This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information.

Places

Historic Ottawa addresses on Sussex Drive now accessible via The Great Trail

Some 22,000 kilometres of cross-Canada trail is now complete, with more to come by end of 2017 
  • Jun 23, 2017
  • 329 words
  • 2 minutes
dignitaries unveil new wayfinding signage for the great trail at 50 Sussex Expand Image
Advertisement

Ottawa’s ceremonial route, Sussex Drive, is now connected to the rest of Canada via a spur of The Great Trail, making it easier than ever for Canadians to visit some of our country’s most iconic addresses: the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex, the Governor General’s residence at Rideau Hall — and the Centre for Geography and Exploration at 50 Sussex, the new home of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. 

The newest section of the trail was celebrated June 16 at 50 Sussex, and adds to the 22,000 kilometres of trail already winding across the country. Trans-Canada Trail, the non-profit organization behind The Great Trail, hopes to have the full 24,000-kilometre length connecting Canada’s three coasts completed by the end of 2017 to cap the country’s 150th year.

“There’s no better way to get to know Canada than to hike, paddle or bike the trail,” said RCGS CEO John Geiger, adding that while the RCGS and TCT have long shared a vision of enabling more Canadians to explore their country, this new trail spur links the two organizations geographically as well.

Catherine McKenna, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, said running on the trail was a huge part of her life growing up in her hometown of Hamilton, Ont. and is a tradition she now proudly shares with her family in Ottawa. 

“We live in the best country in the world, and I’m reminded of that when I run on the trail,” she said. 

Following remarks from the other assembled dignitaries, who included Ottawa MPPs Yasir Naqvi and Nathalie Desrosiers, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, TCT CEO Deborah Apps, chair Paul LaBarge, and co-chair Valerie Pringle, guests were able to get a taste of the trail — in a manner of speaking. 

Advertisement

Are you passionate about Canadian geography?

You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:

Related Content

Travel

Trans Canada Trail celebrates 30 years of connecting Canadians

The trail started with a vision to link Canada coast to coast to coast. Now fully connected, it’s charting an ambitious course for the future.

  • 1730 words
  • 7 minutes
Montréal is taking great strides to reinforce its image as the “most bike-friendly” city in North America

Environment

Clean commute

Canada's largest cities are paving the way for more eco-conscious commuting choices

  • 3352 words
  • 14 minutes

Mapping

How the Great Trail interactive map is linking communities and changing exploration

As Canada's most famous trail celebrates its near completion, Esri Canada president Alex Miller discusses the ambitious trail map that is helping Canadians get outdoors

  • 1298 words
  • 6 minutes
The glass-paned front of 50 Sussex Drive reflects the last rays of sunset

People & Culture

Welcome to 50 Sussex, Canada’s new Centre for Geography and Exploration

The new headquarters of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is transforming the way the 90-year-old organization carries out its mandate

  • 1504 words
  • 7 minutes