Tag: Snowshoeing

Winter walks – a boost for our bodies and minds

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

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 
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Contact

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

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

Hiker Gift Ideas 2021

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

If you’ve got a hiker or potential hiker on your gift list, we have lots of ideas for you! Consider giving:

Books:

Donations:hardcover_standing_1_grande-AforAdv

Gift cards and certificates:

Hiking gear:

  • Ice cleats/crampons
  • First aid kit
  • Compass
  • Snowshoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Walking stick
  • Hiking socks
  • Back pack
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking boots
  • Thermos
  • Water bottle
  • Pocket knife

Winter hikes fend off cabin fever

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

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

RIMG1625-smallIMG_3087RIMG1617-small019

Hiker Gift Ideas 2020

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

If you’ve got a hiker or potential hiker on your gift list, we have lots of ideas for you! Consider giving:

Books:

Donations:hardcover_standing_1_grande-AforAdv

Gift cards and certificates:

Hiking gear:

  • Ice cleats/crampons
  • First aid kit
  • Compass
  • Snowshoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Walking stick
  • Hiking socks
  • Back pack
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking boots
  • Thermos
  • Water bottle
  • Pocket knife

Winter hikes peak interest in snowshoeing

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

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

RIMG1625-smallIMG_3087RIMG1617-small019

Hiker Gift Ideas 2019

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

If you’ve got a hiker or potential hiker on your gift list, we have lots of ideas for you! Consider giving:

Enews-DecDiscount2019

Books:

Donations:hardcover_standing_1_grande-AforAdv

Gift cards and certificates:

Hiking gear:

  • First aid kit
  • Compass
  • Snowshoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Walking stick
  • Hiking socks
  • Back pack
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking boots
  • Thermos

Hiking Summit Features South Shore Trails

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

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

HikeNSSummit2018JackPineCoastal32595196_10156095447870202_6971990518624419840_nDSC_0249image2image1HikeNSSummit2018Opening32207614_10156942482181002_9121069545111420928_oIMG_2351

NS Hiking Summit May 24-26, Western Shore

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

Hike Nova Scotia invites individuals and groups with an interest in hiking, walking and snowshoeing to the eighth annual Nova Scotia Hiking Summit from Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019 in Western Shore at Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre. The summit is a celebration of hiking culture and includes workshops, hiking stories, networking opportunities, hikes and a kids’ program. It is hosted by Hike NS, Events Lunenburg County and Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre. 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 Scotiabank, Parks Canada, Atlantick, Saltbox Brewing Company, NS Department of Lands and Forestry and NS Department of Environment. Local trail guru Laura Barkhouse is the MC and the keynote speaker is Jan Sebastian LaPierre from A for Adventure.

There is limited space, so please register early to secure your spot (last year it sold out in one month). Registration is $125 (plus 15% discount for paid Hike NS members) and $100 for children, youth and students. Registration includes some meals, evening events, morning workshop sessions and afternoon guided hikes. Registration does not include accommodation – you must arrange this on your own. If it does not sell-out, registration will close at the end of the day on May 19th. Learn more and register here.

Don’t Hibernate this Winter: Go Snowshoeing Instead

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

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

RIMG1625-smallIMG_3087RIMG1617-small019

Hiker Gift Ideas

Published on by hikenovascotiaLeave a comment

If you’ve got a hiker or potential hiker on your gift list, we have lots of ideas for you! Consider giving:

Books:

Donations:hardcover_standing_1_grande-AforAdv

Gift cards and certificates:

Hiking gear:

  • First aid kit
  • Compass
  • Snowshoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Walking stick
  • Hiking socks
  • Back pack
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking boots
  • Thermos