With plenty of hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking and more, fall is the perfect time of year to take advantage of Halifax’s stunning natural environment!
Get out this fall and enjoy adventuring through the Halifax Region!
1 – Whale and wildlife watch off the coast of Halifax
Late summer and fall are the best times of year to spot whales and wildlife in Nova Scotia. Catch a glimpse of fin and minke whales, dolphins, seals, tuna, sunfish and seabirds!
Fall is also the busiest cruise season in Halifax, so book early! Conveniently located on the Halifax waterfront, Ambassatours offers coastal tours until the end of September.
» How to See Whales on Your Next Trip to Halifax
2 – Boulder coastal rock faces
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing performed without climbing gear. Fortunately, we have kilometers of rocky shorelines and cliff faces in Halifax.
For beginners, I recommend booking a climbing lesson and information session with a local climbing group (Climb Nova Scotia, CFB and Halifax Outback Climbing Club are all good choices). More experienced climbers will love the terrain in Peggy’s Cove Region (especially Dover Island and Terance Bay). For information on where to climb, see this Halifax listing page.
Please remember to climb with extreme caution!
3 – Paddle the Shubenacadie Canal
Many people shy away from kayaking because they lack experience, but people of all levels can enjoy the ocean, lakes and rivers in the Halifax region!
Book a tour with East Coast Outfitters or Great E.A.R.T.H. Expeditions to learn how and where to paddle at your comfort level.
For an inland option, I recommend paddling the Shubenacadie Canal system, a historic water linkage through the province. For route and boat rental information, see the Shubenacadie Canal Commission’s webpage.
» 9 BEST Routes for Canoeing and Kayaking in Halifax!
4 – Surf the Fall Swells
Did you know that prime surfing time is August to November? The ocean is warm and hurricane season brings with it large swells (note: this is not always for the faint of heart, so check the surf report before you go!).
Arguably the best surfing in the region, the Eastern Shore of Halifax has a number of beaches. Surfing communities are tight-knit so it’s important to respect the beach and those who visit them daily. If you are unsure about surfing etiquette, just ask a fellow surfer in the water.
» 5 Reasons to Surf in Halifax
5 – Fall Foraging
If you’re looking for an end-of-summer activity for all ability levels, think about planning a walk or hike to forage.
Check out Common Roots Urban Farm, ask a volunteer to show you the shared crops, and taste what’s growing (but please respect private gardening plots).
Sample the blackberries in Point Pleasant Park.
Visit Long Lake, the Halifax Backlands and Duncan’s Cove and check out their blueberries, rosehips, huckleberries, elderberries, cranberries and wintergreen!
Check out plant ID resources within the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. Be safe and only eat what you can identify. Mushroom foraging should only be done with extreme caution and strong foraging knowledge. Connect with the Nova Scotia Mycological Society if you want to learn about edible fungi.
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