It's easy to get cabin fever or even purposely hunker down in the warmth of your home through the windy, cold, and somewhat unforgiving Halifax winter. But there's also plenty of superb activities full of winter excitement that will make your trip or weekend adventure all the more satisfying.
Winter Adventure Tips:
Dress in layers: Wear several layers, especially in freezing temperatures.
Stay warm, stay dry: Don't forget boots, thermal gloves and socks, and a hat.
Bring essentials: Pack water, high-energy snacks, flashlight, and a small first-aid kit for longer hikes.
Check trail conditions: Make sure your chosen trail is open and suitable for winter activities. Watch out for ice!
Hiking
The air is biting, the trails are quiet, and the views are worth every moment of winter’s chill. Halifax’s hikes are waiting for those ready to take them on.
Shubie Park
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
A year-round gem, Shubie Park offers well-maintained trails surrounded by frosty trees. The park’s mix of forest and waterways makes for a peaceful winter escape.
Distance: 9 km of trails
Surface: Crusher dust and pavement
Trailhead: Fairbanks Centre, 54 Lock Road
Point Pleasant Park
Downtown Halifax
Layer up and embrace the salty sea breeze as you explore rugged coastal trails. This is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Distance: 39 km of trails
Surface: Natural and gravel paths
Trailhead: Point Pleasant Drive
Musquodoboit Trailway
Eastern Shore
Pair your hike with a visit to the charming village of Musquodoboit Harbour. With snow-topped trees, these Eastern Shore trails are breathtaking.
Distance: 15 km
Surface: Crusher dust
Trailhead: Highway 7 at Musquodoboit Railway Museum
Salt Marsh Trail
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
This peaceful trail becomes a serene winter wonderland, offering tranquil coastal views and snow-covered marshlands.
Distance: 6.5 km (13 km return)
Surface: Crusher dust
Trailhead: 805 Bissett Road
Sir Sandford Fleming Park (The Dingle)
West End Halifax
Take a leisurely walk through snow-dusted woods and enjoy the historic Dingle Tower with stunning views of the Northwest Arm.
Distance: 2.8 km
Surface: Gravel and natural paths
Trailhead: Dingle Road
Shearwater Flyer Trail
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
A wide, flat trail ideal for winter hiking or snowshoeing. Take in the serene beauty the region’s wooded landscapes.
Distance: 8.5 km
Surface: Crusher dust
Trailhead: Corsair Drive
Trail Etiquette in Winter
To make sure everyone enjoys the trails, keep these winter hiking tips in mind:
- Stick to the path: Avoid trampling fresh snow outside of designated trails.
- Pack out what you pack in: Leave no trace, even in winter.
- Be considerate with dogs: Keep them leashed where required, and clean up after them—even in the snow!
Snowshoeing
Feel the crisp snow crunch beneath your snowshoes as you wander Halifax’s serene winter landscapes. It’s a quiet, rewarding escape from the everyday. You can snowshoe on almost any trail you like, but here are some popular suggestions in the region.
Tip: Halifax Parks and Recreation makes snowshoeing easy with free snowshoe rentals at over 10 locations across HRM. Visit their website to find the nearest rental spot and start your adventure.
Long Lake Loop
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
A scenic favourite among snowshoe enthusiasts.
Distance: 16 km (loop)
Trailhead: St. Margaret’s Bay Road parking lot
Difficulty: Moderate
Fox Lake Trail
Bedford-Sackville
Flat and easy-going, with picturesque winter scenery, perfect for beginners and families.
Distance: 4.5 km (loop)
Trailhead: Collins Road
Difficulty: Moderate
The Links at Brunello
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
When the snow hits, this golf course turns into a winter wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing. With activities like cross-country skiing, skating, and tobogganing available, The Links at Brunello makes for a perfect winter day out. Check out their website to view their access and rental fees.
Distance: 14.5 km (loop)
Trailhead: Check-in at the clubhouse
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Cole Harbour Heritage Park Trails
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Several paths on offer connecting to the rails-to-trails Salt Marsh Trail.
Distance: 8 km (total for seven main trails)
Trailhead: 256 Bissett Road
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Halifax Common
North End Halifax
After a fresh snowfall, Halifax Common transforms into a fantastic flat destination for snowshoeing. Plus, you can borrow snowshoes for free at the Oval to make the most of your winter adventure.
Distance: 1.5 km (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Cross-Country Skiing
Stay fit through the winter with cross-country skiing! Halifax’s trails are the perfect outdoor gym, offering a full-body workout surrounded by stunning winter scenery. These cross-country skiing trails deliver scenic and snowy thrills.
Surfing
Halifax’s winter surfers are a special breed, tackling icy waves with grit and determination. Embrace the cold through the stunning beauty of Lawrencetown, Martinique Beach, and Cow Bay as you ride the waves—even in the brisk chill of colder months.
Halifax’s winter surf delivers an adrenaline-fuelled ride on some of the region’s best waves, but preparation is key to enjoying them safely and comfortably. Here’s what you need to know:
Gear up for the chill: Winter surfers need to invest in high-quality gear, including a 5 mm to 6 mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood. These will keep you insulated in Halifax’s frigid waters.
Local rentals and shops: If you don’t have your own gear, local surf shops like Lawrencetown Surf Co., and Kannon Beach Surf Shop offer winter rentals and expert advice to get you suited up.
Take a lesson: For beginners, winter surfing lessons are available through experienced local instructors. Check out companies like East Coast Surf School and Kannon Beach Surf Shop for guidance on mastering the waves while staying safe in colder conditions.
Top winter surf spots: Halifax’s iconic surf spots—Lawrencetown Beach, Martinique Beach, and Cow Bay—are still buzzing with surfers through the winter. These locations offer reliable waves for surfers of various skill levels.
Safety first:
- Always surf with a buddy in winter conditions.
- Check the weather and wave forecast before heading out.
- Be mindful of hypothermia symptoms and know your limits.
- If you have more questions, the local surf shops and schools are welcoming and friendly. Be sure to stay safe and warm.
Ice Fishing
It’s cold, the ice is thick, and the fish are elusive. Ice fishing in Halifax is as much about embracing the challenge as it is about catching the prize.
Opportunities for Speckled Trout and Rainbow Trout:
Round Lake
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Albro Lake
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Region
First Lake
Bedford-Sackville Region
Lewis Lake
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Opportunities for Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, White Perch, and Yellow Perch:
Powder Mill Lake
Airport Area Region
Fish Lake
Eastern Shore
Lily Lake
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Beaver Bank Lake
Bedford-Sackville Region
Fishing licenses and permits:
- Before embarking on your ice fishing adventure, obtain a valid Nova Scotia fishing license. Purchase online through the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- General Fishing License covers most freshwater species. Can be purchased up to March 1 and remains valid until March 31.
- Check specific regional regulations before fishing.
- You can apply for a one-day license.
Essential gear checklist:
- Rod: Do your research on what type of rod will best suit you.
- Ice fishing tacklebox
- Live or artificial bait
- Ice auger or spud bar
- Fishing sled or portable gear carrier
- Horn or whistle in case you need assistance.
Safety equipment:
- Ice picks/claws
- Flotation suit or life jacket
- Rope (throw line)
- Portable ice shelter
- First aid kit
- Ice cleats
- Warm, layered clothing
- Emergency communication device
Ice safety guidelines:
- Minimum safe ice thickness: The Red Cross recommends 15 cm for walking alone.
- Check local weather and ice conditions before venturing out.
- Never fish alone.
- Inform someone of your exact location and expected return time.
- Carry emergency safety equipment.
- Be prepared to turn back if ice conditions seem unsafe.
Additional tips:
- Respect bag limits for different fish species.
- Monitor weather conditions.
- Carry a thermos with hot beverage.
- Bring snacks and water.
Recommended local resource:
- Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Emera Oval
Fast, slow, wobbly, or smooth—no matter how you skate, the Oval is where locals and visitors find their rhythm on the ice in the heart of Halifax. Skates and helmets are available to borrow.
Sledding on Citadel Hill
For the young and the young at heart, sledding at Citadel Hill is pure winter joy.
Click here for Halifax’s best tobogganing spots.
Information in this story was sourced from Halifax Trails, AllTrails, Halifax Surf School, and Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
