Best places to walk in Halifax

Halifax is a fantastic place to stretch your legs and take in some beautiful scenery. Whether you're strolling along the waterfront, wandering through lush parks, or exploring historic neighborhoods, there's no shortage of great walking paths to enjoy. From peaceful coastal views to tree-lined city trails, Halifax has something for everyone—whether you're out for a casual walk, getting some fresh air with the family, or just looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best places to walk in Halifax, complete with all the details you need—like where to park, what to expect, and why each spot is worth a visit. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab a coffee (because, let’s be honest, that’s a must in Halifax), and get ready to explore some of the city’s most scenic and relaxing spots.

Where to go for a walk in Halifax?

If you’re looking for the best walking paths in the Halifax region, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful city blends urban charm with natural beauty, offering plenty of scenic spots to explore on foot. Whether you're wandering along the Halifax Harbourfront or strolling through a peaceful provincial park, there's a perfect trail for everyone. Here are some of the best walking paths in Halifax, complete with historic sites, waterfront views, and serene nature escapes.

Halifax Harbourwalk

Point Pleasant Park

Photo Credit @tripbucket

Salt Marsh Trail

If you’re searching for a peaceful nature walk, the Salt Marsh Trail is an excellent choice. Located just outside Halifax in the Halifax region, this flat and easy trail stretches about 9 kilometers, winding through a stunning coastal marshland. The trail features wooden bridges, scenic water views, and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. It’s one of the hidden gems of the area and perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

One of the most iconic walks in Halifax, the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk offers a vibrant mix of ocean views, historic sites, and lively attractions. As you stroll along the wooden boardwalk, you’ll pass places like the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the historic CSS Acadia, and plenty of waterfront restaurants and shops.

Bluff Wilderness Trail (First Loop)

While Bluff Wilderness Trail is known for being a challenging hiking trail, the first section (Loop 1) offers an easier, scenic walking path for those looking to experience nature without the intensity of a full trek. Surrounded by serene lakes and rugged wilderness, this part of the trail gives you a taste of the Bluff Wilderness without committing to a long, strenuous hike. If you feel like going on lake hiking trails in Halifax, this is a great place to explore.

The Halifax Common and Emera Oval

As Canada’s oldest public park, The Halifax Common is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city. A stroll around the park is an easy and relaxing walk, with paths that take you past playgrounds, open fields, and the Emera Oval, which transforms into an ice-skating rink in the winter.

Kearney Lake Trail

For a peaceful lakeside stroll, check out the Kearney Lake Trail. Nestled in the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area, this lake trail offers a short but scenic walk along the water. It's a wonderful place to enjoy the natural beauty of Nova Scotia without venturing too far from the city. The trail features shaded paths and a quiet setting, making it perfect for a relaxing escape.

Crowbar Lake Trails

Photo Credit @halifaxtrails

Crowbar Lake is a well-known spot for Halifax hikes, but you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. Some sections of the Crowbar Lake trails offer easy lake loop walks with beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. If you’re looking for a mix of lake wilderness area scenery and peaceful trails, this is a great place to explore.

Shubie Park Trail

Shubie Park is another fantastic walking destination in the Halifax region. This well-maintained trail system follows the historic Shubenacadie Canal and offers both wooded paths and waterfront views. The park’s easy walking paths make it perfect for families, and there’s a convenient parking lot near the entrance. It’s also a great spot to see some of Halifax’s local wildlife.

Citadel Hill Walking Path

Sir Sandford Fleming Park (Dingle Park)

Located on the Northwest Arm, Sir Sandford Fleming Park—also known as Dingle Park—is home to wooded trails, scenic water views, and the historic Dingle Tower, a stone tower commemorating the birth of Canada’s parliamentary system. The walking paths here are peaceful and well-maintained, making it a great place for a nature walk with a bit of history sprinkled in.

Long Lake Provincial Park Trail

If you’re looking for a more natural setting without leaving the city, Long Lake Provincial Park is a fantastic choice. The wide, well-maintained path takes you along the edge of Long Lake, with beautiful views of the water and surrounding forest. It’s a quiet, peaceful place to enjoy a long walk, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors.

Halifax Public Gardens

Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail

For a different perspective of the Halifax Harbour, head across the water to Dartmouth and walk the Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail. This scenic path takes you along the waterfront, offering fantastic views of the Halifax skyline. You’ll pass Alderney Landing, local cafes, and parks along the way. If you’re up for an extended walk, you can connect to other trails like the Trans Canada Trail for even more exploring.

Lunenburg Waterfront Walk

Does Halifax have a boardwalk?

Yes! Halifax has an amazing boardwalk that stretches along the waterfront. The Halifax Harbourfront boardwalk is one of the longest in the world, running about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) along the harbor. It’s a fantastic place to take a stroll, soak in the ocean views, and watch boats sail by. The boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, and museums, making it a fun and lively spot.

Is Halifax a walking city?

Yes, Halifax is a great city for walking! Downtown Halifax is compact, so you can easily explore its historic streets, waterfront, and parks on foot. Many of the city’s top attractions—like Citadel Hill, Point Pleasant Park, and Halifax Public Gardens—are within walking distance of each other. The city also has plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas, making it safe and enjoyable to walk around.

Conclusion

Halifax is packed with scenic walking paths, from waterfront boardwalks to peaceful nature trails. Whether you’re looking for an easy lake trail, a historic walk through Downtown Halifax, or a hidden gem in the wilderness, there’s something for everyone. So lace up your walking shoes and start exploring the best trails in Nova Scotia.