Thomas WilsonHalifax Regional Municipality is a paddleboarder’s paradise. With an extensive coastline, 1,000+ lakes, and innumerable waterways in between, we have endless paddleboarding spots to choose from.
We’re not pros at all, so we do like a relaxing session on calm, uncrowded waters, preferably with great views.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or you’re testing out the waters, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best spots for paddleboarding in Halifax that even beginners will enjoy.
1. Halifax Harbor
Media credit: discoverhalifax
Location: Lower Water Street
Operating hours: 24/7
Rentals: Yes (limited)
Facilities: Near washrooms, restaurants, and parking spaces (metered and free)
The Halifax Harbor is a popular spot for paddleboarding because of its convenient location and stunning views of the city. Although there are rental services nearby, they’re quite limited so it might be best to bring your own board.
Since it’s a protected harbor, the water is usually flat and calm, making it an ideal spot for beginners. You have several launch points to choose from, including the waterfront boardwalk.
Once you’re done, there are plenty of public washrooms nearby, where you can freshen up after paddleboarding. Our favorite part about paddling here is that it’s close to restaurants, so we can just grab a bite and perhaps a cold beer after a great workout.
2. Point Pleasant Park
Media credit: scotchmist.iv
Location: 5718 Point Pleasant Drive
Operating hours: Daily 5 am to 12 midnight
Rentals: No
Facilities: Has free parking, washrooms, off-leash dog-walking areas, and picnic areas
Situated in the southern end of Halifax, Point Pleasant Park is the go-to spot for outdoor fun with the family. Although locals mostly come here to jog, bike, or picnic, it’s also an excellent place for a relaxing paddleboarding session.
Just a short walk away from the parking lot, you’ll find Black Rock Beach, where you can launch your paddleboard. Most days, the waves are flat and beginner-friendly, but the colder season does bring in bigger surf—perfect for the pros.
There are no rental services in the area so bring a board! Luckily, there are public washrooms around, where you can get dressed in case you fall in the sea.
3. Kearney Lake
Media credit: kylerichards
Location: Saskatoon Drive
Operating hours: 24/7
Rentals: No
Facilities: Near a boat ramp, washroom, and playground
Kearney Lake is located in Halifax’s West End, which is a 15-minute drive from the city center. It’s a small, narrow lake that stretches along residential neighborhoods, but it’s a popular recreational area and training ground for water sports.
The lake is so calm that you can probably even do yoga on your paddleboard. If you want a slight challenge, there are sections with light waves too.
There is a boat ramp close to the beach, where you can easily launch your paddleboard. However, you’ll have to paddle away from the supervised section of the lake to avoid the swimmers.
4. Long Lake
Media credit: rooftop_4runner
Location: 10 Dunbrack Street
Operating hours: 6 am to 10 pm
Rentals: Yes
Facilities: Has bus stops, parking lots, washrooms, a boat ramp, and a campground
Another paddleboarding spot worth checking out is Long Lake, which is a 10-minute drive from downtown. We like this place because it’s dog-friendly and located along the bus route, making it easy to reach even without a car.
From June to September, there’s a kiosk where you can rent paddleboards and kayaks. You’ll find it near the paddling launch area on Old Sambo Road.
The lake’s calm waters are perfect for beginners who want to give paddleboarding a try—safely, that is. But for the more experienced, there are also areas in the lake that will put your skills to the test.
5. Bedford Basin
Media credit: swebbcampbell
Location: 16 Shipyard Road, Bedford
Operating hours: 24/7
Rentals: No
Facilities: Has public washrooms and restaurants close to the launch sites
Bedford Basin is a small inlet in Halifax Harbor with mostly tranquil waters, where newbie paddleboarders flock to hone their skills. Occasionally, you’ll see stand-up paddleboarders doing yoga classes on the water.
One of the cons about paddleboarding here is that there are lots of boats so the waterway can get pretty busy at certain times of the year. However, it is a big bay with plenty of space for different fun water activities.
Bedford Lions Park and Dewolf Park are great launching sites as they’re very accessible and quite close to the parking lots. It will be a short walk from your car to the water.
6. Northwest Arm
Media credit: saul_gar17
Location: 1641 Fairfield Road
Operating hours: 24/7
Rentals: Yes
Facilities: Has parking spaces, washrooms, and a boat ramp near St. Mary’s Club
If you’re looking for a paddleboarding spot within the city, the Northwest Arm is an excellent choice, especially for travelers. You can rent paddleboards and even canoes for free at St. Mary’s Boat Club—all you have to do is show an ID!
Since it’s a well-known area, the availability of the equipment will depend on the crowd. You can, however, book a board in advance and maybe sign up for some lessons if you’re a beginner.
There are several launch sites on the Northwest Arm, but the closest to the boat club would be the ramp on Jubilee Road. It’s best to go during low tide so check the charts before planning your trip.
7. McNabs Island
Media credit: nichowhite
Location: McNabs Island
Operating hours: Open daily; hours may vary per tour
Island admission fee: Free
Boat tour fee: $40+ (varies per company); includes island tour and paddleboard
At the entrance to Halifax Harbor, you’ll see McNabs Island, a historical site and a popular tourist destination. It’s also an uncrowded and unique paddleboarding spot, which we think everyone should experience at least once.
You can charter a private catamaran if you’re willing to splurge on it. But you can also go on a more affordable boat tour, which will include paddleboarding around the coves.
Due to the changing weather conditions, beginners should stay near the coves and inlets. Only experienced paddleboarders should attempt to go around the island because the waves can get rough.
8. Williams Lake
Media credit: williamslakedam
Location: Wyndrock Drive, Halifax
Operating hours: 24/7
Rentals: No
Facilities: Has public beach access with washrooms and picnic areas nearby
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Halifax, Williams Lake is a hidden gem frequented by locals. Its cool, tranquil waters offer a refreshing reprieve from the hot summer and a safe space to practice your paddleboarding skills.
Launching from Wyndrock Drive would be the easiest, but there other sandy and rocky areas around the lake where you can set out comfortably. Just make sure not to trespass and launch from private docks.
You’ll find free parking spaces and washroom facilities near the lakefront beach. If it isn’t too crowded, you can launch from the sandy beach and paddle away from the supervised area.
9: Lake Banook
Media credit: dartmouthhistoryblog
Location: 44 Oakdale Crescent, Dartmouth
Operating hours: 24/7
Rentals: Yes
Facilities: Near a supervised beach, several public launch spots, parking, and washrooms
Located in Dartmouth, Lake Banook is a large freshwater lake, home to several long-standing aquatic clubs in the Halifax Regional Municipality. That should be enough to tell you that it’s one of the best spots in the region to go paddleboarding.
There are several public docks in the area, where you can comfortably launch your paddleboard. However, we prefer Birch Cove Park, which is a supervised beach with parking, washrooms, and a launch site.
Since the beach is quite small, it can get pretty crowded in the summer. If you prefer to avoid crowds, other alternative launch sites are at Lions Beach Park and Kiwanis Grahams Grove Park.
10: Shubie Park
Media credit: roodnewf
Location: 34 Locks Road, Dartmouth
Operating hours: 5 am to 10 pm
Rentals: Yes
Facilities: Near a small boat launch, washrooms, parking spaces, and campgrounds
Shubie Park is home to several canals, lakes, and waterways, all of which are surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the relaxing and scenic route is a worthwhile experience, which we recommend.
Although it sounds quite secluded, the park is very accessible. We also like it here because it has several facilities, including a campground, rental services, and launch points.
Even your furry travel companions are allowed on the lakefront beach as long as they’re on a leash. Not to worry, there are designated off-leash areas, where your pets can run wild and free.
FAQs
When is the best time to go paddleboarding in Halifax?
The best time to go paddleboarding in Halifax is between late spring and early fall when the waters are warm. To avoid the crowds, as well as the strong winds, you should go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Do you have to wear a PFD on a paddleboard in Halifax?
Yes. When you’re paddleboarding, you are required to wear a lifejacket or a personal flotation device (PFD), according to Transport Canada.
You must also bring a sound-signaling device and a watertight flashlight, especially if you’re going out for a paddle before sunrise or after sunset.
Do I need a wetsuit for paddleboarding?
If you’re paddleboarding in warm weather, a wetsuit will not be necessary. However, if you’re going out in the colder months, especially winter, a wetsuit is a must as it provides extra insulation from the cold.
Should I wear shoes for paddleboarding?
Shoes aren’t necessary for paddleboarding. In fact, most people prefer to paddle with their bare feet so they have a better grip.
