NiteHike is an overnight adventure for registered members of Scouting and Guiding, held every April in Metro Vancouver’s Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The event has been running since 1972, and in more than 50 years it has only been cancelled twice, both during the global pandemic. It is a long standing tradition that brings together youth, leaders, and volunteers for a memorable night on the trails.
Hike groups are made up of 4 to 7 youth, supported by at least two adult leaders. Groups travel more than 18 km of forest trails through the night, visiting 20 or more fun and skill testing activity stations spread throughout the park. These stations are designed and run by Venturers, Rangers, Rovers, and Pathfinders, and they are the heart of what makes the night challenging, exciting, and full of variety.
NiteHike starts at 7:00 pm and runs all night. While the event is geared toward youth aged 12 and up, younger participants sometimes join for part of the evening to get a taste of the experience. Some groups hike all night, while others choose to head home earlier after a few stations. Weather is part of the adventure, and participants should be prepared for rain, cold, and occasionally even slushy conditions.
Participants should come prepared with a good headlamp or flashlight, a water bottle, a reusable cup for hot chocolate, and snacks to last the night. Hot chocolate and beef or veggie hot dogs are available at some stations, and water refill locations are marked on the map, including at Headquarters. Groups are not required to complete the entire hike, but must check in and check out at Headquarters so we always know who is in the park. As a bonus, every participant receives a commemorative NiteHike crest at the end of the night.