-by Beverley Phillips
It may be winter, but that’s no reason to hide inside, and guided hikes are a great way to get outdoors in the winter and enjoy the fresh air in the company of friends and neighbours.
Both Hike Nova Scotia and the communities around Inverness County are hosting a number of guided hikes this winter.
“Winter is a time of year when folks tend to hide indoors. That’s understandable given the wild swings in weather we’ve seen,” says Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia executive director.
“But it’s so important to get outside this time of year for your mood and for your body. Guided hikes are a good motivator to get out.”
Hike Nova Scotia is hosting three guided hikes in Inverness County this winter in the Highlands National Park. On February 1st, there is a Salmon Pools Full Moon Hike in Chéticamp at 6:00 p.m. It’s an easy 3 km hike/snowshoe that meets at the Highlands National Park Visitor Centre.
On February 14th, they meet at the trailhead of Le Buttereau, Chéticamp at 10:00 a.m. This hike takes place during the “Festival Chocolat Chaud 2026,” and Les Amis du Plein Air will offer a light lunch of turkey rice soup, rolls, hot chocolate, tea, and cookies at la Rigouèche (near the Chéticamp Visitor Centre) following the walk.
And on March 15th, hikers can meet at the trailhead of MacIntosh Brook in Pleasant Bay at 1:00 p.m.
Kersti Tacreiter is the Interpretation Coordinator for the Cape Breton Highlands Park, and she said, “It’s such a different experience this time of year, and a magical way to experience the park. Winter brings a different perspective for people who are visiting.”
Sophie Ehlers, a volunteer from Germany, will be the guide for the hikes in the Park. She will ensure a safe environment for all the hikes, and is on the trail beforehand to make sure it is in good shape. The trails look different in the winter, and it is easy to stray from them when you can’t see a well-trodden path. Ehlers and the sweep (i.e. a hiker who is at the back of the hiking group) will make sure that everyone is heading in the right direction and that no one is left behind. “The group will only go as fast as the slowest person,” said Tacreiter. “It’s not a fitness hike, and going slow means you really get to see and enjoy the magic of the winter trail.”
Ehlers will also offer some interpretation, pointing out animal tracks and other interesting tidbits along the way.
Tacreiter added, “We are always delighted to collaborate with Hike NS, who do such a wonderful job of encouraging folks to get out and stay active throughout the province year-round and really do encourage us all to explore the incredible venues in our own back yards. We’ve been collaborating with them on the fall and winter walk offers for a number of years, and it is always a pleasure to do so.”
For all of these events, bring your own snowshoes, if you have them. They can be rented from the county for $2/day or $10 for a full week. Tacreiter also encourages people to bring walking sticks, water, snacks, and extra layers. Conditions can change quickly and extra layers may be warranted. Also, feel free to bring a headlamp for the evening hikes.
If traveling any distance for these hikes, do note the washrooms are open year-round at the Chéticamp Visitor Centre. The MacIntosh Brook washroom is not open in the winter. Except for Bog Trail privy, all privies along the Cabot trail are open if conditions allow you to get to them. The one at Clyburn River is actively cleared and maintained throughout the winter. Otherwise, you may find facilities in Pleasant Bay or Neil’s Harbour.
For more information on these hikes or to see the full schedule, visit hikenovascotia.ca. Registration is required, and you can do that by getting in touch with the Park staff at [email protected] or by calling 902-224-2306. While cancellations will be posted on Hike Nova Scotia’s web page and social media sites, as well as the Park’s Facebook page, preregistering provides them with information to contact you in case of cancellation.
Other communities and organizations are hosting outdoor events as well.
Join ACAP Cape Breton, the Municipality of the County of Inverness, and the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society on Celtic Shores Coastal Trail on January 31st (storm date February 1st) for a hike from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet them at the trail entrance on Highway 252 in Hillsborough (The Landing). Park along the Smithville Road. This walk will focus on local history, tree identification, and some track identification. Bring snowshoes if you have them, though they will have some on hand. Please pre-register by emailing Monica ([email protected]) so they can let you know if the walk needs to be postponed. Postponement will be announced via email and social media by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31st.
The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail is hosting a snowshoe on Valentine’s Day, meeting at the Creignish Recreation Centre at 10:00 a.m.. Snowshoes will be provided, and following the snowshoe, drinks and snacks will be available.
If skiing is more your style, the newly formed Ski Margaree Trails Society is offering tips and fun activities on January 24th, at the Cranton Cross Road Community Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be a guided ski at 1:30 p.m. following the ribbon cutting at the trailhead at Nile Brook in Margaree Valley. The event is free but they do ask participants to register. On the registration form you can indicate if you need skis or snowshoes. For more information contact the Ski Margaree Trails Society on Facebook: Ski Margaree Trails Society or by email: [email protected]. Storm date is January 25th.
A number of communities in the area are also hosting winter festivals, so keep an eye out for those and their hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing activities.
To rent skis or snowshoes from the county, email [email protected] to book them. They can be picked up at the Recreation & Community Wellness Office at 86 High Road, Port Hood.