The Great Coastal Trail Authority
Presents
The Atlantic Canada Trails Conference and Trade Show
2026
"Revitalizing Communities on the Edge,
One Step at a Time"
October 5-7, 2026 | Shallow Bay, NL
This year's theme is
"The Long Walk Home"
A Conference for Trail builders and the Communities that shape them
Before there were roads, there were paths.
Before there were maps, there were memory lines pressed into the earth by those who walked before us — hunters, gatherers, fishermen, mothers, pilgrims, seekers. The first trails were not engineered. They were etched. Worn into the land by longing, by survival, by the human instinct to return.
"The Long Walk Home" is a gathering for trail builders — and for the communities that shape them — but it is also something much much older than that.
It is an expression of reciprocity.
Long before funding models and strategic plans, there was an understanding between people and place: if you care for the land, it will care for you. If you invest in a community, it will carry your name forward in ways you cannot predict. If you build something rooted in purpose, it will return value far beyond its cost.
Trail building is one of the last great reciprocal acts of our time. Builders listen to the land. Communities lend their history. Volunteers offer their hands. Governments provide support. And visionary partners make it possible for the work to endure.
"The Long Walk Home" is where that exchange becomes visible.
It is where those who give to the land and to one another gather, not to compete, but to strengthen the circle. To learn from one another. To ensure that the paths we build today return prosperity, resilience, and belonging for generations.
Across Atlantic Canada — and increasingly across global networks of trail development — leaders are recognizing that trails are not recreational luxuries;
- They are economic drivers.
- They are wellness infrastructure.
- They are climate-forward corridors.
- They are cultural connectors.
- They are anchors for rural revitalization and sustainable tourism.
In practical terms, reciprocity creates durability.
Organizations that align themselves with place-based movements rooted in authenticity do more than gain visibility — they gain trust. They become part of a story communities carry forward. They demonstrate that their investment is not transactional, but relational.
We invite you to walk with us
The leaders gathering at "The Long Walk Home" are planners, trail builders, hikers, local residents, engineers, municipal officials, economic developers, conservationists, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping long-term infrastructure across regions. To stand with them is to align your organization with sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, community resilience, and the expanding global trail movement.
This is strategic positioning within a growing international conversation.
But beyond metrics, it is reputational alignment.
In a time when communities are watching closely who shows up — and who does not — showing up signals partnership and collaboration.
And leadership is remembered
To stand alongside the builders, the communities, and the leaders who believe that the long way home is not a retreat, but a return to what matters. Your partnership will not simply support a conference — it will strengthen a network of people shaping resilient rural futures across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Some journeys change landscapes,
others change lives.
"The Long Walk Home" has the power to do both.
We would be honoured to welcome you as a partner in this gathering — and in the enduring work that will follow it.
Strategic Partnership
Align your organization with:
- Sustainable Economic Development
- Environmental Stewardship
- Community Resilience
- Global Trail Movement
- Tourism Opportunities
- Cultural and Heritage Preservation
Call for Presentations: Share Your Journey
We invite passionate leaders, innovators, and practitioners to contribute to the 2026 Great Coastal Trails Conference, "The Long Walk Home." Your insights and experiences are vital to enriching our collective understanding of sustainable trail development, community revitalization, and the powerful reciprocity between people and place. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with a dedicated audience committed to building resilient rural futures across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
We are seeking proposals that align with the conference's core themes and demonstrate practical applications, innovative solutions, or impactful research. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
Sustainable Trail Design
Innovative approaches to planning, construction, and maintenance that ensure environmental stewardship and long-term durability.
Community Engagement
Successful models for local partnership, Indigenous collaboration, and fostering volunteerism in trail initiatives.
Economic & Social Impact
Case studies and strategies showcasing how trails drive tourism, local business, wellness, and rural revitalization.
Funding & Policy
Creative financing models, government support, and policy frameworks that enable large-scale trail development and management.
Presenting at the Atlantic Canada's Trails Conference, offers a unique platform to showcase your work, connect with peers, influence best practices, and contribute to a global movement. We encourage submissions from all sectors, including academia, government, non-profits, and private enterprise.
Submission deadline for abstracts: July 30, 2026.
Please email [email protected] for more information or with any questions.
Trade Show Participants: Showcase Your Vision
Join "The Long Walk Home" trade show and connect directly with a dedicated audience of trail builders, community leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and decision-makers. This is your unparalleled opportunity to showcase innovative products, services, and solutions that support sustainable trail development, outdoor recreation, and community well-being. Booth space is limited, so secure your spot today!
Non-Profit Exhibitors
Investment: $300.00
Booth Size: 6x6 ft
Includes 1 full conference pass, granting access to all sessions and networking events.
For-Profit Exhibitors
6x6 ft Booth: $600.00
12x12 ft Booth: $800.00
Each booth package includes 1 full conference pass, granting access to all sessions and networking events.
While all businesses are welcome to participate, preference will be given to organizations directly related to trails and trail building, hiking, outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, and community development. Align your brand with a movement that is building resilient futures and fostering a deeper connection to our natural landscapes.
Don't miss this chance to engage with key stakeholders and expand your network. Spaces are filling up quickly!
Getting Here: Travel & Logistics
Travel
Fly into: Deer Lake Airport (YDF)
Drive to Cow Head: Approximately 100 km
Driving time: About 1.5 hours
Car Rentals
Multiple companies are available at Deer Lake Airport, including Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and others.
The rental counters are located in the baggage claim area, so no shuttle is required and vehicles are within walking distance.
Accommodations
Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins
A coastal retreat featuring motel rooms and private cabins, plus on-site dining at Shallow Bay Family Restaurant, a gym, and swimming pool.
Book early for discounted rates
- Please mention that you are attending the GCTA Conference to receive discounted rates.
- Reserve now to secure your preferred stay and avoid last-minute availability issues.
Show your support
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Contact:
Erika Pardy, Executive Director
The Great Coastal Trail Authority
