The project, in which the Canadian Paralympic Committee is partnering with Trans Canada Trail (TCT) and AccessNow app, aims to showcase barrier-free routes, as well as identifying areas where barriers still exist so they can be addressing, resulting in increased accessibility all along The Great Trail of Canada.

Touching every province and territory of the country, and stretching for more than 27,000 kilometres, the Great Trail of Canada is the world’s longest network of recreational trails.

AccessNow - a Canadian social start-up that works through mapping to facilitate accessibility in countries around the world - will offer a platform for the athletes’ experiences, providing people across the country with a navigational resource to discover new routes.

All 11 athletes taking part in the initiative will be paired with a local trail guide to support the documentation of information.

Among those involved are Camille Bérubé, who swam at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympics and will be mapping the Capital Pathway in Ottawa, and wheelchair basketballer Richard Peter, a Paralympic champion in 2000, 2004 and 2012, who will be exploring trails in Stanley Park, Vancouver.

Trail mapping is underway in 10 provinces and one territory, involving 13 Trail sections, and will conclude in spring of this year.

"Canadians have told us that during these difficult times they value access to natural spaces to stay active, take care of their mental health, and socially connect with others while respecting physical distancing and public health directives," said Eleanor McMahon, President and chief executive of TCT.

"This partnership is incredibly important especially now as trails have become a lifeline for Canadians."

TCT will work closely with local trail operators to implement recommendations from the athletes to improve accessibility on these trails.

Trail accessibility information will be shared on the AccessNow app.