Best Hikes Near Halifax

While Halifax is known for its waterfront boardwalk and historic attractions, it’s also a place full of opportunities to get out into nature. And you don’t have to go far to get out on the trails – there are plenty of parks and trails nearby, offering some of the best hikes near Halifax.

From rugged coastal paths with stunning ocean views to quiet lakeside trails and forested routes, these hikes allow you to escape the city and experience the beauty of Nova Scotia.

Whether you’re a local looking to get out on the trails or a visitor looking to experience the area’s natural landscape, here are some of the best trails near Halifax to explore.

There’s no shortage of incredible trails around Halifax, whether you’re looking for a quick walk or a longer adventure. These hikes are some of my personal favourites, offering everything from scenic lakes to rugged coastlines—and all within easy reach of the city

Shubie Park

📍54 Locks Road, Dartmouth

Shubie Park is a large urban park in Dartmouth and locals will tell you it’s home to some of the best trails in Halifax. I’ll admit I’m a little biased, as this is our go-to hiking spot when we don’t want to drive too far, but I really have to agree!

The park is full of trails and you can choose to do a short loop, walk along the historic Shubenacadie Canal or take a longer hike and continue along the shore of Lake Charles or Lake Micmac. The full loop within Shubie is 4km, or you can continue along Lake Charles to Vivien’s Way, which adds another 3km.

dirt trail leading past the shoreline of a lake. there are a few trees along the edge of the lake, a bench to take in the view and a sign saying “Vivian’s way"

When you’ve had your fill of hiking, you can also rent kayaks and paddle boards at the Fairbanks Centre, ride on the Pump Track or take a swim at Shubie Beach. Fall is also a great time to hike through the park when the leaves are turning colour, or hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter months.

Distance: 4km loop, with shorter trails within the loop, 9.25km for the Shubie Canal Greenway
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking: Available at multiple lots throughout the park
Washrooms: Facilites available Monday to Friday at the Fairbanks Centre
Accessibility: Parts of the trail near the Fairbanks centre are accessible, but most of the loop is not accessible

Long Lake Provincial Park

📍10 Dunbrack St, Halifax

Long Lake Provincial Park has several trails, ranging from a short 1km loop to the full 10.5km loop, called the Long Lake Wilderness Loop.

For an easy, family-friendly hike, the Lakeview Trail is a 3.5 km gravel trail that’s flat, wide and perfect for strollers or wheelchairs. Plus, you’ll get some lovely views of the lake along the way. There’s also the less busy Long Lake Pipeline Loop, which is 3.7km.

wide gravel path at long lake provincial park - one of the best hikes near halifax

short side trail to a look out at long lake

The trails are well signed and indicate other trails leading off into Long Lake Provincial Park.

The trails are open year-round, and in the winter, it’s a great spot for hiking or snowshoeing. In the summer months, the lake is popular for canoeing, fishing, kayaking or paddle boarding.

Long Lake is only minutes from downtown Halifax, making it easy to reach for a quick afternoon hike.

Distance: 3.5km – 10 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking: Available at the lot off Dunbrack St
Washrooms: No facilities
Accessibility: Gravel trail, accessible for strollers and wheelchairs

Salt Marsh Trail

📍806 Bissett Road, Cole Harbour

This flat, crushed gravel path is another former railed and is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners. It’s also my regular Friday morning long run spot when I’m training for a half-marathon.

salt marsh trail in Cole Harbour Nova Scotia, a trail goes across the salt marsh with a tree in the foreground and a bridge continuing over the marsh

There are distance markers along the trail and it’s an out-and-back trail, so you can go as far as you like before turning back. The first kilometre is forested on both sides of the trail before it opens up and continues across the water.

There’s a good spot near the 1km mark, with a short side trail called Rosemary’s Walk, where you can see into the calm shallow water, and it’s perfect for kids to spy creatures in the clear water.

The trail continues across the Salt Marsh and is flat, with the exception of a few wooden bridges that cross over channels of water.

The Salt Marsh is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with blue herons, bald eagles and osprey commonly seen. It’s one of the best trails in Halifax for soaking up that fresh ocean air.

The Salt Marsh trail connects to the Shearwater Flyer trail at one end, which adds an additional 5km one way, and the Atlantic View Trail at the other end. The Atlantic View Trail continues to Lawrencetown Beach, and ends up being 20km return from the Salt Marsh Trail parking lot.

Distance: 6.4km one way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking: Available at three parking lots off Bissett Road
Washrooms: Portable toilets at the 1km mark.
Accessibility: Flat, gravel path, accessible for strollers and some wheelchairs

Bluff Wilderness Trail – Pot Lake Loop

📍2890 St. Margaret’s Bay Road

Looking for a longer hike? The Bluff Wilderness Trail is a 32 km hike in Timberlea, just off the BLT Trail (see below), with four separate loops.

The first of the four consecutive loops is Pot Lake Loop. You can hike just this loop, or add on another loop or two, depending on how much time you have to hike. Each loop takes around 3-4 hours to complete.

The Pot Lake Loop trail starts off easy, but the terrain becomes more challenging as you go. There are some technical sections and a bit of elevation, but my 7-year-old boys managed it just fine.

The climbs are worth the effort though, as you’re rewarded with some fantastic views over the lake and surrounding area. I’ve hiked this loop in both the early spring and the fall, and no matter the season, I have to say it’s one of the best trails near Halifax.

Distance: 7.7km
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Available off St. Margarets Bay Road
Washrooms: Not available
Accessibility: Not accessible

BLT Trail

📍Lakeside Park Drive, Lakeside NS

The BLT Trail, short for Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea Trail, is one of the best trails in Halifax, and for a good reason. It’s a multi-use trail that’s part of the Trans Canada trail and connects Halifax to the St. Margaret’s Bay region.

The trail is part of an old railway line, similar to the Salt Marsh Trail, and makes for a flat and easy walk, which is great for families.
*There is one steep downhill section towards the end of the trail.

This popular trail starts in Beechville and continues for 13 kilometres through the communities of Beechville, Lakeside, Timberlea, before ending in Hubley. Along the way, the trail passes a few waterfalls and lakes and continues through wooded sections, which are gorgeous in the fall.

The BLT is a point-to-point trail, so you can turn around at any time, or if you have two vehicles, park one at the beginning and the other at one of the parking spots along the trail.

For a longer hike, the trail connects to the Chain of Lakes Trail in Halifax or the Rum Runners Trail in Hubley, which continues all the way to Lunenburg.

Distance: 13km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to length, not technical trail)
Parking: Available at the Lakeside Business Park or various spots along the trail
Washrooms: Not available
Accessibility: Crushed gravel path, which is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs

Duncan’s Cove

📍Chebucto Head Road, Duncan’s Cove NS

Duncan’s Cove is a spectacular coastal hike that’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown Halifax.

The entire trail offers stunning ocean views as you navigate large rocks and dense shrubs that are typical of the East Coast. It’s a bit rugged, and not marked as clearly as some other trails, but you can see the path that’s been well-worn down by people over the years.

two kids and an adult hiking along the rocks at at Duncan’s cove in Nova Scotia - one of the best hikes near halifax

In addition to the stunning views, the trail also features an abandoned WWII observation station. This is the end of the Duncan’s Cove trail, but you can peek inside the structure or sit on the rocks for a snack break before heading back.

The trail is moderately challenging, and you will need to use caution as some parts can be tricky. While I wouldn’t recommend hiking this trail with toddlers, it is doable with slightly older kids – my guys were 7 when we hiked Duncan’s Cove, and while it’s not an easy hike, they had no problems completing it.

Duncan’s Cove is best hiked in the summer or fall – it is possible to hike year-round, but be cautious with ice and snow in the winter.

Distance: 7.2km trail over the rugged coastline
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Available on the side of the road. Be respectful of local property owners, and only park on Chebucto Head Road, not Gannet Lane
Washrooms: Not available
Accessibility: Not accessible

If you’re looking for another great coastal hike, Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point is an excellent hike about an hour’s drive from Halifax, near Lunenburg, or a little farther away is Cape Split, one of the best hikes in the province.

Musquodobit Trailway

📍90 Park Rd, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS

We only recently discovered the Musquodobit trails, and I’m not sure why it took us so long! It’s a bit of a drive from Halifax, about 45 minutes from downtown, but well worth it!

Beginning at the Musquodobit Harbour Railway Museum, the trail system includes 5 different trails, of which 3 are loop trails and 2 are point-to-point trails. You can start hiking from here, or park at the official trailhead on Park Road.

(The Musquodobit Harbour Railway Museum is an excellent place to visit in the summer – explore the railway museum or celebrate your completed hike with an ice cream cone).

boy standing on a rock overlooking the tree line on a hike at musquodobit trailways - one of the best hikes near halifax

The Admiral Lake Loop is one of the most popular trails and climbs through the forest to several lookouts, which offer views of Musquodobit Harbour, surrounding lakes and the coast to Lawrencetown.

Another popular hike is the Skull Rock Trail, and while it does have a pretty steep section, once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views over the surrounding area.

These trails are great to hike in the spring and summer – but be prepared for bugs! And in the fall, it’s absolutely gorgeous with the changing leaves.

Distance: 15km total (Admiral Lake Loop 9.3km)
Difficulty: Challenging
Parking: Available at the Musquodobit Railway Museum or the main parking lot on Hwy 357
Washrooms: Available at three spots along the trail, where the backcountry trails connect.
Accessibility: Main trail comprises of crusher dust, so is accessible, but the back country trails are not accessible.

Final Thoughts: Best Hikes Near Halifax

Halifax offers an incredible variety of outdoor experiences and stunning scenery within a short drive from the city. Whether you’re looking for adventure, a family-friendly outing or just a chance to get outdoors, there are plenty of great hikes in Halifax to choose from.

From the rugged coastline of Duncan’s Cove to the forests of the Bluff Wilderness Trail or the quiet Salt Marsh Trail, each of the hikes mentioned has its unique charm.So lace up your hiking boots or walking shoes, embrace the fresh air and enjoy the incredible landscapes that Nova Scotia has to offer. Happy hiking!