GCTA Summer Crews
We’re excited to introduce our Great Coastal Trail summer crews, a talented team who helps bring the Great Coastal Trail from maps and ideas into real places you can walk, hike, and experience along Newfoundland and Labrador’s Great Northern Peninsula.
Each season, our crews ‘ground-truth’ routes, assess conditions on the land and coastline, and support the careful, sustainable development of the Great Coastal Trail for communities, visitors, and future generations. These teams are essential to how the Great Coastal Trail Authority stewards a 1000+ km network in one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most remote and beautiful regions — one step at a time.
2026
Field Supervisors
Braeden
Hi, I'm Braeden! I am a Carleton University graduate with a degree in psychology, and this summer marks a bit of a fresh start for me — I made the move from Ottawa to Newfoundland to try something completely different. Outside of work, I've been getting into hiking and photography, and I'm slowly building a habit of documenting the places this new chapter is taking me.
What excites me most about working with the Great Coastal Trail is the chance to help build something in such a remote, beautiful part of the province. I know firsthand what it means to need a place to reset and reconnect — and I love knowing that the work we're doing this summer will give other people going through their own transitions a trail to do exactly that.
Byron
My name is Byron Bennett, I grew up in St. Georges, Newfoundland. I spent a lot of time hiking there in the woods and on the local trails. My favourite hiking trails near there are the Cabox trail to the Lewis Hills Ophiolite Massifs and Steel Mountain. I'm always excited to go on my next hiking or fishing trip in the country. I feel very lucky to live somewhere where you can be surrounded by nature within a few minutes of stepping out your front door.
I'm very happy to be working with the Great Coastal Trail Authority as a Field Supervisor. I think I am most excited about scouting new trail routes through the country. I'm looking forward to a great field season working with our staff and summer students.
Field Team
Braylon
Hi there! My name is Braylon Randell, I’m a 16 year old guy who lives on the Northeastern side of the Great Northern Peninsula, in a little town called Roddickton-Bide Arm. In my free time, I enjoy life outdoors doing things such as skidooing, hunting, fishing, biking, kayaking, boating, walking my dog, exploring the country, and generally being either in the woods, or on the water. I enjoy them even more when there are no flies!
The most exciting aspects about working with the Great Coastal Trail Authority is that I get to hike and explore all of the different trails that the Great Northern Peninsula offers! I get to see some beautiful sights, experience breathtaking views, learn about the area's history, and meet new people along the way. I’m also very excited to see how the Great Coastal Trail, with its utmost potential, will attract people from near and far to visit the Great Northern Peninsula!
Caleb
Hi, I’m Caleb and I’m from a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, where I grew up in a close-knit community that taught me the value of hard work and looking out for others. I recently moved away to attend Humber College, where I’ve been balancing school with playing on the varsity volleyball team. This past year, our team won the OCAA championship, which was an incredible experience and something I’m really proud of.
Outside of work and school, I spend most of my free time at the gym, playing volleyball, or doing anything that gets me outside. I’m excited to be part of this project mapping trails, exploring new areas, and helping create something that others can enjoy for years to come!
Riley
Hi! I’m Riley and I'm 20 years old from Englee, Newfoundland and Labrador. A few of my hobbies include reading, gaming, and researching local history. I’m currently working on completing a college course on civil engineering in Corner Brook CNA campus.
I am excited to be working with the Great Coastal Trail Authority as it includes many assets of engineering and history. The Great Coastal Trail also brings more tourism and highlights the area's scenery, showcasing the beauty of coastal and rural Newfoundland and Labrador to the public.