You don’t have to drive out of town to find quiet trails, birdsong, and forested paths. Halifax is full of green corridors that cut through neighborhoods, hug rivers, and weave under canopies, all hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a walker, cyclist, dog parent, or just trying to escape your screen, here are three Halifax trails that let you breathe.
1. Halifax Urban Greenway: The hidden forest above the city
Tucked between the train tracks and Beaufort Avenue, this 1-kilometre slice of serenity is easy to miss but hard to forget. The Halifax Urban Greenway is a paved path that cuts through a shaded rock corridor in the South End, linking Conrose Field and the edge of Point Pleasant Park.
Expect dense tree cover, birdsong, and a few well-worn benches. Popular with Dal and SMU students, this trail is just far enough from traffic to feel like nature, even though you’re steps from the core.
Insider tip: Keep an eye out for community-led expansion plans aiming to extend the trail both north and south. This path is just getting started.
2. Chain of Lakes Trail: Lakeside riding, mystery walls, and smooth pavement
Running 7.25 kilometres from Beechville to Fairview, this trail is part of the larger Blue Route cycling network and is a dream for anyone with wheels: bikes, blades, strollers, scooters. Flat, paved, and well-maintained, it’s the perfect choice for a long walk, cardio loop, or casual cruise.
Skirting lakes, crossing wetlands, and offering glimpses of the Bayer’s Lake Mystery Walls, the Chain of Lakes Trail connects communities with calm.
Insider tip: Start near the Lakeside end and ride toward the city for the best snack stops along the way. Bring a thermos and a blanket.
3. Bedford–Sackville Greenway: River walks and tunnel art
This 4-kilometre crusher-dust trail runs alongside the Sackville River between Bedford and Lower Sackville. It’s quiet, cool, and one of the few places in HRM where you can walk for 45 minutes beside rushing water without crossing a street.
You’ll find salmon ladders, wooden bridges, and a painted tunnel filled with community art. There’s plenty of wildlife, plus benches to rest and parking at Bud Bremner Park.
Insider tip: Come at dusk for great light and fewer people. In the fall, the trail is packed with colour.
Quick trail guide
| Trail | Surface | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Greenway | Asphalt | ~1 km | Walks, commutes, quiet breaks |
| Chain of Lakes | Asphalt | ~7 km | Biking, family rides, long walks |
| Bedford–Sackville | Gravel/dust | ~4 km | Nature, photography, dog walks |
What to bring
- A reusable water bottle
- Good shoes or bike tires (gravel is not flip-flop friendly)
- Your dog, your playlist, or your thoughts
- A friend who needs convincing Halifax has this kind of peace
Final word
In a city growing taller and faster by the month, these trails offer something rare: slowness. And the best part? You don’t need a car or a plan to get there. Just a few minutes, a pair of shoes, and a need to disappear for a while.
