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Outdoor Activities

Halifax's Most Stunning Coastal Hikes

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Hikes in the Halifax region are plentiful, as are the trails that run alongside or meet up with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ve compiled a list of local favourite hikes where you can see the ocean, so you, too, can hike where land meets sea. 

Friendly Hiking Reminders  
- Travel along well-defined trails or on rocks where possible and be mindful to avoid sensitive coastal flora.  
- Sturdy footwear is recommended when exploring coastal hiking trails .
- Pack in, pack out.
- Leave no trace.
- Have fun!

Eastern Shore

Taylor Head Provincial Park

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Taylor Head Provincial Park, Spry Bay

Length: 14.2km of trail systems

Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging

What to expect: One of the region’s most spectacular coastal hiking locations, Taylor Head Provincial Park is home to a white sandy beach with turquoise water and a windswept peninsula of breathtaking coastal trails. Visit friendsoftaylorhead.com for more information and free guided hikes in the summer and fall. Some helpful amenities include picnic tables, changing houses, a parking lot, and ample signage.

Downtown Halifax

Point Pleasant Park

Point Pleasant Park, Halifax

Length: Over 39km of winding trails

Difficulty: Easy

What to expect: Located at the southernmost end of the Halifax peninsula, Point Pleasant Park is a multi-use park and wooded trail system. This park is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible and has off-leash dog areas and dedicated bike routes. Some helpful amenities include signage, ample parking, and washrooms.

Eastern Shore

Salt Marsh Trail

Salt Marsh Trail, Cole Harbour

Length: 6.7km out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

What to expect: The Salt Marsh Trail is an extremely popular and scenic trail along the old Musquodoboit rail bed. It offers spectacular views of the water and shallow wetlands and excellent opportunities for viewing coastal and migratory birds. There are benches along the way to sit and enjoy the scenery and interpretive panels of local history and ecology. Part of the Cole Harbour–Lawrencetown Coastal Heritage Provincial Park, this trail is ideal for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and bird watching.

West End

Sir Sandford Fleming Park

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Sir Sandford Fleming Park, Halifax

Length: 2.8km

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

What to expect: Scenic views of a sheltered harbour dotted with sailboats and kayaks. Stroll along a paved seawall walkway and then continue up to a steep incline to a forested trail system. Amenities include benches, picnic shelters, a playground, a parking lot, and signage within the park.

Peggy's Cove Coastal Region

Cleveland Beach Provincial Park Hiking Trail

Cleveland Beach Provincial Park

Length: 1.2 km loop 

Difficulty: Easy 

What to expect: Short and sweet, this picturesque hiking trail weaves through lush coastal landscapes and provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Great for casual strolls, birding, and swimming. Amenities include a parking lot, picnic tables, and there are bathrooms available at the trailhead. 

Peggy's Cove Coastal Region

Pennant Point Trail at Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

Length: 9km loop

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

What to expect: A long, flat trail traversing rugged shorelines, sandy beaches, and coastal heathlands. The trail is comprised of boardwalk and gravel leading to rocky cliffs and boulders. Amenities include a parking lot, beaches, picnic area, and bathrooms are available at the trailhead.

 

Peggy's Cove Coastal Region

SS Atlantic Heritage Park Trail at SS Atlantic Heritage Park

SS Atlantic Heritage Park Trail, Terence Bay

Length: 1km

Difficulty: Easy

What to expect: A short coastal boardwalk with fantastic views of the Terence Bay Lighthouse, coastline, and ocean. Learn the history of the second-largest shipwreck off the coast of Atlantic Canada. An interpretive center and parking lot are located at the trailhead.

Peggy's Cove Coastal Region

High Head Trail

High Head Trail, Prospect

Length: 8km out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

What to expect: Located within the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Reserve in Prospect, NS, High Head follows a rugged, windy path along a coastal bluff. It passes through coastal barrens, bogs, and spruce coastal forests and rewards with stunning open ocean views. Stay on the well-travelled path along the coast. There is no signage, and minimal parking on the street.