Leave No Trace Workshops

Hike Nova Scotia, is offering Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops to groups interested in learning more about the seven Leave No Trace principles to encourage a stronger environmental ethic across our province. Please contact Jack for more information and to schedule a workshop. Learn more here.

Hiker Challenge News

New Cape Breton Highlands Badge

With Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we are launching the new Cape Breton Highlands Badge. We invite you to try one of four hiking challenges over the course of a year. Learn more here (or click on the badge).

Argyle Badge Re-launch

With the Municipality of Argyle, we are re-launching the Municipality of Argyle Badge, now free. It challenges you to visit four local trails over the course of a year. Join in on some guided walks in July to help relaunch the badge. Learn more here (or click on the badge).

Call for Fall Guided Hikes & Walks

Deadline: August 11

Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided walks from September to November 2023. 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 11 for events between September 15 and November 19.

Register events here.

Hike NS Impact in 2022-23

Hike NS’s annual report for our last fiscal year (April 2022 to March 2023) is now available. Learn about our impact and efforts to grow our hiking culture and be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe as well as those who build and maintain hiking trails.

View the report here.

Trail Builders Network News

Trail Manager Survey Results

In April, Hike NS released the results of a survey of trail managers across the province. It pointed to more funding, more volunteers and more access to staff or contractors as top issues. Learn more here. We got quite a bit of media attention to help raise awareness of the challenges trail managers face. Check out this CBC TV story. It was also featured on Global TV, on CTV, on CBC radio multiple times and in several newspapers.

AllTrails: Bring People to Your Trail

Get your trail on the map - the AllTrails map, that is! The most-used trail app world-wide, AllTrails is one way to bring people to your trail. By having your trail listed in the app, you’ll make more people aware of your trail. The more who use your trail, the more they’ll love it and, maybe, they’ll want to volunteer on or donate to your trail. Learn more here. 

Healing Forests Grants

The Healing Forests grant is available to nurture a nationwide network of green spaces dedicated to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The deadline to apply is July 17.

Learn more about the Trail Builders Network.

Fuel Your Hikes

We are happy to share a delicious smoothie recipe with you from our sponsor the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. Just in time for summer when we need hydration and energy for hiking, this Raspberry Spinach Twist Smoothie is quick and easy for before, during or after a hike. Find the entire recipe here (sponsored post).

Outward Bound Training Academy

Outward Bound’s Training Academy is fully funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program offered across Canada. Through this exciting opportunity Outward Bound is reimagining the outdoors to be more accessible, diverse, and inclusive for everyone. Program Highlights: free training; 18+ years old; mentoring and career support; different experience levels; gear included on outdoor field journeys; accommodation and food provided for participants during intensive programs. Learn more here.

Events Coming Up

July Hikes at Sandy Lake Regional Park

Explore the beauty of Sandy Lake Regional Park and learn about the efforts to protect this amazing area. Hikes are July 9, 12 and 27. Learn more and register.

Nova Scotia Parks’ Learn to Camp Program is Back

For the first time since 2019, Nova Scotia Parks will offer a Learn to Camp workshop July 15-16, 2023 at Five Islands Provincial Park. Register by Friday, July 7. Learn more and register.