Nova Scotia trails

There are many trails in Nova Scotia and even in the winter, you can still enjoy some of them. While it is cold in Canada, the east coast tends to be a little bit nicer than the rest of the country so getting outside isn't too bad except for the wind. One thing I wanted to do in 2021 was walk more either for fun or participating in events. These walks aren't just to get out and prepare myself for the events, I thought I would give my recommendations if you are looking for hikes/trails to do as well. 

I will update this post throughout the year to talk about some of the trails I explore in 2021. 

March 6

Cole Harbour Heritage Park 

There are 7 main trails (7.9 km total) which highlight the area's heritage and natural flora and fauna, as well as woodlands, fields and salt marsh shoreline. Eagle nexts are in the area. The trailhead and parking lot are located at 256 Bissett Road in Cole Harbour. The trails running from this main trailhead interconnect; each trail has its own character. The trails are open year-round (no winter maintenance) for all to explore the area's wildlife, including bird watching, while hiking, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing along the trails. from novascotia.com

It was a beautiful day to get out for a walk, just above freezing and sunny. There were quite a few people there which surprised me as it was a Thursday afternoon that I went. Part of my walk was on the Panorama trail which gives you a nice view of the lake. With no winter maintenance, parts of the trails were covered in ice and some of the areas that weren't were a little muddy. Despite the hills, all and all I had a nice enjoyable walk. Trails are well marked with name signs (I would still take a pic of the map however), there are outhouses and benches in different areas. 

Shubie Park

A beautiful 16-hectre urban park in Dartmouth, contains over 9 kilometres of wooded walking trails, including part of the Trans Canada Trail. Some of the trails of the park follow a portion of the abandoned Shubenacadie Canal, which passes through the park. The park includes designated areas for dogs to be off-leash, and an interpretive area called the Fairbanks Centre next to the canal.  from novascotia.com 

This park certainly is not a hidden gem. Even on a weekday in January, the main parking lot was almost full. You can also join onto the trail from parking behind Hockey Life in Dartmouth Crossing and going across the bridge over the highway. There's a beach, playground and baseball field on the other end of the park which doesn't have to be accessed by the main lot. The trails are easy to walk through. One could certainly make a day out of activities at the park while also getting exercise in. I took my friend's kids here once and they love it so now every time I see them, they want to go to Shubie Park and because of that, we try to not go the same way.