Outdoor inspiration during lockdown

Even though we’re in pandemic lockdown, you can still get outside. Hike Nova Scotia has the ideas and information you need while staying close to home. 

“The Province has specifically told us to get outside, but to do that in our home communities,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “It’s crucial to do this to stay healthy – both physically and mentally. Go spend some time at a nearby park, trail or other greenspace.”

If you need inspiration or advice, Hike NS has lined up a slate of outdoor-themed webinars you can access no matter where you live in the province or your level of outdoor experience. They are free for paid Hike NS members or $20 for non-members, who then get a free one-year membership. Upcoming webinars include: 

• Intro to Birding
• Wildlife Encounters & Safety
• Intro to Hiking
• Leave No Trace
• Tick Prevention

“People are just craving this type of outdoor knowledge,” Barlow says. “For example, we just held a wildly successful Tick Prevention webinar with about 100 people registered.”

As long as pandemic restrictions allow them to go forward, there are a number of in-person courses scheduled for later this spring including Field Leader – Hiking (how to be a hike leader), Navigation (how to use a map and compass) and Re-Connecting with Nature (teaching adults how to engage kids with nature).

Webinars and in-person courses are offered with the support of the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Outdoor Council of Canada and other partners. Learn more and register at www.hikenovascotia.ca. 

Hike Nova Scotia encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout our great province. We strive to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe. With every step we’re building a community of outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

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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 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.

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Contact

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

Fall Hiking Courses & Webinars

Hike Nova Scotia’s fall schedule of courses and webinars across the province is now available. They focus on skills for novices all the way up to experienced hikers.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our in-person courses again, while respecting public health pandemic restrictions,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “But we’re also offering a suite of online webinars so that most people can learn, no matter where they are.”

In-person courses include: 

• Field Leader – Hiking: Sept. 19-20 or Nov. 14-15
• Navigation Maps & Compass: Sept. 26-27 or Oct. 24-25
• Field Leader – Winter: date to be announced

Webinars include:

• Intro to Hiking: Sept. 23, Oct. 20 or Nov. 18
• Leave No Trace: Oct. 6
• Tick Prevention: Sept. 15
• Wildlife Encounters & Safety: date to be announced

Fast Facts

• Dates, locations and costs vary, depending upon the course or webinar.
• Learn more and register at www.hikenovascotia.ca. 
• COVID-19 public health guidelines will be followed for in-person courses, which include indoor and outdoor sessions. 
• Partners include the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Outdoor Council of Canada, Leave No Trace Canada, the District of Chester, AtlanTick Repellent Products and the NS Department of Lands and Forestry Natural Resources Education Centre.
• Hike Nova Scotia encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout our great province. We strive to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe. With every step we’re building a community of outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Social Media

Share on Facebook  
Share on Twitter 
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Contact

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

Field Leader – Winter Leadership courses in February 2016

Saturday, February 6, 2016 in Halifax

Sunday, February 28, 2016 in Chester Basin

A pre-requisite for taking this module is Field Leader – Hiking certification. This nationally recognized course will provide participants with Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) training in Field Leader – Winter Leadership and allow the Field Leader to lead in low-risk winter environments as defined by the OCC. The course is $50 for non-Hike NS members and $40 for paid Hike NS members. It is delivered by OCC certified instructors and offered through Hike Nova Scotia in partnership with the NS Chapter of the OCC and supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness For more information, go here.

Field Leader – Hiking Courses in November

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Three Field Leader – Hiking Courses will be offered in November in Chester Basin, Halifax and Truro. They will provide participants with Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) national certification in Field Leader – Hiking. This includes skills to organize and lead others in a one day, educational or activity based experience in a natural environment. Courses are two days in length and will provide successful candidates with the necessary skills to be a confident hiking leader

Field Leader – Hiking Course Oct. 17-18, Wolfville

A Field Leader – Hiking Course will be offered in Wolfville on October 17 and 18 in Rotary Park. It will provide participants with Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) national certification in Field Leader – Hiking. This includes skills to organize and lead others in a one day, educational or activity based experience in a natural environment. The course is two days in length and will provide successful candidates with the necessary skills to be a confident hiking leader

Field Leader – Hiking & Paddling Course Aug. 28-30, Shelburne

A Field Leader – Hiking & Paddling Course will be offered in Shelburne on August 28, 29 and 30 at The Islands Provincial Park. It will provide participants with Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) national certification in Field Leader – Hiking & Paddling. This includes skills to organize and lead others in a one day, educational or activity based experience in a natural environment. The course is two and a half days in length and will provide successful candidates with the necessary skills to be a confident hiking and paddling leader

Field Leader – Hiking Course Mar. 26, Apr. 2, Apr. 9, Truro

A Field Leader – Hiking Course will be offered in Truro on Mar. 26, Apr. 2 and Apr. 9, 2015. It will provide participants with Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) national certification. This includes skills to organize and lead others in a one day, educational or activity based experience in a natural environment. The program is suitable for hiking club leaders, trail groups, recreation department staff, teachers, 4H leaders, Scout leaders, Girl Guide leaders, parents or individuals interested in leading hikes. Courses are taught by OCC certified instructors. The course will provide successful candidates with the necessary skills to be a confident hiking leader. The cost is $90 ($80 for current Hike NS members). The course is offered through the Nova Scotia Chapter of the OCC in partnership with Hike Nova Scotia and supported by the Province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Outdoor Leadership Development Program. For more information and to register, go here.

Field Leader – Hiking Course Feb. 21-22, Dartmouth

A Field Leader – Hiking Course (formerly Leadership Level 1 – Hiking) will be offered in Dartmouth on February 21-22, 2015. It will provide participants with Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) national certification in Field Leader – Hiking. This includes skills to organize and lead others in a one day, educational or activity based experience in a natural environment. The program is suitable for hiking club leaders, trail groups, recreation department staff, teachers, 4H leaders, Scout leaders, Girl Guide leaders, parents or individuals interested in leading hikes. Courses are taught by OCC certified instructors. The course is two full days in length and will provide successful candidates with the necessary skills to be a confident hiking leader. The cost is $90 ($80 for current Hike NS members). The course is offered through the Nova Scotia Chapter of the OCC in partnership with Hike Nova Scotia and supported by the Province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Outdoor Leadership Development Program. For more information, go here.