Hit the road on two wheels in Halifax with a bike-friendly excursion for cyclists of any level! Cycle along the Chain of Lakes Trail, then the B.L.T. Trail, all the way to the Bike & Bean where you can refuel before beginning your journey back to the city.
Note: This cycling itinerary takes approximately 3-hours for the average person to complete (not counting stops!) but don't forget - you can stop as often as you like to explore your surroundings, and simply choose to ride a shorter or longer portion of the route, depending on your skill level or that of your group.
Don't have a bike? Just pick up a rental from the Bike and Bean and turn the itinerary around - it's flexible, so make it work for you!
The Plan
- Head out on the Chain of Lakes Trail: Start near the Ashburn Golf Course in Halifax and head west on a gentle, well-maintained trail.
- Take a break and head back, or carry on along the B.L.T: Stop and take in the views along the way!
- Break at the Bike & Bean: Stop for lunch, or grab lunch to-go for a picnic further down the trail.
- Heading home: Head back the way you came after your day of exploration.
- Where to Stay: Spend the night at the Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel.
Head out on the Chain of Lakes Trail
Start anywhere near Ashburn Golf Club and pick up the Chain of Lakes Trail as it winds its way through Halifax. If you need to park, Crown Drive has parking near the trail.
This route follows a chain of small lakes through a number of urban areas from Joseph Howe Drive to Bayers Lake, on to Beechville where it becomes the B.L.T Trail (Beechville Lakeside Timberlea).
Rum Runners Trail: The Chain of Lakes Trail goes on to become the B.L.T Trail, which continues into the St. Margaret's Trail and so on. These trails are part of a 119 km multi-use trail system, known as Rum Runners Trail, along a former rail bed that connects Halifax to Lunenburg - passing through Hubbards, Chester and Mahone Bay.
Learn more.
Take a break and head back, or carry on along the B.L.T
When you reach the end of Chain of Lakes Trail, you can opt to turn around, or you can continue on to the B.L.T. Trail to the Train Station Bike and Bean in Tantallon.
Fun fact: These bikes trails were once the Halifax and South Western Railway. Until 1998, it brought Volvo cars, assembled in Bayers Lake, to their final destinations.
Break at the Bike & Bean
The Bike & Bean is your destination for food, drink, and all things bike-related. There’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy a meal or a coffee, and lots of scenic spots to eat in the great outdoors if you prefer to grab and go.
Heading home
While there are plenty of other routes available, but most cyclists will want to take the same trail back with no worries about car traffic or narrow shoulders. Make sure to stop along the way and enjoy the scenery!
Where to Stay:
After cycling back to Halifax, spend the night at the Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel. Located not far off of the Chain of Lakes Trail, your route home will take you right by the hotel where you can relax and enjoy a well-earned dip in Chocolate Lake to end your day.
Pack & Prep
- Remember, electric pedal-assist bikes are available for rental, as are kids’ bikes and trailers. Call ahead to reserve a bike.
- Get a map and other information here.
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- A backpack or pannier is handy for snacks, clothes, and a blanket for picnics.
