The 5 Most Popular Parks & Hiking Trails Near Halifax, Nova Scotia
Compiled from HalifaxTrails.ca website traffic last year (2021). Changes from the previous year include Gaff Point moving up one spot to #3 and Polly’s Cove moving up one to #4. Duncan’s Cove Shifts down from #3 to #5.
5) Duncan’s Cove
- Breathtaking coastal scenery.
- Un-marked trails.
- Up to 8km (3-4hours).
- Ecologically sensitive nature reserve.
- 24 000 guide views in 2021.
Duncan’s Cove is a designated nature reserve, not originally intended as a hiking destination, and requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Despite no dedicated parking, trail construction, or signage, its rugged beauty makes up for its accessibility shortcomings. Despite its popularity, it still hasn’t seen any investments to address its accessibility issues. This could partly explain its slow drop from the #1 spot a few years ago.
Despite these shortcomings, Duncan’s Cove has seen enormous popularity as people increasingly see it on social media. Similar to Polly’s Cove, these shin-scraping trails are narrow, muddy, and rugged. Steep drop-offs and powerful surf make it a place to heed caution and come prepared. The steep slopes surrounding each of its 3 coves made for great observation posts during World War II, two of which are still crumbling in place.
This coastal headland beyond the mouth of Halifax Harbour is a good place to watch cruise ships and shipping traffic as it comes and goes from the open Atlantic Ocean. A popular place for sun-bathing seals and humans alike on warm summer days but come prepared for lower temps than the mainland, as well as gusty coastal breezes.
Trail Guide, Map, Photos
4) Polly’s Cove
- Next to ever-popular Peggy’s Cove.
- Rocky, coastal barren landscape.
- Unmarked, muddy trails.
- Great for boulder climbing.
- 25 000 guide views in 2021.
A 45-minute drive from downtown Halifax and located next door to one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, this area has all the natural beauty of Peggy’s Cove without the large crowds. Offering a different perspective of Peggy’s Cove, and a larger area to explore, Polly’s Cove is great for anyone looking to do some coastal exploration.
The trails are narrow, unmarked, and often muddy. Keep to the well-established paths as this sensitive nature area is home to nesting coastal birds and easily disturbed vegetation. Full of low-lying bushes and shrubs, it’s the type of terrain that can scrape up your legs so come prepared with pants, high socks, or gaiters.
With plenty of coastal beauty to feast your eyes and camera lenses on, you can easily fill spend an entire day exploring. You can spend hours listening to crashing waves as fishing boats come and go, rock climbing on the glacially sculpted landscape, or maxing your camera’s memory storage. Finding a new favourite nook on every visit, my trips are often 1 part hiking, 2 parts stopping to take in views.
Trail Guide, Map, Photos
3) Gaff Point Hiking Trail
- 7.5km return hike (~2hrs)
- Looped peninsula trail.
- Huge, beautiful 3km sand beach.
- Scenic, rugged hike with plenty of inland and coastal stretches.
- 27 000 guide views in 2021.
The cat is out of the bag with Gaff Point. This former South Shore secret is claiming its spot among the province’s most scenic places and has now become the #1 coastal hike according to my website data. Just past the beautiful town of Lunenburg, tucked amidst charming coastal communities lies a slice of what it means to visit Nova Scotia. The moment your car door closes, the immense 3km smooth sand ‘Hirtles Beach’ will impress you with sheer, natural awe.
After walking along 1.5 kilometers of beautiful Hirtles Beach, you’ll hike a peninsula rich in visual and biodiversity. This bastion of nature offers rugged coastline cliffs, lush forest, and a “secret beach” to boot. Nova Scotia’s coastal beauty at its protected best, reminding us how increasingly rare sights like these are.
The trail was hit hard by hurricane Dorian in 2019 which required lots of volunteer time and money from to the Nature Conservancy of Canada to be able to safely re-open the trail. They have since kindly re-opened it after extensive work.
Trail Guide, Map, Photos
2) The Salt Marsh Trail
- Well marked, maintained & patrolled.
- Popular bird-watching destination.
- 9km (one way) linear “rails-to-trails”.
- Plenty of benches & picnic areas.
- 28 000 guide views in 2021.
Unchanged after ranking up 2 spots the previous year is the beloved Salt Marsh Trail. 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, located in Cole Harbour. Part of the province’s extensive “rails-to-trails” network, this one ranks as the most popular according to my website data. This linear (up & back) trail is great on its own or as part of a longer trip continuing onto the Atlantic View Trail, popular Lawrencetown Beach & beyond.
The unique salt marsh habitat is a haven for birds and prime hunting ground for eagles & osprey. You’ll often see bird enthusiasts and nature photographers here due to the diverse wildlife.
Shop.HalifaxTrails.ca: Local Bird Guide Books.
This scenic causeway is a former railway that stretches across the water for 3.5km. Complete with periodic bridges, benches & picnic tables, there are plenty of places to stop to take in the view.
The trail is well marked, maintained, and even patrolled for safety thanks to the Cole Harbour Parks & Trails Association. The work of these dedicated volunteers is why this trail has come to be revered by all of HRM.
Great for a stroll or jog, and ideal as part of an extensive bike ride on its compacted crusher-dust surface. Be sure to have a bicycle bell, as it can be busy during peak times.
Trail Guide, Map, Photos
1) Long Lake Provincial Park
- 2000 Hectare, urban wilderness park.
- 5km “Lakeview Trail”.
- Public (non-motorized) boat launch.
- On-site kayak & paddleboard rentals.
- 35 000 guide views in 2021.
Only a 15-minute drive from downtown Halifax it’s the only one of the destinations accessible by public transit. At just over 3km, Long Lake lives up to its name. Beyond the large lake lies 2000 hectares of wilderness. The easily accessible 5km “Lakeview Trail” loop offers a large, wide crusher dust pathway making it inviting to all. Other features including a public paddling launch and on-site rentals keep Long Lake as the reigning most popular outdoor destination for 2 years in a row according to 2020 halifaxtrails.ca website traffic.
It’s easy to see why Long Lake is the #1 most popular destination. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll, a challenging wilderness hike, a bike ride or a swim, Long Lake has plenty of room for adventures of all kinds. There are many rugged, unmarked trails, nooks, and new discoveries to made with every visit.
A very popular swimming destination in summer with plenty of spots to lay your towel, it even has a marked, measured 2.5km open water swim course for anyone looking to do some high-level swim training.
Accessible via 3 separate parking areas including year-round access via St. Margaret’s Bay Road (un-marked nature trails & lake access). A large main parking area off of Northwest Arm Drive connects to the Lakeview Trail and paddling launch area. A small, gated auxiliary parking area off of Old Sambro road is for access to boat rentals and the paddling launch (closed in winter).
Park Guide, Map, Photos
- The Best Hiking Trails Near Halifax For Every Kind Of Hiker - July 8, 2021
- Nova Scotia’s Climate Emergency - March 26, 2021
- The Road To Recovery: Nature Rehab For Body & Mind - January 29, 2020
