Guided Outings
Hikers, walkers and paddlers in Nova Scotia have a chance to go on free guided tours (PDF: 40k) of the province's protected areas.
Admiral Lake Trail Walk
June 8, 2008
Ship Harbour Long Lake Candidate Wilderness Area
10 am
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for an easy 6 km, moderate 10 km, or challenging 12 km guided walk. Meet at the Railway Station Museum, Hwy 7. Wear hiking boots. Bring a lunch and lots of water. For more information, please contact Lily (6 km) (902) 466-4421, Loretta (10 km) (902) 462-2743, or Roger/Cecile (12 km) (902) 435-9287.
Canadian Rivers Day
Paddle the Margaree
June 8, 2008
Margaree-Lake Ainslie
Canadian Heritage River
1 pm to 5 pm
Celebrate Canadian Rivers Day by joining us for a canoe/kayak trip down one of Nova Scotia's two Canadian Heritage Rivers - the beautiful Margaree. We will put in at Margaree Forks and finish up at the bridge at Margaree Harbour. Although this 13 km section of the river is generally slow moving, some paddling experience is recommended. Participants are required to bring their own boats, and all the required safety equipment including sufficient paddles, PFD's, floating throw ropes, painters, bailers and signaling devices. A change of clothing, snacks, drinking water, and sunscreen are recommended. Pre-registration is required. Hosted by Nova Scotia Environment’s Protected Areas Branch. For more information or to pre-register please call David at (902) 563-3428 or williadc@gov.ns.ca.
The Tent Dwellers Rivers Day
June 8, 2008
Shelburne Canadian Heritage River
10 am
Celebrate Canadian Rivers Day in the spirit of The Tent Dwellers, the 1908 book about wilderness travel into the Tobeatic. Meet at the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Kempt for a brief presentation on the historic canoe route and the new Shelburne River Candidate Wilderness Area. Then head into the woods to Sand Lake to paddle a special part of The Tent Dwellers route and experience this scenic part of the Shelburne River. Participants will need a day pack with lunch, canoe, or kayak, PFD's for all paddlers, and other required safety equipment. Pre-registration is required. Hosted by Nova Scotia Environment’s Protected Areas Branch. For more information or to pre-register for this event, please contact Leif at (902) 543-4685 or helmerpl@gov.ns.ca.
3rd Annual Kenomee Canyon Hike
June 14, 2008
Economy River Wilderness Area
8 am to 5 pm
You are invited to the 3rd Annual Kenomee Canyon Hike in the 6,120 hectare Economy River Wilderness Area. The 18 km trail treks along the edge of the Economy River gorge, through natural spruce and hardwood forest. Along the trail you will have an opportunity to view three waterfalls and a lake. The event is a challenging full day hike and is most suitable for adults. Be prepared to get wet. Please bring drinking water and a lunch. For more information, please contact Garnet at (902) 647-2271 or mclaughlins@vrodinternet.com.
Hike Into Susies Lake
June 18, 2008
Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Candidate Wilderness Area
6:30 pm
An evening hike to explore a small part of this new Candidate Wilderness Area. We will traverse exposed granite barrens, wetlands, and an Acadian forest during this short hike (3 kms, 2 hours). We will pay particular attention to the natural history of the area with a focus on spring blooming wildflowers and shrubs, trees, lichens, and birds. Meet in the parking lot in front of the Kent Building Supply store in the Bayers Lake Business Park. This is a moderate hike for families with children 8 years of age and older. Please bring waterproof hiking boots. Pre registration is required. Rain date: Thursday, June 19, 2008. Sponsored by the Halifax North West Trails Association. For more information or to pre register, please contact Bob at (902) 443-5051 or bobathome@eastlink.ca.
Crowbar Wilderness Trail Walk
June 22, 2008
Waverley-Salmon River Long Lake Wilderness Area
10 am
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for your choice of a challenging 8 km, 14 km, or 18 km guided hike. Meet at the parking lot to the Crowbar Wilderness Trail. Bring a lunch and lots of water. Hiking boots recommended. For more information, please contact Lionel (8 km) at 902 466 4421, Ferne/Serge (14 km or 18 km) at (902) 865-0307.
Duncans Cove Trail Walk
July 18, 2008
Duncans Cove Nature Reserve
5:30 pm
Join the Chebucto Hiking Club for a 10 km guided coastal walk along the Atlantic Ocean. We will meet at the parking area near the end of the Duncans Cove Road, off Hwy 349. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact Isaac or Jackie at (902) 479-1601.
Paddle to the Coast
July 19, 2008
Gabarus Wilderness Area
10 am to 4 pm
Join un on this day long paddle along the shores of Gabarus and Belfry Lakes to the beautiful coastal sand dunes bordering Fourchu Bay. Experience this unique opportunity to canoe/kayak scenic, wilderness, freshwater lakes while enjoying lunch on Belfry Beach! Participants will be advised of meeting and travel arrangements upon registering. Please bring your own boat and gear, drinking water, food, appropriate clothing and sun protection. Each boat must be equipped with all required safety gear including a floating throw rope, PFDs for all passengers, a bailer, and a whistle or other signaling device. This event is for teens and adults with some canoeing or kayaking experience. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, please call David at (902) 563-3428 or williadc@gov.ns.ca.
Rare Lichens of Ship Harbour
September 20, 2008
Ship Harbour Long Lake Candidate Wilderness Area
10 am
Ship Harbour Long Lake Candidate Wilderness Area is home to some of the rarest lichens in the world, including the globally endangered boreal felt lichen. We will visit a few locations with many of these rare lichens and also examine some of the common lichens of this area. This is a difficult hike appropriate for adults only. Please bring rubber boots, hand lens, and appropriate outdoor clothing. Pre-registration is required. For more information on the area, including steps leading to designation under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act later in 2008, please visit our Ship Harbour/Long Lake webpage. Hosted by Nova Scotia Environment’s Protected Areas Branch. For more information or pre-registration, please contact Robert at (902) 424-2176 or camerorp@gov.ns.ca.
Hiking in Near Urban Wilderness
September 27, 2008
Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Candidate Wilderness Area
10 am to 3 pm
Explore the woods and lake shores of the recently announced Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Candidate Wilderness Area, just minutes from Halifax's Bayer's Lake Business Park. This guided hike will highlight some of the special features and recreational opportunities of this near urban wilderness. Appropriate hiking footwear and clothing along with a lunch and water is recommended. Swimwear is optional. Participants will learn about the steps leading to designation of the area under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act, including public consultation. For more information, please visit our Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes webpage. This event is suitable for adults and youth 10 years of age or older. Hosted by Nova Scotia Environment’s Protected Areas Branch. For more information or to pre-register, please call Oliver Maass at (902) 424-2123.
Crowbar Lake Trail Walk
October 4, 2008
Waverley - Salmon River Long Lake Wilderness Area
10 am
Join the Chebucto Hiking Club for an 18 km guided walk along one of HRM's newest wilderness trails. A choice of an 8 km or 14 km guided walk will also be available. Part of the trail is over moderately rugged terrain so be prepared with sturdy footwear, a lunch, and drinking water. We will meet at the Trailhead parking lot on Myra Road, 9 kms north of Hwy 7 at Porter's Lake. Rain or shine. For more information, please contact Bernie at (902)464-0212.
Trail Walk
November 11, 2008
Duncans Cove Nature Reserve
10 am
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for a challenging 10 km guided walk. Meet at the Duncans Cove parking area. For more information, please contact Lionel at
(902) 466-4421.
Cross Country Skiing
February 7, 2009
Gully Lake Wilderness Area
10 am to 3 pm
A guided, cross country ski excursion through hardwood forest trails within this recently designated provincial wilderness area, located near Mount Thom. The 3,810 hectare (9,400 acre) Gully Lake Wilderness Area protects the largest remaining patch of mature forest in the Truro Pictou area and was home to the Hermit of Gully Lake. Winter snow cover is fairly reliable. Bring your cross country ski equipment, lunch, water, and proper clothing. Suitable for adults and youth 12 years or older. Group size is limited. Hosted by Nova Scotia Environment’s Protected Areas Branch. For more information or to pre-register for this event, please call Oliver at (902) 424-2123.
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