Hike Nova Scotia and 17 host organizations across the province have partnered up to offer the 2014 Fall Guided Hike series in September, October and November. There are 43 hikes led by local folks and participants qualify to win “trail prizes.” Hike NS thanks its partners for organizing the hikes on the ground. Check out the list of events here: www.hikenovascotia.ca.
Call for Groups to Organize Fall Guided Hikes
August 15, 2014 Deadline
Once again, Hike NS invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided hikes in September and October of 2014. The purpose of the events is to:
- Get more people in NS hiking
- Highlight local trails and increase their use
- Promote Hike NS and local trail groups
If you and your local organization can organize a fall guided hike, please register your event here https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PSBLHGB by August 15, 2014.
Local Event Organizer Role:
- Schedule, organize and lead the guided hike
- Be responsible for participant safety and risk management
- Introduce Hike NS and your organization to participants before the hike
- Pass out information Hike NS provides to participants
- Following the hike, do a prize draw and give away trail prize(s)
Hike Nova Scotia Role:
- Take a lead on provincial media relations/publicity for promoting the guided hikes across the province (PSAs and news release), but please publicize your event to your own membership and local networks
- Provide Hike NS pamphlets, speaking notes and other info
- Provide an info guide on organizing your hike
- Provide “trail prizes” – hiking related gear – to give away in a draw to participants
- Note that Hike NS may not be able to have a representative attend your event(s) due to the large number of events and a lack of human resources.
Please register your guided snowshoe hike using our online form here by no later than August 15, 2013.
Hiking Summit Success
Hike Nova Scotia hosted the third annual Nova Scotia Hiking Summit from April 11 to 13 at the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro. With 80 people from all over the province (and even a few folks from out of province), we can safely say the Summit was a resounding success!
Thanks to all the participants for their good humour and company in the sessions and on the trails and to our excellent presenters.
We heard from Merlin Brown about his approach to hiking in his Hiking & Outdoor Enthusiasts presentation. Carrie Drake with the NS Department of Natural Resources told us about Cape Chignecto and Cape Split: The Visitor Experience. Hilary Paquet with the Municipality of Colchester and a member of the provincial Trails Strategy Working Group told us about the new NS Trail Strategy. Our keynote speaker Jane Murphy with the Trans Canada Trail gave an overview of what makes a destination trail and shared some inspirational stories about one man’s journey to hike the Trans Canada Trail from coast to coast. During the Economics of Hiking Trails Panel, we heard from Joachim Stroink of The Trail Shop in Halifax, Brian Clarke with the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick and Michael Haynes the trail book author and active transportation consultant.
The Summit Award was presented during the event to deserving recipients Lily and Lionel Conrod. Read about why they deserve the award here.
A special thanks goes out to our PechaKucha presenters who gave wonderful rapid-fire presentations that were entertaining, moving and informative. And of course, thanks to our hike leaders for showing participants the beautiful and varied hiking that the Fundy Shore has to offer. We got rave reviews from those who took part in the Night at the Museum and from everyone who ate the excellent food cooked up by the Legion ladies! The Town of Parrsboro was an outstanding host and we know that many participants are already planning to return and explore even more.
Thanks to Deb Ryan, Dino Nardini and Vince Forrestall for sharing their photos.
Hike NS Presents Summit Award: Social Media Release
For Immediate Release
April 15, 2014
Hike NS Presents Summit Award
Hike Nova Scotia has awarded Lionel and Lily Conrod, of the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club, with its highest award.
“The Summit Award is presented to an organization and or an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the growth and development of hiking in Nova Scotia,” explains Deb Ryan, Hike Nova Scotia’s Past President.
In 1983 the Conrods help found the first Volksmarch group in Canada and last year (2013) they celebrated its 30th anniversary. This club continues to be the largest and the most active walking club in Nova Scotia.
“Organizations such as these take strong leadership, consistency and ongoing administration, commitment and support,” says Ryan. “Lionel and Lily have worked as a team providing needed leadership for those 31 years.”
The award was presented on April 12 at Hike Nova Scotia’s annual Summit held this year in Parrsboro at the Fundy Geological Museum. About 80 people representing avid hikers, hiking clubs, trail groups, provincial government, municipalities and others attended the event. The Summit was a celebration of Nova Scotia’s hiking culture, and included sharing best practices and stories, networking and hiking. Hike Nova Scotia thanks the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness for its support.
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Media Contact:
Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 717-4408
(902) 717-4408
A more detailed description of Lionel and Lily Conrod’s contribution to hiking is found here.
Photos are available upon request.
Winter 2014 Snowshoe Hike Success
Hike Nova Scotia and 11 host organizations across the province partnered up to offer the 2014 Winter Guided Snowshoe Hike series in January, February and March. A total of 500 people attended 27 hikes led by local folks and participants qualified to win “trail prizes.” Hike NS thanks Take the Roof Off Winter, Backroad Mapbooks and Take It Outside for their donations. We also thank our partners for organizing the hikes on the ground, including:
- Chester Recreation and Parks
- District of Lunenburg Recreation
- Cape to Cape Committee of Pictou County Trails Association
- New Ross Family Resource Centre
- Valley Trekkers Volkssport Club
- West Hants Recreation
- Cobequid Ecotrails Society
- Positive Action for Keppoch
- Ski Ben Eoin
- Hike the Highlands Society
- County of Annapolis Recreation Services
Here are some photos from the hikes.
Nova Scotia Hiking Summit: Social Media Release
Media Advisory
Folks Talk & Walk Trails at NS Hiking Summit
Hiking Summit in Parrsboro a celebration of hiking culture in NS
Hike Nova Scotia, along with 80 people with an interest in hiking, walking and snowshoeing will converge on Parrsboro this coming weekend for the third annual Nova Scotia Hiking Summit. This event will take place April 11-13 in Parrsboro at the Fundy Geological Museum. The Summit is a celebration of Nova Scotia’s hiking culture, and will include sharing best practices, stories and networking. Attendees include avid hikers, hiking clubs, trail groups, provincial government, municipalities and others. Hike Nova Scotia thanks the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness for its support.
“We’re looking forward to learning about new and old trails, listening to hiking stories and hearing about what’s happening to support hiking,” says Janet Barlow with Hike Nova Scotia. “Parrsboro is a perfect spot for the Hiking Summit with so many wonderful trails nearby and beautiful scenery.”
Event details:
Date: April 11 – 13, 2014
Location: Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro, NS
Time: 3 pm on April 11 to 3 pm on April 13
Highlights:
• 5 guided hikes
• Keynote speaker Jane Murphy with the Trans Canada Trail
• Sessions including: Cape Chignecto and Cape Split Visitor Experience; NS Trail Strategy; Economics of Hiking Trails
• Stories from the Trail PechaKucha presentations
• Hike Nova Scotia’s Awards
The agenda, directions and other details are found at http://www.hikenovascotia.ca/projects/hiking-summit/.
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For more information contact:
Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia
(902) 717-4408(902) 717-4408
info@hikenovascotia.ca
Nova Scotia Hiking Summit Apr. 11-13, Parrsboro
Hike Nova Scotia invites individuals and groups with an interest in hiking, walking and snowshoeing to the third annual Nova Scotia Hiking Summit. This event will take place from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13 at the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro. The Summit is a celebration of Nova Scotia’s hiking culture, which includes sharing best practices, stories and networking opportunities.
There is limited space for this event, so please register early to secure your spot. Registration is $30 for Hike NS members and $40 for non-members (who will receive a membership with their registration). Registration includes: access to hike events and socials; access to Saturday sessions; Saturday morning coffee/snacks, lunch and afternoon coffee/snacks. Registration does not include accommodation or other meals – you must arrange them on your own. The deadline for registration is April 1, 2014. Learn more and register online here.
Featured Trail: Charles L. McDonald Sports Park
By Amanda Cashin
I hiked in Charles L. McDonald Sports Park a couple of weeks ago. With these chilly temperatures I better tell you all about it before the trails are covered in snow! Of course, this is actually a lovely little trail for a snowy hike, but if I wait too much longer my autumn photos will be old news.
Unless familiar with the area, this park is a hidden gem. The only reason I know about it is because of Michael Haynes’ book Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality. I did notice a sign for the park, but it was knocked down in the grass beside the road. Based on first impressions one might not think it, but these trails are really quite enjoyable, and very well maintained. Read the full posting here. Find a map and directions here.
Featured Trail: International Appalachian Trail
Trail Name: International Appalachian Trail
Location: From Caribou (Pictou County) to North Sydney
Description: “The Sentier International des Appalaches-International Appalachian Trail (SIA-IAT) is a 3,000 km trans-national mountain walking trail route stretching from Mount Katahdin, Maine, through New Brunswick to the Gaspé region of Québec, then to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the west coast of the Island of Newfoundland and Labrador… In Nova Scotia, the IAT route connects with the province of Prince Edward Island via the ferry terminal in Caribou (near Pictou); and with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador via the ferry terminal in North Sydney. The NS IAT trail route is 465 km in length and links coastal environments, wilderness protected areas and significant cultural heritage sites. It connects scenic, historic and recreational areas in many communities and provides an exciting Appalachian hiking experience … up close and personal.”
Map: Find a map and directions here.
If You’re not a Bear, You Shouldn’t be Hibernating!
By Renée Hartleib
Brian Orde has always been passionate about physical activity and its many benefits. And he’s been lucky enough to combine his love of all things outdoor and active with his life’s work.
With the County of Annapolis Recreation Services for the last 13 years, Brian started out as a summer student while was studying Recreation at Acadia University. In 2003, he came on full time as their Projects and Programs Assistant.
“I feel very lucky that I get to work in the community where I grew up, seeing familiar faces, and always meeting new people as well.” Brian’s goal is to ensure people have positive, enriching outdoor recreational experiences. “I love it when someone realizes how much fun recreation and the outdoors can be,” he says. “This often leads to them recreating those experiences on their own time.”
Snowshoeing certainly falls into this category for Brian. Nine years ago, he helped create the “Snowshoe Annapolis County Snowshoe Treks” and they’ve been growing ever since. This winter, they are offering seven events with five different routes, including a Sweethearts Moonlit Trek in Annapolis Royal for Valentines Day.
Guided by Brian, with his in depth knowledge of the county, the treks usually involve an element of the history of the region. Last year, a large group trekked along a trail to the Tupperville Falls.
Sheila Goldsmith, who lives in Round Hill, outside of Annapolis Royal, brought her husband and 14-year-old grandson along. “It was a beautiful walk through the woods on a looping trail with the waterfall at the half way mark.” Enormous icicles and huge glassy boulders greeted them. Even the fact that Sheila tripped a few times on her snowshoes didn’t wreck the fun! “And you can’t beat the hot cider and cookies at the end!”
Brian says that people are often drawn to the snowshoe treks for the camaraderie of it all. Others enjoy exploring new places, while still others do it for the sheer fitness element. Brian and his team offer a variety of distances: 1-2 km for family treks, with longer hikes of 10km too. And don’t let the fact that you don’t own snowshoes stop you—the County of Annapolis supplies them! Up to seventy people have participated in the past, making these events enormously successful.
For even larger groups within schools, community groups, and workplaces, the recreation group of the County of Annapolis also offers winter group activities. Two members of Brian’s team travel around the county in special vehicle filled with snowshoes, Nordic poles, and kick sleds. A special bag of tricks is pulled out for schools that include a geocaching treasure hunt. This year, there are 50 programs, and all in just 51 days!
“A lot of people go into hibernation mode in the winter,” says Brian. “But our vision is to get as many people as possible out and active and having fun.”
Don’t waste all the great snow this year. Get out there!
The Annapolis County snowshoe events are part of Hike Nova Scotia’s Winter Guided Snowshoe Hike series. Learn more at http://www.hikenovascotia.ca
Write or call Brian Orde to register for a snowshoe adventure in the Valley:
(902) 532-3144
borde@annapoliscounty.ns.ca
Hibernating is for Bears Contest: Share a photo of yourself hiking, walking or snowshoeing by email, Twitter or on Facebook to win a $100 prize package! Learn more at https://hikenovascotia.wordpress.com.
Hike Nova Scotia Blog 