The weather gurus say this winter will be colder and snowier than past years and Hike Nova Scotia says bring it on! Rather than hibernate until spring, the provincial group hopes people will get out on the trails, perhaps using snowshoes.

“Some people think of winter as a time to stay indoors, but we think it’s a great time to experience nature and get in some physical activity,” says Janet Barlow, Hike NS Executive Director. “Now more than ever there are guided winter hikes and places where you can borrow, rent or buy snowshoes.”

Hike NS and 20 host organizations partnered up to offer the Winter Guided Hike Series in January, February and March. There are 50 hikes are scheduled province-wide. Hikes are led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. Hikes are free or low-cost and pre-registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Most are snowshoeing events or just regular hikes if there’s no snow.

The full schedule with registration details and directions is found at www.hikenovascotia.ca. Hikes are listed by date and region (Halifax, South Shore, Valley, Fundy, Highland and Cape Breton) and include various lengths and difficulty levels.

Hike NS thanks its local partners for organizing the hikes on the ground as well as MEC, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for their support. Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout the province, striving to be the voice for those who hike, walk and snowshoe.

Wondering where to find snowshoes? Not to worry, since you can easily find snowshoes to borrow, rent or buy using Hike NS’s online guide, with over 90 listings. There are at least 65 venues listed where you can borrow them for free.

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Source : Media Release