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!
Taylor Head Provincial Park
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.
Point Pleasant Park
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.
Salt Marsh Trail
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.
Sir Sandford Fleming Park
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.
Cleveland Beach Provincial Park Hiking Trail
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.
Pennant Point Trail at 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.
SS Atlantic Heritage Park Trail at SS Atlantic Heritage Park
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.
High Head Trail
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.
