2026 Canadian Trail Summit

What do historians and trails have in common?
They both prove one thing: people have been wandering around here for a very long time.

Know History is incredibly proud to announce that we will be a Supporting Sponsor of the 2026 Canadian Trail Summit.
This first-of-its-kind event put on by the Trans Canada Trail | Sentier Transcanadien will bring members of the trail sector together in Winnipeg this June for a gathering that will help shape the future of Canada’s trail network.

You might be wondering—what are a bunch of historians doing at a trail summit?

Over the past 15 years, our work has shown again and again that stories are inseparable from place. We’ve worked with communities across Canada to interpret landscapes, create signage that commemorates history, and document the names and stories connected to places. Every interview, archive, and conversation reveals memories and stories passed down through generations and tied to the places and trails that make up Canada.

We strongly believe that the story of trails in Canada is the story of Canada. From the hunting and trading routes of Indigenous peoples, to the waterways of the voyageurs and the development of national infrastructure and settlement, movement across this vast landscape has always shaped who we are. Trails are more than paths—they are records of movement, exchange, stewardship, and change. When we learn about them, we begin to understand the deeper history of place in this country.

We’re excited to join trail leaders from across Canada in Winnipeg and to continue exploring the powerful connection between history, landscape, and the paths that connect us.

Which trail in Canada do you think everyone should experience at least once?