At CMHA Saskatoon, we recently had the pleasure of chatting with Alexa Rathgaber, a remarkable individual taking on the challenge of walking across Canada. Alexa shared her journey, from the spark of inspiration to the hurdles she’s overcome, and why mental health is at the heart of her mission.
What inspired you to take on a cross-country walk across Canada?
“Two years ago, I decided to track the distance of my walks just for fun. One day, I thought, ‘I wonder if I could walk the length of Saskatchewan from north to south?’ Initially, I was going to pick another province next, but when I told a friend, they challenged me to take it a step further: walking across all of Canada. Within a week, I had a social media page up, and the journey began.”
Alexa’s love for hiking played a big role in this decision. As someone who regularly visits the mountains, walking long distances felt natural. But there was also a deeper motivation. “I have people very close to me who struggle with their mental health, including my sister. I’ve seen firsthand the stigma that exists and felt driven to make a difference. Mental health isn’t just about managing crises—it’s something everyone can and should work on.”
As a kinesiology student, Alexa has a strong appreciation for the link between mental and physical health. “Exercise is my go-to for stress relief,” she explained. “Walking is simple, but it’s incredibly powerful.”
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?
“At first, I was so motivated to get started. But last winter was tough. Walking indoors on a treadmill, staring at the same wall every day—it was easy to lose momentum.” Alexa shared that motivation doesn’t always come naturally. “There were times when people called me crazy and said I’d never finish in my time frame. But here I am, over a year in and 50 kilometers ahead of schedule. I’ve learned to make the most of my good days and not stress about the bad ones.”
When winter blues hit, Alexa turned to creative strategies. “I’d put on The Office to zone out or even study while walking. It’s all about finding what works for you.”
How has your own mental health been impacted by taking on this challenge?
“Some days, I feel like I’m doing this walk more for myself than anyone else,” Alexa admitted. “I recently lost a grandparent, and walking has helped me cope with that grief, along with the usual stresses of exams and life.”
The challenge has also given her a break from technology. “Stepping away from my phone and social media has been refreshing. Plus, I’ve had the chance to walk with friends and catch up. Those moments mean a lot.”
What was your goal when you started this challenge, and has it changed over time?
“My original goal was to reach Tofino by October 1, 2025, and that hasn’t changed. But my perspective has shifted. At first, it was about hitting the distance and spreading awareness for mental health. Now, it’s less about the numbers and more about finding joy in the journey.”
Alexa’s focus has become inspiring others. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as reminding someone that stepping outside and feeling the sun can make a difference. If I can encourage even one person to find happiness in small moments, it’s worth it.”
Why did you choose to focus your attention on CMHA Saskatoon?
“My sister has always been a fan of your website and resources, so CMHA Saskatoon felt like the right fit. You provide such valuable tools for people, and I wanted to support an organization that’s making a real impact. My hope is to reach as many people as possible through this partnership.”
Alexa’s story is an inspiring reminder of the strength found in determination, the importance of mental health, and the beauty of taking things one step at a time—literally. We’re so grateful for her dedication to this cause and can’t wait to cheer her on as she continues her journey across Canada! Follow Alexa’s journey here.