Kick Off 2024 with a First Day Hike
With the New Year just around the corner, outdoor lovers everywhere look forward to the many camping & hiking adventures ahead.
But why wait for a trip in the not-so-distant future when you can get outside and enjoy the environment with your best friend by your side today?
This year, we challenge you to start your year in the best way possible – hiking with your pet!
What is a “First Day Hike”?
Each year, Ontario Parks challenges the many outdoor adventure lovers across our province (and beyond) to celebrate the first day of the year by taking a hike.
Whether you enjoy heading outdoors solo with your dog or with the whole family (furry friends included), there are many incredible places to explore in your own backyard.
Participation is easy! There are no requirements in terms of:
- Who you’re hiking with
- Length of hike
- Location of hike
- Difficulty of your chosen trail
The goal is simply to encourage people to get outside and explore.
Ontario Parks Organized Hikes
Several Ontario Parks offer organized hikes to encourage others to hit the trails.
This is an excellent opportunity for those who need a little extra encouragement or feel unsure about hiking solo (whatever their reason).
A few Ontario Parks that offer guided hikes for your First Day Hike on January 1, 2024, include:
- Algonquin Park (10:30 am)
- Killarney Provincial Park (2:00 pm)
- Pinery Provincial Park (11:00 am)
- Presqu’ile Provincial Park (10:00 am)
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park (6:30 pm)
For more information about these guided hikes, visit the Events tab on the specific park’s website (we linked them for your convenience).
Are you not near one of these parks but still want to participate?
There is nothing that states you must take a guided hike to take part! Hit the trails and share your adventures on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayHike.
How to Find a New Trail
If you’re interested in hiking at a provincial park, several Ontario Parks are open throughout the winter months.
This is an opportunity to not only take advantage of the trails but also book a cabin, yurt, or campsite for a winter adventure if that interests you.
However, even if your local provincial park is closed, you can still hike on the trails.
Just be aware that the trails are not groomed and maintained throughout the off-season if the park is closed.
In addition to Ontario Parks, you may enjoy hiking at a nearby National Park, Conservation Area, Municipal Trail, or even on some privately owned trails, where the public is permitted.
When searching for a new trail, we usually rely on AllTrails.
The app is free to download (although there is a paid subscription option with added features), easy to use, and makes it easier than ever to locate nearby trails that are the right fit for your (and your pet’s) needs.
You can narrow your options based on a trail’s length, difficulty, traffic level, current reported conditions, and even by looking at the photos submitted by other hikers.
Benefits of Hiking with Your Pet
Why are we such big fans of getting out and hiking with your pet here at The Kas Pack?
Obviously, we are outdoor adventure lovers – this website’s niche makes that clear. But our love of hiking extends beyond that.
Hiking with your pet offers many great benefits for both you and your furry companion, including:
- Building a deeper bond with your dog or cat
- Improving cardiovascular help
- Burning more calories than an average walk, helping you maintain a healthy weight (both you and your dog)
- Strengthening your bones and muscles
- Offering your pet much-needed mental stimulation, reducing stress and anxiety
- Improved mood and mental health from being outdoors
- Reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviours or destructive behaviours in your pet resulting from boredom
- It is easier to find low-traffic areas for nervous dogs, reactive dogs, or dogs that are still in training
- Build endurance and training in preparation for more hiking adventures in the year ahead
If you don’t already have New Year’s Day plans, we challenge YOU and your pack to get out and hit the trails.
Are you a member of our FB Groups Camping & Hiking with Dogs Ontario or Camping & Hiking with Cats Ontario? If so, we invite you to share your pictures!
If not, tag us in your posts on Instagram (@thekaspack). We’ll share tagged pictures and hiking-related content in our stories throughout the day.
