Madelaine Jamieson

Why I’m Taking Part in the Great Canadian Hike

If you’ve spent any amount of time with me, you’ve probably heard me talk about a hike, a bike ride, or some trail somewhere.

Trails have shaped some of the most important moments of my life.

My love of trails really began when I was 19 and traveled solo to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a whim (sort of). At the time, I don’t think I realized how much that experience would shape me. What started as a big one-off adventure sparked a lifelong appreciation for hiking and exploring.

Since then, trails have continued to teach me resilience, patience, and that progress is sometimes slower than we’d like.

They’ve helped me build community, whether it’s joining friends for 7am run club, meeting fellow cyclists on a long-distance ride, or swapping route recommendations with other outdoor enthusiasts. As someone who now calls Montreal home, I’ve come to appreciate how trails can help us feel connected to a place. When I moved here, trails became one of the ways I explored my new backyard and built a sense of belonging.

They’ve also shaped the way I travel. Some of my favourite memories have come from exploring by foot or by bike, moving slowly enough to notice the little things. Trails have led me to small towns I otherwise wouldn’t have passed through, where I’ve discovered local bakeries, museums, scenic lookouts, and had conversations with people I never would have met if I’d been rushing from one place to the next.

The Great Canadian Hike is an opportunity to support the future of these spaces. The trails we enjoy don’t maintain themselves. They rely on the dedication of volunteers, local organizations, and people who believe outdoor spaces should remain accessible for generations to come.

That’s why working for the Trans Canada Trail feels like a dream come true. Trails have shaped so much of who I am, and now I get to help raise awareness of them and support the work that keeps them accessible for others. Being part of an organization that connects Canadians to nature while helping steward one of the world’s longest trail networks is honestly so meaningful to me.

I’m participating because trails have given me adventure, confidence, friendships, perspective, and countless memories. This challenge is a small way to give back to something that has had such an impact on my life.

And lastly… most people who know me also know that every year I celebrate my birthday with a big hiking adventure. Instead of a party, you’ll usually find me chasing a summit or taking on a challenge that’s probably a little crazier than my mum would like to hear about. Since my birthday falls on September 30, which is also the final day of the Great Canadian Hike, participating this year feels especially fitting. There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than by spending time on the trails that have given me so much.

So, whether you’re planning a short walk around your neighbourhood, a day hike in a local park, or a big adventure you’ve been dreaming about for years, I hope you’ll join me on the trails this month.