NiteHike is an overnight adventure for registered members of Scouting and Guiding that takes place in Metro Vancouver's Pacific Spirit Regional Park in April every year. NiteHike first started in 1972, and we've only cancelled two years (2020 and 2021), and that was only because of a global pandemic!
Hike groups consist of 4-7 youth, plus at least two adult leaders (groups with only one leader partner with another group to maintain ratios), and travel the 18+km of trails to compete at 20+ fun and skill-testing stations designed and run by Venturers, Rangers, Rovers and Pathfinders spread out on trails throughout the park.
NiteHike starts at 7pm, and runs all night. While geared towards the 12+ aged kids, we've had kids as young as 7 years old come out to walk the trails for a couple hours, have a hot dog, and get their feet wet, so to speak! We hope to see them for many years to come after they first get hooked! Teams have to be prepared to deal with any weather conditions, which has even been known to include slushy rain!
Participants should bring a good headlamp or flashlight, a water bottle, a cup for hot chocolate, and snacks to last the night. Hot chocolate and all beef / veggie hot dogs are available at some stations on the hike. (see participant info section for more details). There are also a couple of places in the park where you can refill your water bottles, including headquarters. Groups do NOT need to stay and complete all activity stations, but must check in and check out at headquarters to ensure we know who's in the park at any given time. Plus you get a commemorative crest at the end of the night!