Snowshoeing events reveal winter wonders

If this winter is anything like last year’s, you’ll want to be on snowshoes. That’s the idea behind Hike Nova Scotia’s 2016 slate of Winter Guided Snowshoe Hikes taking place all over the province. Snowshoeing is one way to get out on the trails in winter when your own two legs just won’t cut it.

“This year we have our biggest selection of hikes for folks to try with over 50 guided snowshoe events,” says Janet Barlow, Communications Coordinator with Hike NS.

Maybe it’s trying something new, maybe it’s a trend toward being more active or maybe it’s the pull to get back to nature all year round. Whatever the reason, snowshoeing attracts more people each year.

“We’ve seen an upward trend in the number of events we’ve offered and the number of people coming out since 2011,” Barlow explains. “More and more recreation departments and organizations are lending or renting snowshoes because of this pent up demand.” Hike NS keeps an online listing of where to borrow, rent or buy snowshoes.

Hike NS and 28 host organizations across the province have partnered up to offer the guided snowshoeing series in January, February and March. There are over 50 snowshoe hikes led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes.

The hikes are meant to help get more people outside in winter and active on the trails. The full list of dates, times, registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes include the following areas:

• Cape Breton

• Highland (Antigonish and Pictou Counties)

• Fundy (Cumberland, Colchester and East Hants)

• Valley (Clare to West Hants)

• South Shore (Lunenburg County and areas)

• Halifax Regional Municipality

Hike NS thanks its partners for organizing the hikes on the ground as well as NS Trails, Doctors Nova Scotia and the NS Department of Health and Wellness for their support.

Hike Nova Scotia encourages and promotes hiking, walking and snowshoeing throughout Nova Scotia. Membership in Hike NS means keeping up-to-date on the latest hiking news and having a say in its many projects. Hike NS is supported by the Province of Nova Scotia.