Hike for Hope Your Adventure Package — Helpful Resources Presented by G Adventures On October 3rd and October 4th, hikers across Canada — from our youngest trekkers to our most seasoned adventurers — are going to take part in the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope. To help you make the most of your time in nature, we have prepared and compiled some resources for your use. Stay safe and have fun! Hiking 101 Join Talise and Monica from the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Toronto Club — and Bella Lam, the Chief Hiking Officer for the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope — as they walk you through what you need to know before you head out for your hike. Resources to Download Participant Bib Every hiker needs their own bib, and you can get your Hike for Hope bib here. Write your name, add your reason for hiking, draw what you love most about the natural world — and then make sure you wear your bib with pride when you head out for your hike! Download here. Reflection Worksheet As you get ready for your hike, save some time for reflection — and consider the fact that every step into the natural world is an opportunity to connect with what’s worth protecting. If you are interested, this worksheet provides some guidance for your reflection. Download here. Preparation Checklist Preparation is paramount — and with this helpful checklist, you can make sure you’re ready for every step of this exciting journey. From the second you register to the moment your hike takes place, this checklist is here to help you participate with confidence. Download here. Social Media Templates Are you excited to be part of the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope? Make sure you share your excitement with your social media followers — and inspire them to be part of this movement, too. Download these social media templates, put your own photos into them, and help spread the word. Download Templates Here Plant-Based Foods Ready To Go Granola bars, fresh fruit, dried mango, roasted chickpeas, and trail mix are classic choices for these kinds of hikes — and they are great right out of the bag. When you need some quick bites or run out of prep time, these are your best bets. (Just make sure you dispose of your wrappers properly.) Needs Some Prep Spread peanut or almond butter on whole wheat wraps and cut them into slices, and pack some banana coins inside for extra energy. Energy balls made from oats, nut butter, and honey don’t take much prep time and can keep well. Cut down your waste by using reusable containers or beeswax wraps. Hiking With… Kids Map your path out. Make sure you pick an appropriate path. Shorter routes with interesting features — like waterfalls, wildlife, and viewpoints — keep kids engaged and motivated throughout. Pack smart snacks. When kids are hungry, they lose enthusiasm fast. Make sure you have plenty of easy snacks that keep your kids energized — granola bars, fresh fruit, and trail mix are classic choices. Let them lead the pace. Kids need more breaks and move slower than adults. Build extra time into your hike and let them pick the pace — stopping to look at bugs, rocks, and water is just part of the fun. Dress for the occasion. Because weather changes can happen quickly, make sure you wear layers and have rain gear. Wear your hats and sunscreen to protect yourself and your kids from the sun, too. Have fun. Give your kids the map, bring their magnifying glass, or make up some kind of scavenger hunt. When kids feel ownership over an experience, they are much more likely to be interested. Dogs Check before you leave. Confirm that dogs are allowed where you’re planning to go, that your dog is up-to-date on vaccines, and that you have packed anything you may need. (Like poop bags!) Hydrate regularly. Bring more water than you think you need, and stop for water breaks often. Keep in mind that dogs overheat faster than humans, and may need more water and more stops. Keep them leashed. Unless the area explicitly says dogs are allowed off-leash, keep your dog leashed. This protects your dog, other people hiking, and the ecosystems you are walking through. Watch for warning signs. Know the symptoms of overheating — like extreme panting, drooling, slowing down — and be prepared to stop your hike if needed. Shaded areas are great for breaks, too. Check again after, too. Before you head home, check your dog for ticks, burrs, and cuts. Pay particular attention to ears, paws, and under the collar. And make sure you give them treats, of course! Groups Share the plan before you head out. Make sure everyone involved is on the same page about where you are going and how long the hike could take — nobody likes surprises about distance or difficulty. Start your hike and end your hike the same way. Together! Count your group when you head out for the hike and once you have made your way back — don’t leave anyone from your group behind. Make sure you have plenty of snacks. Food can boost group morale, help resolve conflict, and make any rest stop more fun. Bring more than you think you need, because you just never know. Let the slowest person set the pace. Nobody enjoys feeling rushed or left behind. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy these hikes — so hang back, chat, and enjoy the great outdoors together. Know where to meet your group. If you and your group spread out over the the hike, make sure you have one spot at the end where you can meet again. This can keep your group safe and worry-free. Tips For Your Hike Every great adventure starts with knowing how to take care of yourself and the wilderness surrounding you. Before you head out for your hike, brush up on the essentials — including information on navigation, weather awareness, wildlife encounters, and first aid. Bruce Trail Conservancy, one of Ontario’s largest land trusts and the steward of Canada’s longest marked footpath, has shared some helpful resources that you can use to prepare for hiking in muddy conditions, hiking when it’s dark out, hiking during hunting season, and more. Read the Tips Oh, the Places You Can Go You are more than welcome to take part in the Hike for Hope wherever you are — whether you are located downtown, out in the country, or somewhere in between. There’s no wrong place to channel Dr. Jane or explore the natural world! That said, if you need some inspiration, here are some great spots worth your time: Bruce Trail (Ontario) Cape Breton Highlands (Nova Scotia) Gatineau Park (Quebec) West Coast Trail (British Columbia) AllTrails (Nationwide) Trans Canada Trail (Nationwide) Go back to Your Adventure Package Thank you to our official Adventure Sponsor, G Adventures. For decades, G Adventures has helped people explore the world responsibly, sustainably, and meaningfully. The approach they take to small-group travel, community connection, and respect for wildlife and our shared environment aligns deeply with Dr. Jane’s mission — and we are proud to have them as our official Adventure Sponsor, helping you prepare for your journey.
