Hikers Herald: May 2022

We've got a new name for our enews! Walk Day is May 11 and our spring schedule of outdoor courses is now available. We've got a new Hiker Challenge Badge, our AGM in June and more!

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Nova Scotia Walk Day: May 11

Hike NS and its NS Walks program invite you to celebrate walking and how it connects us on Nova Scotia Walk Day happening on Wednesday, May 11.


Participate in one of 55 community walks taking place all over the province. Participants will be entered into a draw for a chance to win some fun walking related prizes. Learn more here.

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In-Person Courses


Registration is open for Hike NS’s slate of spring courses. In-person courses include: Re-Connecting with Nature workshops; Field Leader - Hiking courses; and Navigation Maps & Compass courses. There will be an in-person Intro to Hiking workshop a The Trail Shop in Halifax as well as an Intro to Birding webinar and NS Walk Walk Leader virtual training. Learn more and register here.

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Trail Troubleshooting Online Discussions May 31 & June 9

Trail Troubleshooting online discussions will take place on May 31 or June 9 for those who volunteer or work building and maintaining hiking trails. We’ll hear from a panel of experts and each other about how to solve problems, share tips and give advice about keeping our trails in tip top shape. They are free for community trail groups, First Nations and municipalities. Registration is required in advance.

New Biodiversity Hiker Challenge Badge


Hike NS and Nature NS are happy to announce the launch of the new Biodiversity Challenge Badge as part of Hike NS’s Hiker Challenge. Earn it by completing at least 10 hikes over the course of a year and, for each one, upload 10 or more observations via the iNaturalist app. Each season there is a prize draw for gift cards generously provided by The Trail Shop. Learn more here. The next prize draw deadline is May 31.

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Hike NS AGM June 12, Truro


The Hike NS Annual General Meeting will take place - live and in person! - in Truro on Sunday, June 12. It will include a hike at 10:30 am, lunch at 12:30 pm and the AGM at 1 pm. Registration is required by June 9. Learn more and register

Hiking Summit June 3-5, Chéticamp

The Hiking Summit is filling up as are accommodations! Hike Nova Scotia’s ninth annual Hiking Summit happens June 3 to 5 in Chéticamp. A celebration of hiking culture, it includes workshops, hiking stories, networking and hikes. It is hosted by Hike NS, Les Hikers Club and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Registration is $40 to $65, plus meals. If it does not sell-out (it likely will...), registration will close on May 25. Learn more and register here

Call for Fall Guided Walks: Aug. 12, Deadline


Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided walks from September to November 2022. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a walk (or already plan to host one), please register your event by August 12 for events between September 16 and November 20. Register events here

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Goodbye to a Trail & Hiking Friend


It is with heavy hearts we share the news that a wonderful trail and hiking champion died on April 29. Elaine Falconer, of River John, was not only a member of the Cape to Cape Committee of the Pictou County Trails Association, she was also an instructor for Hike NS’s Field Leader courses and an avid hiker. Read about this exceptional person, who will be missed. Our thoughts are with Elaine's family and friends. Learn more about Elaine here

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New Enews Name Prize-Winner

Thanks to everyone who took part in the “name our enews” contest! The winning name was Hikers Herald. Our prize draw winner was Andrew Warren of Halifax, who won a Hike NS t-shirt!

Quick Hiking/Trail News Hits

These are some news hits from Twitter and Facebook:


  • Progressing your program and staying on track view
  • Hiking summit to be held in Chéticamp after two-year hiatus view
  • Climate change could turn Nova Scotia into a tick hotspot view
  • Halifax housing development a blow to years-long fight for conservation, says coalition view
  • Get outside: national nature prescription program launches in the Maritimes view
  • A for Adventure: Chris and Jan highlight overnight hiking adventures view
  • Chasing waterfalls: New marketing initiative highlights Cape Breton waterfalls view
  • New forestry practices in Nova Scotia to mostly be in place by June view
  • Non-profit group organizes the first-ever Nova Scotia Walk Day view