About Take a Hike
Since 2000, Take a Hike has walked with youth as they journey through the most challenging period of development in their lives. Our life-changing mental health and social-emotional well-being program is grounded in land-based learning and embedded in an alternate education classroom to facilitate youth development.
Our proven all-season, immersive program offers youth an intensive opportunity to counter past negative experiences in school and improve mental health and resilience ahead of a critical transition time in their lives. Youth stay engaged in school, receive support and treatment, and are supported to access additional community-based services. Thanks to our generous community of donors and partners we increase their ability to complete their education and be successful in life – however they define it.
Strategic Plan
Take a Hike’s new Strategic Plan aims to catapult the way we support and uplift the mental well-being of vulnerable youth across Canada. Our 2024-2028 Plan is designed to address the growing mental health needs of young people by integrating innovative approaches, fostering community partnerships, and enhancing access to vital resources.

Reflections on Scaling
In partnership with the Rideau Hall Foundation, Take a Hike has created a case study that dives into the scaling that our organization has taken on over the past decade. By exploring Take a Hike’s history, policies, and procedures that make scaling into new regions not only possible but successful, Reflections on Scaling: A Case Study in Non-Profit Growth outlines the steps Take a Hike has taken to get to where we are now and where we are headed.
