August 28, 2026Get trail-ready with these top tips for new hikers, from our very own Chief Hiking Officer Bella Lam is the Chief Executive Officer at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and the Chief Hiking Officer for the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope — and worked closely with Dr. Jane for a decade. For Bella, nature has always been deeply restorative — “the rustling of leaves underfoot, the rhythm of your breath, the fresh air surrounding you, and the simple act of moving through the world at your own pace.”Dr. Jane also often spoke about this “powerful, almost mystical, knowledge of beauty and eternity” that came from spending time outdoors.And much like Jane, spending time outdoors has long been part of Bella’s life. “Being outdoors, doing anything in the open air, has always been part of my DNA,” she says.“There’s something very satisfying with the act of just carrying yourself from point A to point B on your own two feet,” she adds.Bella knows this from experience. She has hiked on different trails around the world, from summiting craggy mountains to following rugged coastlines. Over the past few months, Bella has stayed closer to home, crisscrossing the country and hopping from trail to trail to trail, getting ready for the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope — which takes place October 3rd and 4th, 2026.The journey started in British Columbia in June, and continued in Ontario in July. Just this month, Bella ventured to Newfoundland and hiked part of the East Coast Trail. (Fun fact: With that trip, Bella has now set foot in every Canadian province.) She has plans to hike in Manitoba this September, and will be heading to Quebec for the Hike for Hope weekend.That said, for Bella, hiking is not about just ticking off a list of trails that she has completed. Ask her why she laces up her boots, and the answer isn’t about covering mileage or setting a fast pace.“What I always hope to get out of a hike is creating a shared experience, a new memory with a loved one — like, ‘remember that time we did this?’ It could be eating snacks while enjoying the view at a summit, or spotting interesting flora and fauna along a trail — savouring those moments and being present with the people I’m with,” she says. “That, to me, is the most important part.”Bella’s top tips for new hikersWhen we found out that Bella was an avid hiker, we knew we had to ask her for her best advice for anyone thinking about starting. Here is some of what she had to say:To start, pick an area that you enjoy. “Find a place — a nice park, a quiet path, a quaint town (you could find a number of trail heads that are close to small towns and communities) — that you would actually enjoy spending some time walking through or exploring,” she says. That may seem obvious, but it’s easy to look past this step when you are chasing a challenge instead of a good time.Good food can help, too. “Food and hydration not only provide important sustenance while hiking, but they could also be a fun motivator, if you look for a destination where you can treat yourself when the hike ends,” Bella notes. “It’s easy to get friends to join you on an outing if they know there is a bakery or a cafe at the end of the route!”The company you keep is key to any successful hike. While solo-hiking can be very rewarding, for new hikers, doing it with others can be a great way to experience the trails. There’s also the added safety factor to have someone with you in case of an emergency. “Think of it this way,” Bella suggests, “the next time you want to hang out with friends, instead of meeting up for dinner, or a movie, or a concert, plan a hike and invite them to join you. As you spend that time with them, tell them about the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope, the difference they can make by signing up — and together, you can hike with a common purpose.”Recognize, and appreciate, the mental health benefits. By the end of her hikes, Bella says the real reward isn’t just physical — it’s mental, too: “My mind gets decluttered out there on the trails. I’m not on my phone, unless it’s to take a photo or to navigate. There is intention in traversing across the landscape, appreciating and respecting the environment that unfolds with each step taken. It’s an amazing feeling!”That feeling is one that anyone who has ever finished a nice, long walk can understand. It’s that very joy that Bella wants to share with hikers across Canada this October, with the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope.To learn more about how you can lace up with Bella and others across the country in support of Jane’s mission and legacy, go to HikeForHope.ca.When you sign up for the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope, we’ll send you our exclusive Adventure Package — presented by G Adventures — with even more tips to support you on your hike. Plus, you can enter to win a trip for two to Borneo with G Adventures. You can also claim your free 7-day trial pass for GoodLife Fitness, which you can use at any of their 200+ clubs across Canada.Photos: Bella Lam, Katherine Holland, Bella LamExplore Related Content Dr. Jane, From The Field, Other Content, Youth VoicesInternational Day of the Girl — and our commitment to removing barriers and addressing obstaclesAugust 28, 2026 Read more From The Field, Learn About Chimpanzees & Other Great Apes, Other ContentMeet Dr. Rebeca Atencia, Tchimpounga Sanctuary’s head veterinarianAugust 28, 2026 Read more Good News Stories, News and Updates, Other Content“It was a little girl’s dream to save chimpanzees:” Dr. Rebeca Atencia wins Animal’s Health Sustainability AwardAugust 28, 2026 Read more
