Winter can be a challenge, but the Trans Canada Trail is here to turn those cold-weather blues into opportunities for joy and connection. This January, the “Blahs to Ahhhs” winter wellness campaign encourages Canadians to embrace the magic of the season by stepping outside. We spoke with Meghan Reddick, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at Trans Canada Trail, to uncover how nature can boost mental and physical well-being and why the country’s expansive trail network is the perfect place to find your winter zen. —Noa Nichol
Why is spending time outdoors during the winter so effective in combating the “winter blahs”?
The wintertime, particularly once we’re past the holiday season, can be very isolating for a lot of people. Being cooped up inside during the colder, darker months plays a big role in that feeling of isolation. Many studies have shown that spending even as little as 30 minutes outside can boost your mood and reduce stress.
When you break that ‘blah’ winter routine and spend time on the trail, you’re not only getting fresh air, exercise and connecting with nature – it also gives you an amazing opportunity to connect with other people. Whether you’re meeting up with friends for a walk or just saying “hi” to people you pass on the trail, it really goes a long way to reminding you that you’re part of a larger community.
How does the Trans Canada Trail play a role in promoting mental and physical wellness during the colder months?
One of the beauties of the Trans Canada Trail is that it reaches urban, rural and remote communities in every province and territory. In most areas of the country, you’re likely to be within just 30 minutes of a section of the Trail.
So, the Trail provides an opportunity to engage with nature and enjoy all the mental and physical health benefits of spending time outdoors that is easily accessible to the vast majority of people in Canada.
What inspired the “Blahs to Ahhhs” winter wellness campaign, and what are its main goals?
The campaign started in 2021, the first winter of the pandemic, when people had gone through almost a year of social distancing and lock downs. In the spring, summer and fall of 2020 we saw a huge surge in trail use as it was one of few activities that people could still enjoy outside their homes. We wanted to make sure people knew they could continue to get the mental and physical boost that comes along with getting out on the trail, even though it was getting cold.
That really speaks to the main goal of the campaign. We’re encouraging people to embrace winter, not just endure it, and the Trail is the perfect place to do that. And when you are out on the Trail, make sure to share your winter fun and use #Blahs2Ahhhs25 and #TransCanadaTrail. You can also head to our website and enter a contest to win fantastic prizes from some of our partners Columbia Sportswear, Tell Your Trail, The Great Canadian Sox Co. and Trans Canada Trail.
We’re also very fortunate to have a wonderful partner in TD Bank Group who has been instrumental in supporting this campaign.
What are some practical tips for Canadians who want to embrace winter outdoor activities especially those on a tight budget?
Nearly every activity people can enjoy on the Trail is free, so it’s really a perfect source of winter fun for people on a budget. If you have the equipment, you can get out and do some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, but you can always just get out for a walk, run or roll.
But of course – safety is always priority number one, so be mindful of weather conditions and warnings and don’t forget to bundle up! We like to say there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing, so make sure to dress according to the weather, limiting exposed skin as much as you can, wear proper footwear, like waterproof boots and ice cleats if it’s slick out. Snacks and water are also always good things to bring along.
For those who are new to outdoor activities in winter, how can they get started using the Trans Canada Trail?
The most important first step is to make sure that your local trail is open and maintained through the winter. In most cases, you’ll find that information through your municipality. Once you’ve done that, the best way to get started is to just pick a trail and go check it out! Exploring trails is a great way to explore and discover new things, even if you don’t leave your community.
How can outdoor activities on the trail help people stay connected with their communities and loved ones during the winter months?
Trails not only bring us closer to nature; they also bring us closer to each other. Gathering a group of friends or family to go for a weekend hike or starting a weekly trail walk can be a great way to maintain our social connections during a time when many people stay cooped up inside.
Getting out on the trail is also such a wonderful communal experience. You’re bound to meet some new people and make meaningful connections with people in your community you may never have met otherwise.
Are there specific sections of the Trans Canada Trail that you would recommend for winter adventures, such as walking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing?
I’m lucky enough to live right near the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in east-end Toronto, which is always great for a walk or bike ride by the lake. But thanks to Canada’s diverse landscapes, there’s such an incredible range of activities you can do along the Trans Canada Trail.
For people in the Vancouver area, the Stanley Park Seawall Trail as well as the City of Burnaby and Tri-Cities trails are perfect for walking and cycling along the waterfront – the City of Burnaby trail also has some cross-country skiing opportunities. For a more wintry experience not far from the city, the Sea to Sky Trail between Squamish and Pemberton has some amazing snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
No matter where you are in the country, I’d recommend checking out our interactive map, where you can find and filter trails by the activities they support. We also have a handy guide to different activities on the Trail.
What resources does Trans Canada Trail provide to help Canadians find and access trails near them?
Our interactive map is an amazing tool. It shows every section of the 29,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail, complete with up-to-date information, breakdowns of what activities are supported on each part of the Trail, and information on local trail organizations. It’s definitely worth checking out at tctrail.ca/explore-the-map; just zoom in on where you live and you’ll probably be amazed at how close the Trail is.
How does Trans Canada Trail ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all Canadians, including those with physical limitations or who live in urban areas?
The Trail is for everyone and our goal is to give people a way to connect with nature, no matter their abilities. We work with groups across the country to help fund initiatives that will make trails more accessible – everything from resurfacing to accessible trail entrances to implementing new technology.
We’ve also established guidelines for All Persons Trails, which help planners and designers ensure their trails are inclusive to all, and partnered with AccessNow to carry out Accessibility Mapping on trails throughout the country.
This accessibility work, as well as everything we do at Trans Canada Trail, would not be possible without our generous donors and we’re always so thankful for their support.
What is your personal favorite winter activity on the Trans Canada Trail, and how has it positively impacted your own well-being?
I love to get out into nature and especially love trails that are near a body of water. Hiking along and listening to the sound of the waves coming ashore or the sound of a babbling creek makes me feel so calm and it just clears your head.
It’s nice to turn off your cell phone and just be present in nature. Well, I have to admit, I do use my phone sometimes because I can’t help taking a few insta-worthy pics now and again!
The main reason for me is for my mental and physical health. I know that after a nice walk in nature – it really clears my head. I love to go on ‘meditative walks’ where you just walk and think. Getting out on the Trail helps me creatively, to rethink and reset, to reflect on your work, or do some problem solving. I love when the sun shines down on you in the cold, where you can get that additional vitamin D from the sunshine – this has proven effects on my overall wellbeing! Nature has a real restorative affect. Humans are meant to be outside.
share:
Be the first to comment