Let's go for a walk... the Fundy Erratics is a common adventure group who get together for monthly group walks in or near Digby County.
Check out our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/fundyerratics/ for the most up-todate information on our upcoming hikes.
Check out our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/fundyerratics/ for the most up-todate information on our upcoming hikes.
We hike for all kinds of reasons - to connect with nature, to get some fresh air, to get some exercise, to explore the woods and waters of our community, or to learn about the natural world. However, after 10 years of getting together at least once a month, it has become pretty clear that our main raison d'etre is to spend time with like-minded outdoorsy active folks.
Our founding belief is: "It's easier to be healthy and active within a community that is also healthy and active."
We try to make sure we are holding a variety of hikes - with varying levels of difficulty, through different terrains (coastal, deep forest, park trails), and for varieties of reasons. For example, some of our hikes have the goal of reaching a remote wilderness spot, others are to observe wildflowers or birds on a short trail near town. Some of our hikes feature wildlife specialists or geology profs - sometimes we are learning about local history. And sometimes we decide everyone is to wear a plaid shirt...
(more details to be added here soon about how we operate - but basically: we start together, stay together, learn together and have fun together.)
Our founding belief is: "It's easier to be healthy and active within a community that is also healthy and active."
We try to make sure we are holding a variety of hikes - with varying levels of difficulty, through different terrains (coastal, deep forest, park trails), and for varieties of reasons. For example, some of our hikes have the goal of reaching a remote wilderness spot, others are to observe wildflowers or birds on a short trail near town. Some of our hikes feature wildlife specialists or geology profs - sometimes we are learning about local history. And sometimes we decide everyone is to wear a plaid shirt...
(more details to be added here soon about how we operate - but basically: we start together, stay together, learn together and have fun together.)
Winter 2023 - hiking schedule
Please read the complete descriptions for each hike below. Each description contains important information about what to expect and how to best prepare - so you can decide if this is a hike you are prepared for, capable of and will enjoy...
( in some cases more details will be provided as the hike time approaches, so check back here and the Fundy Erratic's facebook group for updates
Riverside snowshoe warm up (Bear River) – Saturday, January 14, 2023, meet behind the Bear River Legion for a 9:30am start, short hike with steep bits. Less than 3km
Snow Troll Visit (Van Tassel Lake Lookoff) – Saturday, February 11, 2023 – meet at the Van Tassel Lake Trails parking lot for a 9:30 a.m. start. 6km
Hi Ho to the Hardwoods (Acacia Valley Trails) – Saturday, March 11, 2023 – meet at the AVT parking lot on Mill Road for a 9:30 a.m. start. 7km
Pop up snowshoe events – watch Facebook for spontaneous snowshoeing invites – “If it snows, we go” is our motto. There’s some talk around the planning table of maybe a moonlit hike when the snow and moon allow. (Full moon in January is Jan. 6 and February is Feb. 5 but the invite could be any random night close to that date.)
Riverside snowshoe warm up – 2.5k
Saturday, January 14, 2023
A 2.5km trail walk along the Bear River. Short but with some steep parts. Meet behind the Bear River Legion for a 9:30am start.
Perfect introductory hike for beginner snowshoers. Or those who enjoy short jaunts. We will follow an established community trail for a short and fun little snowshoe warm up.
The trail does include some steep parts and we may have to clamber over the odd downed tree – all good practice to get used to moving comfortably with snowshoes on. (If there’s no snow, we will get the same benefits but walking.)
Enjoy beautiful views of the river and the peace of old forests near the village. Afterwards, we can gather at Sissiboo Coffee Roasters for a latte.
We can provide snowshoes but you’ll need to let us know well in advance.
Otherwise bring your own snowshoes, sturdy footwear (keeping in mind the boots will need to fit inside the snowshoe bindings), bring extra layers and of course mittens and toque.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
For more information, contact Jonathan Riley, Trails and Open Space Coordinator for the Municipality of Digby at [email protected] or 902-245-2861.
Snow Troll Visit -- 6k
Saturday, February 11, 2023
See the woods of the Van Tassel Lake in the winter. We will make for the look off, where, when loaded with snow, the young fir trees sometimes look like hunched over Snow Trolls. Meet at the Van Tassel Lake Trails parking lot for a 9:30 a.m. start.
If it’s snowy, 6km becomes a good little walk, especially if you’re not used to snowshoes. We will tour a variety of trails on our way to the look off. Most are well smoothed out with gravel or woodchips but some parts do have roots and rocks plus some steep stretches.
The snow usually gets deeper as we head up to the look off and the view from up there is beautiful in winter.
We can provide snowshoes but you’ll need to let us know well in advance.
Otherwise bring your own snowshoes, sturdy footwear (keeping in mind the boots will need to fit inside the snowshoe bindings), bring extra layers and of course mittens and toque.
Please bring snacks and water to fuel you on the hike and we recommend a thermos with something warm to sip on. We also suggest a little square of playmat foam to sit on.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Hi Ho to the Hardwoods – 7km
Saturday, March 11, 2023
A long lovely walk in the woods of Acacia Valley with a stop under the towering Old Growth on the Hardwood Ridge. Meet at the AVT parking lot on Mill Road for a 9:30 a.m. start.
We will follow Aunt Sarah’s Brook to Tupper’s Deadwater and on to the Hardwood Ridge. Here we will take a break and wander under huge and ancient hardwoods. We will listen to the brook sing under the ice, see the forests filled with snow and enjoy the peace of the winter woods.
The trails are rooty, rocky and wild. For most of the hike, we will be in remote forest.
Please come prepared for a day outside.
We can provide snowshoes but you’ll need to let us know well in advance.
Otherwise bring your own snowshoes, sturdy footwear (keeping in mind the boots will need to fit inside the snowshoe bindings), bring extra layers and of course mittens and toque.
Please bring snacks and water to fuel you on the hike and we recommend a thermos with something warm to sip on. We also suggest a little square of playmat foam to sit on.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
( in some cases more details will be provided as the hike time approaches, so check back here and the Fundy Erratic's facebook group for updates
Riverside snowshoe warm up (Bear River) – Saturday, January 14, 2023, meet behind the Bear River Legion for a 9:30am start, short hike with steep bits. Less than 3km
Snow Troll Visit (Van Tassel Lake Lookoff) – Saturday, February 11, 2023 – meet at the Van Tassel Lake Trails parking lot for a 9:30 a.m. start. 6km
Hi Ho to the Hardwoods (Acacia Valley Trails) – Saturday, March 11, 2023 – meet at the AVT parking lot on Mill Road for a 9:30 a.m. start. 7km
Pop up snowshoe events – watch Facebook for spontaneous snowshoeing invites – “If it snows, we go” is our motto. There’s some talk around the planning table of maybe a moonlit hike when the snow and moon allow. (Full moon in January is Jan. 6 and February is Feb. 5 but the invite could be any random night close to that date.)
Riverside snowshoe warm up – 2.5k
Saturday, January 14, 2023
A 2.5km trail walk along the Bear River. Short but with some steep parts. Meet behind the Bear River Legion for a 9:30am start.
Perfect introductory hike for beginner snowshoers. Or those who enjoy short jaunts. We will follow an established community trail for a short and fun little snowshoe warm up.
The trail does include some steep parts and we may have to clamber over the odd downed tree – all good practice to get used to moving comfortably with snowshoes on. (If there’s no snow, we will get the same benefits but walking.)
Enjoy beautiful views of the river and the peace of old forests near the village. Afterwards, we can gather at Sissiboo Coffee Roasters for a latte.
We can provide snowshoes but you’ll need to let us know well in advance.
Otherwise bring your own snowshoes, sturdy footwear (keeping in mind the boots will need to fit inside the snowshoe bindings), bring extra layers and of course mittens and toque.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
For more information, contact Jonathan Riley, Trails and Open Space Coordinator for the Municipality of Digby at [email protected] or 902-245-2861.
Snow Troll Visit -- 6k
Saturday, February 11, 2023
See the woods of the Van Tassel Lake in the winter. We will make for the look off, where, when loaded with snow, the young fir trees sometimes look like hunched over Snow Trolls. Meet at the Van Tassel Lake Trails parking lot for a 9:30 a.m. start.
If it’s snowy, 6km becomes a good little walk, especially if you’re not used to snowshoes. We will tour a variety of trails on our way to the look off. Most are well smoothed out with gravel or woodchips but some parts do have roots and rocks plus some steep stretches.
The snow usually gets deeper as we head up to the look off and the view from up there is beautiful in winter.
We can provide snowshoes but you’ll need to let us know well in advance.
Otherwise bring your own snowshoes, sturdy footwear (keeping in mind the boots will need to fit inside the snowshoe bindings), bring extra layers and of course mittens and toque.
Please bring snacks and water to fuel you on the hike and we recommend a thermos with something warm to sip on. We also suggest a little square of playmat foam to sit on.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Hi Ho to the Hardwoods – 7km
Saturday, March 11, 2023
A long lovely walk in the woods of Acacia Valley with a stop under the towering Old Growth on the Hardwood Ridge. Meet at the AVT parking lot on Mill Road for a 9:30 a.m. start.
We will follow Aunt Sarah’s Brook to Tupper’s Deadwater and on to the Hardwood Ridge. Here we will take a break and wander under huge and ancient hardwoods. We will listen to the brook sing under the ice, see the forests filled with snow and enjoy the peace of the winter woods.
The trails are rooty, rocky and wild. For most of the hike, we will be in remote forest.
Please come prepared for a day outside.
We can provide snowshoes but you’ll need to let us know well in advance.
Otherwise bring your own snowshoes, sturdy footwear (keeping in mind the boots will need to fit inside the snowshoe bindings), bring extra layers and of course mittens and toque.
Please bring snacks and water to fuel you on the hike and we recommend a thermos with something warm to sip on. We also suggest a little square of playmat foam to sit on.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Big Dam, Frozen O and back
EVERY HIKE PARTICIPANT MUST BRING THE ITEMS ON THIS ESSENTIALS LIST:
– 2 litres of liquid (water/hot chocolate/tea)
– lunch and high energy snacks
– flashlight or headlamp
– extra socks
– mittens/gloves and a warm hat
– sturdy, broken-in footwear.
– layerable clothing including WATERPROOF OUTER SHELL
If you are coming on this hike, please read and bring all the items on the list of essentials at the bottom of this post.
The Fundy Erratics November hike is for people who like to walk. A lot. As in: all day.
After a season of short and moderate walks, we’re going to stretch our legs with a 25-km hike (or more) at Kejimkujik National Park, around Big Dam and out to Frozen Ocean; and then back.
If 25k or more is too much, then you do have another option at Keji that day:
The Lunenburg County Hikers will also be in Keji (later) that day to do the Uk'mek trail – this is a shorter front country option! Please see the LCH FB page for details.
I scouted the Erratics' route last weekend in the snow and it is absolutely amazing out there – worth every ounce of the serious effort this hike requires.
This is a long hike in the backcountry with iffy weather in the forecast. Please consider carefully if you have the stamina to walk 25k and if you are prepared to be in a remote location for the day.
In 2015, when we did this loop, we actually took off our boots and crossed Still Brook – but looking at the water levels this past weekend, the river was quite high and it should only get higher with the forecasted precip this week.
So this time, we will be turning around at Site 5 or sooner. We will be stopping for lunch no later than 11:30am and heading back, no matter how far we have come.
Rough plan:
7:15 a.m. Meet at start of Big Dam Road in park
7:30 a.m. Start walking
11:30 a.m. Stop for lunch and head back.
4:30 p.m. Sunset with no moon to speak of
The gate is locked at the start of the Big Dam Road so that adds a little bit of strolling to our day (2.5k each way). The first stretch of trail up to and through the hemlock grove is wide gravelled trail and boardwalks – very easy going.
If you’ve never been in the shady hemlock cathedral with 300- and 400-year-old trees, you are in for a treat – and even if you have, these groves are up about to become rarer as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid threatens the hemlocks of Nova Scotia.
After the hemlock grove, the trail narrows to a footpath with more roots and rocks and twists and turns and some wet spots. (Please stay on the boardwalk or trail as much as possible – walking around puddles widens the path and causes more damage – better to wear proper footwear.)
At the north end of Big Dam lake, we cross over Thomas Brook – from there it is roughly 5k to Frozen Ocean – the trail here also serves as a service road for park vehicles so it’s wide and easy to follow.
There is lots to see on this 4k even if we are mostly “just in the woods”. There are some amazing (small e) erratics in here and lots of flora and fauna (I surprised two deer on my run last week).
Please note, we will be travelling as a group and relying on each other. We will be stopping no later than 11:30 and turning for home about noon. The first rule of group travel is never split up the group – so if you decide to start with us, you have decided to finish with us.
We arrive at the eastern end of Frozen Ocean at about the 12.5km mark. The picnic tables or the wood shed at Site 46 might serve as a great lunch spot. If we have arrived early enough, we could push on for Site 5 at Still Brook. That camp site is located beside an impressive esker offering great views of Frozen O plus there is another amazing hemlock grove here. Hikers should be aware that to reach the esker, we need to walk through a marsh and Parks Canada’s floating boardwalk doesn’t – by that I mean, the boardwalk sinks and your boots will get wet.
Just to be clear, we are not crossing Still Brook on this trip – but keep in mind, the biggest challenge on this hike isn’t the stream crossing anyway; but the total distance – 25k is a lot of walking.
You want sturdy footwear and strong legs and feet – throughout the year, we offer short beginner style hikes, medium distance walks and long challenging walks for more experienced wilderness travellers – this is not the hike for beginners and certainly not the hike for breaking in new shoes.
When we turn around, we will be four hours from the parking lot (that might be 10 to 15 km) – so we all need to be on our game and properly prepared.
Please consult the list of essentials items that each hiker is required to bring with them at the top and bottom of this description. Note it isn’t essential but you could consider bringing a hot drink in a thermos.
I’ve included flashlight or headlamp on the essentials list because this is a long walk on a short day. The sun is only going to be up for nine hours and twelve minutes on Nov. 26 and we will have only a thin crescent moon if we’re still walking after dark.
So not a lot of leeway. Because of this, we’re going to have to start early. Sunrise will be at 7:30 a.m. and we should start walking about then.
On the bright side, the forest is peaceful and golden in the early morning.
Please let us know in advance if you’re planning to come along – the best way is on our Facebook group but you could also send me an email at [email protected]
(Pro tip: leave in your car for after the hike: some dry comfy clothes, a lil water and a snack.)
Keji Hike Deets
Nov. 26, 2022 – Big Dam, Frozen O and back
Distance: 25k or more
Terrain: various trail standards from boardwalk to gravel to woods road to narrow rough rocky root-filled single track. Wet muddy areas. Small hills.
Time: 9 hours.
Meet: At the start of the Big Dam road at 7:15a.m.
Directions: Come in the main entrance to Keji and stay on the main parkway for exactly 5 km, turn right on Jeremy’s Bay Road and cross over the Mersey. We will be parking safely off the road near the start of the Big Dam road.
Google map directions from Digby to Keji
Essentials list:
– 2 litres of liquid (water/hot chocolate/tea)
– lunch and high energy snacks
– flashlight or headlamp
– extra socks
– mittens/gloves and a warm hat
– sturdy, broken-in footwear.
– layerable clothing including waterproof outer shell
– 2 litres of liquid (water/hot chocolate/tea)
– lunch and high energy snacks
– flashlight or headlamp
– extra socks
– mittens/gloves and a warm hat
– sturdy, broken-in footwear.
– layerable clothing including WATERPROOF OUTER SHELL
If you are coming on this hike, please read and bring all the items on the list of essentials at the bottom of this post.
The Fundy Erratics November hike is for people who like to walk. A lot. As in: all day.
After a season of short and moderate walks, we’re going to stretch our legs with a 25-km hike (or more) at Kejimkujik National Park, around Big Dam and out to Frozen Ocean; and then back.
If 25k or more is too much, then you do have another option at Keji that day:
The Lunenburg County Hikers will also be in Keji (later) that day to do the Uk'mek trail – this is a shorter front country option! Please see the LCH FB page for details.
I scouted the Erratics' route last weekend in the snow and it is absolutely amazing out there – worth every ounce of the serious effort this hike requires.
This is a long hike in the backcountry with iffy weather in the forecast. Please consider carefully if you have the stamina to walk 25k and if you are prepared to be in a remote location for the day.
In 2015, when we did this loop, we actually took off our boots and crossed Still Brook – but looking at the water levels this past weekend, the river was quite high and it should only get higher with the forecasted precip this week.
So this time, we will be turning around at Site 5 or sooner. We will be stopping for lunch no later than 11:30am and heading back, no matter how far we have come.
Rough plan:
7:15 a.m. Meet at start of Big Dam Road in park
7:30 a.m. Start walking
11:30 a.m. Stop for lunch and head back.
4:30 p.m. Sunset with no moon to speak of
The gate is locked at the start of the Big Dam Road so that adds a little bit of strolling to our day (2.5k each way). The first stretch of trail up to and through the hemlock grove is wide gravelled trail and boardwalks – very easy going.
If you’ve never been in the shady hemlock cathedral with 300- and 400-year-old trees, you are in for a treat – and even if you have, these groves are up about to become rarer as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid threatens the hemlocks of Nova Scotia.
After the hemlock grove, the trail narrows to a footpath with more roots and rocks and twists and turns and some wet spots. (Please stay on the boardwalk or trail as much as possible – walking around puddles widens the path and causes more damage – better to wear proper footwear.)
At the north end of Big Dam lake, we cross over Thomas Brook – from there it is roughly 5k to Frozen Ocean – the trail here also serves as a service road for park vehicles so it’s wide and easy to follow.
There is lots to see on this 4k even if we are mostly “just in the woods”. There are some amazing (small e) erratics in here and lots of flora and fauna (I surprised two deer on my run last week).
Please note, we will be travelling as a group and relying on each other. We will be stopping no later than 11:30 and turning for home about noon. The first rule of group travel is never split up the group – so if you decide to start with us, you have decided to finish with us.
We arrive at the eastern end of Frozen Ocean at about the 12.5km mark. The picnic tables or the wood shed at Site 46 might serve as a great lunch spot. If we have arrived early enough, we could push on for Site 5 at Still Brook. That camp site is located beside an impressive esker offering great views of Frozen O plus there is another amazing hemlock grove here. Hikers should be aware that to reach the esker, we need to walk through a marsh and Parks Canada’s floating boardwalk doesn’t – by that I mean, the boardwalk sinks and your boots will get wet.
Just to be clear, we are not crossing Still Brook on this trip – but keep in mind, the biggest challenge on this hike isn’t the stream crossing anyway; but the total distance – 25k is a lot of walking.
You want sturdy footwear and strong legs and feet – throughout the year, we offer short beginner style hikes, medium distance walks and long challenging walks for more experienced wilderness travellers – this is not the hike for beginners and certainly not the hike for breaking in new shoes.
When we turn around, we will be four hours from the parking lot (that might be 10 to 15 km) – so we all need to be on our game and properly prepared.
Please consult the list of essentials items that each hiker is required to bring with them at the top and bottom of this description. Note it isn’t essential but you could consider bringing a hot drink in a thermos.
I’ve included flashlight or headlamp on the essentials list because this is a long walk on a short day. The sun is only going to be up for nine hours and twelve minutes on Nov. 26 and we will have only a thin crescent moon if we’re still walking after dark.
So not a lot of leeway. Because of this, we’re going to have to start early. Sunrise will be at 7:30 a.m. and we should start walking about then.
On the bright side, the forest is peaceful and golden in the early morning.
Please let us know in advance if you’re planning to come along – the best way is on our Facebook group but you could also send me an email at [email protected]
(Pro tip: leave in your car for after the hike: some dry comfy clothes, a lil water and a snack.)
Keji Hike Deets
Nov. 26, 2022 – Big Dam, Frozen O and back
Distance: 25k or more
Terrain: various trail standards from boardwalk to gravel to woods road to narrow rough rocky root-filled single track. Wet muddy areas. Small hills.
Time: 9 hours.
Meet: At the start of the Big Dam road at 7:15a.m.
Directions: Come in the main entrance to Keji and stay on the main parkway for exactly 5 km, turn right on Jeremy’s Bay Road and cross over the Mersey. We will be parking safely off the road near the start of the Big Dam road.
Google map directions from Digby to Keji
Essentials list:
– 2 litres of liquid (water/hot chocolate/tea)
– lunch and high energy snacks
– flashlight or headlamp
– extra socks
– mittens/gloves and a warm hat
– sturdy, broken-in footwear.
– layerable clothing including waterproof outer shell
Fundy Erratics hike for October 22, 2022
Western Annapolis County Waterfall Tour
The Erratics will go on the road to visit three (or possibly four) easy-to-access waterfalls.
Please read the complete description. It contains important information about what to expect and how to best prepare - so you can decide if this is a hike you are prepared for, capable of and will enjoy...
We will meet at the Digby arena for a 9 a.m. departure - this group is usually raring to go and therefore extremely punctual about departure times so arriving later than 9 a.m. could be disappointing for you...
The tour is made up of a series of relatively short hikes - so you might not have to actually pack everything into your backpack - but you should have with you:
Details are still being finalized (and permissions secured), but we can say:
The Erratics will go on the road to visit three (or possibly four) easy-to-access waterfalls.
Please read the complete description. It contains important information about what to expect and how to best prepare - so you can decide if this is a hike you are prepared for, capable of and will enjoy...
We will meet at the Digby arena for a 9 a.m. departure - this group is usually raring to go and therefore extremely punctual about departure times so arriving later than 9 a.m. could be disappointing for you...
The tour is made up of a series of relatively short hikes - so you might not have to actually pack everything into your backpack - but you should have with you:
- food and water for a day of adventuring
- warm drinks in a thermos and cookies to share are also welcome :P
- change of socks and extra layers in case the weather changes (waterproof and windproof layers!)
- footwear that will allow you to navigate rough, slippery, wet, rocky, rooty terrain
- sun protection
Details are still being finalized (and permissions secured), but we can say:
- parking for the first waterfall is 20 minutes from Digby. This hike is short (no more than one kilometre total) but extremely steep. It has some wet areas, rooty and rocky sections.
- it is a 30-minute drive to the trailhead for the second waterfall: the falls on Bohaker Brook on the Delaps Cove Trails. This hike is a 2.2km loop with some rough rooty and rocky sections. The hike includes some time on the Fundy shore so extra layers are a good idea just in case it is colder out there.
- the final waterfall is another half-hour drive. while this hike is very short (the falls are literally right beside the road), the trail is very very steep and can be slippery. It is a rough trail with roots and rocks. This waterfall is arguably the most picturesque waterfall in Kespukwitk (southwest Nova Scotia).
Fundy Erratics Summer Schedule - April 2022 to July 2022
Please read the complete descriptions for each hike below. Each description contains important information about what to expect and how to best prepare - so you can decide if this is a hike you are prepared for, capable of and will enjoy...
Red Head Shore Explore – Saturday, April 9, 2022, leave Digby arena 9:30, hike starts at 10am at Seawall. 10k
Good Bye Rev Jeff Marsh Road Dyke Hike – Saturday, May 28, 2022 – leave Digby arena 9:45 am, or 10am at Marsh Road. 6k
Forest Way Foray to Lake Midway - Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. – Digby Neck Old Post Road – Centreville to Lake Midway 5k
Little River, Cherry Valley and Long Beach - Saturday, July 9, 2022 – starts 10 a.m 9.5k
Red Head Shore Explore - 10k
Saturday, April 9, 2022
A 9km beachwalk under the sandstone cliffs of Red Head. Meet at seawall 10 a.m. Car convoy from Digby arena leaves at 9:30 a.m.
Starting at the sandy beach of Seawall, we will make our way along the shore to Timpany Lane and back (so we can enjoy the views from the other direction.) (4.5k + 4.5k = 9km total).
The surface varies from soft and sandy, to rocky cobblestones, to hard sandstone. Obviously near the ocean, some stretches may be a little wet.
Enjoy sweeping views of St. Mary’s Bay, suck in lungfuls of sea air and explore the sea floor at low tide.
The sandstone formations are also a fascinating attraction but we will have to remain a safe distance away from the actively eroding cliffs. We have scheduled a bit of rain for the week before the hike to fill up the Merry Pisser waterfall that pours onto the seashore. Several other small waterfalls may be flowing if conditions allow.
Bring sturdy footwear, extra layers - it can be much cooler down at the water’s edge and on this hike we will be exposed to wind out of any direction except dead North. Also bring a lunch and water for a seaside picnic. Binoculars, sunglasses are also a good idea.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
.
Good Bye Rev Jeff Marsh Road Dyke Hike
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Jeff leads his last hike before walking to Amherst... :(
First time Erratics Hike on Marsh Road! Picturesque vistas of a huge tidal beach, dykelands and mountains. Spring birds, beachcombing, early budding plants. 6km
Meet at Digby arena 9:45 am. Or meet at 10:00 am 1/2 km in on Marsh Road, from 101 Hwy, Brighton (not the Hwy 217 end). In other words, our parking area and starting spot is 0.5 kms in from the south end of the Marsh Road (which starts diagonally opposite Antonio's Seafood & Grill, 9066 Hwy101).
Easy strolling along farm road, 6 kms. Bring water and snacks; we will take a couple hours for this out and back hike. This is an open landscape so it can be windy, with no cover. Some puddles in the dirt road, and on beach (which has rocks, sand, gravel and mud).
Gulliver's Cove Gambol 5k - !!!!LOCATION CHANGE!!!!!
Sunday, June 26, 2022
(This one's a SUNDAY!!)
Leave Digby arena at 9:45 for Gulliver's Cove. Hike to start in Gulliver' at 10:10 am or slightly after.
A hilly walk to stunning lookoffs with spectacular sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy. Some serious hills (we do take our time but the hills are steep!). some rooty and rocky single track sections. some exposure to wind and cooler ocean temps.
Bringing food and water, extra layers, bug protection and sunscreen is recommended.
We might sit down on the shore for a seaside picnic.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan. For more information, contact Jonathan Riley, Trails and Open Space Coordinator for the Municipality of Digby at [email protected] or 902-245-2861.k.
Cherry Valley and Long Beach 9.5k
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Meet at Digby arena at 9:30 a.m. or at the Little River War Memorial at 10 am. Once there, we need to shuttle some vehicles ahead to the end point of the hike.
A 9.5km hike through woods and along the shore of the St. Mary’s Bay side of Digby Neck. Our local guide Melissa Merritt will take us from Little River, over the hills to Cherry Valley and along the shore to Long Beach.
There are some moderate hills. The surface varies from rough woods roads, to rocky and sandy shore. There may be some wet spots. We will enjoy great views of Little River and along the coastline. We will walk in the woods and on the shore.
Bring sturdy footwear, extra layers - it can be much cooler down at the water’s edge and we will be exposed on the shore. Also bring a lunch and water for a seaside picnic. Binoculars, sunglasses are also a good idea.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Red Head Shore Explore – Saturday, April 9, 2022, leave Digby arena 9:30, hike starts at 10am at Seawall. 10k
Good Bye Rev Jeff Marsh Road Dyke Hike – Saturday, May 28, 2022 – leave Digby arena 9:45 am, or 10am at Marsh Road. 6k
Forest Way Foray to Lake Midway - Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. – Digby Neck Old Post Road – Centreville to Lake Midway 5k
Little River, Cherry Valley and Long Beach - Saturday, July 9, 2022 – starts 10 a.m 9.5k
Red Head Shore Explore - 10k
Saturday, April 9, 2022
A 9km beachwalk under the sandstone cliffs of Red Head. Meet at seawall 10 a.m. Car convoy from Digby arena leaves at 9:30 a.m.
Starting at the sandy beach of Seawall, we will make our way along the shore to Timpany Lane and back (so we can enjoy the views from the other direction.) (4.5k + 4.5k = 9km total).
The surface varies from soft and sandy, to rocky cobblestones, to hard sandstone. Obviously near the ocean, some stretches may be a little wet.
Enjoy sweeping views of St. Mary’s Bay, suck in lungfuls of sea air and explore the sea floor at low tide.
The sandstone formations are also a fascinating attraction but we will have to remain a safe distance away from the actively eroding cliffs. We have scheduled a bit of rain for the week before the hike to fill up the Merry Pisser waterfall that pours onto the seashore. Several other small waterfalls may be flowing if conditions allow.
Bring sturdy footwear, extra layers - it can be much cooler down at the water’s edge and on this hike we will be exposed to wind out of any direction except dead North. Also bring a lunch and water for a seaside picnic. Binoculars, sunglasses are also a good idea.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
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Good Bye Rev Jeff Marsh Road Dyke Hike
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Jeff leads his last hike before walking to Amherst... :(
First time Erratics Hike on Marsh Road! Picturesque vistas of a huge tidal beach, dykelands and mountains. Spring birds, beachcombing, early budding plants. 6km
Meet at Digby arena 9:45 am. Or meet at 10:00 am 1/2 km in on Marsh Road, from 101 Hwy, Brighton (not the Hwy 217 end). In other words, our parking area and starting spot is 0.5 kms in from the south end of the Marsh Road (which starts diagonally opposite Antonio's Seafood & Grill, 9066 Hwy101).
Easy strolling along farm road, 6 kms. Bring water and snacks; we will take a couple hours for this out and back hike. This is an open landscape so it can be windy, with no cover. Some puddles in the dirt road, and on beach (which has rocks, sand, gravel and mud).
Gulliver's Cove Gambol 5k - !!!!LOCATION CHANGE!!!!!
Sunday, June 26, 2022
(This one's a SUNDAY!!)
Leave Digby arena at 9:45 for Gulliver's Cove. Hike to start in Gulliver' at 10:10 am or slightly after.
A hilly walk to stunning lookoffs with spectacular sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy. Some serious hills (we do take our time but the hills are steep!). some rooty and rocky single track sections. some exposure to wind and cooler ocean temps.
Bringing food and water, extra layers, bug protection and sunscreen is recommended.
We might sit down on the shore for a seaside picnic.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan. For more information, contact Jonathan Riley, Trails and Open Space Coordinator for the Municipality of Digby at [email protected] or 902-245-2861.k.
Cherry Valley and Long Beach 9.5k
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Meet at Digby arena at 9:30 a.m. or at the Little River War Memorial at 10 am. Once there, we need to shuttle some vehicles ahead to the end point of the hike.
A 9.5km hike through woods and along the shore of the St. Mary’s Bay side of Digby Neck. Our local guide Melissa Merritt will take us from Little River, over the hills to Cherry Valley and along the shore to Long Beach.
There are some moderate hills. The surface varies from rough woods roads, to rocky and sandy shore. There may be some wet spots. We will enjoy great views of Little River and along the coastline. We will walk in the woods and on the shore.
Bring sturdy footwear, extra layers - it can be much cooler down at the water’s edge and we will be exposed on the shore. Also bring a lunch and water for a seaside picnic. Binoculars, sunglasses are also a good idea.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Please read the complete descriptions for each hike below. Each description contains important information about what to expect and how to best prepare - so you can decide if this is a hike you are prepared for, capable of and will enjoy... (for example, if poetry grates on your third nerve, you aren't going to enjoy our Feb. 12 hike. :)
What’s New Snowshoe at Van Tassel Lake - Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. Moderate 5km hike
Sandy Cove Snowshoe Adventure(s) - Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10 a.m. Moderate to challenging short hikes
A Dust of Snow Poetry-infused Snowshoe at Acacia Valley - Saturday, February 12 at 10 a.m. 5km moderately challenging
Winter views snowshoe - Gulliver’s Cove trail - Saturday, March 19, 2022. 5km challenging hike.
What’s New Snowshoe at Van Tassel Lake
Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Explore new trails and trail features at the Van Tassel Lake Trails system on what will hopefully be our first snowshoe hike this winter. Greg Turner and Jeff White will lead this moderate 5km hike.
Meet at the trailhead parking lot, 859 Culloden Road for a 10 am start. The plan is to circle the lake and check out the new easy trail, the new bridge over the beach along the Lily Way and the two new wildlife observation platforms, all added in the Fall of 2021.
Weather dependent we hope to be snowshoeing for this hike, but if there’s no snow, we will still go ahead. Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike is relatively flat and easy to navigate but because of the extra effort required in snowshoeing we have listed it as moderate in difficulty.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
For more info on the Van Tassel Lake trails, check out www.digbytrails.ca. Feel free to contact Greg Turner or Jeff White with any questions about winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Sandy Cove Snowshoe Adventure(s)
Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Explore Sandy Cove in the winter with local guide Cindy Graham and long-time Erratics leader Nancy Veinot. Exact route and distance to be determined based on weather – could be an easy bunch of short hikes (~3-5km) but participants should be prepared for challenging conditions.
Meet at the Sandy Cove (Fundy Beach) parking area for a 10 am start. Cindy and Nancy will be determining exact route and distance depending on weather conditions at the time – what’s for sure is an introduction to some of Sandy Cove’s wilder and more scenic sides.
Highlights could include some combination of the Fundy Beach and surrounding shoreline, Mount Shubel, TR Waterfalls and Old Post Road, or other Sandy Cove secret pathways.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for more definite route planning, weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike could include steep sections, exposure to ocean breezes, icy sections - because of this and the extra effort required in snowshoeing, we have listed the difficulty of this hike as (possibly) challenging.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
Feel free to contact Nancy Veinot or Cindy Graham with any questions about winter hiking or snowshoeing.
A Dust of Snow Poetry-infused Snowshoe at Acacia Valley
Saturday, February 12 at 10 am
Come explore the Acacia Valley’s Gray Jay Trail in winter and stop for poetry readings on this moderately challenging ~5km ish hike.
Meet at the Acacia Valley Trail main parking lot (P1) at 155 Mill Road, Hillgrove for a 10 am start. Hike will feature the system’s newest trail, the Gray Jay which follows along the east side of Aunt Sarah’s Brook.
Highlights will include the Acacia Valley Falls, a mini (perhaps human-made) esker, and a stop on the less visited east side of Tuppers Deadwater. The trail continues from there through an old growth maple floodplain where a Gray Jay pair have been observed a few times.
The beautiful woods and waters of Acacia Valley will form the backdrop for outdoorsy poetry readings.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for more definite route planning, weather related and other last-minute changes to plan. In particular, the parking location could change, depending on road conditions.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike will include remote trail sections with roots and rocks underfoot, possibly wet sections - because of this and the extra effort required in snowshoeing, we have listed the difficulty of this hike as moderately challenging.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
For more info about the Acacia Valley Trails, check out www.digbytrails.ca. Feel free to contact Greg Turner or Larry Goodwin with any questions about the hike or winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Winter views snowshoe - Gulliver’s Cove trail
Saturday, March 19, 2022
See the Bay of Fundy in winter from a new vantage point - hike to the top of the High Cliffs above Gulliver’s Cove and enjoy the stunning views on this challenging ~5km hike.
Meet at the Digby Arena Parking Lot, 27 Shreve St. Digby for a 10 a.m. departure to the trailhead in Gulliver’s Cove. The hike will start at about 10:20 a.m. in Gulliver’s Cove. Hike includes a steep climb to the upland trails where we will tour the cluster of look offs and also descend to Gulliver’s Head.
We will enjoy sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy and the eastern end of Digby Neck, a peek into Gooseberry Cove and stunning views back down into Gulliver’s Cove itself.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike will include steep sections, both on the gravel road leading to the uplands but also on the narrow single track leading to and from Gulliver’s Head. The hike will also include remote trail sections with roots and rocks underfoot, and exposure to ocean winds and weather - because of this and the extra effort required in snowshoeing, we have listed the difficulty of this hike as challenging.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
For more info about the Gulliver's Cove Trails, check out www.digbytrails.ca. Feel free to contact Greg Turner with any questions about this hike or winter hiking or snowshoeing.
What’s New Snowshoe at Van Tassel Lake - Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. Moderate 5km hike
Sandy Cove Snowshoe Adventure(s) - Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10 a.m. Moderate to challenging short hikes
A Dust of Snow Poetry-infused Snowshoe at Acacia Valley - Saturday, February 12 at 10 a.m. 5km moderately challenging
Winter views snowshoe - Gulliver’s Cove trail - Saturday, March 19, 2022. 5km challenging hike.
What’s New Snowshoe at Van Tassel Lake
Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Explore new trails and trail features at the Van Tassel Lake Trails system on what will hopefully be our first snowshoe hike this winter. Greg Turner and Jeff White will lead this moderate 5km hike.
Meet at the trailhead parking lot, 859 Culloden Road for a 10 am start. The plan is to circle the lake and check out the new easy trail, the new bridge over the beach along the Lily Way and the two new wildlife observation platforms, all added in the Fall of 2021.
Weather dependent we hope to be snowshoeing for this hike, but if there’s no snow, we will still go ahead. Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike is relatively flat and easy to navigate but because of the extra effort required in snowshoeing we have listed it as moderate in difficulty.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
For more info on the Van Tassel Lake trails, check out www.digbytrails.ca. Feel free to contact Greg Turner or Jeff White with any questions about winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Sandy Cove Snowshoe Adventure(s)
Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Explore Sandy Cove in the winter with local guide Cindy Graham and long-time Erratics leader Nancy Veinot. Exact route and distance to be determined based on weather – could be an easy bunch of short hikes (~3-5km) but participants should be prepared for challenging conditions.
Meet at the Sandy Cove (Fundy Beach) parking area for a 10 am start. Cindy and Nancy will be determining exact route and distance depending on weather conditions at the time – what’s for sure is an introduction to some of Sandy Cove’s wilder and more scenic sides.
Highlights could include some combination of the Fundy Beach and surrounding shoreline, Mount Shubel, TR Waterfalls and Old Post Road, or other Sandy Cove secret pathways.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for more definite route planning, weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike could include steep sections, exposure to ocean breezes, icy sections - because of this and the extra effort required in snowshoeing, we have listed the difficulty of this hike as (possibly) challenging.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
Feel free to contact Nancy Veinot or Cindy Graham with any questions about winter hiking or snowshoeing.
A Dust of Snow Poetry-infused Snowshoe at Acacia Valley
Saturday, February 12 at 10 am
Come explore the Acacia Valley’s Gray Jay Trail in winter and stop for poetry readings on this moderately challenging ~5km ish hike.
Meet at the Acacia Valley Trail main parking lot (P1) at 155 Mill Road, Hillgrove for a 10 am start. Hike will feature the system’s newest trail, the Gray Jay which follows along the east side of Aunt Sarah’s Brook.
Highlights will include the Acacia Valley Falls, a mini (perhaps human-made) esker, and a stop on the less visited east side of Tuppers Deadwater. The trail continues from there through an old growth maple floodplain where a Gray Jay pair have been observed a few times.
The beautiful woods and waters of Acacia Valley will form the backdrop for outdoorsy poetry readings.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for more definite route planning, weather related and other last-minute changes to plan. In particular, the parking location could change, depending on road conditions.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike will include remote trail sections with roots and rocks underfoot, possibly wet sections - because of this and the extra effort required in snowshoeing, we have listed the difficulty of this hike as moderately challenging.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
For more info about the Acacia Valley Trails, check out www.digbytrails.ca. Feel free to contact Greg Turner or Larry Goodwin with any questions about the hike or winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Winter views snowshoe - Gulliver’s Cove trail
Saturday, March 19, 2022
See the Bay of Fundy in winter from a new vantage point - hike to the top of the High Cliffs above Gulliver’s Cove and enjoy the stunning views on this challenging ~5km hike.
Meet at the Digby Arena Parking Lot, 27 Shreve St. Digby for a 10 a.m. departure to the trailhead in Gulliver’s Cove. The hike will start at about 10:20 a.m. in Gulliver’s Cove. Hike includes a steep climb to the upland trails where we will tour the cluster of look offs and also descend to Gulliver’s Head.
We will enjoy sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy and the eastern end of Digby Neck, a peek into Gooseberry Cove and stunning views back down into Gulliver’s Cove itself.
Keep an eye on the Fundy Erratics’ FB group for weather related and other last-minute changes to plan.
Digby Area Recreation and the Erratics have snowshoes that can be borrowed. Best to contact DARC (902-245-1949) to book snowshoes.
This hike will include steep sections, both on the gravel road leading to the uplands but also on the narrow single track leading to and from Gulliver’s Head. The hike will also include remote trail sections with roots and rocks underfoot, and exposure to ocean winds and weather - because of this and the extra effort required in snowshoeing, we have listed the difficulty of this hike as challenging.
Be sure to dress in warm layers that can be easily removed or added to as you warm up and cool down. Warm sturdy footwear is recommended (some large boots might not fit well into snowshoe harnesses.) Trail snacks and warm drink/ water in a thermos are recommended.
We are required by the Province of Nova Scotia to check Proof of Vaccination.
For more info about the Gulliver's Cove Trails, check out www.digbytrails.ca. Feel free to contact Greg Turner with any questions about this hike or winter hiking or snowshoeing.
