Hiking Near Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

Salt Marsh Trail, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia

The Salt Marsh Trail, located between Bissett Rd. in Cole Harbour and Lawrencetown is quite a sight to behold. Somehow, in all of my years living in and visiting in Nova Scotia, I had never managed to make it there, despite my intense love for nature. I had no idea what I was missing! Not only is this trail well-suited for families and incredibly stroller friendly, it is also brimming with plants, fungi, lichens, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, not to mention all of the wonderful panels outlining the history of the area. This 6.5km trail, which is actually a section of The Great Trail, is built on a former railway line and is full of interpretive panels outlining the history of the trail and surrounding land. We were delighted to not only learn more about the trail we were walking, but also delight in sightings of great blue herons, bald eagles, and a wide variety of other birds! 

Hiking Near Halifax Nova Scotia Tip: When you enter from Bisset Rd., look for the post with a QR Code linking to a fun family adventure challenge along the trail or download it ahead of time to prepare! 

McCormick's Beach Provincial Park, Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia

McCormick's Beach Provincial Park is nestled in the Fisherman's Cove area of Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia and is a favourite place for young and old. It is uniquely Nova Scotia, with a beautiful Boardwalk winding through sand, rocks, shore plants, with a view of the fishing village and nearby islands. It is a short and easy walk, suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities, and yet well worth your time as you watch the shorebirds fly overhead and take a moment to walk on the beach nearby. 

Although I have been to the McCormick's Beach boardwalk many times over the years, it is always a beautiful and relaxing experience. In particular this time, we were able to take a moment to wander the rocks on the beach while our baby played in the sand. If you're lucky, you might even spot and osprey grabbing it's next meal from the water! 

Trail Tip: If you visit at low tide, you can walk out on the beach and explore the tide pools - you never know what you might find, as long as you don't mind getting your feet a bit wet! 

Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Point Pleasant Park is a Halifax staple when hiking near Halifax Nova Scotia Canada. For this reason, we were determined to check it out on this visit! If you've never been to Point Pleasant Park, you're in for a treat - you'll find monuments, historic sites, natural landscapes, Black Rock Beach, and a variety of trails ranging for very easy to moderately challenging. In order to get the most out of your visit (especially if it's your first time or if you are a bit of a history buff), be sure to bring along the free self-guided audio tour!

Trail Tip: In the summer months, you can also check out some theatre in the park by booking a ticket to Shakespeare by the Sea.