he City of Ottawa's Active Living Club's Spring Hiking Program starts Monday, April 17. New participants are welcome to join the fun. The Hiking Program has been designed for people age 60+ to enjoy the great outdoors in a safe, healthy, and fun-filled environment. There are three levels of hikes each week:
Individuals are encouraged to come out on the days they are most comfortable with, allowing them to walk at their own pace and build up their endurance. As participants' endurance builds, they tend to go on more hikes. Many of the participants now hike three days a week.
To complement the Hiking Program, there will be an Orienteering Workshop by staff from Bushtukah. On Wednesday, April 5 at 10 am at Fisher Park Community Centre, there will be an information session including how to read a map and compass etc. A practical session takes place on Friday, April 7 at 10 am in Gatineau Park. On each hike, there is a staff leader and trained volunteers to ensure the safety of all participants on the trails. The fee is $35 per person ($44 for non City of Ottawa residents).
Hiking is only one of many activities offered in the Active Living Club. During the year, members can take part in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, walking, cycling and canoeing, all of which take place in the great outdoors of the Ottawa-Carleton area. They may attend information workshops and participate in social pot-luck luncheons and out of town trips.
A yearly club membership is $60 ($69 for non City of Ottawa residents) covers annual membership and all activities with no further fees for any of the activities. For further information on Spring Hiking or the Active Living Club, call 798-8734.