Nova Scotia Hiking Trail Guide

ePub edition

Jim Cyr

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Using This Guide

USING THIS GUIDE

Nova Scotia’s diverse landscape and compact size means every type of trail is within a day’s drive. That’s why I’ve organized trails by theme, not location. And I included topographical maps and symbols to indicate important facilities and features on each trail.¹ ²

So, what are you in the mood for, an easy loop, historic landmark, paddle & portage?

TRAIL DIFFICULTY RATINGS³

INCLINE

1: Little hill or stair climbing

2: Moderate hill or stair climbing

3: Some significant hill or stair climbing

4: Lots of significant hill or stair climbing

5: Steep hills or high altitude

TERRAIN

A: Almost entirely paved—stroller friendly

B: Well-groomed trails

C: Lots of somewhat difficult terrain (rocky or rooted paths).

D: Lots amount of difficult terrain.

E: Mostly difficult terrain

SYMBOLS

# | All-terrain trail
( | Boat Launch
* | Bicycle trail
. | Canoe Access
2 | Cross-country ski trail
C | Food Service
E | Gas Station
H | Small boat launch
M | Information
N | In-line skating
O | Kayaking
U | Litter Receptacle
X | Lookout tower
^ | Parking
` | Pets on leash / Dog friendly
b | Picnic area
c | Picnic shelter
m | Restrooms / Pit Toilet
Ä | Snow-shoeing
Ñ | Stay on trail
Ü | Strollers
ç | Trailhead
ñ | Trail boardwalk
ô | Wheelchair-accessible
ú | Winter recreation area

UPDATES

The content contained in the book is subject to change. Make sure you download any updates of this book that might appear.

EXTERNAL DATA

If you can access WiFi or cell data, just tap the links to the various trail associations, bus schedule, google maps, and other awesome information.

FEEDBACK

What do you think about this book? I want to hear from you.

Hike Planning

Great hikes start with a good plan. Do not leave home without it.

Did You

i.Choose the right trail?

ii.Check the weather?

iii.Dress right?

iv.Charge up, load up?

v.Tell someone?

vi.Bring the right gear?

THE RIGHT TRAIL

Know where you’re going and what you’re up for. Are you looking for a personal challenge or pushing a baby stroller?

Our small province has some of the most diverse landscape anywhere. We’ve got the terrain, elevation, and distance to fit every ability, from pedestrian thoroughfares along the harbour front to secretive backcountry footpaths. Want an easy ten-minute climb for a picnic view of the highest tides in the world? Or maybe strap your canoe to your buddy’s SUV for this year’s camp and portage at Kejimkujik?

We have it all. Take the time. Choose a trail that right for you.

WEATHER

You know that saying, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes?” I’m pretty it originated here.

Nova Scotia’s weather is as surprising as its landscape. Four seasons of ever-changing and sometimes extreme conditions are a large part of what keeps so many hikers coming back. No trail stays the same, so every hike is new.

For the unprepared, drops in temperature, rain, and snow can quickly turn a hike miserable and even dangerous. But for those who’ve thought ahead, changes just make for a bigger adventure. Chilly sunrise supposed to turn into a blistering afternoon? Pick a waterfall trail with a swimming hole.

So much depends on weather. Risk it and head out anyway? Pick a shorter loop to make sure the dog doesn’t overheat?.

Always check the forecast. Nova Scotia reveals its best to hikers who are ready for it.

DRESS RIGHT

To really hike Nova Scotia, you’ve got to dress the part. Comfort is important, but safety comes first.

Nova Scotia is wet, windy, and the temperature dips below 10℃ much of the year. You’re more likely to freeze than get heat stroke. Hypothermia occurs when your core body temperature drops below 35℃ (normal is ~37℃).

Early warning signs of hypothermia are often referred to as the “umbles.” You start to fumble, stumble, or mumble. More serious signs are shivering, slowness, and muscle stiffness. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms in yourself and others is important because hypothermia is often accompanied by denial.

Heck, you can be laid out on a stretcher, in a hospital, with an IV drip in your arm, and still be mumbling everything’s fine.

Five ways the Body Loses Heat:

i.Conduction: contact with colder objects (e.g., sleeping on the cold ground while camping overnight)

ii.Radiation - body expels the heat it generates, like a wood stove.

iii.Evaporation - body becomes wet and heat is lost as the moisture evaporates (e.g., sweat makes you cold)

iv.Convection - wind or water carries heat away as it moves across the body

v.Respiration - breathing (i.e, inhaling cold and exhaling heat)

Dress in Layers

So, how do you dress for a weather system that’s moodier than a toddler at Walmart? It’s all about layering.

There are three basic layers to work with:

■Base layer: Your Spiderman layer--tight shirts and leggings. This layer lies close to your skin to wick moisture from your body.

■Mid layer: Anything from a tshirt to a thick, long-sleeved fleece, depending on the temperature. This layer prevents you from building up sweat.

■Outer layer: Waterproof or water-resistant shell jacket. This layer protects you from rain and wind.

CHARGE UP, LOAD UP

Back to nature no longer means off the grid. In terms of safety, that’s a good thing. Technology (smartphones, GPS devices, satellite communicators, etc.) keeps us from getting lost or enables us to call for help.

Make sure your devices are charged and any data you might need such as maps and waypoints are loaded up and ready to go.

Mark your car

Before you on make sure your GPS and smartphone are fully charged. Cell Phone coverage across the province is generally good, but there are some dead zones depending on the carrier. To conserve power, switch to airplane mode. Using the GPS, mark the waypoint to your car. Most of the trails featured in this ebook are well-defined paths, but there are times when it’s a great idea to explore off trail. The waypoint helps us navigate back to the car.

Safety Bearing

Determine your safety bearing. A safety bearing is a direction to follow if you are lost or need to get out of the wilderness to a road or rail for safety.

You might, for example, choose a major road that runs adjacent to your hiking route. Take a bearing with your compass, and mark it on your GPS or write it down.

Checklist - Before Leaving Your Car

■Turn on your GPS, Airplane mode your phone

■Double check battery situation

■Waypoint your car using your GPS

■Note a safety bearing

■Leave a note in your car

TELL SOMEONE

No plan is complete until someone else knows about it. Sharing where you’re going and when you’ll be back is the simplest, most effective safety advice there is.

Leave a trace

Let friends or family know where you are going and your expected start and return times. Finally, RCMP and local search & rescue recommend leaving your hiking plan (start & return time, hiking route, etc.) in your car. If things turn for the worst, the local authorities can better establish a search and get to you more quickly.

HIKING GEAR

Nova Scotia’s Wildlife Act, statute 75(1) requires hunters to carry three pieces of survival equipment: an axe or knife, matches, and a compass. Although no similar law exists for hikers, the right survival equipment is just as important.

A quick online search will probably turn up a list of 10 hiking items originally developed by a mountaineering group on the west coast about 50 years ago. That list is fine and dandy, but the list below is more practical for this region of Nova Scotia.

These 10 essential hiking items were determined from a research project undertaken to measure how White Mountains Hikers Are Often Unprepared. This region is similar to Nova Scotia, so the list considers items such as sunscreen and sunglasses as more luxury or optional items.

10 Essential Hiking Items

i.Knife

ii.Compass

iii.Whistle

iv.Flashlight

v.Lighter

vi.Map

vii.First Aid Kit

viii.Extra Clothes

ix.Rain Gear

x.Extra Food & Water

Optional Hiking Items

■Multi-Tool, Folding saw

■Cooking Kit (Stove fuel, utensils, cups & pots)

■Tarp, Hammock, Tent, Emergency Blanket

■Binoculars, Notepad, pencil

■Hiking Poles, Gaiters

■Water Filter & Water Treatment kit

■Insect Repellent, Hand Sanitizer

■Toilet Paper, Trowel

■Headwear (scarf, buff), towel

■Large zip-lock bags, garbage bags

Culinary Trails

I don’t know about you, but after a good hike, I’m hungry. Why settle for something dehydrated or granola? Some of Nova Scotia’s best trails pass by culinary treats. Why not take a break or end your trek with a tasty side adventure.

Photo by: Benson Kua

Rogart Mountain

Length: 7.4 km (return) | Difficulty: 3C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N45 33.894 W63 09.186
Make this an early morning trek and reward yourself with a pancake breakfast at Sugar Moon Farm.
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Trail Information

Starting from the parking lot at Sugar Moon Farm, this easy footpath takes you up a moderate incline in either direction. Hike the route clockwise to enjoy Jane's Falls at the end.

You will pass a number of interpretive panels and signs of past foundations. The end of the trail is adjacent to the small farm behind Sugar Moon. From here, just follow the dirt road back to the turn off for Sugar Moon’s parking lot.

Remember, you’re crossing private lots, so keep pets on leashes.

Watch this trail on Youtube.

Historical Trails

Sometimes we take history and culture for granted. We forget who came before us and who worked the land that eventually became Nova Scotia. These hikes are along or within historical sites that bring us into the past. Slow down, or you might miss something great.

Photo by: Dennis Jarvis

Castle Frederick Trails

Length: 4 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N44 56.238 W64 13.064
Network of walking trails within a woodlot, containing archeological artifacts.
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Trail Information

These trails encompass a number of loops within Castle Frederick Farm. The terrain isn’t difficult, mainly footpaths running over nice rolling hills and soft ground, and a few sections along old roads.

This 2000-acre woodlot was recently put under a stewardship agreement with the Archaeological Land Trust of Nova Scotia to protect the six archaeological sites and enable further investigation.

Castle Frederick Farm was home to a large manor house and observatory owned by Colonel Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres in 1764. DesBarres is responsible for publishing the Atlantic Neptune maps & charts, the most important mapping resource of the 18th century for North America. He took 10 years to survey the coastline of Nova Scotia.

Today, a few relics remain on the property: a chapel, a baptism well, and a discarded farm dump from the early 1900's.

There are tree identification cards along the trails. The picnic table & firepit by the holy well offer a nice spot to take a break.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Delaps Cove Wilderness Trail

Length: 9 km (return) | Difficulty: 3C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N44 45.664 W65 38.943
Two short loop trails connected by an old government road.

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Trail Information

At the parking lot and trailhead, the Delaps Cove Wilderness Trail starts with the Bohaker trail and a nice waterfall view from the cove.

2.7 km down an abandoned provincial road, the second short loop, Charlies trail, shows off coastal views and old foundations.

These foundations are what’s left of a 19th century Black settlement.

Trail conditions vary from groomed to footpath to coastal rock hopping. Some of Charlies trail may be under construction, with sections flagged but not yet defined.

Private land surrounds the trails, so stay on the path. And stay sharp during hunting seasons.

Watch this trail on YouTube

Mi'kmawey Debert

Length: 4.3 km (return) | Difficulty: 3C
Duration: 1.5 hours | Trailhead: N45 24.792 W63 25.610
Next door to a Diefenbaker Bunker, interpretive loop about the first nations people in the region.

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Trail Information

The Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail is a woodland trail that crosses several streams. Interpretive panels along the trail tell the history of the area as a hunting ground for First People 11000 years ago.

The trail is mostly rugged with some stairs and moderate inclines. It is also close to the Debert Diefenbunker, an abandoned cold war mine. Watch out for DND warning signs of unexploded ordnance or landmines. It’s definitely not safe to go off trail on this one.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Uniacke Estate Museum

Length: 11 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 4 hours | Trailhead: N44 54.115 W63 50.661
Trail system located on the grounds of this Nova Scotia Museum site.
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Trail Information

What started as a summer home in the 1790’s became a full fledged estate by 1813. The grounds show the history of farming efforts, including a variety of tree species brought over from the American colonies.

Approximately 11kms of trails run through the museum park. Deeper in the woods, the wide, well-groomed paths give way to wilderness footpaths. Trails are well marked and several map signs are spread out.

On the Post Trail, look out for mile marker 27 to see one of the last relics from the stagecoach era. The estate was a stop on the Windsor to Halifax route.

The trails are accessible all year and the parking lot is open from 8:30am to dusk.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

York Redoubt

Length: 6 km (return) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N44 35.841 W63 33.275
Part of the defence to protect Halifax harbour from the 18th century up to World War II.
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Trail Information

In 1793, York Redoubt became a key military post for the British in their ongoing conflict with the French.

With straight lines of sight to both the Halifax Citadel and Fort McNab, York Redoubt was the first line of defence as you approached the Halifax Harbour.

Continually upgraded, it continued as the tactical command hub for all harbour defence from war to war. During WWII, it was used as a loading zone for infantry who were shipping off to Europe. York Redoubt remained active until 1956.

Today, it’s a popular spot for walkers and dog owners. A number of smaller footpaths are visible off the main trail. Use caution as they are not official offshoots. You might run into granite stone markers down one of these footpaths.

Depending on the season, you can park either inside the fortification or outside.

You can also reach the site via Bus route 15.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Loop Trails

I like loop trails. They save me from wondering how I get back to my car.

Photo by: Nicole Bratt

Hemlock Ravine Park

Length: 2.6 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 41.309 W63 39.815
Urban green space with and interesting historical backstory.
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Trail Information

Hemlock Ravine Park is a popular 200-acre urban park along the Bedford Highway. A heart-shaped pond, built in 1869, greets you as enter the park from the main parking lot.

The park has eight well-groomed trail segments over rolling terrain. A combination of the segments are clearly marked off-leash for those with dogs. Expect to encounter deer in the deeper sections of the park.

For transit users, take Bus Routes 80, 81, 82 or 90.

Kearney Lake

Length: 2.8 km (return) | Difficulty: 3C
Duration: 1.5 hours | Trailhead: N44 41.507 W63 41.621
Connected to the larger Blue Mountain wilderness area.
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Trail Information

The Kearney Lake trailhead is at the parking lot just before the Maskwa Aquatic Club. You can reach this trail via Bus Route 33 and 89 and walk 1.2 kms to the club. This loop is on the edge of the larger Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area’s where a network of wilderness trails have been defined; you can find a map at the trailhead.

You must do the big climb up the escarpment in order to complete the loop. rustic stairs can be found to help. A popular location for off leash dog walkers and swimming during the summer months.

McDonald Sports Park

Length: 6.2 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N44 47.463 W63 36.643
Community maintained sports park offering a number of activities.
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Trail Information

The Waverley Amateur Athletic Association has been maintaining this section of crown land for the last 50 years, offering a variety of recreational activities all year round.

The park has a total of 10 kms of trails, ranging from wide gravel roads to footpaths. The section along Lake Thomas has a few resting stops with picnic tables.

A number of access points to the trail system are available, but starting from the main parking lot gives you central starting point for the few hours it will take to explore the scenic area nestled between highway 102 and Lake Thomas.

The trails are also home to the annual Waverley 5k Zombie Trail Run each fall.

Sandy Cope Loop

Length: 7.7 km (return) | Difficulty: 3C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N45 32.334 W63 06.822
This trail is part of Gully Lake Wilderness Area.

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Trail Information

Nestled within the mountains of the hardwood forest and sugar maple trees, is the 3,810 hectares wilderness area once the refuge of the famed hermit of Gully Lake.

Walking along the shared ATV trail, you can start the loop via multiple point as indicated by the trail map you’ll encounter.

Our excursion started by going up to the Willard Kitchener MacDonald trail junction where the trail becomes a footpath. Once you reach the top of the Sandy Cope loop, you can follow an old road straight down or continue along the official loop.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

The trails within this area are maintained by the Cobequid Eco-Trails Society.

Sir Sanford Fleming Park

Length: 4.4 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1.5 hours | Trailhead: N44 37.757 W63 35.850
Sir Sanford Fleming donated the land for the park, also invented Standard Time
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Trail Information

The park is also known locally as “The Dingle” due to the Dingle Memorial Tower located at the park. This 95 acre urban park can be reached via bus route 15. Parking lots can be found at Dingle Tower or at the top of Frog Pond.

A beautiful park in Halifax on the Northwest Arm. The trail loop along the Northwest Arm and the loop around Frog Pond is separated by the main road. You cross a number of habitats within the park which you can explore using the Sir Sanford Fleming Park BioKit Circuit from Environment Canada.

Snake Lake

Length: 3.4 km (return) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 21.937 W65 11.781
South portion of Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site
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Trail Information

The first parking lot along the dirt road to Eel Weir. Snake Lake trail shares a portion of the trail with Peter’s Point trail. A great he which crosses hard & softwood forests and wetlands as you approach Snake Lake.

Portions of the trail range from wide and well groomed to narrow footpath due to overgrown vegetation. You can access this trail via canoe or kayak as you cross Kejimkujik Lake.

Off To The Beach

Beaches are the hidden gems of Nova Scotia, no matter what the time of year. These trails either have a beach as their destination or offer an opportunity to further explore a beach once you’re there.

Photo by: Nicolas Raymond

Caribou Munroes Island

Length: 5.4 km (return) | Difficulty: 1C
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N45 43.597 W62 39.286
Enjoy this natural environment park along the shores of the Northumberland Strait.
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Trail Information

Close to the Caribou-Woods Island Ferry Terminal, Caribou Munroes Island Provincial Park offers an opportunity to hike the beach along the sandspit that connects the picnic area to Munores Island.

Once the tide rolls out, you can cross right over the changing terrain. The island’s diversity creates a habitat conducive to all kinds of wildlife, which can make for exceptional sightseeing.

Be sure to check the low tide times. It’s disappointing to have to turn back without reaching the end of the trail because the tide is rolling back in.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Gaff Point / Hirtle’s Beach

Length: 6.8 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N44 15.935 W64 16.382
Out of the way beach with a rugged coastal hike.
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Trail Information

Start at the Hirtle’s Beach parking lot. Walk along the sandy beach (during low tide) to see the interpretation panels for the trail.

At this point, you jump off the beach and onto the Gaff Point trail. Considered rustic, this backcountry trail is well-marked and offers great views along the cliffs.

Keep pets on leash when entering the trail.

Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Pennant Point

Length: 9.2 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 4 hours | Trailhead: N44 27.571 W63 37.306
A hiking loop beyond Crystal Crescent Beach trails.
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Trail Information

Pennant Point is a long, narrow head of land jutting into the ocean from Crystal Crescent Beach. The trails are well-marked until the end of the beach area. Then you simply follow along the large, rocky outcroppings by the water.

The large waves crashing along the rocky shoreline make for great hiking atmosphere. There is an inland return path but it’s often marshy. Sometimes it’s best to return the same way you hiked in--along the shoreline.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Out & Back Trails

Out & back is a simple way to say that these trails are linear. Eventually, you’ll have to turn back if you ever want to see your car again.

Photo by: Nicolas Raymond

Bedford Old Coach Road

Length: 1.1 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 30 minutes | Trailhead: N44 42.612 W63 40.475
Part of an old stagecoach road hidden behind recent residential development.
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Trail Information

The Old Coach Trail is a historic trail preserved in the Ravines of Bedford South housing development.

The trail is lined with trees and ferns and passes a number of small ponds and brooks. The trail runs above and parallel to the western shore of the Bedford Basin, which can be viewed from the adjacent street and walkway network. This trail is popular among individuals and groups for the nature interpretations.

There is no dedicated parking lot, but lots of spots are usually available along the Southgate Drive or Vanier Way.

For transit users, take the 80 or 82 bus along the Bedford Highway to the Glenmount Ave & Southgate Drive stop. The trailhead is a 300-m walk up either street.

Bedford Sackville Greenway Connector Trail

Length: 2.6 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 44.304 W63 39.325
Scenic trail along the Sackville River, athletic fields and military rifle range.
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Trail Information

This trail follows the Sackville river, starting in Bedford and ending in Lower Sackville.

Well-groomed, the trail is suitable for rugged strollers and wheelchairs. Crossing under the 102 Highway brings you to a moderate incline that continues up around the rifle range to the bridge crossing the Sackville River.

A significant portion of the trail runs along the Bedford Rifle Range--a 253-hectare footprint that is still in use today. The Sackville River Association has been erecting interpretations signs and restocking the river with fish. http://sackvillerivers.ns.ca/

During the warm months, expect to see plenty of activity at the baseball & football fields, which are located on a natural flood plain along the Sackville River. Runners are also part of the activity as the nearby Running Room regularly unleashes various clinics on the trail.

The trail crosses the commercial section of Bedford, so there is lots of parking.

For transit users, buses80, 82, 86 & 89 can drop you off at multiple locations starting at Hatchery Lane near Fish Hatchery Park.

Cabin Lake Trail

Length: 3 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 41.828 W63 40.031
Short but steep rolling hills up to the top makes this a cardio builder.
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Trail Information

Cabin Lake Trail starts on Larry Uteck Boulevard. This suburban trail follows the subdivision property line up to Chain Lake and Crozier Court.

A narrow path of medium crushed gravel, this is a cardio builder for those walking or pushing a stroller. It certainly makes a nice change from concrete for dogs. Luckily, benches are sprinkled along the trail for those who want a rest.

There’s parking at each end of the trail.

Transit User can take bus route 81 to get dropped off at the trailhead.

Nine Mile River

Length: 9.2 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N45 00.588 W63 33.316
A multi-use trail system in development, offers a mix of terrain and length for many activities.
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Trail Information

A series of stacked loops close to the community of Enfield that total six trails have been cleared and marked.

Leaving the parking lot, the trail is covered in gravel, suitable for taking a quick walk with the dog or stroller. Deeper in, the trail becomes more rugged.

Bring boots. The trail can be quite wet and muddy.

Expect to see a mix of walkers, hikers, and dogs on a nice day. And watch out for the mountain bikers.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Polly’s Cove

Length: 2.3 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 29.611 W63 53.404
A trail that shows the rugged coastline a few kilometres from Peggy’s Cove.
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Trail Information

This is an informal trail established by continuous use. There is no official maintenance.

Exercise caution on this trail. The footing can be rough, wet, and slippery in areas. But the photographic opportunities make the challenges worth it.

The coastal barrens and boulders along the shoreline offer great photographic moments.

Facilities can be found in Peggys Cove, about 1.5km down the road.

Panorama Trails

A wide angle view when the light and angle are just right can easily be a highlight of some hikes. These trails offer, at some point, a clear view of the landscape.

Photo by: bambe1964

Cape Split

Length: 16 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 6 hours | Trailhead: N45 18.877 W64 25.743
One of the must-do hiking trail in Nova Scotia .
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Trail Information

Nestled within the 428-hectare Cape Split Provincial park reserve, Cape Split is one of the most prominent hikes in Nova Scotia. The Department of Natural Resources recently acquired parcels of this land to implement a long term management plan for more than 20 kms of trails and basic facilities such as a parking lot.

The trail is a slow climb that begins on an old logging road. Along the cliff, the trail becomes a well-established footpath. The terminus of the trail provides the inspiring panoramic view of the Minas Basin.

Rails to Trails

Nova Scotia has a rich history of trains connecting the towns and villages during the industrial age. These trails are along converted rail beds and offer packed gravel, linear trails. Great for running & biking.

Photo by: Jim Cyr

St. Margarets Bay Trail

Length: 11 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 1.5 hours | Trailhead: N44 41.622 W63 53.190
Multi-use trail that can be accessed near exits 4 & 6 along highway 103
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Trail Information

This 33km rails to trails segment has a number of entry points along Route 3. A popular option is to start from the Bike and Bean cafe (bike rental) and either go towards Jerry Lawrence Park (as shown on the map)or head towards Hubbards. The scenic portions start a few kilometres from the cafe.

Note that this segment is a multi-use trail for motorized and nonmotorized users.

Stroller Friendly

Start’em young, right? Nova Scotia has lots of options for hiking with tykes. These well-groomed trails offer packed gravel or pavement suitable for rugged baby strollers.

Photo by: George Kelly

Dewolf Park Boardwalk

Length: 3 km (return) | Difficulty: 1A
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 42.960 W63 40.312
Linear boardwalk along the Bedford basin.
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Trail Information

This boardwalk along the edge of the Bedford Basin offers great water views. Recent additions make it a popular spot in the non-winter months. There’s new walking space along the Mill Cove section and outdoor exercise equipment. You can workout without missing a beautiful day.

You can extend your hike by walking along Shore Dr to Hatchery Park and on to the Bedford Sackville Connector Greenway. Local runners love the options around here.

Parking

For transit users, take Bus routes 80,82, and 89 to the Bedford Highway and Convoy Run intersection, and walk down Convoy Run.

Halifax Urban Greenway

Length: 2 km (return) | Difficulty: 1A
Duration: 30 minutes | Trailhead: N44 38.043 W63 35.710
Phase one of an urban greenway to connect to Chain of Lakes trail.
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Trail Information

This short segment is part one of a multi-phase project to establish a multi-use trail that follows the CN rail line and connects Point Pleasant Park to Chain of Lakes rails to trails.

For transit users, take Bus route 10.

Lake Banook

Length: 4 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 1A
Duration: 45 minutes | Trailhead: N44 40.454 W63 33.819
Freshwater lake in downtown Dartmouth, and home to multiple canoe/kayak clubs.
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Trail Information

Starting at Sullivans Pond, this paved boardwalk winds along Lake Banook in Dartmouth. It’s one of the most popular multi-use trails around. On a nice day, expect to see lots of walkers, runners, and strollers. In the summer, canoes and kayaks fill the lake. If you want, you can watch the Banook Canoe club national team practice. They’re world class.

The boardwalk is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Crossing the pedestrian footbridge links you up with the Shubenacadie Corridor Trail which takes you through Shubie Park and along Lake Charles.

Parking can be found along the streets or at Graham’s Grove Park.

For transit users, take bus 54 or 62.

McIntosh Run Community Trail

Length: 5 km (return) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 35.712 W63 35.951
Linear trail within the community of Spryfield.
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Trail Information

This well-groomed linear trail follows the McIntosh Run stream. There is a section of the trail, closer to Roachs pond, that isn’t complete. It turns from smooth crushed gravel to rough and muddy. But check out the footpaths starting into the woods. Plans for wilderness trails are underway.

To enjoy the easier portion of the trail, start from Captain Spry Community Centre.

Transit users can take bus 20 or 402 and get off at the Captain Spry Community Centre or at the Roachs pond trailhead. Parking is available at both location.

Point Pleasant Park

Length: 4.2 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 37.500 W63 33.875
Popular city park at the tip of the Halifax peninsula.
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Trail Information

This city park offers a spider web of trails for walking, running, and biking.

The outer loop is a popular option. It takes you passed a number of monuments and relics from the historic military activity. The trail is wide and goes over rolling terrain. Much of it is designated off-leash for dogs.

Parking is available at two location.

Transit users can take bus route 9.

Summit Trails

Nova Scotia is not known for its summits. But that’s because we keep them a secret. Indeed, to summit is the highlight of some of our best landscape.

These main purpose of these trails is to go up, way up, to the top.

Photo by: Gavin Langille

Admiral Lake Loop

Length: 11.3 km (return) | Difficulty: 4D
Duration: 5 hours | Trailhead: N44 47.462 W63 08.981
A popular wilderness hiking loop on a clear day. Good training for more serious hiking.
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Trail Information

Admiral Lake Loop is on the high end of a moderately challenging wilderness hike, with many hilly and rocky sections.

The hiking trail is well-marked, and not long, but it is only accessible by the Musquodoboit Trailway, which adds a few kilometres to the overall distance.

There are a number of great lookout and picnic spots on the hilltop. The view is far-reaching from the eastern shore out into the Atlantic ocean.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Partridge Island

Length: 3.3 km (return) | Difficulty: 4C
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N45 22.454 W64 19.775
A short steep climb with excellent views of Blomidon and Cape Split.

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Trail Information

A quick hike from Ottawa House Museum, across the beach, to the trailhead. This is a steep climb with a few resting spots along the way. The money shot at the end is totally worth it.

Keep the pets at home or a short leash. You’re climbing along a steep edge.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

West Dover

Length: 4.2 km (loop) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N44.49628 W63.88142
Overlooking Peggy’s Cove, a barren walk among the granite boulders.
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Trail Information

Locally known as the “land of confusion,” this is a short route among the spiderweb trail network that is within the West Dover Park Reserve.

Bring good footwear. You’ll be skipping over granite boulders and crossing wet areas. Several great views are available but the best one is next to a boulder at the top of the highest peak. You’ll know it when you see the picnic table.

The real challenge is finding the right combination of paths to get up there.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Trekking

A trek is a long hike over wilderness terrain. For these trails, bring your hiking essentials. Cell phone reception may be spotty and there may be no other hikers on the trail.

Photo by: Gavin Langille

Bluff Wilderness Trails - Pot Lake Loop

Length: 8.3 km (return) | Difficulty: 2D
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N44 39.939 W63 45.771
The shortest of four loop trails in this popular wilderness area off of the BLT trail.
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Trail Information

Pot Lake loop is the shortest of the four backcountry wilderness hiking loops within Halifax City limits.

This is an unsupervised wilderness trail. The terrain is rugged, going over granite and tree roots. Footing is a challenge during wet weather. Trail markers can be found on trees and painted on the granite rocks.

Parking and the trailhead are located along Route 3 at Civic #2890 (next to Bay Storage).

Transit users can take bus routes 21and 23 to reach the parking area. You start along the BLT trail under the 103 Highway and to the Bluff Wilderness Trailhead.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Crowbar Lake Trails - Porters Lake & Spriggs Brook

Length: 6 km (return) | Difficulty: 3D
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N44 47.738 W63 22.650
A short 6km route combining two of the five wilderness trails.

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Trail Information

One of few wilderness hiking options close to Halifax, Crowbar Hiking trails comprise five segments totalling 18km. A nice warm-up route is this simple 6km out & back. Follow the Porters Lake loop, branch off to the Spriggs Brook segment, and continue to the McLaughlin crossing.

This is difficult terrain. Proper footwear is needed. Cell reception can be spotty even though you can see Dartmouth and Cole Harbour from the look out spot.

Parking is available at the trailhead along Myra Road.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Durham Hill Trail

Length: 8.2 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N45 37.030 W62 48.726
Linear segment along the Cape to Cape footpath trail system. a.k.a Rogers Hill

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Trail Information

Starting at the Durham Bridge, the Cape to Cape trail markers guide your walk along the various property lines, woodlots, and agricultural fields.

Things get interesting as you get closer to Scotsburn. There’s a water crossing (don’t worry, there’s a footbridge) that leads you up onto the Jitney rails to trails segment.

The hike ends in Scotsburn at the remains of an abandoned train station. There’s an old platform and a bit of forgotten rail.

Watch this trail on YouTube

Walk In The Park

Nova Scotia’s municipal, provincial, and national parks offer quality hiking opportunities year-round. With public parks you can expect defined trails and facilities, and on- and off-season parking.

Photo by: Dave Owers

Belchers Marsh

Length: 1.2 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 30 minutes | Trailhead: N44 39.978 W63 40.388
Easy loop around a marsh in Clayton Park.
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Trail Information

This is a nice path on a tiny piece of marshland that runs along Parkland Drive, adjacent to the Mainland North Linear Parkway. It’s not maintained during the winter, but in the warmer months, you can stroll and watch the waterfowl that use the marsh extensively. There are benches along the trail and an observation deck with a great view.

Parking

Transit users can take bus routes 16 and 89.

Bell Park

Length: 2.4 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 40 minutes | Trailhead: N44 52.644 W63 48.945
Well maintained trails in an area described as “very rocky & barren”
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Trail Information

Managed by Bell Park Development Association, this 55-acre community trail runs approximately 3.5km from Uniacke Estate Museum along Route 1. From the parking lot, the trail starts as a single path before splitting in two at what can only be described as the perfect fork in the road.

Paths are well-maintained with some rolling hills. In the spring, Nova Scotia lady slippers decorate the route. But don’t pick one, these wildflowers are endangered.

The Rocky trail leads up to a nice view of West Lake. Picnic tables offer a few spots to rest along the way.

Hemlocks and Hardwoods

Length: 5 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 26.537 W65 15.202
Walk under the oldest stand of hemlock trees in Nova Scotia.
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Trail Information

First-time visitor to Kejimkujik Provincial Park? This is a must-do trail.

Start from the Big Dam parking lot and pass the walk-in campsites (take a peek if unoccupied, they’re different from the drive-up campsites). Continue until the fork splits the trail.

To the right, there are interpretation panels to guide you along the hemlock section. Keep straight and the original path brings you to the end of the loop.

Until mid-summer 2015, construction on the boardwalk section may make it impossible to complete the loop.

Mickey Hill Pocket Wilderness

Length: 2.9 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 1 hour | Trailhead: N44 39.990 W65 27.690
Hidden day use area off route 8, includes a small beach.
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Trail Information

Situated between Kejimkujik National Park and Annapolis Royal, this day-use provincial park has a beach, picnic area, and a series of short trails. The trails give you an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy walking through the woods.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Shubie Park - Canal Loop

Length: 2.6 km (return) | Difficulty: 1A
Duration: 45 minutes | Trailhead: N44 42.148 W63 33.246
Quick walk along a section of the 144 km historic canal waterway.
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Trail Information

Shubie Park has lots of features, but we’ll focus on the short and simple canal loop. Starting at the Fairbanks Centre parking lot, walk along the banks of the river. There are three points available to cross to the other side. Expect to see lots of ducks.

The trail is well-maintained with benches available throughout. There are multiple options to extend your hike as the loop interconnects with the Trans Canada trail and the off-leash section of the park.

Trail maps are posted at major junctions to keep you oriented.

Parking is available at the Fairbanks Centre.

Bus route 55 brings you close to Locke Road. From there it’s a short walk to the Fairbanks Centre.

Water Trails

Not only is Nova Scotia surrounded by water, there thousands of inland lakes and waterways. These trails are located along a river, lake, or ocean.

Photo by: bambe1964

First Lake Trail

Length: 2 km (one-way) | Difficulty: 1B
Duration: 30 minutes | Trailhead: N44 46.151 W63 39.023
Well-used groomed trail along First lake, connects to Second Lake trail.
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Trail Information

Wide with crushed gravel, Shoreline trail runs along First Lake Drive.

It’s a popular spot for walkers, runners, and strollers. Dogs should be kept on leash. Several benches line the trail facing the sports stadium.

Wish the hike were longer? The entrance to Second Lake Provincial Park is through the gravel parking lot.

The best parking can be found along First Lake Drive or the end of Sucker Brook Road.

Transit users can take Bus route 82.

Pomquet Acadian Trails

Length: 5.2 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N45 39.754 W61 49.283
Coastline route behind an old Acadian homestead.
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Trail Information

Just beyond Pomquet Provincial Beach, this trail is located at the Chez Deslauriers property at the top of Monk’s Head. Part of a stacked loop trail network, the longest trail offers great views all along the coastline of George’s Bay. The receding cliffs are striking.

Time your visit with low tide so that you can venture on to the shore.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Second Lake Provincial Park

Length: 5.5 km (return) | Difficulty: 2B
Duration: 1.5 hours | Trailhead: N44 46.162 W63 39.029
Declared a Provincial Park in 2013, this is a well-groomed trail within a heavy wooded forest.
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Trail Information

A wide trail with crushed gravel and a number of rolling hills, Second Lake Provincial Park can be hiked out and back or as a loop around Second Lake.

Allows for a longer hike when starting from First Lake Trail.

Before being declared a Provincial Park in 2013, Second Lake was a popular, unofficial off-leash dog park. Lots of four-legged hikers still use the trails, but these days it’s a good idea to keep your dog on-leash.

Parking and access are easiest at the First Lake Trail parking lot.

Transit users can take bus route 82 and get off along First Lake Drive.

Taylor Head Provincial Park

Length: 8 km (return) | Difficulty: 2D
Duration: 4 hours | Trailhead: N44 48.442 W62 33.722
Excellent location to enjoy the rugged, unspoiled Eastern Shore.
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Trail Information

Taylor Head Provincial Park is worth the drive along the Eastern Shore. Not only is there a great beach, there’s a series of shoreline trails ranging from easy to difficult.

Combining the Spry Bay & Headland trails will get you the most out of the rugged conditions and backcountry scenery.

The park is a natural habitat to all kinds of wildlife visible along the trails. The nonprofit society Friends of Taylor Head offers a number of free events during the year that are especially popular with bird watchers.

The gates to the park are open much later than other Provincial Parks for some great late fall hiking trips.

Parking is available near the trailhead when the park gates are open.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Thomas' Cove

Length: 7 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 2.5 hours | Trailhead: N45 21.770 W63 54.925
Two trails that offer great views of Five Islands and the Minas Basin.

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Trail Information

Thomas Cove Coastal Reserve is a coastal trail that looks out over Five Islands Provincial Park. The trail follows a tidal stream and estuary, and offers incredible viewpoints all along the way to the headland. There are also several access points to the beach and rock formations via the Economy trail (north trailhead).

The Headland trail starts south from the parking lot. Both trails have sections where there are eroding cliffs.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Waterfall Trails

There are so many hiking secrets in this small province. Yes, we do have summits. And, yes, we do have waterfalls. Incredible waterfalls, as a matter of fact. These trails will take you to a few.

Photo by: Andrea Shaffer

Cobequid Escarpment

Length: 5.6 km (return) | Difficulty: 4C
Duration: 3 hours | Trailhead: N45 26.652 W63 55.681
The middle section of the larger Kenomee trail system.

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Trail Information

In between the Devil’s Bend and Kenomee Canyon trails is the Cobequid Escarpment trail.

This trail has two water crossings: one at the footbridge at the top of Economy Falls, and one downstream where there is no bridge. That’s right, your feet are going to get wet. Bring sandals or some kind of water shoes or extra socks, at least.

Starting clockwise, you can tackle the short, tough climb to the falls first, and then make your way more leisurely downhill to the second water crossing. From here, you can jump on to the Devil’s Bend trail to loop around and finish back at Economy Falls.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Parking is available at the trailhead.

Ward’s Falls

Length: 6 km (return) | Difficulty: 2C
Duration: 2 hours | Trailhead: N45 25.392 W64 25.469
A popular swimming hole at the base of a waterfall.

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Trail Information

This is a short, fun hike along the North Branch Diligent River valley in the beautiful hills of Parrsboro. The trail follows a small stream upriver from the Bay of Fundy. The reward at the end of the trail is the lovely Ward’s Falls. In the spring, at its strongest, the falls gushes into the small, beautiful gorge it's created in the rock over time.

Erosion + time = awesome swimming hole.

Go on. Take a dip. It’s amazing after the hike.

Along the trail there’s also a picnic table, a number of footbridges, and an outhouse. I didn’t look inside. You’ll have to take your chances.

Watch this trail on YouTube.

Parking is available at the trailhead.

¹ Maps are a mashup of 10k Topographic data from the Province of Nova Scotia, 50k CanVec data from the Government of Canada, and recent GPS track data by the author and contributors. The trails and routes displayed on the maps are produced using raw GPS traces from Garmin GPS products--GPSMAP 62s, Forerunner 610, fenix & Oregon 450.

² Symbols are public domain pictographs published by the US National Park Service.

³ This alphanumeric rating system is used by Hike the Highlands Festival and moosebait.com, popular trail resources for Cape Breton.

About The Author

Jim Cyr did the usual thing a person from the Maritimes would do after completing his studies; he made plans for the West. But after meeting his future wife in Ottawa- Halifax, Nova Scotia was chosen as their future home to settle down and start a family in 2005.

As they got settled, Jim was the main driver to form a new non-profit association during the initial geotourism boom (i.e. geocaching). Which resulted in creating many partnerships with Environment Canada, Parks Canada (Fundy, Kejimkujik, Cape Breton Highlands, Fortress Louisbourg) and Nova Scotia Parks to establish new visitor experience programs.

After a successful launch of the NSTrails iPhone app in 2012, a very simple trail finder application, work on the Nova Scotia Hiking Trail Guide started.

Jim develops content for Avoiding Chores, a content website focusing on outdoor topics, GPS tutorials and craft beer.

Copyright

© Avoiding Chores Publishing, 2015

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Produced in ePub format in Canada.

First Edition, 2015

ISBN 978-0-9866534-3-8

TRAVEL / Canada / Atlantic Provinces (NB, NF, NS, PE), TRAVEL / Reference, SPORTS & RECREATION / Hiking

Edited by Kamia Creelman, PNYW

Avoiding Chores Publishing

Bedford, Nova Scotia, CANADA

www.avoidingchores.com

© Department of Natural Resources Canada. All rights reserved.

Crown copyright © Province of Nova Scotia, All Rights Reserved.

Symbols provided by National Park Service as public domain.