Hike Nova Scotia

By Eleanor Willner-Fraser, NSEN Community Engagement Volunteer

Hike Nova Scotia is a nonprofit, member-based organization that promotes a hiking culture in Nova Scotia and provides a voice for hikers, walkers, and snowshoers. It was founded in 2007, is governed by a volunteer board of directors, and has Janet Barlow as its Executive Director. The organization offers a Fall and Winter Guided Hike Series, as well as a year-round Hiker Challenge, in-person courses and webinars, and an annual Hiking Summit. It is the host for the Nova Scotia chapter of the International Appalachian Trail.

Hike NS also advocates around policies that affect hiking and trails, fighting to make positive changes in areas like safe, maintained hiking-only trails and the protection of natural areas and wilderness. The organization encourages those of all ages to become involved in hiking to benefit from its healing powers and connect with nature. Hiking’s benefits for physical and mental health are particularly relevant as we deal with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 For its Fall 2020 Guided Hike Series, Hike NS is collaborating with 17 host organizations to offer over 30 hikes that range from 2 to 13 km long and from easy to challenging. The Series runs from September to November throughout Nova Scotia, with hikes listed on the Hike NS website by month and region (Halifax, South Shore, Annapolis Valley, Fundy, Highland, and Cape Breton). The local partner organizations run the hikes, with experienced leaders connected with local trail groups or businesses, municipal recreation departments, and more. Participants on these free hikes qualify to win prizes.

The guided hikes are open to both members and non-members, although all participants must currently preregister. Social distancing is in effect, and hikes will follow public health guidelines. There is a limit of 10 participants per hiking group, including the hike leader. However, there can be up to five groups as long as they’re spaced out along the trail. In the past, there has been an average of 20 people per hike.