Introducing the A2A Trail - A Pilgrimage for Nature
The A2A Trail "A Pilgrimage for Nature" links Algonquin Park to the Adirondacks, creating a physical and symbolic connection between lands and people in support of the A2A Collaborative's broader regional goals. The trail has been identified as a priority initiative for A2A, and is inherently a long-term project, intended to exist in perpetuity and develop over time. Starting with the inspirational journey of Alice the Moose, whose route between the two great parks was tracked by a team of researchers, A2A began to imagine the possible ways the trip could be made by human travellers.
The Pilgrimage for Nature raises awareness of the A2A region’s unique place in conservation in eastern North America, as well as providing extensive new infrastructure for outdoor recreation and opportunities for stimulating local economies. The route links many existing trails, and exposes travellers to Eastern Ontario and upstate New York’s rich natural and cultural heritage and rural communities. Where existing trail infrastructure is not available, A2A will temporarily use back roads in place of trails. Cycling routes will be available and paddling versions are under consideration.
A2A is nurturing strong partnerships with groups and organizations that represent the diverse concerns of the region and who will help plan, manage, and promote the trail. This includes Indigenous partners, municipalities, trail associations, and conservation authorities.
We wish to recognize John Davis, John Allport and others who did a Reconnaissance Trek of the trail between Oct 1 - 15, 2017, which helped us learn more about the beauty and the challenges we need to address before the trail officially opened. In August 2023, Jamie Findlay, a storyteller and grant writer for Nature Canada, became the first person to complete the entire trek end-to-end! Learn more about his travels here.
Be in touch if your organization would like to be involved!
The Pilgrimage for Nature raises awareness of the A2A region’s unique place in conservation in eastern North America, as well as providing extensive new infrastructure for outdoor recreation and opportunities for stimulating local economies. The route links many existing trails, and exposes travellers to Eastern Ontario and upstate New York’s rich natural and cultural heritage and rural communities. Where existing trail infrastructure is not available, A2A will temporarily use back roads in place of trails. Cycling routes will be available and paddling versions are under consideration.
A2A is nurturing strong partnerships with groups and organizations that represent the diverse concerns of the region and who will help plan, manage, and promote the trail. This includes Indigenous partners, municipalities, trail associations, and conservation authorities.
We wish to recognize John Davis, John Allport and others who did a Reconnaissance Trek of the trail between Oct 1 - 15, 2017, which helped us learn more about the beauty and the challenges we need to address before the trail officially opened. In August 2023, Jamie Findlay, a storyteller and grant writer for Nature Canada, became the first person to complete the entire trek end-to-end! Learn more about his travels here.
Be in touch if your organization would like to be involved!
Download our A2A Trail Guide to discover the route and plan your next adventure!
Proposed A2A Trail Route (last revised: November 2015)
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Map of the Canadian-side of the trail, connecting to Algonquin Park.
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Many thanks to our supporters:
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Paul McKay |
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