This month, learn about our new NS Walks program, another new membership perk, Hiker Challenge prize winners, new Summit dates and more. And don’t miss our guest blog post.
Hike NS is launching a new way to walk: NS Walks, which will support local community-based walking groups. We are looking for volunteers interested in leading gentle, fun, friendly regularly scheduled walks for people who are currently less active. We will provide free walk leader training to give you the skills and confidence to lead these walks. Leader training will be held on Tuesday, March 30 (registration deadline Mar. 24). Learn more and register at www.nswalks.ca.
Hiking Summit Postponed to 2022
Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Hiking Summit, originally planned for this June, has been postponed by one year and will take place in Chéticamp from June 3 to 5, 2022. The dedicated volunteers of the Hiking Summit Committee can’t wait to see you in Chéticamp in 2022! Learn more here.
Intro to Hiking Webinar: Mar. 23
Hike Nova Scotia and Popeye's Supplements will offer an Intro to Hiking webinar at 7 pm on March 23 for new and novice hikers. The cost is $20 (free for Hike NS paid members). Non-members receive a free one-year individual membership. Learn more and register.
Hiker Challenge Prize Winners
A prize draw for the Hiker Challenge was held on March 1, 2021 for those who earned badges this winter. Congratulations to the winners of gift cards generously provided by The Trail Shop Halifax:
$100 gift card: Sean Meister, Rhodes Corner
$50 gift card: Heather Beaton, Stellarton
$25 gift card: Gayle Zaunscherb, Lunenburg
The application deadline for badges earned this spring is May 31 for the June prize draw!
Winter Guided Hikes
Hike NS and 15 host groups offer the Winter Guided Hike Series across NS. There are over 35 hikes led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. These free or low-cost hike or snowshoe events require pre-registration and will follow public health protocols. Learn more here. Thanks to our partners for organizing the hikes and The Trail Shop, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
New Perk for Members: Popeye's Supplements
If you're a paid Hike NS member, then you get some pretty sweet perks, such as discounts on Hike NS events and courses and discounts at various businesses. The newest addition is Popeye's Supplements, with four locations in HRM and available online. Hike NS members enjoy a 10% savings on all their online purchases. Simply insert hyke10 at the checkout.
Have Your Say: Government Consultations
HRM Consultations by Mar. 5
HRM is asking for input on two trail connections related to the Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Regional Park by March 5. They are:
The NS government is inviting Nova Scotians to provide their input on 12 new proposed provincial parks and wilderness areas. The deadline for input is April 13. Learn more and have your say.
Why do you hike?
By guest blogger William “Whistler” Monk
A question for the ages, “Why do you hike”? If you lined up one hundred hikers you would likely get one hundred varied responses. As a long-distance hiker who has successfully thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), I asked myself that very question. Read the full blog here.
Funding for Trail Groups
For groups developing trails in NS, here are some opportunities:
