Halifax's Best Running Routes

Trailhead: Marginal Road or Point Pleasant Drive 

Distance: Point Pleasant Park offers 39 km (24 miles) of trails 

Surface: Pavement (Marginal Road) and crusher dust (Point Pleasant Park)

Point Pleasant Park and Marginal Road offer runners a dynamic, scenic route along the Halifax Harbour and into lush, historic parkland. Starting along Downtown Halifax’s Marginal Road, runners enjoy a smooth, well-maintained path with ocean views and the vibrant energy of the waterfront, seamlessly leading into the trails of Point Pleasant Park. In this quick city escape, diverse paths cater to all fitness levels, from flat, accessible routes to more challenging hills amid natural beauty, historic ruins, wildlife, and ocean vistas. This combined route provides washrooms, ample parking, and an inspiring environment, making it a popular, convenient choice for casual joggers and seasoned runners.  

Trailhead: Lakeside Drive 

Distance: 13 km (8 miles)

Surface: Crusher dust 

For runners seeking 13 kilometres of nature and smooth paths, the B.L.T. Rails to Trails is an excellent choice. The scenic route immerses runners in beautiful natural landscapes, including forests and waterfront views, providing a peaceful experience. The trail is also relatively flat, making it accessible for beginners while offering a sweat for seasoned runners. The B.L.T. makes for a delightful choice with convenient access points, parking, and connections to local communities. 

Trailhead: Lower Water Street 

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Run along the vibrant Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, where ocean views meet iconic landmarks. The boardwalk blends urban charm and natural beauty, stretching nearly four kilometres along the harbour. Runners can enjoy picturesque ocean views, passing by iconic landmarks like the Halifax Seaport, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and colourful, historic buildings.  

The boardwalk’s flat, well-maintained wooden path is ideal for runners of all levels. With plenty of cafés, benches, and green spaces along the way, it’s easy to take a break, rehydrate, or soak in the lively waterfront atmosphere.

Distance: 1.3 km (0.8 miles)

Surface: Pavement 

The Halifax Macdonald Bridge route is a must-try for runners seeking a unique, exhilarating experience. Spanning across the Halifax Harbour, this iconic bridge offers a stunning running path showcasing breathtaking views of the city, waterfront, and surrounding landscapes. The route features a dedicated pedestrian lane, allowing runners to navigate the gentle incline safely. Spot boats gliding below or fellow runners sharing the journey.   

Connecting Halifax to Dartmouth, this route offers a physical challenge and a sense of connection to the city. It’s easy to link the bridge to your route and other nearby running paths, such as the Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail or other waterfront routes, allowing for a seamless and extended workout. Once you finish, there’s an ample selection of restaurants in Halifax and Dartmouth to pick from to recharge.  

Trailhead: Highway 7 at Musquodoboit Railway Museum 

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)

Surface: Crusher dust 

A 15-kilometre trail running from Musquodoboit Harbour to Meaghers Grant, the flat, scenic Musquodoboit Trail never disappoints. Be ready to snap a picture, as the views from this former rail bed will make you pause your run and take in the scenery, especially in the fall.  Every step next to the rushing Musquodoboit River provides the natural escape runners need. 

Trailhead: Woodside and Dartmouth Ferry Terminals 

Distance: 3 km (1.8 miles)

Surface: Pavement 

Enjoy the stunning views of Halifax and the ocean along the Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail. This flat pathway stretches for three kilometres along the waterfront, making it perfect for runners of all levels. The trail, featuring parks, boardwalks, and urban areas, also includes parking on each side of the trail and washrooms. Its accessibility to both Dartmouth ferry terminals make it easy for runners to commute from Halifax, and you can continue your run into the beautiful hilly Dartmouth Commons. With fresh ocean air, the Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail makes for an easy but enlivening run.  

Trailhead: Fairbanks Centre, 54 Lock Road 

Distance: Over 9 km (5.5 miles) of trails 

Surface: Crusher dust and pavement 

Shubie Park in Dartmouth offers runners a refreshing natural retreat, with trails winding through vibrant forests, calm lakesides, and following the historic Shubenacadie Canal. The park’s well-kept paths are ideal for quick jogs and longer runs, allowing flexibility in route length to suit any fitness level. Soft gravel trails provide an easy-on-the-joints surface, while mild inclines bring a touch of challenge for those seeking variety. With amenities like washrooms and shaded picnic areas, Shubie Park is a perfect spot for a satisfying run in the heart of nature.  

Trailhead: 40 Kent Avenue 

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) stacked loops 

Surface: Crusher dust 

Imagine running through a historic forest of towering hemlock trees, some dating back more than 300 years, past a heart-shaped pond—it’s a truly surreal experience. With its mix of history, scenery, and endless loops of trails to rack up the kilometres, Hemlock Ravine Park is an adventure you don’t want to miss. 

Trailhead: Cogswell Street 

Distance: 1.5 km (loop) 

Surface: Pavement 

The Halifax Common is a fantastic running location because of its expansive, flat, open spaces and paved paths. The park offers an enjoyable and well-lit environment for a run at any time of the day. Its large size allows you to adjust your distance easily, making it suitable for short jogs and longer runs. Additionally, the Common hosts a vibrant community, allowing runners to connect with others who share their passion for fitness. Its on-site washrooms and central location, with plenty of nearby restaurants and cafés, ensure it’s a convenient choice for anyone in the city.  

Trailhead: 805 Bissett Road 

Distance: 6.5 km (13 km return) 

Surface: Gravel 

Experience the beauty of coastal landscapes on the Salt Marsh Trail. Stretching approximately 6.5 kilometres from Cole Harbour to Lawrencetown, this flat multi-use trail meanders through lush salt marshes, providing runners with stunning ocean views, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. The trail is not just a running path but a gateway to the region’s natural beauty, making it a refreshing escape that connects you with the tranquil landscapes of Nova Scotia.  

Running around the Halifax Citadel offers a scenic and historic workout. Routes circle the iconic star-shaped fort and provide grand views of downtown and the harbour. Runners can enjoy challenging hill routes, quickly loop around the Citadel’s perimeter, and take in nearby attractions like the Old Town Clock. It is a perfect way to combine fitness with Halifax’s rich history and landmarks.  

In the heart of Dartmouth, Lake Banook combines natural beauty with a spirited community vibe. The soothing sounds of water and rustling leaves mixed with an urban atmosphere enhance the serene loop. The lake offers a flat surface, ideal for anything from a casual jog to serious training. Featuring local wildlife and stunning water reflections, Lake Banook makes every run an uplifting adventure.  

While running along the Halifax Waterfront, pass by historic vessels like HMCS Sackville—the last surviving Flower-class corvette from World War II—and CSS Acadia, the only ship to have served the Royal Canadian Navy in both world wars. Take in the perfect blend of history and seaside beauty as you move.

The striking public art in the Halifax region will leave you feeling invigorated and awestruck. Scattered across Halifax and Dartmouth, these murals and graffiti pieces turn your run into a self-guided art tour—blending movement with creativity.