Trail Tales from the Keppoch: Spring & Summer 2026 Edition

From exciting new partnerships and family-friendly programs to races, camps, and environmental initiatives, the 2026 spring and summer season was filled with memorable moments. As we look back on another incredible season, we are grateful for the community members, volunteers, partners, and visitors who continue to make the Keppoch a vibrant outdoor recreation destination in Nova Scotia!

Opening Weekend: Kicking Off Another Great Season

The 2026 shuttle season officially began on Saturday, May 23, with a celebratory pancake and sausage breakfast at the lodge. It was wonderful to welcome riders back to the mountain and see so many familiar faces eager to hit the trails once again!

Season pass holders were among the first to enjoy the shuttle service, officially launching another downhill riding season. This year, we were especially pleased to introduce newly priced youth and junior shuttle passes, making it easier and more affordable for young riders to access the trails. We also launched Family Shuttle Season Passes for the first time, helping families enjoy more time together on the mountain at an affordable rate.

To give riders even more opportunities to make the most of the season, shuttle operations expanded beyond the traditional Saturday and Sunday schedule. New Friday evening shuttle hours, running from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., allowed riders to kick off their weekends early and maximize their time on the trails.

As always, it was inspiring to see visitors of all ages enjoying the Keppoch, whether tackling technical downhill routes, exploring scenic pathways, or simply spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Building Strong Partnerships

Community partnerships continue to play a vital role in the Keppoch's success, and this season we were thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Pete's Cyclery and Outdoor Shop. Together, we collaborated on several exciting initiatives that expanded opportunities for riders throughout the region. One key opportunity was the growth of our bike rental fleet, providing visitors with more rental options and access to bikes during the week.

Pete's Cyclery also took the lead in organizing weekly Wednesday evening group rides for intermediate riders through its Cycling Club membership ($40.00). These rides offered participants a chance to build skills, connect with fellow cyclists, and become part of a supportive riding community.

Partnerships like these help us continue to grow the sport of mountain biking while strengthening connections among outdoor enthusiasts throughout Antigonish and beyond.

Hiking Event That Brought the Community Together

The Keppoch's spring and summer calendar was packed with activities designed to engage visitors of all ages and interest levels.

One of the season's standout hiking events took place on June 20 and 21 through a partnership with Hike Nova Scotia. The "Hike Towards the Keppoch Badge" weekend invited participants to explore our extensive trail network through guided hikes and self-guided adventures.

Those who completed the challenge earned the Keppoch Hiker Challenge Badge, a rewarding way to experience some of the mountain's most scenic and well-maintained trails in the region. While the special event weekend has passed, the badge challenge remains available year-round, offering hikers another reason to visit and discover the beauty of the Keppoch in every season.

The event also highlighted the growing popularity of hiking and reinforced the Keppoch's reputation as one of Nova Scotia's outstanding outdoor recreation destinations. We look forward to more guided hike events this fall.

Camps, Clinics, and Race-Day Excitement

The Keppoch was buzzing with activity throughout the season thanks to a variety of camps, clinics, and racing events.

In May, riders had the opportunity to learn from professional coach Flavio Kodato during a special youth and adult skills camp. The weekend provided valuable instruction for riders looking to improve their technique and build confidence.

Youth riders also benefited from programs organized by Pete's Cyclery, including a Youth Mountain Bike Camp and the popular Short Track MTB Series. These programs helped young cyclists develop skills while building friendships.

The competitive spirit continued throughout the summer with some truly unique events. One crowd favourite was the Chainless Mayhem race in July, where participants bravely tackled downhill courses without chains on their bikes! This event generated plenty of excitement while raising funds to support the Keppoch. We would like to extend a special thank you to Nat Bowlby, whose enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication have been instrumental in launching and supporting many of our race events this year.

Another major highlight was the Fiddlers Fondo: Keppoch's Highland Grand Gravel Event, organized in partnership with the Antigonish Highland Games Society. This community gravel cycling celebration welcomed riders of all ages and abilities. Participants could choose from a variety of routes, ranging from family-friendly trail loops to challenging endurance rides that showcased the beautiful landscapes of Antigonish County. The event represented a tremendous collaborative effort by board members, volunteers, community partners, and participants who came together to make the Fondo success.

Celebrating Biodiversity

While the Keppoch is a major hub in the area for hiking and biking, the mountain is also an important natural environment rich in biodiversity. This season, we were fortunate to partner with several individuals and organizations committed to conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Randy Lauff, StFX University entomologist, generously volunteered his time to lead family-friendly bug walks at the Keppoch. Participants of all ages spent an hour discovering the remarkable diversity of insects that call the area home, gaining a greater appreciation for the often-overlooked creatures that contribute to healthy ecosystems.

We were also pleased to work with the Young Naturalists Club to install two bat boxes near the Whiterock trail and Cameron's Lake. These installations support local bat populations while promoting awareness of their important role in maintaining ecological balance.

The Keppoch also became a participant in the national BugQuest eDNA Biodiversity Survey. Through this citizen science initiative, environmental DNA sampling helps uncover and document the remarkable species diversity present within our natural surroundings.

Additionally, StFX University's Climate and Environment Program hosted an informative workshop focused on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive species threatening eastern hemlock forests. The session provided valuable information about identification, monitoring, and treatment strategies.

Together, these initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the Keppoch for future generations.

A Cherished Seniors Group

Among our most meaningful partnerships is our ongoing collaboration with the New Horizons for Seniors Program that provides funding that supports our weekly seniors’ gatherings at the Keppoch. This creates opportunities for social connection, recreation, and community engagement. Participants enjoy live music, delicious treats, meaningful conversation, and the chance to spend time together in a welcoming and inclusive environment. To ensure accessibility, the Keppoch also provides free transportation for those who need assistance getting to and from the program.

The seniors’ group has become a valued part of our community, demonstrating that the benefits of outdoor recreation and social connection can be enjoyed at every stage of life. Those interested in joining can learn more by emailing info@thekeppoch.ca or calling (902) 714-1700.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on another outstanding spring and summer season, we want to thank all our visitors, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters. Whether you joined us for a hike, a group ride, a race, a camp, a nature program, or simply to enjoy the trails, you contributed to making the Keppoch a thriving outdoor recreation space.

We are grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the trails this fall. Until then, happy hiking, happy riding, and we'll see you on the mountain!