Winter walks – a boost for our bodies and minds

Making time to be active in the outdoors this Winter will help you stay healthy and happy. Walking or snowshoeing is a wonderful and free way to boost your immune system and feed your soul during the pandemic.

“Making sure we balance screen time and doing something good for ourselves like being outdoors is definitely worth it,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “Getting out for a walk or a snowshoe is something most folks can do close to home on a local trail.”

Hike NS and 18 host organizations partnered to offer the Winter Guided Walk Series in January, February and March. There are 45 walks scheduled province-wide. Walks are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. All of these free or low-cost hike or snowshoe events require pre-registration and will follow public health protocols, including physical distancing. 

The full schedule with registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes are listed by date and region and include various lengths and difficulty levels. For some of the guided walks, snowshoes are provided. If there’s no snow, most events will go ahead as walks.

Hike NS thanks its local partners on the ground for organizing the events as well as The Trail Shop, Goose Lane Editions, the Heartland Tour and the NS Department of Communities, Culture Tourism and Heritage for their support. Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout the province, striving to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe.

If you need snowshoes, you can easily find some to borrow, rent or buy using Hike NS’s online directory, with over 90 listings. There are 60 venues where you can borrow them for free. Also, an Intro to Snowshoeing webinar will be held on January 26. Learn more about the webinar and directory at www.hikenovascotia.ca.

Social Media

Share on Facebook  
Share on Twitter 
Share on Instagram 

Contact

For more information on these events or Hike Nova Scotia contact:

Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 932-6902
Email
www.hikenovascotia.ca 

Winter Hiking Courses & Webinars

Registration is open for Hike Nova Scotia’s slate of winter 2021 courses and webinars.

In-person courses include Field Leader – Winter modules (prerequisite is the Field Leader – Hiking course).

Webinars include Intro to Snowshoeing, Happy Hiker Feet How-to, Intro to Hiking and Come Walk With Us (about an epic journey across Canada).

Dates, locations and costs vary, depending upon the course or webinar. COVID-19 public health guidelines will be followed for in-person courses.

Partners include the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Outdoor Council of Canada, The Trail Shop, Arthritis & Injury Care Bracing & Orthotics and Come Walk With Us. Learn more and register at www.hikenovascotia.ca.

Social Media

Share on Facebook  
Share on Twitter 
Share on Instagram 

Contact

Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 932-6902
Email 
www.hikenovascotia.ca 

Winter hikes fend off cabin fever

Pandemic or not, fighting boredom and inactivity has always been a challenge in winter. Hike Nova Scotia says that one way to fend off cabin fever is to hike or snowshoe.

“We can glue ourselves to screens this winter or we can get off the couch and do something good for our bodies, minds and souls,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “Getting out for a hike or a snowshoe is something most folks can do close to home on a local trail.”

Event Details

Date: January 16 to March 27, 2021

Location: Province-wide

The full schedule with registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes are listed by date and region. Hikes include the following areas:

• Cape Breton
• Highland (Guysborough County, Antigonish County, Pictou County)
• Fundy (Municipality of East Hants, Cumberland County, Colchester County)
• Annapolis Valley (Municipalities of Hants West and Clare, Counties of Digby, Annapolis and Kings)
• South Shore (Counties of Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg and District of Argyle)
• Halifax (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Fast Facts

• Hike NS and 15 host organizations partnered to offer the guided hike series from January to March.
• There are over 35 guided hikes scheduled province-wide. Many are snowshoeing events or just regular hikes if there’s no snow.
• Hikes are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. 
• All of these free or low-cost hike or snowshoe events require pre-registration and will follow public health protocols, including social distancing. 
• The series includes hikes of various lengths and difficulty levels. 
• For some of the guided hikes, snowshoes are provided.
• For those new to snowshoeing, there’s an Intro to Snowshoeing webinar coming up on January 26. Register at www.hikenovascotia.ca
• If you need snowshoes, easily find some to borrow, rent or buy using Hike NS’s online guide, with over 65 listings. There are over 40 venues where you can borrow them for free. Learn more at www.hikenovascotia.ca.
• Hike NS thanks its local partners for organizing the hikes on the ground as well as The Trail Shop, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for their support.
• Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout the province, striving to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe.

Photos

Find photos on Facebook  or Instagram or use some of the photos on this page.

Social Media

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Instagram

Contact

For more information on these events or Hike Nova Scotia contact:

Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 932-6902
info@hikenovascotia.ca
www.hikenovascotia.ca

Winter hikes peak interest in snowshoeing

One way to honour your New Year’s resolution to be more active is to get outside. You might assume that in winter your only option is to go to the gym. But Hike NS invites you to explore our many trails this winter. If the snow is too deep, all you need is snowshoes.

Quotes

“Recent statistics from ParticipACTION show that adults are not active enough,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “An easy way to get active is to go for a walk. It’s really as simple as that. Don’t let the cold or snow stop you. Dress properly, go with friends or family or try a guided hike.”

Event Details

Date: January 10 to March 14, 2020
Location: Province-wide

The full schedule with registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes are listed by date and region. Hikes include the following areas:

• Cape Breton
• Highland (Guysborough County, Antigonish County, Pictou County)
• Fundy (Municipality of East Hants, Cumberland County, Colchester County)
• Annapolis Valley (Municipalities of Hants West and Clare, Counties of Digby, Annapolis and Kings)
• South Shore (Counties of Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg and District of Argyle)
• Halifax (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Fast Facts

• Hike NS and 35 host organizations partnered up to offer the guided hike series from January to March.
• There are 60 guided hikes scheduled province-wide. Most are snowshoeing events or just regular hikes if there’s no snow.
• Hikes are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. Hikes are free or low-cost and some require pre-registration. 
• The series includes hikes of various lengths and difficulty levels. 
• For some of the guided hikes, snowshoes are provided.
• Wondering where to find snowshoes? Not to worry, since you can easily find snowshoes to borrow, rent or buy using Hike NS’s online guide, with over 90 listings. There are over 65 venues listed where you can borrow them for free.
• Hike NS thanks its local partners for organizing the hikes on the ground as well as MEC, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for their support.
• Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout the province, striving to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe.

Photos

Find photos on Facebook  or Instagram or use some of the photos on this page.

Social Media

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Instagram

Contact

For more information on these events or Hike Nova Scotia contact:

Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 932-6902
info@hikenovascotia.ca
www.hikenovascotia.ca

Hiking Summit Features South Shore Trails

Hiking Summit at Oak Island, Western Shore, a celebration of hiking culture in NS

About 200 people with an interest in hiking, walking and snowshoeing, will converge on Western Shore, on the South Shore, from May 24 to 26, 2019 for the eighth annual Nova Scotia Hiking Summit. Hosted by Hike NS along with Events Lunenburg County and Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre, the Summit is a celebration of Nova Scotia’s hiking culture. It includes sharing best practices, stories, networking and hiking. Attendees include avid hikers, hiking clubs, trail groups, provincial government, municipalities and others.

Platinum sponsor is O’Regan’s South Shore Subaru. Gold sponsors are the Municipality of Chester and the District of Lunenburg. Silver sponsor is the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. Bronze sponsors are Clif Bar, Scotiabank, Parks Canada, Atlantick, Saltbox Brewing Company, NS Department of Lands and Forestry, NS Department of Environment and Orthotics East Ltd.

Quotes

“This is the first time the Hiking Summit has visited the South Shore,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “It’s an area of the province that showcases a range of what Nova Scotia has to offer for hiking, from coastal hikes to woodland meaders, there’s something for everyone.”

Details

Date: Friday May 24, Saturday May 25 and Sunday, May 26, 2019
Location: Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, 36 Treasure Drive, Western Shore
Time: 12 pm on May 24 to 5:30 pm on May 26

Fast Facts

• Keynote speaker is Jan Sebastian LaPierre A for Adventure
• MC Laura Barkhouse, local trail guru
• Acadia First Nation opening ceremony
• A kids’ program
• Hikes featuring the beautiful scenery of the South Shore
• Interesting sessions, skills workshops and Pecha Kucha presentations
• Friday night reception and Saturday night supper with keynote speaker
• Hike Nova Scotia’s Summit Awards
• Silent auction and displays
• Songs and stories around the campfire

The program and other details are found here. 

Photos

Find photos on Facebook  or Instagram or use some of the photos below.

Social Media

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Instagram

Contact

For more information on this event or Hike Nova Scotia contact:

Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 932-6902
info@hikenovascotia.ca
www.hikenovascotia.ca

Photos from the 2018 Hiking Summit in Ingonish, Cape Breton

Don’t Hibernate this Winter: Go Snowshoeing Instead

The weather gurus say this winter will be colder and snowier than past years and Hike Nova Scotia says bring it on! Rather than hibernate until spring, the provincial group hopes people will get out on the trails, perhaps using snowshoes.

Quotes

“Some people think of winter as a time to stay indoors, but we think it’s a great time to experience nature and get in some physical activity,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “Now more than ever there are guided winter hikes and places where you can borrow, rent or buy snowshoes.”

Event Details

Date: January 13 to March 22, 2019
Location: Province-wide

The full schedule with registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes are listed by date and region. Hikes include the following areas:

• Cape Breton
• Highland (Guysborough County, Antigonish County, Pictou County)
• Fundy (Municipality of East Hants, Cumberland County, Colchester County)
• Annapolis Valley (Municipalities of Hants West and Clare, Counties of Digby, Annapolis and Kings)
• South Shore (Counties of Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg and District of Argyle)
• Halifax (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Fast Facts

• Hike NS and 20 host organizations partnered up to offer the guided hike series from January to March.
• There are 50 guided hikes scheduled province-wide. Most are snowshoeing events or just regular hikes if there’s no snow.
• Hikes are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. Hikes are free or low-cost and some require pre-registration.
• The series includes hikes of various lengths and difficulty levels.
• Wondering where to find snowshoes? Not to worry, since you can easily find snowshoes to borrow, rent or buy using Hike NS’s online guide, with over 90 listings. There are at least 65 venues listed where you can borrow them for free.
• Hike NS thanks its local partners for organizing the hikes on the ground as well as MEC, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for their support.
• Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout the province, striving to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe.

Photos

Find photos on Facebook  or Instagram or use some of the photos on this page.

Social Media

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Instagram

Contact

For more information on these events or Hike Nova Scotia contact:

Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 932-6902
info@hikenovascotia.ca
www.hikenovascotia.ca

Snowshoeing Nova Scotia: Part 3

BY BRAD DONALDSON

This winter, we’ll be highlight some of the province’s best trails for snowshoeing. For part three — our final instalment of this series — we’ve focused on Cape Breton and the highlands region. Parts one and two can be found here and here, respectively. 

1. Keppoch Mountain: A popular spot for mountain bikers, Keppoch Mountain’s trail system is also one Nova Scotia’s finest for hiking and snowshoeing. Not far from Antigonish, the area is an outdoor haven with 29 multi-use trails that stretch over 300 acres. For those who don’t have their own, snowshoes available on site for rent.

Photo by @marsandmyrtle.

2. Fitzpatrick Mountain: Part of the Cape to Cape trail system, Fitzpatrick Mountain’s main, eight-kilometre trail is surrounded by beautiful woods, with babbling brooks trickling through the trees. The trailhead can be found behind the tennis courts in Scotsburn, directly beside the community baseball field. Snowshoers can expect a challenge when tackling this trail, as it meanders over terrain nearing 300 metres above sea-level.

3. Baille Ard Nature Trails: When strolling through the Acadian forests that encompass the Baille Ard Nature Trails, it’s hard to believe you’re just ten minutes from downtown Sydney. As fresh snow crunches under your feet, and a winter breeze rolls through the trees, the chances are you’ll feel more in the middle of the wilderness than anything. This trail system can be explored in a number of ways, as different trails wind their way through the area. And snowshoes can be rented at the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Recreation Office.

Photo by @homeintheeast.

4. Skyline Trail: There’s something special about enjoying a classic trail under the fresh coat of a new season. The Skyline Trail might just be the poster-child for hiking in Nova Scotia, its views casted over the rugged coastlines of Cape Breton Island. But these views can also be enjoyed during winter, when snow covers the trees and cliffs that make Cape Breton one of the province’s most popular destinations.

Photo by Tracey MacDonald.

5. Cabot Shores: Cabot Shores is a dazzling escape into the heart of Cape Breton’s wilderness. So when the heavy snows of winter fall, it’s hard to find a better place. This rural resort is built on 55 acres of land, offering dramatic views of the island’s scenery, which includes frigid mountain tops and frozen waterfalls.

*Note: While snowshoeing, please be respectful and mindful of other trail users. You may notice trails that are not multi-purposed, and specifically groomed for cross country skiing. In this instance, we ask you to not damage the hard work that goes into grooming and enjoy responsibly.

**Cover photo by Hilary Hendsbee.

Snowshoeing Nova Scotia: Part Two

by Brad Donaldson

This winter we’ll be highlighting some of the province’s best trails for snowshoeing. In part two, we bring our attention to mainland Nova Scotia, dialling in on some shining gems of our province’s rural areas.

1. Rogart Mountain: The trek to the top of Rogart Mountain (344 metres) seems to have it all—scenic views, challenging terrain, babbling brooks, and even a waterfall. Beginning behind the Sugar Moon Farm Earltown, the 6.2 km trail is lined by a beautiful forest, highlighted by the many maple trees that happen to be the farm’s source for their famous maple syrup. It’s also worth noting that Sugar Moon Farm has snowshoes for rent.

Photo by Alyssa Walsh

2. Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park: Located roughly 20 minutes outside of Yarmouth, Ellenwood is a gorgeous multi-purpose park. An established summer oasis, the group behind Friends of Ellenwood have recently turned their efforts towards creating a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. For snowshoers, there is a designated, 2-km loop to explore. But be sure you’re on the right one, as other trails are for cross-country skiing only. There are a few options for snowshoe rentals in the area.

Photo by Christine Sharp

3. Victoria Park: Stretching over 1,000 acres, Victoria Park in Truro offers visitors one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the province. With a sprawling trail system traveling through deep, picturesque gorges, the aged and rugged green space is the ideal spot for snowshoeing. For winter adventurers, it’s a must-do. As far as snowshoe rentals go in Truro, there are plenty of choices.

Photo by Katherine MacNeil

4. Acacia Valley Trail: This trail follows the Acacia Brook and can be enjoyed by all level of hikers and snowshoers. Only a short drive from Digby, the loop (which begins just off the Mill Road) is just two kilometres long. You will find picnic tables along the hike and a viewing deck over a small waterfall where the trail begins to loop back. For this area of the province, click here for a list of snowshoe renters.

Photo by Jonathan Riley

5. Five Islands Provincial Park: Despite shutting down their main facilities for winter, Five Islands Provincial Park still encourages activities during the frigid months. By ploughing the main road, winter enthusiasts are able to access the park’s trail system, starting at the Economy Mountain Trail. At over 200 metres tall, summiting Economy Mountain gives visitors stunning views of the area and a chance to connect to other trails in the park. If you’re looking to rent snowshoes is this area of the province, contact the Parrsboro Recreation Department.

*Note: While snowshoeing, please be respectful and mindful of other trail users. You may notice trails that are not multi-purposed, and specifically groomed for cross country skiing. In this instance, we ask you to not damage the hard work that goes into grooming and enjoy responsibly.

**Cover photo by Jonathan Riley

Snowshoeing Grows with Hike Series

Now that winter is upon us, rather than hibernate indoors, Hike NS says to get out and try snowshoeing. You’ll be in good company, since everyone seems to be trying it. Hike Nova Scotia and its partners across the province are offering the 2018 Winter Guided Snowshoe Hike Series from January to March.

Quotes

“Snowshoeing is probably one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in our province,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “We’ve had the highest number of events registered across the province this season, even surpassing our fall hike series. Last year, people came out in droves.”

Event Details

Date: January 13 to March 17, 2018

Location: The full schedule with registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. Hikes are free or low-cost and pre-registration is required​ unless otherwise indicated. Over 65 hikes are listed by date and region. Hikes include the following regions:

• Cape Breton (Cape Breton Island)
• Highland (Guysborough County, Antigonish County, Pictou County)
• Fundy (Municipality of East Hants, Cumberland County, Colchester County)
• Annapolis Valley (Municipalities of Hants West and Clare, Counties of Digby, Annapolis and Kings)
• South Shore (Counties of Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg and District of Argyle)
• Halifax (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Fast Facts

• Hike NS and 38 host organizations partnered up to offer the guided snowshoeing series in January, February and March.
• Over 65 snowshoe hikes are scheduled province-wide.
• Hikes are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. Hikes are free or low-cost and pre-registration is required​ unless otherwise indicated.
• Hike NS thanks its local partners for organizing the hikes on the ground as well as Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for their support.
• Wondering where to find snowshoes? Not to worry, since you can easily find snowshoes to borrow, rent or buy using Hike NS’s online guide, with 75 listings. A growing number of municipalities, businesses and organizations are buying sets of snowshoes to lend or rent. There are at least 55 venues listed where you can borrow them for free.
• Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout the province, striving to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe.

Photos

Find photos on Facebook  or Instagram or use some of the photos on this page.

Social Media

Share on Facebook  

Share on Twitter

Share on Instagram

Contact

Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia

(902) 932-6902

Email

 

Snowshoeing Nova Scotia: Part One

by Brad Donaldson

This winter we’ll be highlighting some of the province’s best trails for snowshoeing. In part one, we begin in central Nova Scotia, listing some of our favourites in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

1. Shubie Park: Nestled between Lake Micmac and Lake Charles, Shubie Park offers city dwellers a chance to get outside without having to travel far. Commonly known for kayaking and canoeing, the park is also a place for walking, camping, and snowshoeing. Within the 40-acre urban park are three main trails that loop around lakes, over canals, and under towering trees making for a full day of adventure.

2. Oakfield Provincial Park: One of the many provincial parks found in the HRM, Oakfield is on the shores of Grand Lake, just off Highway 2 (near Fall River). As a day-use park, the area is filled with intertwining trails that funnel down to the lake through a beautiful hardwood forest.

3. Salt Marsh Trail: Moving through the wetlands of Eastern Passage, Cole Harbour, and Lawrencetown is the Salt Marsh Trail. The 6.5 kilometre trail (one way) is long, flat, and gravelled, making it perfect for snowshoeing. Part of the Trans Canada Trail, and formed from the old Musquodoboit Railway, the trail is popular place for wildlife sighting—so keep your eyes peeled!

4. Point Pleasant Park: Found at the southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula, Point Pleasant is a perfect escape for those who might find themselves gridlocked during the cold winter months. Throughout the wooded area are endless, winding routes that wrap around the Atlantic shoreline, offering different levels of elevation and distance. Created in 1866, the park boasts a number of historical monuments commemorating military and navy efforts to see while braving the cold.

5. Uniacke Estate Museum Park: Once a summer oasis for the family of Richard John Uniacke (a 19th-century Attorney-General), the area has recently been converted for public use. Within the grounds are eight trails that explore the heritage site, travelling  over rivers and along lakes. The trails vary in length and difficulty, and are available for use year round (although the museum and toilet facilities operate on a seasonal bases).

*Note: While snowshoeing, please be respectful and mindful of other trail users. You may notice trails that are not multi-purposed, and specifically groomed for cross country skiing. In this instance, we ask you to not damage the hard work that goes into grooming and enjoy responsibly.