Hikers Herald: September 2024

This month, join a Fall Guided Hike, start a Young Hikers Club, learn more about "The Waterfall Guy" Benoit Lalonde, check out some courses and more!

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Fall Guided Hike & Walk Series


Hike Nova Scotia and 19 host organizations offer the 2024 Fall Guided Hike & Walk Series across NS. There are 50 events led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. They are free or low-cost events and some require pre-registration. Hike NS thanks its partners on the ground for organizing the events as well as Goose Lane Editions, Mountain Equipment Company and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for their support.

Find details here.

The Trail Tromp is coming on October 26!


Save the Date: The Trail Tromp - Hike Nova Scotia’s new trail event - is coming to Cole Harbour on Saturday, October 26! What is it you ask? We’ll let you know soon. In the meantime, save it in your calendar!

Walkabout Episodes Highlight

NS Trails


Did you know there’s a show all about exploring Nova Scotia’s trails. It’s called Walkabout and it’s produced and hosted by Andrew Younger. Featured on Eastlink, episodes are now available online for viewing. Learn more about Walkabout and view episodes here (sponsored content).


The first episode we're featuring is 

Gold Brook & Cape Smokey, found

in Cape Breton!

Start a Young Hikers Club!


Hike Nova Scotia is here to help your community establish a Young Hikers Club, to support & bring Youth together for every step of their hiking journey. By championing a club in your community, you provide local Youth the opportunity to meet with their peers, plan hikes, and explore trails together. After all, the only thing better than hiking our beautiful Nova Scotia trails is hiking them with friends! Visit our Young Hikers Club page or contact us at admin@

hikenovascotia.ca for more information on how to get started.

Upcoming Training & Events


NS Walks Walk Leader Training:

Online and in person on Sept 19

Learn more here


Hiking with Dogs clinic:

In person in Halifax on Sept 19

Learn more here


How to Avoid Needing Rescue Webinar: Online on Oct 1

Learn more here


NS Walks Walk Leader Training:

Online on Oct 1 Learn more here


Navigation Maps & Compass course: In person in Bedford on Oct 5-6

Learn more here


Intro to Hiking webinar:

Online on Oct 9 Learn more here


NS Walks Walk Leader Training:

Online and in person on Oct 22

Learn more here


Field Leader - Hiking course:

In person in Parrsboro on Nov 2 - 3 Learn more here


Field Leader - Hiking course:

In person in Bedford on Nov 2 - 3

Learn more here

Trail Builders Network News


Trail Accessibility Webinar: Sept. 25


On Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 pm, Hike Nova Scotia will present an Accessible Trails webinar geared for trail managers. Chloe MacDonald will provide a brief overview of disability and take a deep dive into best practices for how to make the natural world as accessible and inclusive as possible. It will include planning and evaluation basics that will provide a foundation for improving trails across Nova Scotia. Learn more and register here.


Trail Infrastructure Funding Expressions of Interest Due Nov. 1


The 2025-26 NS Trail Infrastructure Funding Package has been released. It includes a funding guide, expression of interest form and a tips sheet. Expressions of Interest for funding are due on November 1. There are three online “townhall” meetings to learn more about applying on September 16, 19 and 24. Learn more about the fund and register for the townhalls here

Exploring Nova Scotias Hidden Gems: A Journey with Benoit Lalonde, the “Waterfall Guy”

By Alyssa Lopez



It’s no doubt that Nova Scotia, with its breathtaking ocean views, lush forests, and rolling hills, is a province rich in natural beauty. Yet, amidst all the well-known scenery, there are hidden treasures that locals and visitors often overlook—one being waterfalls.

Benoit Lalonde, also known as the “Waterfall Guy,” has made it his mission to uncover these gems and share them with Nova Scotia. Through his YouTube channel, successful books, and adventures, Benoit has become a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts, encouraging them to explore the many wonders Nova Scotia has to offer. Read the full story here

Outward Bound Canada's Foundations Centre-Based Program


Taking place in Windsor from September 20-26, 2024, this free program is for folks looking to gain foundational skills and knowledge in outdoor leadership, instruction, and facilitation. Participants will also receive industry certifications with the Outdoor Council of Canada and Interpretive Guides Association.

Learn more and register here.

Leave No Trace Training:

Sept. 10, Bedford


The Friends of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lake will host a Leave No Trace Training on September 10 at 6:30 in Bedford. It’s free but registration is required here. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about how you can reduce your impact while spending time in the great outdoors. 

New Member Benefit: Seek Wilderness Accommodations


If you're a paid Hike NS member, you get some pretty sweet perks, such as discounts on Hike NS events and courses and discounts at various businesses. We are happy to announce Seek Wilderness Accommodations as a new member benefit partner. Seek is an eco-friendly destination right on Victoria Park, Truro. From your cabin or yurt, you can hike right into Victoria Park and explore over 75 km of trails.

It has a patio open to the public directly on the Park as well where people can enjoy local refreshments and treats. All Hike NS members can receive a 10% discount on all regular priced stays in its cabins or yurts.

Bioblitz in September


Do you enjoy being outdoors and want to get involved with citizen science? Join the Biodiversity Caucus Bioblitz event on iNaturalist running now until the end of September. There will be some in-person Bioblitz opportunities and a chance to compete for prizes! Join the event and learn more here. 

Pictou Terry Fox Run Sept. 7


Terry Fox's brother, Fred Fox, will be welcomed to Pictou on Saturday, September 7 for a Meet and Greet from 2:00 - 4:00 at 71 Front Street, Pictou. This is a free event open to anyone. Learn more here.



Quick Hiking/Trail News Hits

These are some news hits about hiking and trails.


'I thought it was a piece of plastic': Rare blue frog spotted by hiker near Oxford


Incident on popular Halifax-area trail not bear attack: DNRR


Hiking Trails of Mainland Nova Scotia back for 10th edition


Well-prepared hiker rescued near Peggy’s Cove


King of the forest: The American chestnut once reigned supreme


Nova Scotians ID a million creatures and plants on iNaturalist


A neighbourhood without cars?

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