Below is the Daily Program of 2021 Hike the Highlands Virtual Festival. It involves hiking each day, watching in the evening an online presentation or interview and answering our daily poll question.
Friday, Sept. 10th, 2021
- Hike 2.3 km- 11 km today
- Tonight’s evening presentation online ” The Best of Trans Canada Trail” (Great Trail) by Michael Haynes,
Over my 30 years of work in trails, I have been a trail user, a volunteer, Executive Director of a Provincial Trail Organization, trail director of an National not-for-profit, a consultant in municipal trails plans and on provincial trail strategies, conference presenter in eight different countries, published magazine articles, aired more than 300 radio segments about trails, and had thirteen trail guides published. - Daily Poll Question
Saturday, Sept. 11th, 2021
1. Hike 4 -14 kms
2. Tonight’s Evening presentation – ” The Camino. It Starts With a Racing Heart, a Big Breath and a First Step.” Kim Bailey, Cornwall, PEI
I walked the Camino alone in 2014. It was the first time I ever took on something of this magnitude. Full of fear and trepidation and not having anything
planned in advance, I put my trust in the process. The magic and the mystery of this beautiful journey opened its heart to me. Kim grew up in rural PEI, one
of 10 children. The outdoors always had a special place in her heart. She is accomplished long distance hiker in UK & North America, and a marathon runner
with over 60 worldwide marathons including 8 Boston’s and WWOOFing on the Greek Island of Lesvos. Kim is currently training for the Tokyo marathon
which will complete her 6 World Majors.
Sunday, Sept. 12th, 2021
1. Hike 4-19 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation “ Hike NS: How it’s adapted, hiking trends and what’s new by Janet Barlow, Executive Director, Hike Nova
Scotia. It’s been a huge year for outdoor recreation and Hike NS certainly has seen interest growing. Learn about how Hike NS has adapted, the trends in
hiking – both positive and concerning – and what’s new. Janet Barlow joined the Hike NS board back in 2007 when the organization first formed and
eventually became Executive Director. She has worked for 25 years in Nova Scotia’s nonprofit sector in project management, policy development, outdoor
recreation, active transportation, nature education and hiking and trails. Hike NS encourages and promotes a growing hiking culture throughout our great
province. www.hikenovascotia.ca
Monday, Sept. 13th, 2021
1. Hike 8.2 – 12.2 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation – ” History of Hike the Highlands Festival “. Discover some of the memorable moments the hiking festival has had over the last 17 years. Hike the Highlands Festival has attracted hikers throughout North America, Europe, New Zealand & Australia. It has been a signature event in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island for many years.
Tuesday, Sept. 14th, 2021
1. Hike 3 – 13 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation – “Island Walk (PEI)” by Bryson Guptill
New in 2019, The Island Walk, PEI long distance Walking Adventure. A 700 km walk on PEI, that takes approximately 32 days to complete if you walk 20-25 km a day. Bryson Guptill, Island Walk co-ordinator, will provide walkers & hikers with the latest updates & improvements to the Island Walk. You can visit their website here.
3. Daily Poll Question
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021
1. Hike 6.5 – 8.4 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation – “Hikers Trivia Quiz” Test your knowledge of hiking with the 2021 Hikers Trivia quiz with Hike the Highlands Festival. If you have a good knowledge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Hike the Highlands Festival you should do well in the quiz.
3. Daily Poll Question
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021
1. Hike 3-14 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation ““Hiking in the Lake District” by Craig Smith One of the most popular places to hike in the UK is the Lake District National Park. Find out why Craig Smith continues to visit this area annually since the 80’s and is his favourite hiking spot. Craig is a retired account and international traveller who has hiked in eight international countries around the world.
Friday, Sept. 17, 2021
1. Hike 1.7 km – 16 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation – “Island Trails in 2021, ” by Michael Salter, President of Islands Trails, Islands Trails organization is involved i many exciting projects in 2021 and has won the CP/RA Award of Merit. Find out more by watching this video. Mike is retired 36 year Royal Canadian Navy veteran and Chair of the Islands Trail organization in PEI.
Saturday, Sept. 18th, 2021
1. Hike 4-9.6 km today
2. Tonight’s evening presentation – Cape Breton Highlands National Park – “What’s on the Horizon and the Road to Recovery!” by Julie
Cossette
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the life of many and the ripple effect has been felt in the tourism industry. How we collectively move forward and
welcome visitors and neighbours from our own backyard will be critical for success. One thing we know for sure, people are craving the great outdoorsand wide open spaces. That’s one thing Cape Breton Highlands National Park has in spades –948 km2 to be exact
Julie Cossette, Acting Visitor Experience Manager for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, loves the great outdoors. She has a background in marketing and promotions, and gift for ensuring visitors have memorable experiences. When Julie isn’t helping the team in delivering exceptional visitor experience, she can be found hitting the road in her vintage Westfalia with her partner and two boys, for their next camping adventure.
Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021
1. Hike – 4-10 km today
2. Terry Fox Virtual Run today – Run, Hike or Walk 10 km
3. The Magic of Wales – Hiking the Pen Ya Fan Mountain & Pembrokeshire Coast Path by Tom Wilson
It starts in Breton Beacons National Park & hiking up Pen y Fan (2907 ‘) mountain and finishes with walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of UK’s National long distance trail at 186 miles with a total of 35,000 feet of ascent & descent.
Tom Wilson is a retired Recreation, Tourism & Broadband professional who enjoys the challenges of long distance walking/hiking. He has hiked extensively in UK & the Republic of Ireland as well National Parks in Atlantic Canada and parts of the East Coast Trail.