Belchers Marsh, located off of Parkland Drive in Clayton Park, is a great place to take the dog or the whole family for a Sunday stroll. The walking is easy thanks to the flat, well-maintained gravel paths. To do a full loop of the Marsh is about 1.5km. The adjacent Mainland North Linear Parkway connects the area to other nearby attractions.

Though in the heart of a residential neighbourhood dominated by apartment buildings and residences it’s home to more than people. The marsh is a haven for ducks, waterfowl, bald eagles, hawks, osprey, cranes, and birds aplenty. You should, however, refrain from feeding them because in winter they don’t seem to want to leave.

This part of Halifax also hosts a unique show every evening shortly before sunset as a large murder of crows make their way to their roosting grounds near the Bedford Highway.

As well as a top-notch bird watching spot, the area also has lots of great marshland flora, much of which is detailed in the very informative signage along the way. You can also read about the area’s over 200-year history when it was owned by Johnathan Belcher.

There is a well-constructed lookoff in the middle of the pond that provides a great vantage point. These great aspects of the park are, in part, thanks to volunteers with the Halifax Northwest Trails Association (become a member to support their work).

The Pond is used for pond hockey in winter, where locals clear areas for their kids to play. Walking the trail in Winter can be difficult in the snow as it does not have winter maintenance. It is a great place for anyone looking for a casual walk within city limits with a chance to see birds, plants, and animals you aren’t accustomed to seeing elsewhere in an urban environment.

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