Outdoor

Nova Scotia is home to over 160 historic lighthouses, but no beacon is as photographed as the one in the vibrant fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. Built in 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse still keeps watch over surging ocean waves and working lobster boats. Scramble over giant rocks worn smooth by the sea and share in the view.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

No matter what time of year it is, there is something for everyone in our great outdoors places to visit, parks and historical sites to explore and an ocean to dip your toes in.

DID YOU KNOW?

-One of the best views of Halifax is from the outdoor terrace on the 5th floor of the Halifax public library

-Halifax is closer to Dublin, Ireland than it is to Victoria, British Columbia

-Point Pleasant Park once hosted several artillery batteries, and still contains the Prince of Wales Tower- the oldest Martello tower in North America. Halifax rents Point Pleasant from the British government for 10 cents a year and has a 999 year lease

Outdoors

1.PEGGY‘S COVE

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses and may be the most photographed in Canada. Located in the quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove along the South Shore, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse was built in 1915.

Spend the day watching the waves and exploring around the rocks. Closeby is the memorial for Swiss Air flight 111.

2.Point Pleasant Park

Point Pleasant Park is a large, mainly forested municipal park at the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula. It once hosted several artillery batteries, and still contains the Prince of Wales Tower – the oldest Martello tower in North America. The park is a popular recreational spot for Haligonians, as it hosts forest walks and affords views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic.

3.Halifax Public Gardens

Officially opened in 1867, Halifax Public Gardens boast ornate fountains, a bandstand, statues, urns and a magnificent wrought iron entrance. Also among their treasures are over 100 different species of trees, including unusual or rare species and some centenarians.

4.HIKE DUNCAN’S COVE

Known as one of the best coastal hikes in Nova Scotia, this hidden gem is located 25 minutes from downtown Halifax and has not one, but three beautiful sand beaches. The trail itself is 8km of coastal barrens that give way to rugged granite cliffs right on the Atlantic Ocean. Since Duncan’s Cove is also a nature preserve there is a great chance that you will come across an array of wildlife on your hike including sun-bathing seals, coastal birds and even the distant whale on occasion.

Once you’ve returned from your hike, you can enjoy one of  the white sand beaches located at the trail head.