Reaching a special summit

Chéticamp group receives province’s highest hiking honour

AChéticamp based group, Les Hikers, has received one of the top honours for hiking in the province.

Having started small and growing bigger by the day, the hiking enthusiasts know a thing or two about taking it step-by-step. Formed in 2017 with a small team of four to five dedicated people, Les Hikers now has thousands of followers on social media and has led many hikes throughout the Cape Breton region.

Les Hikers president, Leonard Leblanc, now in his mid-60s, used to hike in his childhood. Reintroduced to the activity about eight years ago, he enjoyed many hikes alongside his wife and fellow Les Hikers organizer, Annette Leblanc, at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

“In the first year, we did every trail in the park,” says Leblanc, noting a total of 26 trails. “It wasn’t planned; it just happened.”

The couple’s hiking addiction grew as they participated in Chéticamp’s annual Roots to Boots Festival, which features hiking, as well as Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s Red chair challenge.

Reaching out to others via social media, the couple found more hiking enthusiasts. Drawing on Leblanc’s previous experience and involvement with provincial and federal associations, Les Hikers was officially established in 2017. Having since partnered with Cape Breton Highlands National Park by singing a memorandum of understanding and promoting the park’s many hiking opportunities, the group has become a community fixture.

Les Hikers has grown during the past five years, taking enthusiasts on adventures throughout Chéticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the mainland - even the dead of winter by snowshoes.

“For us, a hike is not five or six kilometres; a hike is 10 to 20 kilometres — that’s usually our average per day on weekends,” says Leblanc. “I think the longest we went is we started at 8:30 a.m. and came out of the woods at 6:30 p.m.”

Having seen upwards of 53 people at a single hike (PRE-COVID-19) and growing its Facebook presence to more than 2,200 members, the group is creating space for connection.

“We’ve connected with old schoolmates that have retired and started hiking with us,” says Leblanc, who has even seen his Grade 7 French teacher through the group.

“It’s been great to socialize with them and take them to very unique views that most people won’t go to unless they have a GPS and have somebody to guide them.”

Considering the isolation of the pandemic’s darkest days, Leblanc notes Les Hikers has

been a blessing, even for those who enjoy the group’s hiking adventures via pictures on social media.

“We’ve helped others that told us by coming to hike with us, it took them away from deep holes that they were sinking in because of COVID. It’s certainly put a smile on other people’s faces.”

In addition to health and social benefits, hiking also brings economic benefits to communities, which Les Hikers and its volunteers have facilitated by attracting visiting hikers to hiking and hotels, stores and restaurants.

“I think we’ve helped promote Chéticamp as a region to come hiking and visit,” says Leblanc. “It’s one thing to drive the Cabot Trail; it’s another to hike it.”

With so much to boast, Les Hikers was recently honoured with Hike Nova Scotia’s highest award, the Summit Award, aptly awarded at Hike Nova Scotia’s annual Hiking Summit in Chéticamp earlier this month.

“The Summit Award is presented to an organization or individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the growth and development of hiking in Nova Scotia,” says Hike Nova Scotia’s board president Alexia Mclaughlin.

“We’re surprised and very appreciative of being recognized for what we’ve done,” says Leblanc. “I think we’ve earned the recognition.

We’ve been consistent in our approach when it comes to hiking — safety, fun and laughter.”

The Hiking Summit is a celebration of Nova Scotia’s hiking culture. At this year’s event, 200 people gathered in Chéticamp, including avid hikers, hiking clubs, trail groups, three levels of government and others, to enjoy guided hikes, information sessions and socials.

“I think it shows that all government levels value getting people to exercise and stimulate your brain …,” says Leblanc, who’s grateful to the various officials who recognized the efforts put forth by Les Hikers.

Appreciative of the award, Leblanc, who guides most of Les Hikers group hikes, thanked his team and wife.

“I give most of my credit to my wife,” says Leblanc, noting Annette has a work ethic that literally won’t quit. “She’s the one that generates the enthusiasm and does a lot of work on behalf of the association.”

Meanwhile, the Leblancs and Les Hikers are preparing for a season filled with hiking, sightseeing and representing their organization. Encouraging hiking enthusiasts to join them, Leblanc says becoming a part of the steadily growing group is just a click away.

“Just go on Facebook and then ask to join. (I) don’t think we’ve refused too many,” says Leblanc. “Mostly everybody passes the mark. Anybody who wants to join at this point is welcome.”

To learn more about Les Hikers, visit: facebook.com/ groups/1217642218284976.