Making time to be active in the outdoors this Winter will help you stay healthy and happy. Walking or snowshoeing is a wonderful and free way to boost your immune system and feed your soul during the pandemic. “Making sure we balance screen time and doing something good for ourselves like being outdoors is definitely worth it,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “Getting out for a walk or a snowshoe is something most folks can do close to home on a local trail.” Hike NS and 18 host organizations partnered to offer the Winter Guided Walk Series in January, February and March. There ..read more

If you’ve got a hiker or potential hiker on your gift list, we have lots of ideas for you! Consider giving: Hike NS gift membership Hike NS t-shirt Hike NS solar lantern Donation to Hike NS in the giftee’s name Items from NS businesses through Hike NS paid member discounts  Books: Hiking Trails of Mainland Nova Scotia book by Michael Haynes Hiking Trails of Cape Breton book by Michael Haynes Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality book by Michael Haynes Waterfalls of Nova Scotia book by Benoit Lalonde Waterfalls of Cape Breton book by Benoit Lalonde The Best of the Great Trail Volumes ..read more

Sponsored Content By Laura Lundquist, PT Registered International Sport Physical Therapist, FCAMPT, Diploma Sport Physiotherapy Zoomers Physiotherapy & Health Solutions, Halifax I often use the analogy of a bank account to teach the importance of maintaining strength as we age.  At first glance, it seems like an odd comparison, but stick with me and I think you’ll see how it actually makes a lot of sense. The analogy: Your body has a bank account of strength.  There is a “threshold” amount of strength that is required to help your body function at its best.  If your strengt ..read more

We’re excited to announce the start of neat new partnership with Stella & Co. This is a local Truro business that makes quality handmade goods for you and your furry friends. Support Hike Nova Scotia with the purchase of a Stella & Co. Hike NS-branded dog bandana. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hike NS. Buy yours here ..read more

Take a pause this Fall and enjoy yourself in the outdoors by participating in a guided walk in your area. Quotes “Fall is a perfect time to experience nature in our beautiful province. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or someone who enjoys less strenuous outings, our walk series has you covered,” says Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia Executive Director.  “These past 18 months have shown us more than ever how much getting outdoors and being with others is essential to our physical, mental and social health. It’s so simple and it works! “ Event Details Location: Province-wide Date: Septembe ..read more

Sponsored Content By Laura Lundquist, PT Zoomers Physiotherapy & Health Solutions, Halifax On average, we take approximately 1,000 steps in every 10 minutes that we walk.  Following a regular stretching routine is an effective way to manage the normal muscle tightness created by all those steps! Keeping those muscles supple is key in reducing the risk of pain developing in our ankles, knees, hips and lower back.   As a physiotherapist, I regularly teach clients which stretches can optimize their walking performance and safety.  Read on for the answers to the three ques ..read more

Even though we’re in pandemic lockdown, you can still get outside. Hike Nova Scotia has the ideas and information you need while staying close to home.  “The Province has specifically told us to get outside, but to do that in our home communities,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “It’s crucial to do this to stay healthy – both physically and mentally. Go spend some time at a nearby park, trail or other greenspace.” If you need inspiration or advice, Hike NS has lined up a slate of outdoor-themed webinars you can access no matter where you live in the province or your level ..read more

Photo by Michael Haynes Guest blog by Mary Kennedy with the City Nature Challenge. Do you love hiking and learning about nature?  This is your chance to join Nova Scotia’s vibrant iNaturalist community and help one of our province’s cities win the 2021 global City Nature Challenge! Local organizers of the three City Nature Challenge (CNC) events in Nova Scotia are inviting everyone to participate from April 30th through May 3rd.  The CNC is part of a friendly international competition designed to connect people to nature while taking an inventory of wildlife species around the globe ..read more

Guest blog by William “Whistler” Monk, who lives in Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia. He is a lover of nature, long distance hiking and a book author. He has written two books: Whistler’s Walk: The Appalachian Trail in 142 Days and Whistler’s Way: A Thru-Hikers Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. 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. Where does that desi ..read more

Registration is open for Hike Nova Scotia’s slate of winter 2021 courses and webinars. In-person courses include Field Leader – Winter modules (prerequisite is the Field Leader – Hiking course). Webinars include Intro to Snowshoeing, Happy Hiker Feet How-to, Intro to Hiking and Come Walk With Us (about an epic journey across Canada). Dates, locations and costs vary, depending upon the course or webinar. COVID-19 public health guidelines will be followed for in-person courses. Partners include the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Outdoor Council of Canada, The Trail Shop ..read more