It has been funded by the government, individual donors, and corporate donors. It is still under construction and as of 2003 is about 35% completed. Much of the trail has been built along defunct rail lines donated by CP and CN. Other parts of the trail have been paid for by individual donations. For $50 any person can have their name inscribed on a metre of trail and more than a hundred thousand people have done so.
The main section runs along the southern areas of Canada connecting most of Canada's major cities and most populous areas. There is also a long northern arm which runs through Alberta to Edmonton and then up throught northern British Columbia to the Yukon.
The trail is a multi-use trail and allows hikers, bicyclists, cross country skiers, and snowmobilers. The trail has two major sections. The trail is equipped with regularly spaced pavilions which provide shelter as well as fresh water to travellers.
External link