There's something so wonderful about watching ducks and swans waddle around, or peacefully drift atop the water. Not to mention the fact that an afternoon spent watching ducks paddle around is timeless fun activity for kids!
We've compiled a list of 7 great places to see ducks in the Halifax region, so get out there and enjoy!!
NOTE: Please refrain from feeding any birds or wildlife you may come across on your Halifax adventures. Feeding ducks can make them dependant on a food supply provided by humans, and can interfere with their natural migratory patterns.
66 Crichton Ave, Dartmouth
Sullivan’s Pond is a large pond located in downtown Dartmouth and is part of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway. You can easily walk around the entire pond to get a view of every angle, or sit on the benches along the shore for some excellent people (and duck!) watching.
Famous for its large geese (which can be found around the pond during the summer months, while their winters are spent sheltered on the Eastern Shore), Sullivan's Pond also features a concert pavilion, a cenotaph, and a large fountain in the centre of the pond. There is plenty of grassy picnic space to sit and enjoy the ducks and their park!
Bedford Hwy, Halifax
Hemlock Ravine Park is a 200-acre nature park, marked with miles of walking trails, an off-leash dog park, and the famous heart-shaped pond. There is a lot of history around this beautiful hidden gem, which you can read all about on the signs placed at the entrance to the park.
Visitors are sure to see plenty of ducks here, as they live at the heart-shaped pond year-round!
PS. Look closely into the pond… you may see a giant goldfish!
MORE ABOUT HEMLOCK RAVINE PARK »
3. Shubie Park
54 Locks Rd, Dartmouth
Nestled between Lake Micmac and Lake Charles in Dartmouth, Shubie Park is a 40-acre urban park that boasts one of the best trail systems in the Halifax region!
Like Sullivan's Pond, Shubie Park is part of the historic parks, lakes and locks that make up the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway.
Various species of ducks can be found throughout Shubie Park and the Canal Waterway, including Mallards and American black ducks. Take your kids or your dog and enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing urban park!
Spring Garden Rd & Summer St, Halifax
A beautiful oasis in the centre of the city, the 16-acre Halifax Public Gardens is home to over 140 species of trees, elaborate flower beds, bridges, statues, an ornate bandstand, and several fountains.
The Gardens are home to 75 species of birds (as documented by The Wild Bird Project), including the American Black Duck, as well as the Wood Duck in the summer and fall.
Until recently the Gardens featured a Bird Enclosure which housed swans and geese since King George V donated the first pair of swans to the Public Gardens in 1926.
MORE ABOUT THE HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS »
Purcells Cove Rd, Halifax
Frog Pond Park a beautiful family-friendly park in Armdale, just a couple of kilometers past the intersections of Herring Cove Road and Purcell's Cove Road.
The park, which is connected to Sir Sanford Fleming Park, features a variety of wooded trails looping around Frog Pond, a small lake that is home to many ducks and other waterfowl. This trail is one that virtually guarantees a few great duck sightings!
Parkland Dr, Halifax
Tucked in behind Parkland Drive in Clayton Park is an urban trail that loops around Belchers Pond, and the smaller Little Belchers Pond. The complete loop is approximately 2.5 km.
Along this trail you may spot not only plenty of ducks, but a number of other species of birds as well, from bald eagles to cranes! Check out the Belcher's Pond Observation Deck for an excellent view of the marsh and its many winged visitors!
MORE ABOUT BELCHERS MARSH PARK »
7. Horseshoe Island Park
6936 Tupper Grove, Halifax
Located in Halifax’s West End along the Northwest Arm is Horseshoe Island Park. Although it's not actually an island, this hidden-gem park features a curved beach that is home to MANY ducks!
Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Arm, and watch the many sail boats and yachts moored along this part of the inlet.
