New Digby Hiker Challenge Badge & Launch Event May 10

Hike Nova Scotia and the Digby Area Recreation Commission are happy to announce the launch of the new Digby Badge as part of Hike NS’s Hiker Challenge. A launch event is happening at Van Tassel Lake in Digby on May 10 at 6 pm.

It's Waterfall Season: Earn Your Badge

Offered in collaboration with Destination Cape Breton, earn your Cape Breton Waterfalls Badge as part of our Hiker Challenge and Cape Breton Island’s Waterfall Season promotion. Visit at least 6 of a list of pre-selected waterfalls over the course of a year. Each season there is a prize draw for gift cards, generously provided by The Trail Shop.

Hiking Summit Registration Open

June 2-4, Antigonish

Hike Nova Scotia’s tenth annual Hiking Summit happens June 2 to 4 in Antigonish. A celebration of hiking culture, it includes workshops, hiking stories, networking and hikes. It is hosted by Hike NS, Keppoch Mountain, the Town of Antigonish and the County of Antigonish. Sponsors include AtlanTick Repellent Products and the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. If it does not sell-out, registration will close on May 28 (tip: it's almost sold out!).

Learn more and register.

International Trails Day June 3

Hike Nova Scotia is pleased to announce the support of the Province of Nova Scotia in officially proclaiming Saturday, June 3, 2023 as International Trails Day! We thank the many volunteers, landowners, trail developers, walking and hiking enthusiasts and groups for their help in developing, maintaining and promoting the many beautiful trails throughout Nova Scotia. Click here for ideas on what you can do to celebrate International Trails Day.

Webinars & Trainings

Learn more and register here: 

• May 17: NS Walks Walk Leader virtual training (register by May 16)
• May 23: Tick Prevention webinar
• May 24: Engaging Your Board in Fundraising webinar
• May 26: NS Walks Walk Leader in-person training, Baddeck (register by May 23)
• May 27-28: Leave No Trace Trainer Course, Truro 
• June 14: Intro to Hiking webinar
• June 17-18: Field Leader - Hiking course, Hubbards
• June 20: NS Walks Walk Leader virtual training (register by June 19)

Hike NS AGM June 20 Online

The Hike NS Annual General Meeting will take place online on Tuesday, June 20 at 6 pm. Come hear about Hike NS’s accomplishments in 2022-23. Learn more and register here.

Trail Builders Network News

Trail Maintenance Workshops:

May, June & Oct.

Hike NS's series of trail maintenance workshops is meant to support hiking trail managers, especially in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Fiona. Learn more and register.

Learn more about the Trail Builders Network.

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising Webinar: May 24

Wondering how you can better involve your board in fundraising for your group? Check out this free webinar from Hike NS! Learn more and register.

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.

New and Updated Member Benefits

If you're a paid Hike NS member, you get some pretty sweet perks.

New: AtlanTick Repellent Products

As a special offer for HikeNS members, AtlanTick is pleased to provide a 10% discount on all our online products. Our mission is to promote safe hiking practices and protect the environment, and we are thrilled to extend this offer to fellow hikers who share our values. Please use this promo Code when ordering online to receive your discount: HIKENS

Updated: Elizabeth Fougere, RMT

Updated Hike NS member benefit: Elizabeth Fougere, RMT is happy to expand a 10% discount to Hike NS beyond her 1 Hour Massage Therapy Treatments. The discount also applies to manual massage tools, therapeutic pillows, braces and hot/cold packs, massage oil, magnesium bath soak, sprays, soaps and candles.

Fuel Your Hikes

We are happy to share a delicious muffin recipe with you from our sponsor the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. With more daylight hours and days starting to warm up, these Power Packed Carrot Zucchini Date Muffins will fuel your hikes. They’re easy to pack for a snack on a hike. Find the entire recipe here (sponsored post).

Give Feedback

National Urban Parks Policy

Parks Canada is developing a National Urban Parks Policy to guide the designation and management of new national urban parks across Canada. The deadline for feedback is May 16. Learn more and provide your feedback. 

Park Saved from Development But Work Not Over

The Provincial government has announced there will be no golf course at West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. While it has been saved, there is no guarantee that other parks and protected areas will be protected. Here’s a quick and easy way to send a message to the government.