Trail leaders from across Canada are set to gather in Winnipeg for a first-of-its-kind national conversation about the future of Canada’s trail networks.
The inaugural Canadian Trail Summit is taking place at a critical moment for the country’s trail sector. Across Canada, trails are facing growing pressures from climate change, ageing infrastructure, increased use and uncertain funding — challenges no single organisation, community or region can solve alone.
Hosted by Trans Canada Trail, the Summit takes place June 16 to 19, 2026, at the Delta Hotel in downtown Winnipeg. Under the theme “Trails for a Changing World,” the event will bring together trail managers, advocates, researchers, policymakers, community leaders and volunteers to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore practical solutions for building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable trail systems.
“Canada’s trails are essential community infrastructure. They support health and well-being, connect people to nature and help bring communities together,” said Mathieu Roy, CEO of Trans Canada Trail.
“But trails across the country are also facing real and urgent pressures. Bringing the sector together gives us the chance to share what is working, learn from one another and build the partnerships needed to ensure trails can continue to serve people and communities for generations to come.”
With delegates from across the country, the Summit is a truly national gathering. More than 75 presenters from across Canada will lead keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panels and workshops focused on the issues and opportunities shaping the future of trails.
The Summit programme is organised around three streams: innovating trail management, strengthening the trail sector and fostering healthy communities. Sessions will explore topics including climate resilience, accessibility, trail tourism, digital innovation, stewardship, visitor use management, community engagement and inclusive planning.
The keynote lineup includes: Lisa Franks, a six-time Paralympic gold medallist, mechanical engineer and accessibility advocate; Melissa Lem, a Vancouver family physician, co-founder of PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription programme, and a voice on the links between nature, health and well-being; and Ryan Shackleton, CEO of Know History, the largest historical research and storytelling firm in North America.
In addition to keynotes and breakout sessions, the summit will showcase Winnipeg’s trail networks, outdoor spaces and cultural destinations. Programming includes field trips, experiential workshops and an evening event at The Leaf, the city’s indoor horticultural sanctuary in Assiniboine Park.
Registration for the Canadian Trail Summit is nearly sold out. Tickets are available here.
