How one Nova Scotia family has found joy in exploration
When she emigrated to Nova Scotia, Natalie Frederick Wilson wanted to meet people and learn things about her new home and province. This inspired Natalie to create a Facebook page called Nova Scotia’s Wandering Wilsons, where she chronicles her family’s outdoor adventures around the province.
What started out as a fun online experiment for the mother of two, has skyrocketed in social media popularity. The Wilson family now has thousands of followers who are inspired by the family’s zest for life and local fun.
Island roots
Natalie was born in Barbados, and came to Nova Scotia by way of New York City. Her ties to her roots are strong – even now, she says, “West Indian culture pervades the things we do.”
Aside from honouring family roots, what the Wilson family does well is prioritize being active outside, being together and having fun.
“We never thought we’d have 5,000 followers. Our inspiration was the question, ‘What’s going on in Nova Scotia?’”
Affordable fun
Over the last three years, the family has discovered all sorts of excitement to be had in the province. They love to learn by doing walking tours, observing murals and other art works, visiting historical locations, monuments and artifacts, and enjoying public spaces and parks, such as Point Pleasant Park and the Halifax Public Gardens.
To fit with the theme of the Facebook page – “adventure is for everyone” – the activities Natalie shares online are low-budget or free.
To make sure the posts continue to resonate with Nova Scotians, Natalie asks for recommendations from readers, especially for local activities that are low or no cost. The family has received great tips from people across Nova Scotia. For example, one person suggested that the family buy dollar-store kites and take them to Bedford’s DeWolf Park.
Maintain your momentum
Natalie said her followers love to see what the family is doing next, but also connect with their message that adding more fun into your life doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming.
Being active is easier if you just add more of what you already love doing into your days, said Natalie. The Wilsons move more and sit less because they’re explorations involve walking, hiking and sightseeing.
“When movement happens naturally, it doesn’t feel like a chore. Sometimes you don’t have the capacity to commit to walking 30 minutes a day,” Natalie said.
Building bridges
Natalie also ensures her posts showcase diversity, demonstrating the many ways that getting out and getting moving can help her family connect with their community.
“Being active helps to build relationships outside of your own circle. It gives people a breadth of experiences and perspectives. Our family is now more willing to try things and say hello to people.”
Busting stress
Embracing cultures and socializing are two ways the Wilsons have benefited from simply getting out and having fun. Another bonus for Natalie is that staying active is helping her work-life balance.
She calls herself a “recovering workaholic,” and said stress exacerbated her heart problems. She had to have a cardiac ablation surgery in 2018 to correct an irregular heartbeat. That procedure forced Natalie to re-evaluate her priorities.
“I had to change my lifestyle. Now I look ahead and say, ‘We have to get out and do something,’” Natalie said. “Having something to look forward to helps break up work. We always enjoyed having movement in our lives, but now we are intentional with it.”
Let’s all take a page from the Wandering Wilsons’ book and make it a priority to explore our own community – or the one next door. Local adventures can help you and your loved ones find joy and balance, meet people and learn new things. Lace up, head out and explore all that Nova Scotia has to offer!