What we’re about

Healthy Walks • Friendly People • Rain or Shine (Kindly read to the end)
Based in North Vancouver, WALKSTARS brings people together to walk for health, friendship, and a little extra motivation. Our group is primarily made up of walkers aged 40 - 70+ who meet every Sunday, no matter the weather, to explore scenic, easy-to-moderate trails across North Vancouver. We’re not fitness experts—just a community of people who love to walk and connect.

How We Started
WALKSTARS began as a casual commitment between friends, including a weekly walk and a virtual team relay. As interest grew, we formed a Meetup group with a strong core of regular walkers. While our organizers have reserved spots each week, there’s always space for others—just RSVP early!

Giving Back
We proudly support Covenant House, a youth-focused charity, with optional $1 donations, collected at each walk.

Walkstars Abroad
Inspired by our community’s love of travel, we've walked the beaches of the Mayan Riviera (2018), celebrated Day of the Dead in Oaxaca (2019), and cruised to Alaska (2023) and the British Isles (2024).
Upcoming: A Mediterranean Cruise in September/October 2026! Group-priced cabins are still available. Talk to Patrick (Paddy) if you’re curious.

We walk on unceded lands
We walk these beautiful trails on the ancestral, unceded lands of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Peoples. We’re grateful for their long-standing care of these forests, waters, and mountains, and we honour their presence—past and present—as we move through the places they’ve known and protected for generations.

10 reasons to be a Walkstar

Walk in beautiful North Shore scenery, rain or shine
Connect with a diverse, mixed-age community
Walk with your pooch - many trails are dog-friendly
We walk weekly (holidays excepted)
Easy to moderate pace—no pressure
Walks are 2–3 hours (approx. 7 km)
Feel safe and supported in a group
Social coffee time after most walks
Optional donations support local youth charities
It's fun! Fresh air, conversation, and commitment

Walkstars Policies (updated as needed)
Hiking is an outdoor activity and many factors can affect you on a given day. A flexible attitude is essential.

These policies ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Most are common sense, but some may be unclear to inexperienced group-walkers. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines.

The organizers and hosts have spent a lot of time preparing for your walk, they are volunteers-please give them your respect and gratitude.

1. Weather: We walk rain or shine. Occasional, extreme weather may cause a cancellation which will be posted on Meetup.
2. Timing: We start on time and wait only 5 minutes.
3. RSVPs: Update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance. Repeat no-shows may be removed.
4. Pace: Hosts set a moderate pace suitable for the group. We are walkers, not hikers. Most routes are characterized as easy/moderate and will not be too fast for the average walker and will have frequent stops. A walk that is listed as difficult is more of a hike. Participate accordingly.
5. Group Size: Limited for safety reasons and because we choose not to overwhelm the trails.
6. Trail guidelines: You will have a host/leader. This person knows the route. The host will nominate a "Sweeper" who also knows the route and ensures no one has fallen behind.
Participants should:

walk and socialize with a variety of people during the walk.
walk between the leader and the sweeper-respect the leaders pace which is dictated by the slower members.
if you feel you are a "slower" walker, walk in the middle of the group. If you feel you are a "faster" walker, walk at the front (behind the leader) or at the back (in front of the sweeper). Or mix 'n match. This encourages the slower walkers, and keeps the group together.
The leader will stop and regroup regularly, and the sweeper and leader will do frequent head-counts.
Respect mixed use of the trails. Don't block the trail, let others pass, be aware of mountain bikers.

7. Toilet Breaks: The availability of bathrooms is listed on each event. During the walk tell a leader or other member if you need to visit a bathroom, or the bushes, so that you don't get left behind.
8. Gear: weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, water, a snack, a small first aid kit, sunscreen and bug repellant in season, in a small backpack. Walking poles are highly recommended. The tips of walking poles should always be pointing to the ground. This is especially important when the poles are not in use as they are a danger to the person walking behind or beside you. The tips of poles should always be covered when they are not in use.
Here is a more detailed list for a 2 hour outing
9. Dogs: Friendly dogs are welcome where permitted. Check listings and leash up when require,
10. Kids: Children, with an adult, are welcome if they can manage ~7 km walks.
11. Bear Aware: Walkstars has never had a bear encounter, however we walk in bear country and it is possible. Groups are less likely to be targeted by bears. Educate yourself on proper bear safety, stay with the group if we encounter a bear. We are currently considering learning more about the use of bear spray. Bear Safety Tips
12. Money Matters:

$1 optional donation supports Covenant House
No dues (subject to change) Organizers currently pay the Meetup membership.
Meetup+ is an optional Meetup-membership upgrade. It is not necessary for participation in the Walkstars group.
Trip/event fees will be clearly listed

13. Coffee Time: Most walks end near a café—come chat and connect!
14. Guests: If space is available and with prior permission of the host we permit out-of-town guests and one-time only, in-town guests who want to check us out.
15. Profile: Your Meetup profile must include a clear face photo and your first name.
16. Communication:

Be respectful in comments and posts.
Choose the private setting when you post on an event.
Organizers can’t access your personal contact info. We can only contact you via comments and direct messages - we don't know your email or phone number.

17. Safe Participation: In order to create a welcoming and safe environment for all participants, inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. This can range from disrespecting the leader's instructions to causing physical or emotional harm to other members. This will result in warnings, and in cases of serious misconduct or repeated violations, the individual may be temporarily suspended from the group or permanently banned.
18. Risk Waiver: Finally, everyone is responsible for their own safety, but a little thought and consideration ensures the safety of the whole group. By RSVPing “Yes,” you accept the physical risks and release organizers from liability.
19. Photo Waiver: Photos/videos may be shared online. Let the photographer know if you don’t want to be included. Otherwise, permission is assumed when you RSVP "Yes".

We’re so glad you’re here!
Dawn & Patrick (Paddy) Moore & the Walkstars Team

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