The PlaidPath
Trails and Treks Corp.
Matthew Cugnet - Founder and Director
The PlaidPath: Trails and Treks Corp.
My Story
When I started The PlaidPath, I did so with the belief that each of us walks a unique path through life—a journey fraught with obstacles and triumphs, challenges and victories. This ethos is deeply rooted in my personal journey.
At the age of 19, I embarked on my first pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. This transformative and eye-opening journey sparked a passion for exploration that led me on three more pilgrimages over the next decade. With over 4000 kilometers (about 2485.48 mi) trekked across Europe and Japan, each pilgrimage taught me invaluable lessons about myself, my place in the world, and the kind of life I wanted to lead.
After graduating from university and becoming a teacher, I found myself questioning the path I had chosen. Teaching was never my childhood dream; I had always been a creative spirit, yearning to be a writer or an artist. Yet, despite the misalignment with my early aspirations, teaching allowed my creativity to flourish and ignited a passion for guiding others as they grew.
When teaching no longer felt like the right fit, I pursued certification as a life coach. This new role further developed my ability to help others discover their potential through thoughtful questioning. Yet, I soon realized that I still had significant personal growth ahead of me before I could fully support others on their journeys.
This introspection brought me back to a promise I made after my second pilgrimage: to live a life of continuous growth and exploration. Inspired by the profound impact of the Camino, I envisioned creating a similar experience for others. In 2022, I took a bold step, leaving my teaching career to embrace bartending and fully commit to my vision for The PlaidPath.
A pivotal road trip from Vancouver to Winnipeg provided the final piece of the puzzle. Immersed in the beauty of small towns and the rich cultural and Indigenous heritage of Canada, I realized that my homeland could host its own pilgrimage experience.
With a year of research and planning, The PlaidPath emerged as a journey rooted in the land I call home. While I am fulfilling my life's purpose through this project, I remain a lifelong learner, ever aware of the growth that lies ahead.
In addition to The PlaidPath, my creative spirit is ever-active, with numerous writing projects underway. From memoirs detailing my pilgrimage experiences to a cookbook celebrating Canada's diverse cuisine, and even a children’s book series, my mind is constantly flowing with new ideas. Each project is a testament to my ongoing journey, a reflection of the endless curiosity and creativity that drive me forward. In February 2024, The PlaidPath became a legal entity. This latest journey is just beginning. Thank-you for joining me on this path!