Jennifer Matthews

The Final Ride

Tomorrow is the last day of the Great Canadian Hike, and I'm ending the same way I started — with a long bike ride. Today's was over 35 kilometres, possibly the longest ride I've ever done!

The ride was filled with unexpected highlights: more autumn colour since I was power-walking on that trail last weekend, a field full of ripe pumpkins, and an alpaca farm (!).

But the most incredible moment came as Glen and I rode through a thicket of sumac. There were thousands of birds talking, and as we approached they moved across the trail. We stopped quietly and could hear the vibration of their wings. It was a little Hitchcock-esque and very cool at the same time.

Halfway through our ride, we detoured to a local pumpkin festival. We had an impromptu chat with a local musician, and enjoyed lunch at the farmer's market and a slice of homemade pie in a church basement — just what we needed to fuel up for the ride home.

When I started this challenge, I set my distance and fundraising goals too low—just 10 km and $250. I ended up logging more than 100 kilometres and, thanks to the outstanding support from friends and family, I've raised more than $1,000! I'm grateful to everyone who donated, shared my posts, or sent encouraging messages along the way.

There's still one day left. If you've been thinking about contributing, now's the time! Every dollar helps keep the Trans Canada Trail accessible, safe, and thriving for everyone. 

I'm proud to have been part of the Great Canadian Hike. Whether you're walking, biking, paddling, or rolling, getting out on the trails connects us to nature, to our communities, and to what makes this country special. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

Skipping Ropes and Weighted Vests

Yesterday we started the day with some family trail time—and I decided to mix things up a bit.

I brought along a couple of skipping ropes for a little fun. (Yes, still thinking about bone density!) There's something wonderfully nostalgic about skipping outdoors, and it turns out it's also one of the best exercises you can do for bone health.

I donned my weighted vest again, this time paired with hiking boots instead of walking shoes. Madeleine joined me, also wearing her weighted vest—hers is 16 pounds to my 12! We power-walked and talked while the rest of our crew kept a more leisurely pace. Our walk was just over five kilometres.

The combination of hiking boots and weighted vest felt more stable and supportive, especially with the extra weight on uneven terrain.

Continuing to evaluate the vest: I'm definitely feeling a bit sore in the small muscles in my back today. Ankles are fine, though. And I slept pretty well last night—always a good sign after a challenging workout!

It's amazing how you can keep trying new things on familiar trails. A little extra weight, different footwear, or even just adding some skipping—it all adds up to building strength and keeping things interesting.

Getting outside on trails continues to be my training ground, my thinking space, and my connection to what matters most. Every kilometre I log for the Great Canadian Hike is a reminder of why trail networks like the Trans Canada Trail are worth supporting.

New Gear, New Challenge

Yesterday we did a 5-kilometre family walk in Prince Edward County—and it was also my first test run of my new weighted vest!

After so many of my perimenopausal peers have been singing the praises of weighted vests, and after doing my own reading about bone density and muscle mass, I decided it was time to join the club.

Fall temperatures have officially arrived, and the crisp air felt so good. Perfect weather for trying something new.

The verdict on the vest? I'm glad I took advice and started with 12 pounds, as it was more than enough to challenge me after a while. I definitely felt it in the little muscles of my mid-back, and in my ankles and feet by the end of the walk. But I feel fine today, which tells me I chose the right starting weight.

I'm planning to try it with hills and hiking boots tomorrow. But today is all about family games and turkey dinner!

October's Gift: A Perfect Summer Day

Making Time for the Trail

Sunrise Magic on the Trail

The Most Inspiring Park I've Ever Visited

September 24, 2025

I'd been hearing about the new park along the Trans Canada Trail at Toronto's Harbourfront and finally had a chance to visit today. This is an incredible space!

Biidaasige Park (pronounced "bee-daw-sih-geh," meaning "sunlight shining toward us" in Anishinaabemowin) is the largest park to open in Toronto in a generation. Located on the newly created Ookwemin Minising island, the park spans over 50 acres and features more than 5,000 trees, 77,000 shrubs, and two million herbaceous plants. It's part of a remarkable $1.4-billion flood protection project that created a naturalized river mouth for the Don River while unlocking this beautiful waterfront space for the public.

The park is thoughtfully designed with Indigenous features throughout, including larger-than-life animal sculptures representing Anishinaabe, Ongwehonwe, and Huron dodems in the playground. There are recreational trails, wetlands for birdwatching, picnic areas, and – my favourite – Toronto's first ziplines!

I felt like a kid again and would definitely have checked out the zipline if it wasn't already occupied. 😊 The whole space is so thoughtfully designed and inspiring—it's hard to believe this industrial area has been transformed into such a vibrant, welcoming park.

Can't wait to return and explore more! This is exactly the kind of space the Trans Canada Trail helps create and connect across our country.

Ward's Island Adventure on the Trans Canada Trail

September 23, 2025

In Toronto, the Trans Canada Trail follows the waterfront and is locally known as the Martin Goodman Trail. It's an incredible jumping-off point for so many adventures, and today's destination was one of my favourites: Ward's Island.

We took the ferry across to the Toronto Islands and spent the afternoon walking beach and island trails, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this car-free community just minutes from downtown. The combination of sandy beaches, tree-lined pathways, and charming island cottages creates such a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

We capped off the day with dinner on a patio overlooking the lake, watching the sun set over the Toronto skyline. It's moments like these that remind me how lucky we are to have trails and green spaces right in our urban centres.

The Trans Canada Trail connects us not just to nature, but to the best experiences our cities have to offer. Every dollar raised helps keep these connections accessible for everyone.

An Unscripted Sunday Adventure

September 22, 2025

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don't plan. This past Sunday turned into the perfect opportunity for a long bike ride through the pastoral beauty of Prince Edward County.

Glen and I headed out on the Millennium Trail, covering 28 kilometres of gorgeous countryside. The Millennium Trail is a 49-kilometre multi-use path built on an abandoned CN Railway line that winds through Prince Edward County from Carrying Place to Picton. Though it's not yet connected to the Trans Canada Trail, this flat, scenic route takes riders through farmland, past marshes, and offers glimpses of the rural charm that makes "The County" so special.

Midway through our ride, we stopped at a local farmer's market where we discovered incredible falafel wraps that made for the perfect lunch. Nothing beats fresh, local food when you're out exploring! We fueled up with an ice cream cone before pedaling our way home, already planning our next adventure on the Trail.

Every kilometre counts toward supporting the Trans Canada Trail—and every ride reminds me why these trails are worth protecting.