Take a Hike! (In Canada!)
By Bryson Forbes
There is a litany of great reasons to get out for a long, vigorous walk. For starters, think of the health benefits: you can drop a few pounds, lower blood pressure, prevent the onset of diabetes and help mitigate arthritis, just to name a few. All this with just a nice, brisk, 30-minute hike, 3 or 4 times a week.
Next, it’s a great way to clear your mind, reduce stress and focus your thoughts. I find that getting out for a hike to be almost therapeutic. It’s also a great way to catch up with my wife, Ruth and we usually bring Ellie, our dog. We don’t need fancy hiking equipment or hiking gear to have a great time, just our love for adventure travel and the great outdoors.
Canada is a hikers’ heaven with amazing trails from coast to coast. Here are four from across the country that I have hiked and highly recommend:
I grew up in Kanata, just outside Ottawa, and one of my favourite hikes was at Shirley’s Bay. There are 7 kilometres of hiking trails, as well as almost 20 kilometres of pathways for walking, so there is something for those looking for a quick, 30-minute jaunt, and those looking to spend the whole day there. The trails in Shirley’s Bay are part of the Trans Canada Trail. There is free parking and access to a washroom, as well as designated picnic areas.
Growing up, every second summer, my family headed east to visit my dad’s family in Halifax. We always headed down the South Shore and I vividly remember time with my cousins along the Annapolis Trail. This 122-kilometre hiking trail travels between the Goose Chase Road in New Germany, to the Town of Bridgetown, in the Annapolis Valley. We would pack a picnic and always count on a great day in this stunning area of Nova Scotia.
In 2012, our family took a trip through Alberta, in conjunction with a visit to the Calgary Stampede. One of the many highlights for us was a family hike outside Banff at Lake Minnewanka. The horizon is adorned with the Canadian Rockies, there are stunning views and access to glacial lakes. It is a terrific hike. Keep your eyes peeled: there is always a chance to come across some interesting wildlife. We passed a black bear on the ride home!
My fourth pick is in my current community in Burlington, Ontario. The Niagara Escarpment surrounds us and it makes for some amazing topography and hiking trails. One that we like to frequent is Kerncliff Park, which we can walk to. Kerncliff Park is the site of the old Nelson Quarry. It is now under rehabilitation and is a great place to explore via gravel paths and a boardwalk. Ellie, our dog, loves the park and usually runs into lots of friends along the trail.
Where are your favourite or most memorable places to take a hike?
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