WOMEN’S HIKING FOUNDATIONS

4-8 Women • 5-10 km • Beginner Friendly • Day Hike • $40

You've been thinking about hiking for a while.

Maybe you've wondered if you're fit enough, experienced enough, or whether you even belong out there.

Women's Hiking Foundations is a beginner-friendly guided hiking experience designed to help women transition from comfortable walking paths to real Nova Scotia hiking trails in a supportive small-group environment.

Through practical experience, guidance, and encouragement, you'll learn what to expect on the trail, gain familiarity with hiking terrain, and leave with a clearer understanding of how to continue your hiking journey.

No hiking experience required.

Come alone, leave with new hiking friends.

Small groups of women.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

THE FIRST STEP

You do not need to be “Outdoorsy” to start.

Most women who join Women's Hiking Foundations aren't experienced hikers. They're women who want to spend more time outside, feel more confident on the trail, and finally stop wondering whether hiking is for them.

The barriers usually aren't motivation. They're uncertainty:

  • not wanting to go alone

  • feeling intimidated

  • wondering if you’re fit enough

  • not knowing what gear matters

  • worrying about slowing others down

  • feeling like everyone else already knows what they’re doing

Women’s Hiking Foundations was created to change that.

Not to chase fitness goals or collect kilometers, but to help women gain real trail experience, spend more time outdoors, and discover that hiking is far more accessible than they may have imagined.

"Kerry has a rare gift for making everyone feel capable and safe, regardless of their experience level. I can attest to her leadership, enthusiasm, and organizational skills. What sets her apart is her attention to detail and her heart."

Jacqueline STEPHENSON

WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR HIKING JOURNEY?

WOMEN’S HIKING FOUNDATIONS

Start Here

THE CONFIDENT HIKER

Step up to the Challenge

BACKCOUNTRY WARRIOR

Answer the Call


Explore the Valkyrie Pathways →

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Approximately 7 to 10 km of total hiking with 3 - 5 km of easy walking terrain and 3 - 5 km of beginner-friendly hiking trails

  • Short hills and gentle elevation changes

  • Roots, rocks and uneven footing

  • Plenty of opportunities for breaks, questions, and learning

  • A pace focused for enjoyment and gaining trail experience

TRAIL TYPES

Women's Hiking Foundations uses beginner-friendly trails selected to help participants gradually build confidence and experience on real hiking terrain.

Examples may include trails similar to:

  • Castle Rock Trail

  • Nine Mile River Trail System

These trails offer a mix of wide pathways, gentle hills, forest terrain, and beginner-friendly hiking conditions.

THE EXPERIENCE

Part 1: Preparation

Before the hike, participants receive clear beginner-friendly guidance to help them feel more prepared and comfortable arriving on the trail.

This includes:

  • what to wear

  • footwear guidance

  • what to bring

  • beginner hiking expectations

  • common beginner concerns and questions

The goal is to reduce uncertainty and help participants arrive feeling more prepared, informed, and comfortable.

We begin on wide, approachable rails-to-trails terrain designed to help participants settle into the experience in a supportive and low-pressure environment.

  • settle into pacing

  • get comfortable moving outdoors

  • learn basic hiking techniques

  • build confidence gradually

Participants are supported throughout while learning how hiking should actually feel before transitioning onto more natural trail terrain.

Part 2: Build Comfort

The second portion gradually transitions onto real Nova Scotia hiking trail terrain featuring:

  • roots

  • uneven footing

  • short elevation changes

  • narrower trail conditions

Participants receive guidance, pacing support, and practical coaching throughout while learning how to move more comfortably and confidently on real hiking terrain.

Part 3: Real Trail Experience

Participants are invited to join the Valkyrie women’s hiking community where they can:

  • stay connected with other participants

  • ask beginner hiking questions

  • share experiences and progress

  • learn about future hikes and opportunities

  • continue building confidence outdoors

Part 4: Stay Connected

WHAT YOUR DAY LOOKS LIKE

Arrival + Briefing

We begin with clarity and preparation so you feel comfortable before stepping onto the trail.

  • Introductions

  • Gear and readiness check

  • Trail overview

  • Pacing expectations

  • Space to ask questions before we begin

No pressure.
No expectation to already know what you’re doing.

On-Trail Experience

Throughout the hike, participants receive:

  • pacing support

  • trail guidance

  • terrain coaching

  • rest breaks

  • encouragement and adjustment as needed

The goal is not speed.

The goal is helping women feel more comfortable and capable outdoors over time.

Reflection + Close

For some women, it's realizing that hiking felt more approachable than they expected. For others, it's recognizing that they are capable of more than they gave themselves credit for.

It's an opportunity to ask final questions, share lessons learned, and talk about what comes next, whether that's another hike, building a hiking routine, or simply feeling more comfortable exploring the outdoors.

Many women leave with a sense of accomplishment, a clearer understanding of their abilities, and excitement for future adventures.

WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT

Unlike a typical guided hike, Women's Hiking Foundations is intentionally designed for women who are new to hiking.

  • Designed specifically for women who are new to hiking

  • A structured progression from walking terrain to real hiking trails

  • Preparation and guidance before the experience

  • Questions and learning are encouraged throughout the day

  • Small groups that create space for support and connection

  • Led by an OCC Certified Field Leader with Advanced Wilderness First Aid training

  • Transportation to and from the trailhead

  • Personal hiking footwear, clothing, and equipment

  • Meals, snacks, and beverages

  • Travel, medical, or trip cancellation insurance

  • Parking fees where applicable

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Participants should plan for approximately four hours on trail, typically from around 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Exact timing may vary depending on the trail, weather conditions, and group pace. Detailed trip information, meeting location, and gear recommendations will be provided before your scheduled adventure.

  • That is completely okay.

    This experience was specifically designed for women who are newer to hiking or who have very limited experience outdoors.

  • Hikes will take place on a variety of trails throughout Nova Scotia, all within approximately 1.5 hours of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

  • Participants will receive a recommended packing and clothing list before the experience.

    Typically this includes:

    • comfortable hiking appropriate footwear

    • weather-appropriate layers

    • water

    • snacks or lunch

    • a small backpack

    • rain gear if needed

    You do not need specialized mountaineering or technical hiking equipment.

  • Nova Scotia weather can be variable, and part of spending time outdoors is learning to be comfortable in changing conditions. There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor preparation. Experiences may proceed in light rain and typical seasonal conditions. Severe weather conditions may result in schedule adjustments for safety reasons.

  • Absolutely.One of the biggest reasons women join experiences like this is because they do not currently have people in their life who hike regularly or who feel comfortable starting with them.

    The group environment is intentionally welcoming, supportive, and low-pressure.

    You will not be the “odd person out” for arriving alone.

  • Group sizes are intentionally kept small to allow for a supportive, guided experience. The minimum group size is 4 participants and the maximum group size is 8 participants.

  • Yes. Hikes are paced with regular opportunities for breaks, hydration and snacks.

  • That is one of the most common concerns participants have before their first experience.The pace is intentionally designed to be supportive and beginner-friendly, not fast or performance-focused.

    There are regular breaks, guidance throughout the trail, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions or adjust as needed. The goal is to help women feel more comfortable and confident outdoors over time.

  • You do not need to be an athlete to participate. This experience is designed for everyday women with varying fitness levels who want to gradually build confidence, endurance, and comfort on hiking trails.

    Participants are encouraged to move at a steady, manageable pace rather than pushing themselves excessively.

    If you can comfortably walk for extended periods and are open to being challenged a little outside your normal routine, you will likely do just fine.

  • The experience is intentionally structured to gradually build confidence.

    We begin on approachable rails-to-trails terrain or groomed paths before transitioning into more natural Nova Scotia trail conditions.

    Depending on the route, participants may encounter:

    • roots

    • rocks

    • uneven footing

    • mud

    • small elevation changes

    • narrower forest trails

    The terrain is selected specifically to help newer hikers safely build confidence on real trails without immediately feeling overwhelmed.

  • Participants must be 19 years of age or older unless otherwise specified for a particular experience.

WHO IS THIS EXPERIENCE FOR

This experience is designed for women who:

  • Have been thinking about hiking but haven't taken the first step

  • Feel nervous about hiking alone

  • Want to learn in a supportive, women-only environment

  • Are curious about Nova Scotia hiking trails

  • Want practical experience rather than online advice

  • Are looking for connection, encouragement, and community

If you've been wondering whether hiking is something you can do, this experience was created for you.

BY THE END OF THE DAY YOU WILL

  • Complete a beginner-friendly Nova Scotia hike

  • Understand what gear you actually need for day hiking

  • Feel more comfortable on roots, rocks, and uneven terrain

  • Know how to prepare for future hikes

  • Better understand your own hiking ability and comfort level

  • Meet other women who enjoy spending time outdoors

Before reserving your spot, please review the Experience Expectations section in the menu above. It outlines what to expect from the experience, participant responsibilities, group expectations, and our Terms & Conditions

If you’re ready to take your first step into hiking—with support, clarity, and a group of women cheering you on—your adventure starts here.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE

JOIN THE WAITLIST