Fitness level required
You certainly don't have to be super fit or athletic to take part. We have had people of all ages and abilities come along with us. Most times we have a long hike of about 10 km which takes about two and a half hours, and an alternative shorter hike for those who would prefer that. We go at a speed that suits the group and make sure that no one person gets left behind.
What you need to wear and bring
Some people have good outdoor gear such as Gortex jackets and waterproof pants which is fine if you have it but not essential. Others have just a plastic rain jacket or cape for wet weather. Of course if you come in the winter you will need a heavy coat, mitts, toque, etc. In the Summer, shorts and a t-shirt may be all you need. In general, it's best to have layers that you can put on or take off as the weather and your level of exertion changes.
You should bring water along and in Summer you must do so. A litre bottle is a good size on hot days. You don't need food but some people like to bring some fruit or trail mix (raisins and peanuts, basically).
Many people carry a small day pack to put stuff in.
Don't I need hiking boots?
No. If you have them and they're comfortable, that's great, but many people have always just worn sneakers.
Is it safe?
Of course, there is an element of risk with any physical activity, but one thing we do know is that people who lead an active life-style live longer on average, and feel better, than couch potatoes!
You could trip over something, or slip and fall.
There are bears, coyotes and other animals in the woods. But as far as we can find, no-one has ever been killed by a bear in Nova Scotia, and far more people are injured by domestic dogs than by coyotes. And no wild animal ever attacks a group of people who are together.
Insect bites and stings can be a problem, but you don't have to be on a hike to be bothered by that!
Normally a small first-aid kit will be taken along on our hikes. There may or may not be somebody in the group who has medical or first-aid training.
Remember, we are just a group of people hiking together, and no-one is responsible for your own safety but you.
You certainly don't have to be super fit or athletic to take part. We have had people of all ages and abilities come along with us. Most times we have a long hike of about 10 km which takes about two and a half hours, and an alternative shorter hike for those who would prefer that. We go at a speed that suits the group and make sure that no one person gets left behind.
What you need to wear and bring
Some people have good outdoor gear such as Gortex jackets and waterproof pants which is fine if you have it but not essential. Others have just a plastic rain jacket or cape for wet weather. Of course if you come in the winter you will need a heavy coat, mitts, toque, etc. In the Summer, shorts and a t-shirt may be all you need. In general, it's best to have layers that you can put on or take off as the weather and your level of exertion changes.
You should bring water along and in Summer you must do so. A litre bottle is a good size on hot days. You don't need food but some people like to bring some fruit or trail mix (raisins and peanuts, basically).
Many people carry a small day pack to put stuff in.
Don't I need hiking boots?
No. If you have them and they're comfortable, that's great, but many people have always just worn sneakers.
Is it safe?
Of course, there is an element of risk with any physical activity, but one thing we do know is that people who lead an active life-style live longer on average, and feel better, than couch potatoes!
You could trip over something, or slip and fall.
There are bears, coyotes and other animals in the woods. But as far as we can find, no-one has ever been killed by a bear in Nova Scotia, and far more people are injured by domestic dogs than by coyotes. And no wild animal ever attacks a group of people who are together.
Insect bites and stings can be a problem, but you don't have to be on a hike to be bothered by that!
Normally a small first-aid kit will be taken along on our hikes. There may or may not be somebody in the group who has medical or first-aid training.
Remember, we are just a group of people hiking together, and no-one is responsible for your own safety but you.