One Star Hiking

17/07/2025

Hiking this summer? Let’s keep you cool.

It’s easy to overheat on the trail, but a few simple choices can help you stay safe and enjoy every step. From water breaks to shady rests, your summer hike can be fun, not sweaty stress.

Save this post before your next hike, and let us know your favourite way to cool down on the trail!

15/07/2025

Ever notice how clear your mind feels after a walk in the woods?

Our latest blog post explores how hiking can help you stay mentally sharp, reduce stress, and give your mind space to breathe. From gentle brain engagement to the power of a mental reset, the trails are here to support you.

Check out the post to learn more—and if you’re ready to slow down on the trail, join one of our upcoming guided hikes to experience these benefits for yourself.

👉 www.onestarhiking.com/blog

10/07/2025

08/07/2025

A Buck Moon and Shooting Stars Await This July!

On July 10, 2025, the Buck Moon will rise, lighting up the summer sky. This full moon is named for the time of year when male deer, called bucks, begin to grow their new antlers. Here in the Valley, deer are a common sight, and this moon reminds us of the lively energy of nature during the warm summer months.

Other names for the Buck Moon:
⚡️ Thunder Moon – for summer storms
🌽 Hay Moon – when farmers cut hay for the season

But that’s not all—the Southern Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower will light up the sky from July 29–30! This shower happens every summer when Earth passes through a trail of space dust, creating beautiful “shooting stars.” The best time to watch is after midnight, away from city lights, with the most meteors visible just before dawn.

Get ready for a month of sky magic, and don’t forget to share your photos with us!

03/07/2025

Summer flies—don’t miss your chance to hit the trails with One Star Hiking this July!

There are only two group hikes on the calendar this month, with more dates open for Tailored Trails if you’re craving a private, slow adventure.

🗓️ July 13 – Sunset Sunday at Woodland Trail
A quiet evening walk under the trees as the sun sets, perfect for winding down your weekend.

🗓️ July 20 – Hike of the Month at Caribou Bog
A gentle wander along a section of the Harvest Moon Trail, where open stretches and forested pockets lead you past wetlands, wildflowers, and hidden summer life.

July hikes are limited, and spots fill fast. Book your hike before it’s too late. Visit our website to learn more about our hiking options: www.onestarhiking.com

10/06/2025

Thinking about your next trip to the Annapolis Valley?

There’s so much more to discover beyond the trails. Before or after your hike, take time to explore the local farmers’ markets where fresh, seasonal produce and handmade treats await. Enjoy a cozy meal at one of the many charming cafés or pubs that capture the heart of the Valley’s community. History lovers can visit the Grand Pré National Historic Site or local galleries, while those who enjoy the outdoors can soak in views at the Canning Lookoff or relax on beautiful beaches like Evangeline and Blomidon.

For wine enthusiasts, the Valley’s wineries offer not just excellent tastings but stunning landscapes to enjoy while you sip. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, there are countless ways to enhance your hiking adventure and connect with the Valley’s unique character.

Want insider recommendations and local tips? Check out our latest blog post to plan the perfect day. Find it at www.onestarhiking.com

05/06/2025

Mark your calendars - a sweet treat will be in the sky next week.

Next Wednesday (June 11), the Strawberry Moon will rise, lighting up our night sky. This full moon doesn't look like a strawberry, but it's named after the time when wild strawberries are ready to pick. In the Annapolis Valley, it's a sign that summer is near and berry season is beginning.

Other names for the Strawberry Moon:
🌿 Berries Ripen Moon – as various berries come into season
🌾 Green Corn Moon – when young corn starts to grow
🌹 Rose Moon – named for blooming roses
🍯 Honey Moon – linked to early summer weddings and honeymoons

Don't miss this beautiful full moon! Step outside on June 11 to enjoy the view. If you take a photo, tag us to share your shot!

03/06/2025

Blink and you’ll miss it! Hikes are limited this June - just a few chances to slow down and get outside with us before summer picks up speed.

We’ll be at Miners Marsh for both of this month’s group hikes:
🗓️ June 22 – Hike of the Month: A relaxed walk through wide-open marshland, perfect for spotting birds and soaking in the season. $30/person; must be 18+.
🗓️ June 29 – Learn to Hike: A beginner-friendly workshop for anyone curious about getting into hiking - gear, pacing, trail tips and more. $50/person; must be 18+.

There are also just two dates available for Tailored Trails, our private guided hikes. If you’ve been thinking about booking one, now’s the time!

Spots are limited - book your June hike before it’s too late.
👉 www.onestarhiking.com

22/05/2025

Does the Valley have bamboo?

It might look like it — but what you’re seeing is actually Rough Horsetail. These tall, hollow stalks aren’t related to bamboo at all. They’re one of the oldest plants on Earth, with ancestors that lived over 350 million years ago (that's as old as the dinosaurs!)! You’ll spot them in damp spots along forest trails, streambanks, and ditches across the Annapolis Valley.

Also known as scouring rush, this plant was once used to scrub pots clean — thanks to the gritty silica in its stems. While it may seem unremarkable at first glance, horsetail plays an important role in preventing erosion and supporting healthy wetland ecosystems. It's a reminder that even the simplest plants can have ancient roots and big impacts.

Next time you're on the trail, take a moment to look a little closer — you never know when you’ll come across something ancient, unexpected, and totally fascinating.

08/05/2025

Two trails. One unforgettable loop.

Millennium Trail and Reservoir Park are totally different—but that’s what makes this hike so good. The Millennium Trail winds up through the trees, following a ravine with a gentle (but steady!) climb. It’s a great place to spot unique plants and fungi along the way—every season brings something new.

Once we reach the top, we catch our breath at one of the best views of Cape Blomidon around. This is usually our snack and hydration stop—trust us, you’ll want to stay a while. Then it’s on to a loop around the reservoir before heading back down.

It’s a 4km round trip, and our slow pace makes it doable for newer hikers. Nature lovers, photographers, and folks who just want to get outside for an hour or two—this one’s for you.

We’ll be hiking this loop for May’s Hike of the Month. If this trail’s calling your name, don’t wait—book your spot now before it’s too late.

06/05/2025

Night hikes just hit different.

Once the sun sets, everything on the trail shifts—sounds are louder, the forest is stiller, and you start to notice how your body and mind settle into a slower rhythm.

Our night hikes are all about embracing that shift. These slower-paced hikes are designed to help you reflect, connect with nature, and tune in to a different kind of beauty—the kind that only shows up after dark.

Curious about joining one? Read our latest blog post, Why Night Hiking Is the Ultimate Way to Connect with Nature, and check out our upcoming guided night hikes at the same time.

👉 www.onestarhiking.com/blog

01/05/2025

Get ready, Annapolis Valley! This May, the night sky offers two spectacular events: the Flower Moon and the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower.​

🌼 The Flower Moon graces our skies on May 12, named for the abundance of blooming flowers during this time. In the Annapolis Valley, this full moon coincides with vibrant blossoms and the awakening of nature, marking a beautiful phase of spring.​

Other names for the Flower Moon:
🌸 Flower Moon – reflecting the season's floral bloom
🌿 Budding Moon – as plants begin to bud and grow
🐸 Frog Moon – noting the return of frog calls in wetlands
🌾 Planting Moon – signifying the time to sow crops​

But wait! There's more!

🌠 From April 15 to May 27, the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower lights up the pre-dawn skies, peaking on May 5–6. Originating from Halley's Comet debris, this shower can produce up to 50 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. For the best experience, find a dark spot away from city lights and look towards the Aquarius constellation between 3–5 AM.​

Enjoy the celestial show, and if you snap any photos of the full moon or meteor shower, tag us to share your sightings!