Photo: Jane Goodall Institute (CNW Group/The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada)
Canadians are being invited to take a step—literally—toward a more hopeful future. This fall, the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada will launch the first-ever national “Hike for Hope,” a country-wide event designed to reconnect people with nature while carrying forward the legacy of Jane Goodall.
Set to take place on October 3 and 4, 2026, the Hike for Hope is open to everyone, from seasoned hikers to those just looking for an excuse to spend more time outdoors. It’s also completely flexible; participants can choose their own route, pace, and distance, from hiking mountain trails strolling through conservation areas, or even exploring a neighbourhood park. The goal, along with physical activity, is meaningful engagement with the environment, so how you do it is entirely up to you.
This initiative comes at a time when many are looking for ways to get involved in environmental action. Dr. Jane Goodall, in one of her final recorded messages to Canadians shared publicly for the first time this Earth Day, encouraged people to join the movement, reminding them that “each step is a gentle reminder that each one of us matters and has a role to play.” Bella Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, said the event offers an accessible, action-oriented way for Canadians to honour Dr. Goodall’s legacy while contributing to urgent environmental work.
“Like so many Canadians, I’ve been inspired by Jane. I can still hear her voice, urging us to ‘do our bit’ to protect the one planet we all call home,” said Lam. “Jane’s passing, at a time when our world is facing unprecedented threats due to climate change and biodiversity loss, makes it more urgent than ever for us to continue her life’s work. I am taking part in the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope because it’s a great way to be active while connecting with nature, and a meaningful way to ‘do my bit.'”
Funds raised through the hike will directly support the Institute’s initiatives, both globally and at home. This includes community-led conservation projects across Africa, care for rescued chimpanzees, and youth-led environmental programs in Canada. Participation in the Hike for Hope is intentionally barrier-free. There is no registration fee, no minimum fundraising requirement, and no single “right way” to take part. Individuals can sign up on their own, join an existing team, or create one with friends, family, or colleagues. While fundraising is encouraged, the emphasis remains on inclusivity and engagement rather than obligation.
To help participants prepare, the event is supported by several founding sponsors, including G Adventures, GoodLife Fitness, Sinking Ship Entertainment, and VIA Rail. Each brings something unique to the experience. Registered hikers will receive an “Adventure Package” from G Adventures with practical tips on everything from trail preparation to hiking with children, along with guidance on eco-friendly practices like “leave no trace.”
Meanwhile, GoodLife Fitness is offering participants a complimentary seven-day pass to help them build strength and stamina ahead of the event. Additional rewards and incentives are expected to roll out in the months leading up to the hike, adding an extra layer of motivation for those looking to set and achieve fundraising goals.
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada will also recognize participants’ efforts through a range of milestone rewards. These include digital badges, commemorative items like water bottles and hats, and special recognition for top fundraisers.
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Environmental challenges can often feel overwhelming, and initiatives like these offer people a way to get involved and make a difference. That’s why the Hike for Hope is being positioned as an annual tradition, one that reflects Dr. Goodall’s lifelong belief in the power of individual action. Her work consistently emphasized that meaningful change does not come from grand gestures alone, but from the accumulation of small, intentional steps taken by many people. By encouraging people to step outside, connect with nature, and contribute in ways that feel personal and achievable, the Hike for Hope reframes environmental action as hopeful rather than daunting.
As more people seek balance in an increasingly digital world, experiences that combine wellness, community, and purpose are gaining traction. The Hike for Hope taps into that desire, offering a chance to unplug, move, and contribute to the world around us.
You don’t have to travel far or do something extraordinary to make a difference. Sometimes, it starts with a walk in your local park, a trail through the woods, or a shared moment outdoors with others. As Dr. Goodall said, every step counts.
SOURCE: The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
