Just because Blue Monday has passed us by, doesn’t mean it’s still not important that we find ways to keep ourselves in good spirits and improve our over all winter wellness. Canada’s longest trail network, the Trans Canada Trail wants to help. For the fourth year in a row they’ve launched their Blahs to Ahhhs winter wellness campaign, and it’s a great way to look at things just a little differently.

The campaign launched on Blue Monday (which this year was January 15th) and is set to run until Mid-March. While Blue Monday may be a myth, it is a fact that winter blahs get many of us down due to the cold weather keeping us indoors instead of getting some fresh air and sunlight. The Blahs and Ahhhs campaign however encourages people of all ages to “embrace the outdoors and discover the transformative power of the world’s longest trail network.”

The campaign isn’t just for fresh air fanatics, adventurers and trail lovers, but for people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a good way to get together with friends and family,  and enjoy the great Canadian winter. During the campaign the Trans Canada Trail encourages everyone to share how they are using the trail during the winter months, and how they are feeling better because of the physical activity. The 28,000 km trail network “presents countless opportunities for adventure, joy, exploration and activity all winter long.” What’s more, if you do choose to share your adventures, you could win prizes,

To enter, all you need to do is share your stories, photos and videos on social media using the hashtags #Blahs2Ahhhs and #TransCanadaTrail. Each photo and video gets you one entry in the weekly draw, and one entry into the grand prize draw. Prizes come from the Trans Canada Trail, Columbia Sportswear, Tell Your Trail, The Great Canadian Sox Co. and VIA Rail Canada.

Did you know These Facts About The Trans Canada Trail*:

• 98 percent of trail users access the Trail to improve mental health or relieve stress. Whether you want to spend time on your own, gather with friends, meditate, exercise or connect with nature, the Trail is a perfect setting.
• More than 80 percent of people in Canada live within 30 minutes of the Trail, making it a wonderful place to gather with the friends and family you know, and meet the ones you don’t.
• Every single kilometre of the Trail is an adventure waiting to happen. Take a look at the interactive map on the Trans Canada Trail website to see where you can try winter hiking, trail running, snow shoeing, fat-biking or cross-country skiing along the trail.
• The Trans Canada Trail is affordable for everyone, every day of the year. While the cost of housing, goods and activities increase, the Trail remains a free or low-cost space for physical activity, gathering and fun from coast to coast to coast.

*Stats provided by the Trans Canada Trail.

“The Blahs to Ahhhs campaign is a reminder for us all that the Trans Canada Trail is a wonderful space to exercise, explore and gather – regardless of the weather,” says Meghan Reddick, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at Trans Canada Trail in a press release. “In a world where isolation and loneliness are all too common, the Trail is the perfect place to connect with one another, our communities and the many winter wonderlands across Canada.Winter on the Trans Canada Trail is an adventure waiting to unfold, and an experience that connects us all. We can embrace the season together on Canada’s iconic trail network.”

Photo Provided by: The Trans Canada Trail and Daniel Baylis