I was chatting with my Instagram turned real life new pal Joy about this at a recent Not Ladylike Hikes outing. We were listing off all of the Edmonton hiking, walking and trail running groups that we knew about. And then another group hiked past us up the hill! Perfect timing! Although I forget to ask them for details – where, how, when and why?
Okay. So how do you find a local hiking group? Let’s go!
ASK PEOPLE YOU ALREADY KNOW
I can’t offer much on this particular tip, because I struggle with knowing people and having conversations like this. But for those of you who have wider social circles than me – work, school, kids – asking people straight out is a great way to find some new places to hang out. Including hiking or walking groups.
A normal human might say something like: “I’ve been wanting to find a hiking group in Edmonton, do you know of any?”
Perhaps I should take my own advice and try this out on somebody! lol
TRY OUT A FEW
Each hiking group will have a different vibe or purpose. The reason I created Not Ladylike Hikes is because I wanted a chill group that was focused on nature and community first, with a specific eye to accessibility. Many of the groups I found online were for fitness or speed and that is not my jam anymore. But maybe that is your jam!
Get ready to try a few groups out until you find one that works with your schedule, goals, and heart! Not Ladylike Hikes goes out every weekend, all year (in every weather) so we are ready whenever you are ready to find us.
“I’ve loved the hikes that I’ve been on. Right now it’s a scheduling thing for me”
– Lindsey
SEARCH “HIKING GROUP IN EDMONTON” ONLINE
This is an imperfect, impersonal way, but it gets you started! I like to do this every once and while to see if Not Ladylike Hikes shows up on there. (Not yet, as of this writing. ) This means you are more likely to find bigger groups, or ones attached to non profits or other organizations. This might give you more options for time and location, but you might also miss out on the coziness or familiar faces of a smaller group. Remember, you might have to try out a few hiking groups to find the one you like. Outdoor clubs, women’s groups, and nature organizations are great places to start as well.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Y’all, I start every hike with a land acknowledgement, mindfulness exercise, or reminder about a justic-centered action folks can take to align with their values! For new folks, that can be a bit…startling! “I thought we came here to hike?!” Yes! But hiking in a community group offers a great opportunity to examine our privilege, heal our relationship with the land, and remind ourselves that not everyone has equal access to these spaces.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
Things to consider when planning a river valley walk. Lisa’s guest post for River Valley Alliance. (These folks run river valley hikes throughout the year as well.)
Not Ladylike Community 