Hikers Herald: Join the Trail Tromp, take a hike & more!

Hikers Herald: October 2024

This month, join Hike Nova Scotia's Trail Tromp, embark on a fall guided hike or walk, fuel your hike with a new recipe, watch this month's Walkabout episode highlight and more!!

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Trail Tromp:

October 26, Cole Harbour

Get your hike on! Join us for Hike Nova Scotia’s Trail Tromp fundraiser on October 26 at the Cole Harbour Heritage Park! Enjoy hiking, meet special guests, get a chance to win exciting prizes and support Hike Nova Scotia’s work. Tickets are $25 to $100, with an early bird bonus if you purchase by Oct. 11. Meet our special guests including: Deborah Peddle-Hann of Journey to Wellness, Michael Haynes trail guidebook author,

Benoit Lalonde waterfall guidebook author, Chris Surette and Jan Sebastian LaPierre from A for Adventure! Ticket-holders receive special gifts from sponsors AtlanTick and Never Moor. Attendees could win some great prize packages including products from Supplement King, Zoomers Physiotherapy & Health Solutions, L.L. Bean, Patagonia, The Trail Shop, AllTrails, AtlanTick and Never Moor.

Fall Guided Hike & Walk Series

Hike Nova Scotia and 19 host organizations offer the 2024 Fall Guided Hike & Walk Series across NS. There are 50 events led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. They are free or low-cost events and some require pre-registration. Hike NS thanks its partners on the ground for organizing the events as well as Goose Lane Editions, Mountain Equipment Company and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for their support.

Find details here.

Walkabout: Tancook Island

& Castle Rock

This month’s episode highlight is Tancook Island & Castle Rock on the South Shore. Walkabout is a show featured on Eastlink and hosted by Andrew Younger, now available online for viewing, with the new season coming to Eastlink in October, 2024 (Season 5). It’s all about exploring Nova Scotia’s trails (sponsored content).

Youth Hiker Challenge:

Distance Badge

Hike Nova Scotia’s Hiker Challenge is the perfect way to get youth aged 5-17 on trail this fall! Youth can earn their free Distance badge by tallying up their total hiking distances (up to 50 km!) and completing unique tasks in categories like Create, Discover, Explore and Learn! From crafting nature notebooks, hunting for geocaches, navigating new trails, or reaching new distance goals – the Youth Hiker Challenge has something for everyone.

Find details here.

Fuel Your Hikes

Fuel your fall hiking fun with a Stuffed Corn Bread Sandwich from our sponsor the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. Make this hearty recipe in advance and bring along a slice for lunch on the trail.

Find the recipe here (sponsored post).

Upcoming Training & Events

Intro to Hiking webinar:

Online on Oct. 9 Learn more here

NS Walks Walk Leader Training:

Online and in person on Oct. 22

Learn more here

Field Leader - Hiking course:

In person in Parrsboro on Nov. 2 - 3 Learn more here

Field Leader - Hiking course:

In person in Bedford on Nov. 2 - 3

Learn more here

NS Walks Walk Leader Training:

Online and in person on Nov. 20

Learn more here

Trail Builders Network News

Trail Infrastructure Funding Expressions of Interest Due Nov. 1

The 2025-26 NS Trail Infrastructure Funding Package has been released. It includes a funding guide, expression of interest form and a tips sheet. Expressions of Interest for funding are due on November 1.

Learn more about the fund here.

Hiking Summit Save the Date

The 2025 Hiking Summit will be held in Bridgewater from May 30 to June 1. Hike Nova Scotia’s co-host is the Lunenburg County Hikers. More details on the specific venue, more co-hosts and sponsors are coming soon. The list of hikes and workshops and registration will be available in March. Stay tuned!

See the 2024 Hiking Summit wrap up video here.

Cape Breton: Through the eyes of Andrew Younger

By Tejaswini

Nova Scotia is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. It hides what I call a hiker’s dream: Cape Breton Island. Living and exploring this dream is Nova Scotia’s own Andrew Younger, who hikes around the province, discovering its hidden gems on his show Walkabout. Read the story here.

Call for Winter Guided Events

Deadline: December 8

Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering guided hike, walk or snowshoe events in winter 2025. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to give away. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a hike, walk or snowshoe event (or already plan to host one), please register your event by December 8, 2024 for events between January 17 and March 16, 2025.

Leave No Trace Updates

Leave No Trace Canada has a lot going on these days. Check out its enews to learn the latest news.

Municipal Elections:

What About Trails

During the municipal elections, taking place on October 19, please speak up for trails. Let the candidates running for office in your municipality know you love our trails and they deserve more investment and support. Ask them how they will support trails and wilderness if they are elected. Email the candidates in your area (check your municipal website) or challenge them if they show up at your door.

It's Seniors Week in NS!

Oct. 2-9

Seniors Week in NS is October 2 to 9 and recognizes the contributions seniors make to Nova Scotian communities. Hike NS salutes our many senior NS Walks walk leaders for their contributions to helping others be more active. We also give a call out to all the senior hikers out there - keep getting out there on the trails!

October is International Walk to School Month

International Walk to School Month (IWALK) happens in October and events can happen any day this month. All registered schools receive free IWALK stickers for students and there is a prize draw.

Learn more and register here.

Call for Board Members

Hike Nova Scotia is seeking board members who have the time and energy to devote to helping Hike NS achieve its mandate of creating a culture of hiking, walking and snowshoeing in our beautiful province.

Learn more and applying here.