This hiker and author wants you to hit an Ontario trail this long weekend

Parks, conservation areas and hiking trails got a lot of love during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people weren't able to gather with friends and family.

Now, author and professional hiker Nicola Ross doesn't want people to forget their love of the great outdoors as other options for entertainment open.

She says the Victoria Day long weekend is a good time to take a hike on the hundreds of trails in the province, and some may be within walking distance (pun intended) or even a short drive from home.

"A lot of people don't know, how long does it take to walk a kilometer? How long did it take to walk five kilometers," Ross said. "Or they see a trail and they go, where does it go and how hilly is it? And can I walk it?"

Ross has written six books on hiking in the Loops and Lattes series which has sold more than 45,000 copies. The booksofferboth long and short trails, through Waterloo region and along the Bruce Trail, which stretches from Tobermory to the Niagara River.

Ross says walking is one of the easiest ways to get exercise and a great way of getting to know your community.

"It takes a little bit of experience to know what you're capable of," Ross said."And I think some people start out [hiking] a bit too ambitiously. It's better to start slowly and see where it takes you."

There is also a combination of natural and cultural history on the hikes, Ross says, from trails that run through the towns of Waterloo region and Wellington County to the historical routes along the Niagara Peninsula and locations where the War of 1812 was fought.

Ross says since the pandemic, there has been an increased interest in hiking on area trails and that's also brought on a reminder that people need to remember their manners.

"There are a lot of places that have trails, whether they're provincial parks or conservation authorities or city parks, that are now putting up signs with some simple etiquette. It's like any sport, any activity, there are some rules of the road," Ross said.

"Stay on the trail. Don't throw garbage, a pretty simple one. Be respectful of other people on the trail. Keep your dog on a leash. Pick up after your dog."

Ross says there's so much to discover, whether you're on a hilly trail or a mostly flat stretch.

"Waterloo region is the only one that doesn't have the Bruce Trail as its sort of basis. But Waterloo and that whole area has a huge network of trails and I was blown away by it," Ross said.

"But you also have this great tradition, you get horses and buggies running by and these beautiful old towns of Fergus and Elora and St Jacobs andthat's a real benefit, too. You'rewalking through history."