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Safe Hiker: An Introduction to Hiking Workshop
What:
Hike Nova Scotia’s Safe Hiker Workshop aims to teach new and inexperienced hikers how to have safe, low-impact and enjoyable hiking experiences. It is supported by Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Why:
HikeNS envisions more Nova Scotians and visitors enjoying a broad network of places for hiking, walking and snowshoeing and doing so in a responsible manner. To realize this, we need to give hikers the skills and knowledge to do it safely, with minimal impact and with confidence.
Learn more about the Safe Hiker one-day workshop here.
Hiking Safety
There are several things you can do to ensure a safe hiking experience:
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Don’t hike alone. There is safety in numbers.
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Make a hike plan. Decide where you’re going and when you’ll return. Leave this information with someone who will follow up if you don’t return on time.
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Take a map and compass or GPS unit (with extra batteries) and know how to use them.
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Bring the right gear with you and be prepared. Hiking or trekking poles are a good idea to help with difficult terrain and can be tools for emergency situations, such as fending off aggressive animals.
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Never feed wild animals and don’t leave garbage behind that might attract them to the trail.
Wildlife attacks in Nova Scotia are very, very rare. The key is to avoid wildlife encounters in the first place: make noise while you hike (bear bells are an option); be cautious when near food sources or fresh kills; and be aware of wildlife signs like scat and other markings.
The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Living With Wildlife resources give a good overview of how to deal with wildlife encounters.
Consider taking the Hike Nova Scotia Safe Hiker workshop (see above). |
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