Join Us at the Hiking Summit

May 31 to June 2, Antigonish

Hike Nova Scotia’s tenth annual Hiking Summit happens May 31 to June 2 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. The first 150 people to register will receive a Hike NS-branded neck gaiter. Learn more and register. Don’t delay - it is filling up quickly!

St. FX room deals for the Hiking Summit are now available (the deal is offered from May 30 to June 2). Find them at this link. Links for more accommodation options are featured on the Hiking Summit webpage as well.

Hike NS AGM June 8, Halifax



The Hike NS Annual General Meeting will take place in Halifax on Saturday, June 8. It will include a morning hike, lunch provided at noon and the AGM at 12:30 pm. Registration is required by June 6. Learn more and register here. 

Member Fee Increase

The Hike Nova Scotia board will put forward a recommendation at the AGM to increase membership fees. Since membership fees are part of Hike NS's bylaws, we are required to give our membership advance notice of 60 days for any proposed changes to the bylaws. The recommended change in membership fees is found in this document: Proposal for Raising Hike NS Membership Fees.

Fuel Your Hikes

Here is a yummy Zucchini and Cheese Muffin recipe from our sponsor the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. These muffins are perfect for an afternoon snack on the trail or served warm for breakfast before heading out for your hike. 

Find the recipe here (sponsored post).

Upcoming Training & Events

NS Walks Walk Leader Training

Live in person in Liverpool on April 13. Learn more here.

Nova Scotia Walk Day

On May 8. Learn more here.

NS Walks Walk Leader Training

Live online on May 28. Learn more here.

NS Hiking Summit, Antigonish:

May 31 to June 2. Learn more here.

Trail Builders Network News

Community Health Board Wellness Funds

Try applying to the Community Health Board Wellness Funds to support programming on trails. Consider developing a Hiker Challenge badge for your trail system (more on that below). The deadline is May 6. Be sure to contact your local CHB Coordinator before applying. 

Chainsaw Safety Training

During our Trail Maintenance workshops last year, we heard of the need for more training in chainsaw operation and safety. There are chainsaw safety courses available from Safety Services Nova Scotia and Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia.

There is also funding available to support training costs through the NS Occupational Health and Safety Education Trust Fund. Apply for funding support to train your trail volunteers or staff members.

The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up

Does your trail need a litter spring cleaning? The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up opens for registration on April 10. At that time, register here or send an email to litterprograms@coastalaction.org. Once registered, you will receive information on planning your clean-up as well as free clean-up supplies. 

Seeking Items for the Summit Silent Auction

Please consider donating an item or experience to Hike Nova Scotia’s 2024 Silent Auction, taking place at the Hiking Summit. Funds generated will support Hike NS’s work. We are looking for new items or neat experiences by May 15. Here is a list of donation ideas. 

Thanks for Your Feedback

This winter Hike NS launched some online surveys to members and nonmembers alike with the aim to gather feedback to help improve our work and members’ experience.

We had lots of folks respond to the survey and we gathered some excellent feedback. Thank you for that!

There were three prize-winners who have been contacted about their prizes - congratulations to them!