’d like to raise. A shared goal helps build momentum and gives everyone a sense of purpose.
- Personalize your team page: Add a photo, share your story, and explain why the Trail matters to you. A compelling team page can inspire more people to join — and to give.
- Send regular updates: Keep your team engaged with short weekly emails or messages. Share progress, celebrate milestones, and remind teammates to log their kilometres and share their fundraising pages.
- Celebrate small wins: Recognize your teammates' contributions — whether it's logging their first hike or getting their first donation. A little encouragement goes a long way.
- Lead by example: Show your team how it’s done. Post updates on social media, share your progress, use the hashtag #GreatCanadianHike and tag Trans Canada Trail.
- Plan something together: Even if you're in different places, consider a group hike day, virtual check-in, or friendly challenge. A little team spirit makes it more fun and meaningful.
Sample recruitment email
Subject line: Join my team for the Great Canadian Hike!
Hi [Name],
This fall, I’m leading a team in the Great Canadian Hike, a nationwide challenge to hike, bike, paddle or roll in support of the Trans Canada Trail — the longest trail network in the world.
From September 1-30, we’ll be logging our kilometres and raising funds to help protect and maintain this incredible national treasure. Whether you join us for a few kilometres or go all in, every step makes a difference.
It’s free to join — and you can take part from anywhere in Canada.
Want to join my team? I’d love to have you with us. Here’s the link: [Insert team link]
Let me know if you have any questions — and thanks for considering it!
[Your name]
STAY updated
Read our blog for the latest campaign news, inspirational stories, fundraising tips and more.
