Climb Nova Scotia

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Both residents and tourists will find these pocket-sized guides useful
if their desired experience of Nova Scotia includes the adventurous. The
rock-climbing guide is only for the trained, physically fit climber. The
province’s rugged terrain is ideal for short but very difficult
climbs. Historically, climbing as a sport has not been developed in Nova
Scotia, with the result that today energetic explorers can still
discover new climbs with an unspoiled, wilderness character. The guide
introduces 18 climbing areas, most with several routes. These are all on
mainland Nova Scotia (Cape Breton is not included) and all overlook
water. For each, the information given includes level of difficulty,
location and quality, unusual or specialty gear needed, dangers, and
environmental and access issues. Level of difficulty is given using the
Yosemite Decimal System.

The hiking guide will appeal to the less daring, although not all the
30 hikes described are a stroll on the beach. Again, location, access,
characteristics, dangers, and level of difficulty are the focus. But
while climbers must give their entire concentration to the act of
climbing, hikers can spare time and attention for the scenery, birds,
animals, trees, flowers, mushrooms, fossils, and other bonuses
encountered along the way.

Both guides are concerned with the ethics of recreational use of the
wilderness and suggest ways to minimize any environmental impact from
pursuing the pastime. The books are designed for easy reference in the
field.