10 Great Places to Go Sledding in Halifax

Winter in Halifax is all about embracing the season, and sledding is one of the easiest ways to get outside and have some fun. It’s a free, or at least inexpensive activity — just grab a sled, bundle up, and head out. And with Halifax’s naturally hilly terrain, there’s no shortage of great spots to choose from once the snow starts to fall. Whether you’re looking for a gentle slope for the kids or a steep hill for a thrilling ride, here are some of the top places to go sledding in Halifax.

Where to Go Sledding in Halifax

Halifax is filled with hills that turn into amazing sledding spots once the snow falls. From family-friendly slopes to steep runs for thrill-seekers, there’s a hill for everyone. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best sledding spots across the city and beyond to help you plan your next winter adventure.

1. Citadel Hill (Downtown)

📍5425 Sackville Street

Citadel Hill is by far one of Halifax’s most popular sledding spots, and for good reason. Its high elevation – which was the strategic importance of the historic fort – now makes it a fantastic spot for winter fun. Once the snow falls, the grassy slopes surrounding the historic fort are blanketed in snow, making it an ideal place for sledding.

We had heard about this hill – it’s an iconic spot and known as the best place to go sledding in Halifax – but we only tried it last year. It quickly became my kids’ favourite spot, and we’ve been back a few times since, including the first snowfall this year. They haven’t quite made it all the way down on their toboggan yet – it’s a pretty steep hill – but with their new sleds they got for Christmas, they’re excited to give it another try this winter. 

While there are steep hills on all sides of the Citadel, we recommend sledding over by the Wanderers Grounds. This side has a steep slope with plenty of room to slide down safely and stop well before reaching the road.

And located right in the heart of the city, Citadel Hill is easy to access, whether you’re walking, driving or using public transit. *Parking is available right at the bottom of the hill, and is free on weekends and evenings. 

When you’ve had your fill of sledding, there are plenty of cafes nearby where you can warm up with a hot drink. Or, if you’re up for more iconic Halifax winter activities, head over to the Emera Oval for a skate and make the most of the season.

2. “The Pit” (Merv Sullivan Park) (North End)

📍 3791 Novalea Drive

Known locally as “The Pit”, Merv Sullian Park is another of the best sledding spots in Halifax. This bowl-shaped hill in the North End is steep, fast, and guarantees a wild ride. Be prepared for a long climb back to the top, but it’s worth it for the adrenaline rush on the way down. 

Helmets are highly recommended due to its rounded shape and potential for crashes at the bottom. Its bowl shape means that sledders can start at different point and often end up finishing in the same area. If you’re looking for an adventurous ride, The Pit is a must! 

3. Gorsebrook Park (South End)

📍Gorsebrook Park, Lundy’s Lane

This South End favourite is a great choice for families, offering some of the best tobogganing Halifax has to offer.The smaller hills are perfect for introducing toddlers to their first sledding experience, while the medium hills are great for letting older kids enjoy longer runs.

The open layout of Gorsebrook Park also means there’s plenty of space to play in the snow between toboggan runs, and you’ll see plenty of snowmen built around the park.

Its location in the South End makes it easily accessible, and it’s a quieter option compared to some of the busier sledding spots in Halifax. 

4. Brightwood Golf Course (Dartmouth)

📍227 School Street

Over on the Dartmouth side of the harbour, Brightwood Golf Course is another fantastic sledding spot. Located in the heart of Dartmouth, the golf course features a huge, wide hill with plenty of room for everyone to slide down. 

And while the hill is one of the best in the city, the easy parking also makes this one of the best spots to sledding. There’s a lot right by the clubhouse, so you don’t have to worry about street parking. From there, it’s just a short walk to the hill, where you’ll find wide-open spaces to sled down. 

5. Dartmouth Commons 

The Dartmouth Commons is another classic sledding spot in Dartmouth. There are lots of steep spots to sled down, however the hills here come with a bit of a challenge – there are also quite a few trees to navigate around as you make your way down. 

However, if you go in through the gates at the bottom, there’s less of a steep incline and more open, clear spaces, making it a good spot for those with toddlers and younger children. 

6. Shubie Park (Dartmouth)

Not only is Shubie Park a fantastic place to walk or go for a winter hike, but it also has some great sledding options. Near the parking lot for the campground, you’ll find a nice, steep hill in a clearing just down the path.

Another great spot is at the other entrance near the Fairbanks Interpretative Centre. There’s a small, good hill there, with stairs going up, making it easier to get back up. If it’s icy though, you have to be careful not to slide all the way into the canal!

7. Shearwater Hill (Shearwater/Eastern Passage)

📍Autoport Ave & Hines Road

Shearwater Hill is one of the best spots to go sledding near Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and it’s always filled with kids after the first snowfall. It’s not the tallest or steepest hill in the area, but it’s a good balance for a fun, quick run without being too exhausting to climb back up.

This hill has become a personal favourite for my family. It’s steep enough to give you a good burst of speed, but not so long or intimidating that younger kids can’t enjoy it. The open layout makes it easy to find a good spot to sled, though you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few trees near the bottom.

8. Southdale Hill (Dartmouth)

📍Prince Arthur Ave 

Located in Southdale on the Dartmouth side of the harbour, this hill is a local favourite for families looking for a fun sledding spot. It’s at the site of the old Southdale North Woodside Elementary School, across from the new Dartmouth South school on Prince Arthur Avenue. The hill is steep enough for a fun ride but not so daunting that younger kids can’t enjoy it. 

I often run down the hill on Prince Arthur Avenue on morning runs and always notice this hill — it’s got just the right angle for a fun, fast slide without being too long or difficult to climb back up.

It’s on our list to try this year, especially since it’s usually quieter than some of Halifax’s busier sledding spots – perfect for a fun family outing.

9. Old Ashburn Golf Course (West End)

📍3250 Joe Howe Drive

This West End spot is a local favourite, offering a smaller hill that’s ideal for families with younger kids. The slope is gentle, and you might even spot some snowboarders testing their skills here.

10. MSVU – Mother Hill (Clayton Park)

📍 Seton Road, Behind Mount Saint Vincent University

Mother Hill, located behind MSVU’s former Mother House, is a long, gradual hill that’s perfect for a smooth, steady ride. It’s one of the most popular sledding spots on the Halifax side of the harbour, with easy access from campus or nearby residential areas. On a snowy day, you’ll often find locals flocking here with sleds of all shapes and sizes.

Other Places to Go Tobogganing in Halifax

If you’re still looking for more places to sled, here are a few other great spots worth trying out:

• Oakfield Provincial Park (Grand Lake): Popular in summer for it’s beaches and trails, but it’s also a great spot for tobogganing in the winter. It’s a bit out of the city though, but a great spot for those in the area. 
• Flinn Park (West End Halifax): A good spot for older kids or teens, as the hill has lots of twists and turns. Choose the slopes closer to Quinpool, not beside the park. 
• Fort Needham Memorial Park (North End Halifax): Popular for families, with a smaller hill than others in the city, but that makes it easy to climb back up.
• Ritcey Crescent (Cole Harbour): A wide, clear hill with lots of open space and a natural bump that becomes a ramp as winter goes on.
• Dewolfe Park (Bedford): A popular spot for families, the park has a long hill with a gradual incline, and great views of the harbour. 
• Second Lake Hill (Sackville): This massive hill at the top of Metropolitan Avenue is a must-visit for Sackville locals. Most people only go halfway down because of its size, but it’s perfect for those who love a long, thrilling ride. Metropolitan Field, just down the road, is also a great spot for sledding.

Halifax is full of fantastic sledding spots, from iconic hills like Citadel Hill to hidden gems in neighbourhoods around the region. These are some of the more well-known sledding spots in Halifax that we’ve found, but I’m sure there are probably many other hills that we haven’t discovered yet. 

Grab your sled, bundle up and head out to make the most of winter in Nova Scotia! If you have a favourite sledding spot that I missed, share it in the comments below – we’d love to hear about it!

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