About the Sole Sisters
Strap on your walking shoes and join the Sole Sisters walking group. This program is offered on Wednesdays from September to June (with a small break for Christmas) at various locations around the Oceanside area and is intended for women 50+, but all ages are welcome.
This is not a power walking group, but the group does walk at a moderate pace. On average, the group travels 6km. There is a leader at the front and a leader at the back. No one is left on their own.
Group of women posing on a log
Walk Safety Information - NEW UPDATES!
Thank you for reading the information below!
1. There will be one leader at the front (the lead) and one leader at the end (the tail). All walkers must be in between. It is very important that the tail is the last person. This ensures that no one is ever left behind.
2. If you hear the whistle blow, you must stop and gather. This either means that a large gap has formed and we need to recollect or that there has been an incident that requires stopping. Once the situation has been addressed, the walk will continue.
3. It is important that you do not leave early without notifying a leader. We count at the beginning and end of each walk to make sure that everyone has made it back safely.
4. If a route includes crossing a busy road, the leaders may choose to stop and cross as a group. When you come to a road, please defer to the leaders to see how they want to handle the crossing.
5. We recommend that each person to wear a name tag. This can be as simple as a piece of masking tape with your name on it. This will help the leaders identify you if you are injured or unwell.
6. For the more challenging terrain, consider bringing poles. They can be a great help when navigating tricky spots!
Group of women on a forested trail in autumn
January 21 - big qualicum fish hatchery
Description: The Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery is another Sole Sisters’ favourite hike. This walk has wide flat sections as well as narrow rooted trails and a log bridge. There is one steep hill and poles will be helpful. Due to weather conditions there may be muddy sections. For those that prefer to skip the hill, please be aware normal egress may not be a viable option.
Directions: Travel on Highway 19A or Highway 19, turning on Horne Lake Road. Follow the hatchery signs off Horne Lake Road and take the gravel road to the hatchery parking lot. There is ample parking in the lot.
Please note that the parking lot entrance off of Fisheries Road has been permanently closed, so you must access the Fish Hatchery from River Road.
Please note the map address below is approximate location.