Halifax/Dartmouth

When many think of hiking trails, they envisage remote wilderness trekking far from urban development. In fact, the most heavily used off-road walking routes may always be found in city parks. Residents in Halifax probably need only think about their last weekend visit to Point Pleasant Park to recognize the validity of this assertion. On a sunny summer day, the paths near the water have almost as much traffic as Quinpool Road during rush hour.

Some would even argue that paths in the city are even more important than wilderness routes, as they provide essential green preserves for nearby residents and safe walking/biking places for children and families.

So it should be no surprise that 1/3 of the routes profiled in "Trails of HRM", a book designed for visitors, families with children, and new walkers, are found within the urban core.

Many of these will be familiar to long-term residents: Point Pleasant Park, Sir Sanford Fleming, Hemlock Ravine, and Shubie. However, there are others, such as the Mainland Linear Path, the Dartmouth Multi-Use, and Cole Harbour Herritage Park, that might be less well-known.

In fact, there are a variety of great walks available either in areas surrounded by housing or at the fringe of the urban area. The fairly new trail from Shubie Park along the shore of Lake Charles, for example, is a thoroughly delightful route that should be enjoyable for everyone.

Wherever possible, I have provided an indication of the nearest Metro Transit stop to the trailhead. City routes, in particular, should be accessible by transit.