Trans Canada Trail is a 2-star charity. It has above average disclosure with a B+ results reporting grade. It holds reserves within Ci’s reasonable range. For every dollar donated to the charity, 20 cents are available to go to the cause. This is outside of Ci's reasonable range. 

Trans Canada Trail (TCT) was founded in 1992 to build a multi-use recreational trail connecting Canada's provinces and territories. The network spans over 28,000 kilometres and connects 15,000 communities across the country.

TCT does not build or maintain trails directly. It provides grants, training, and resources to the local groups that do.

TCT runs two programs: Trail Development, and Trail Engagement & Promotion. It spent $11.4m on programs in the fiscal year ending March 2025 (F2025).

Trail Development is TCT's core program. In F2025, TCT spent $8.9m on Trail Development, representing 78% of total program spending. The charity funds trail building, repairs, and upgrades through the Trail Catalyst Fund, which offers eight grant streams: environmental restoration, disaster relief, Indigenous-led projects, construction, signage, training, maintenance, and accessibility. In F2025, the charity completed 557 trail projects, added over 700 kilometres to the network, installed 5,200 wayfinding signs, and funded six climate emergency repairs.

Trail Engagement and Promotion accounted for $2.6m in spending in F2025, representing 22% of total program spending. This program works to increase trail use through campaigns, events, partnerships, and youth employment. TCT hosted the World Trails Conference with 400 delegates from 30 countries. It held 13 International Trails Day events with 2,500 participants. The charity delivered Trail Crew Training to 130 youths, 96% of whom were Indigenous.

In F2025, Trans Canada Trail earned $15.2m in revenue. It received $2.8m in donations (18% of total revenue) and $11.5m in government funding (76% of total revenue).

Administrative costs are 16% of revenues (less investment income). Fundraising costs are 64% of donations. Total overhead is 80%. For every dollar donated, 20 cents are available to go to the cause. This is outside Ci's reasonable range.

In F2025, the charity had an operating deficit of $293k. This brought its reserve funds (cash and investments) to $12.2m, including $53k in donor-endowed funds. Excluding donor-endowed funds, these reserves cover 106%, or just over one year of its annual program spending. 

This charity update has been sent to Trans Canada Trail for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. Updated by Nick Reszetnik on May 29, 2026.