Youth Mental Health
For too many young people, youth is a time of relentless uncertainty, anxiety and trepidation. This is amplified for today’s vulnerable youth who, in addition to dealing with trauma and mental health struggles, have lived through a pandemic and are now facing growing up during a period of intense economic uncertainty.
Take a Hike walks with youth, offering support through a program that combines intentional, continuous clinical counselling, land-based learning, and community. By showing up early and consistently, Take a Hike supports youth mental health before challenges escalate, during one of the most critical periods of development, when the stakes are high and positive change is still possible.
Empowering Youth. Changing Lives.
Take a Hike has supported over 2,000 youth experiencing vulnerability to change the trajectory of their lives. Our alumni are living proof that youth who have endured past adversity and negative impacts on their development can thrive through engaging in social emotional learning and personal reflection if they experience an environment that is safe, caring, and responsive to their individual needs.
The deep sense of belonging and community they found, along with the physical and mental well being it fostered, gave them lasting coping mechanisms they continue to lean on as they navigate life’s challenges long after their time at Take a Hike.
Take a Hike Turns 25
This year marks 25 years of Take a Hike. That means we’ve been supporting youth with our one-of-a-kind program for a quarter of a century!
It’s a huge milestone for us, one that honors our past, the youth we serve, and our community of dedicated supporters. It’s a milestone we couldn’t have reached without the generosity of our supporters, who we share this celebration with. This commitment was recently recognized by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade at the 2025 Business Distinction Awards, where the organization was named Non-Profit of the Year.
How We Help
25
years of empowering youth
16
programs across Canada
2,000+
lives transformed
Take a Hike Ontario
After 25 years of measurable success in BC, Take a Hike Foundation is proud to expand our services to Ontario, beginning with a partnership with one of the province’s largest education systems, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB). Take a Hike connects with young people who are most in need and who have been pushed to the margins — those struggling with trauma, mental health challenges, poverty, or instability. Many are leaning on corrosive behaviours like isolation, acting out, or substance use. They recognize that something needs to change, but they cannot do it on their own.
Our Stories
$300K in grants open to make a difference in North Okanagan
Take a Hike Vernon is a barrier-free, full-time program that brings mental health support, academics, and land-based learning together in a safe
A Day in the Life: Take a Hike Cowichan
No two days look exactly the same in a Take a Hike program, but each one offers structure, support, and meaningful connection.
Take A Hike On A Tall Ship
During our spring sailing season this year, a significant challenge turned into a beautiful opportunity to grow a bursary partnership with a local organization: