Get your hike on!
Well, I’m excited to share that I’ve just completed my Hike Leader Certification through Hike Nova Scotia and the Outdoor Council of Canada. This means, I’ll soon be offering guided hikes for those who want to get outside and spend a little time in nature! To celebrate, I thought I’d share with you five of my favourite trails in Nova Scotia!
1. Musquodoboit Harbour Rail Trail
Growing up on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, there were numerous places to spend an hour or two in nature. I spent countless hours at Lawrencetown Beach and even more time along the many trails around the region. And while there are many beautiful spots, the Musquodoboit Harbour Trail remains my absolute favourite!
Not far out of Dartmouth, this trail offers several options, including a main rail trail and several off-the path hiking trails. The community group that manages this area has done a great job of creating a number of paths to cater to several levels of fitness - from short loops to longer, more challenging ones. And though I do love the main trail (a 14.5km trail), I also enjoy the Admiral Lake Loop (1.7km) and the Gibraltar Rock Loop (1.3km). You will find the trailhead to these off the main trail at the 1.7km mark.
2. Miners Marsh
I now live in the beautiful Annapolis Valley and one of the reasons I chose my current community was the access to open spaces in the area. One of my favourites is Miners Marsh, a project of Ducks Unlimited, which provides a 1.7km loop around a man made marsh. It also connects to the Harvest Moon Trail and is just down the road from another great spot - the Kentville Ravine!
But the reason I love going to the Marsh is that I see something different every time I visit. I used to work a short walk away and would frequently spend lunch hours walking or running the trail and it never ceased to amaze me what I would see, hear and smell. Lots of non-indigenous plant life and loads of bird species and turtles make this a great spot to unwind after a long day or soak up some sun on those warm summer days!
3. Shubie Park
Growing up we spent a lot of time walking the various trails in the city and along the Eastern Shore. Another of my favourite spots to go for a walk is Shubie Park in Dartmouth. Though it has changed quite a bit over the years to include new trails (including an off leash dog area), the main trail within this 40-acre property is filled with childhood nostalgia and usually a paddling of ducks along the canal. This trail loops along the Shubenacadie Canal, under a relaxing canopy for 1.9km of maintained trail.
There is also a campground located at this site, with both serviced and unserviced spots, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking for a central place to plunk a tent and enjoy the time in nature, without being too far from other conveniences. A small beach is located near this campground, which is open to the public, not just campers!
4. Cape Split
Back to the Annapolis Valley! What was once a best known secret, is now one of the most popular hiking route in Nova Scotia. Cape Split is a 12.5km trail in Scots Bay. This moderately challenging (not accessible!) trail takes you through a beautiful forested area before hitting the open meadow that marks the trail’s turning point. Bring a snack and spend some time taking in the spectacular views of the world’s highest tides!
A new trail opened in 2021, making it a complete loop. Along this new portion are three new look-offs. But the option to use the traditional out and back route is still available to trail users.
5. Gypsum Mine Lake
This final trail is the most recent new-to-me trail I’ve been on. The Gypsum Mine Lake trail in Cheticamp on Cape Breton Island is a short in and back trail, with a rewarding turnaround point. In all, it’s a 2.6km hike up a bit of a hill to the site of an old gypsum mine. And if you hit it at the right time of year, the colours are spectacular!
Cape Breton is known for plenty of other trails that are part of the National Park. By comparison, this trail is likely not the most exciting for some, but I liked the simplicity of it. It was a great way to stretch the legs on the way to the top of the Island!
So, that’s my Top 5! I could likely list another 10 fairly easily, but these are the ones that I either routinely go back to, or in the case of the last one, look forward to doing again. If you’re interested in joining me on a guided hike of one of our many beautiful trails, stay tuned for an announcement of upcoming events!
