Known for its extensive coastline spanning more than 8,000 miles, Nova Scotia has a rich maritime history. Halifax, the province’s capital and largest city, is situated on one of the deepest natural harbors in the world that remains ice-free in winter months. This year-round accessibility shaped Halifax into a crucial port and one of North America’s most historically abundant harbor cities.
In addition to its maritime legacy, Halifax’s stunning coastline and nearby woodland ecosystems make this city a fascinating place for adventure and outdoor exploration throughout the year. Looking to strike the perfect balance between experiencing history and nature? These historic trails in and around Halifax offer the best of both worlds.
1. Chain Lakes Park
With more than 1,000 lakes in the region, the seaside city of Halifax is surprisingly rich in freshwater. Explore local favorites along the Chain of Lakes Trail, which starts in Chain Lakes Park and connects five bodies of water along the route.
At 8.2 miles, this well-maintained trail is the longest continuous paved path within the city. Learn about Halifax’s watershed and the historic railway that followed the same route as you wander along the wooded trail.
For a longer adventure, connect to the Rum Runners Trail, which extends 74 miles from the start of the Chain of Lakes Trail to the Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 74-mile route pays homage to the province’s colorful past and the important role this port city played in shaping the region.
- Length: 8.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Available at multiple access points
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: 24 hours
- Material: 100% polyamide (recycled)
- Filling: 100% polyester (recycled)
- Activity: Trekking
- Features: Insulates in wet condition, durable, water resistant, wind resistant
- Clothing layer: Outerwear
- 3 pockets: Hand pocket(s), inner pocket(s)
2. Long Lake Provincial Park
Located on the city’s southwestern edge, Long Lake Provincial Park offers an easy-access respite from urban life. The 380-acre lake served as Halifax’s original water supply for more than a century. Today, the area is a popular spot for outdoor recreation year-round.
Explore the lake’s rocky shoreline on the 6.5-mile Long Lake Wilderness Loop. In the winter, balsam fir, black spruce, and eastern white pine stand out among dormant deciduous trees, including red and striped maples and native red oak.
Be sure to download a map before you head out, as the area has a variety of connected social trails that loop through the woods.
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Available at multiple access points
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: 24 hours
- Material: G-1000 stretch: 50% polyester (recycled), 15% polyester (T400), 35% cotton (organic)
- Activity: Trekking
- Features: Adaptable with Greenland Wax, packable, durable, stretch, ventilation
- Clothing layer: Outerwear
- 4 Pockets: 2 or more thigh pockets, hand pocket(s)
- Waist: High waist
3. Musquodoboit Harbor
Just over 30 minutes by car from downtown Halifax, Musquodoboit Harbor is a gateway to the great wilderness of Nova Scotia. Musquodoboit means foaming to the sea in the language of the Mi’kmaq People. Follow the Musquodoboit River, which flows into the harbor, upstream on the 9-mile Musquodoboit Trailway.
As you venture inland, you’ll hike through a dense forest of alder and oak trees. Several historic bridges and rocky outcroppings along the trail offer a chance to peek through the trees for stunning views of crags, ridgelines, and lakes.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, connect to multiple backcountry trails from the main trailway. Just make sure you bring snowshoes. You’re more likely to encounter winter conditions the further you explore from the coast.
- Length: 9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Lot available at the trailhead
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: Accessible 24 hours
4. Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site
Most outdoor recreation in this maritime region revolves around the coast. For a unique adventure, head to Kejimkujik National Park and Historic — the only inland park in the province. Known simply as Keji to locals, this national park has old-growth forests with trees more than 300 years old.
Follow the boardwalk through groves of giant conifers and native hardwood trees on the 3.1-mile Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail. This mellow trail provides a gentle wilderness experience for hikers of all levels.
After your stroll, take advantage of winter’s short days and enjoy early evening stargazing. As the only designated Dark Sky Preserve in Nova Scotia, Keji offers some of the top unspoiled views of the night sky in the province.
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Lot available at the trailhead
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day; year-round
- Material: Bergshell: 400D 100% polyamide (recycled)
- Activity: Everyday outdoor
- Features: Durable, waterproof
- Height: 45 cm
- Width: 28 cm
- Depth: 12.5 cm
- Laptop size: 15"
- 5 pockets: Inner mesh pocket(s), inner pocket(s), inside compartment, open outside pocket(s), zippered inside pocket(s), zippered outside pocket(s)
5. Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
About an hour from the inland portion of Keji, the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside was annexed in the ’80s. Here, on the site of Mi’kmaq peoples fishing and harvesting grounds, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the First Nation’s connection to the land.
The 5.5-Mile Point Joli Head and Seaside Adjunct passes through grasslands and along the edge of a coastal forest. Take in expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean from the tip of the peninsula and listen to waves crashing on the rocky shore as you trek along the trail.
- Length: 5.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Lot available at the trailhead
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: Accessible 24 hours
- Material: G-1000: 65% polyester (recycled), 35% cotton (organic), 65% wool, 30% polyester (recycled), 5% other fibers
- Activity: Trekking
- Features: Breathable, durable, water resistant, windproof, quick-drying
- 2 pockets: Chest pocket(s)
6. Bay of Fundy
Drive 2 hours west of the city to explore the opposite coast of the Nova Scotia peninsula and the Bay of Fundy. If that name sounds familiar, it’s likely because the bay is known for having the most dramatic tides in the world, with an average difference of 47.6 feet between high and low tides.
Explore the rugged shoreline of this famous body of water along the Harvest Moon Trailway. The 68-mile multiuse trail follows a historic railbed through Annapolis Valley, connecting picturesque seaside towns.
Start at Annapolis Royal — the site of one of the earliest European settlements in North America. Then, head to the Landscape at Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site at the far end of the trail, where you can learn about the area’s Acadian heritage. The fertile Annapolis Valley houses many orchards and vineyards.
Don’t miss a chance to visit a local winery on your way back to the city. Most tasting rooms are open year-round. Stop by to enjoy a tasting after an adventure-filled day.
- Length: Up to 68 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Available across the street from the Grand Pre Historic Site
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs are allowed on leash
- Hours: Accessible 24 hours
7. Cape Breton Island
If you’re in the Halifax area for an extended stay, visiting Cape Breton Island is well worth the trip. Drive approximately 3.5 hours from Halifax to reach the island’s west coast, where you’ll find the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail. Built on a historic railbed, this 55.8-mile trail overlaps with the Trans Canada Trail, running east to west, and the International Appalachian Trail, running north to south.
Start at the Inverness Trailhead to explore Cape Breton’s breathtaking coastline. While the entire trail is open year-round, winter lends to hiking shorter sections. In warm months, rent an e-bike to pedal the full trail. Don’t miss the kiosks along the route to learn about the history of the maritime communities that called this stretch of shoreline home.
Then, venture farther up the coast to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the coastal landscape becomes even more dramatic as river canyons and mountains meet the sea. Choose from 26 trails throughout the park, including the Middle Head Trail, which offers an overview of the park’s ecosystems point alongside stunning coastal views.
- Length: Up to 55.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Available at multiple access points on the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail and at the back of the Keltic Lodge lot in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Dog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: 24 hours; year-round
8. Halifax Public Gardens
Established in 1836, the Halifax Public Gardens showcases the formal landscape design popular in the Victorian Era. Today, this volunteer-run greenspace in the heart of downtown Halifax serves as both a slice of Halifax history and a modern community gathering space.
The garden is maintained and open to the public year-round, with cleared paths to enjoy winter strolls. Grab a garden map and a hot cup of coffee at the Horticulture Hall. Then, queue up a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the garden’s history. Throughout summer and fall, the garden hosts live music, pop-up vendors, and educational panels.
Bonus: The garden is a few blocks from the Fjällräven store on Spring Garden Road. Stop by to browse and try on outerwear, layers, trousers, backpacks, and more.
- Length: Multiple pathways over 16 acres
- Difficulty: Easy
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Paid street parking
- Dog-friendliness: No pets allowed
- Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily; year-round
This post is sponsored by Fjällräven.
