On May 14th, we laced up our shoes and joined Hike Nova Scotia and over 100 groups across the province to celebrate NS Walks Day—and what a beautiful day it was!
Thanks to everyone who came out to Van Tassel Lake Trails to take part in the fun. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the trails were alive with friendly faces enjoying nature together. It was a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to have such incredible outdoor spaces right in our backyard.
We loved seeing so many walkers, hikers, and families exploring the trails—and we can't wait to see you back out there again soon!

What a day at the Lily Lake Lollygag Trail Run!

Another amazing event in the books!! A heartfelt thank-you to Digby Area Recreation Commission and all of the incredible volunteers who made it happen!

A shout-out to Van Tassel Lake Trails Associationtion for building and maintaining these beautiful trails.

You are all the heart of our community, dedicating your time, effort, and passion so we can all enjoy days like this.
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We’re also so grateful to the Town of Digby for the use of this amazing space.
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One of the biggest highlights? Seeing so many kids out there laughing, running, and loving the trail! Feeling thankful to be part of such a special community. Until next year. 

The Fundy Erratics kicked off the new year with a beautiful and crisp hike around VanTassel Lake, and what a memorable adventure it was! With 19 hikers in tow, the group embarked on a scenic jaunt that offered stunning views and a deep dive into both nature and history. 

Our route took us clockwise around VanTassel Lake, where we found ourselves "chasing windmills" and uncovering the hidden histories of the area. One of the highlights of the hike was the chance to get a good look at the Municipality of Digby’s 50-meter Enercon E-48 wind turbine. 

As we continued along the trail, we paused to learn about the history of the VanTassel family, who have ties to the lake. The story of their connection to this area added a rich layer to our hike and gave us a deeper appreciation for the landscape we were walking through. We also took the time to examine the structure of the former Digby Water Supply, an important historical feature of the area that added another layer of interest to the day.

It was a perfect way to start off the hiking season of 2025. The crisp air, the beauty of the lake, the history of the area, and the camaraderie of the group made for a truly unforgettable experience. We can't wait for the next hike !!!

​Winter hiking in Nova Scotia… there’s something truly magical about it, isn’t there? Each season brings a new layer of magic—the way the landscape transforms, the fresh blanket of snow turning everything into a peaceful winter wonderland.

One of the best parts of winter hiking is seeing the tracks of those who share the trails with us—the animals that are so resilient and adaptable, leaving behind their stories in the snow.

With all the beauty comes a bit of responsibility. As the snow builds up, what once felt like a moderate hike can quickly become a challenging one. If you’re breaking trail, it’s a full-body workout. And remember—those layers of snow might hide rocks, branches, and other hazards that can make a fall or twisted ankle all too easy. So, take your time, stay present, and keep safety in mind.
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Slow down, Winter’s charm is in the details, and the beauty of it all is best enjoyed when you take a moment to truly see it.

On November 18th, 15 students from Digby Regional High School’s Options and Opportunities (O2) program came out to Van Tassel Lake Trails to lend a hand with some trail maintenance. The crew wasted no time, spreading woodchips and Class A gravel, and even enjoyed a guided tour of the Cascades Trail led by Greg Turner.

When I first started as Trails Coordinator, I was surprised by how few young people are involved in the trail community. I realized that there’s a real opportunity to engage the next generation in preserving and improving our trails. Getting the word out about how important their help is became a priority for me. The O2 program seemed like a perfect fit, and seeing these 15 students on the trails was a wonderful start. Their efforts are not only invaluable to our trail association, but they also make a lasting impact on the many users who enjoy the trails every day.

As i see it if two of the students walk away today with a deeper appreciation for volunteering or a better understanding of the trail’s community, then we have succeeded. Their hard work made a significant difference, and I truly hope it encourages them to return to the trails—not just as users, but as future volunteers.
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 We look forward to seeing them back on the trails in the future, and to inspiring even more young people to join in and make a difference. 

What a fantastic Sunday spent on Peter’s Island! 🌞🏝️ It was a perfect day for exploring, and it also gave me a whole new perspective on the challenges of lighthouse restoration. The Peter’s Island Lighthouse, active since 1850, is in need of repairs; however, the island’s remote location between Westport, Brier Island, and Freeport makes the logistics and transportation of materials a significant challenge.

A huge thank you to Sail² (Save a Lighthouse), whose dedication to preserving our maritime heritage is truly invaluable. Established in 2015, Sail² operates under the Islands Historical Society.  Sail² has been actively pursuing funding opportunities to support the restoration projects. Open to anyone passionate about history and preservation, the Sail² Subcommittee works tirelessly to ensure that these iconic lighthouses continue to stand as vibrant symbols of our maritime history for generations to come. The Peter's Island lighthouse was designated a heritage site in 2021 under Canada’s Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, acknowledging its historical significance. 

Donate now!

Islands Historical Society was formed in 1986 to “preserve, protect and promote” the social history of Long and Brier Islands, Digby County, Nova Scotia. The Society is CRA registered charity # 892211244RR0001.

Visit the link below!
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Donate to SAIL² now! (sail2.ca)
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The Town of Digby has passed a new bylaw allowing ATV traffic to use a portion of First Ave as a crucial connector to the railbed trail on either end of downtown Digby! This fantastic development is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of the Digby County ATV Club, whose hard work has truly paid off.
The Digby County ATV Club has been working tirelessly not just to secure this bylaw, but also to maintain our trails, and ensure our outdoor spaces remain enjoyable for everyone. Their commitment extends far beyond today’s achievement, and they’re always striving to enhance our trails and their connectivity for all users.
Want to be part of this amazing effort? Consider joining the Digby County ATV Club and making a difference in our community. Whether you’re an avid ATV rider or simply passionate about improving our local trails, your support can help them continue their fantastic work.
Get involved, join the club, and help us make our trails better for everyone! For more information on how you can contribute or become a member, reach out to the Digby County ATV Club today.
Digby Atv Club

OTHER NEWS:

ATVANS official trail mapping application from Mapgears is now ready for use!!
This new interactive mapping system includes the latest trail routes in Nova Scotia, trail types, connections, closures, and various services available along your route.
The download to PC is FREE, while the cost of the mobile app from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store is $4.99 + HST per year. To access the free online version for PC, go to atvans.evtrails.com.
Links to a pair of short tutorial-style videos for the PC version and Mobile apps are attached below:
https://youtu.be/XcA0D19K3Ro (shorter version for Mobile users)
https://youtu.be/YhzahgwOZWM (longer version for PC)

Join Us for the Next Acacia Valley Trails Society Board Meeting!
We want YOU to be a part of shaping the future of our beautiful trails! Whether you're a long-time supporter or a new face, your voice matters. Come share your ideas, ask questions, and get involved. We hope to see you there!!