Mondays from June to August
Monday Night Bouldering with Climb Nova Scotia
If you're afraid of climbing mountains after seeing Cliffhanger a few too many times, but sick of the indoor rock wall scene, Climb Nova Scotia has the answer. Every Monday for the rest of the summer, groups of experienced and beginner climbers will be meeting at St. James Anglican Church (2668 Joseph Howe Drive, at the Armdale Roundabout) to set off for Monday Night Bouldering, an event that involves climbing without a rope or harness on top of massive rocks nestled in the Halifax wilderness. For those looking for a new exercise, Mick Levin, president of Climb Nova Scotia, says that the activity is an easy sport for newbies. "If you can walk up a flight of stairs, you can come to Monday Night Bouldering," he says. The crew sets off at 6pm sharp, so Levin recommends coming 15 minutes early to meet up with fellow climbers who will then carpool to locations around the HRM. And as far as gear is concerned, Levin says your best bet is to bring a pair of climbing shoes and warm clothes for when it's cold. "Even if you just wanted to see a new part of the country," he says, "it's a great opportunity."
Armdale Roundabout, Halifax, free, climbnovascotia.ca
June 17
Dalhousie Tigers men's hockey golf tournament
If you've ever played a varsity sports, you're aware of how expensive it is, which is why on June 17 the Dal Tigers will be hosting the second annual men's hockey golf tournament at the Chester Golf Club. Price for the day is $800 per team, but with the price of admission comes door prizes, two sets of four golf bags for the winning teams and gift certificates from Dugger's. Most of all, you get to help a team in need. Someone should set this kind of thing up for the Habs.
Chester, $800 per four-person team, chestergolfclub.ca
June 18-19
Johnny Miles Marathon
Miss this year's Bluenose? New Glasgow has the next best thing with the Johnny Miles Marathon. Organized in honour of the great Nova Scotian athlete who won the 1926 and 1929 Boston Marathons, the race weekend offers a 5km, 10km, half and full marathons for runners of all skill levels. And even better than the glory of winning, it will help you live longer---Miles lived to be 97.
New Glasgow, $50, johnnymiles.ca
July 3-10
Antigonish Highland Games
Celebrating its 148th year, the Antigonish Highland games allows Nova Scotian Scots the ability to celebrate their history in style for one week in July. Whether battling in a tug of war, participating in the third annual bike race, or watching burly dudes carry 404 pounds around a field for long periods of time during the Farmer's Walk, the Highland Games have something for all. Just don't forget your kilt.
Antigonish, $69.95 for full entry, antigonishhighlandgames.ca
July 9
Dragon Boat Festival
Located on Lake Banook in Dartmouth, the 14th annual Dragon Boat Festival has teams from across the HRM battling in war canoes on race day, all while raising money in support of sports programs in communities across the province through the Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund.
Lake Banook, Dartmouth, dragonboat.halifax.ns.ca
July 10
Aileen Meagher International Track Classic
Track and field isn't the kind of sport that comes to mind when you think of Halifax. The variety of hills and outdoor parks is ideal for long-distance treks, but when it comes to short- distance races, Halifax has a lack of outdoor fields. That is, with one exception, in the form of Saint Mary's University. With classic staples like shot put, javelin and even a Master's Mile race for 50+ runners, this year's meet is the place to see some of Canada's best new racers and international contenders.
Huskies Stadium, Saint Mary's University, Gorsebrook Avenue at Tower Road, aileenmeagher.com
August 7-8
Gorefest
Located in the small settlement of Gore, trail-riding enthusiasts embark on the well-worn terrain year after year for Gorefest, a mountain biking race and workshop series that has riders learning to construct trails while competing in an eight hour race day. For $50 per rider, racers are allowed access to the family friendly race events and food for the weekend, including a vegetarian meal implemented for this year's festivities for all you herbivores.
Gore, $50, gorefest.ca
August 20
Chester Skate Competition
Some people don't really consider skateboarding a sport. But let's be serious: Lipsliding a 10-stair handrail is probably as hard as pulling off any touchdown. Just ask the amateur skaters at the Common Skatepark heading to Chester for the second annual Chester Skate Comp this August. Organized by skaters for skaters, Chad Haughn, recreations and parks director of Chester, says that judges will be made up of local skaters chosen by Jesse Watson from Homegrown Skateboards, who will be sponsoring the event with Pro Skates and Subway. The event offers various skateboard prizes and gift certificates for the winners of the competition and promises itself to be the best opportunity to watch local riders go for broke. And if you've never seen the Pro Skates crew, those guys skate pretty hard.
Chester Skate Park, Chester, chesterskatepark.com
