Matthew TremblaySometimes, hiking just doesn’t cut it if you’re looking to burn calories quicker or get into a better headspace, and that’s where running trails in Halifax come to the rescue. When life throws its curveballs, you’ll find me hitting these trails, trying to outrun the stress.
Whether you’re after easy loops or more demanding routes, I’ve scouted out the best running trails in HRM to help you lace up and hit the ground running. Let’s explore these scenic paths and find your new favorite route, from easy to moderate!
- 1. Point Pleasant Park Loop
- 2. Halifax Harbourwalk
- 3. Frog Pond Nature Trail
- 4. Dartmouth Waterfront Trail
- 5. Citadel Hill Loop
- 6. Seawall and Loop Road
- 7. Susie’s Lake – Whopper Dropper MTB Trail
- 8. Fox Lake Trail
- 9. Shaw Wilderness Trail
- 10. Chain of Lakes Trail
- 11. Costley Farm Heritage Trail Loop
- 12. Osprey – The Attic – Lou's Basement Trail
- 13. Purcell Pond and Flat Lake Loop
1. Point Pleasant Park Loop
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Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/826bukPY6M7ogjoMA
Located in the heart of Halifax, Point Pleasant Park Loop is a 3.4 km trail that offers scenic views of the Halifax Harbour and the Northwest Arm. This well-maintained loop is a favorite among walkers, runners, and bikers, and it’s pet-friendly.
Just remember to leash your dog and come before 10 AM!
With a gentle elevation gain of 51 meters, it’s accessible for most, though a few steep sections might require some extra effort. Ideal for a quick half-hour (or so) run, this trail is best enjoyed from March to October.
| Pro Tip: If you feel famished after your run, you can always drop by The Bicycle Thief, even if it’s just for one of their killer salads! |
2. Halifax Harbourwalk
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Website: https://buildns.ca/visit/halifax/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hMwkHi8XQpKKtxtJ6
Stretching 7.9 km along the historic Halifax Harbourfront, this out-and-back trail is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of city and sea views.
The trail is lined with boardwalks, docks, and piers, offering plenty of spots to admire unique ships and historic vistas.
Typically bursting with locals and tourists during spring, summer, and fall, it’s an easy route that usually takes less than 2 hours to complete if you’re running at medium pacing.
| Pro Tip: Go by some of the stalls on the waterfront. For something a bit decadent, get a cone of Cow’s Cownadian Maple ice cream. |
3. Frog Pond Nature Trail
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Website: https://www.halifax.ca/recreation/parks-trails-gardens/trails/frog-pond
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1PJPWaZLiySrHyMD8
The Frog Pond Nature Trail is a peaceful 1.6 km loop located in Sir Sandford Fleming Park. Skating in winter, birding, and hiking are also popular here.
The trail circles a pond and connects to nearby trails, making it perfect for a short run. With easy access via bus route 15, it’s a convenient escape into nature any time between January and October.
| Pro Tip: Parking is available right at the trailhead on Purcells Cove Road. |
4. Dartmouth Waterfront Trail
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Website: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/trails/dartmouth-harbourfront
Address: Woodside Ferry Terminal
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nFzbHFBYJFmakEuA6
The Dartmouth Waterfront Trail’s 6.1 km out-and-back route offers a mix of urban and natural scenery as it leads from Ferry Terminal Park to the Woodside Ferry Terminal.
Along the way, you’ll explore harbor views and industrial zones, making it a unique urban run. The trail is mostly paved and easy to navigate, taking about a couple of hours or less to complete at a medium pace.
| Pro Tip: Follow the trail as it meanders along the shore and a railroad, exploring Woodside Area Park and the North Woodside Community Center. They’re perfect for snapping some great photos! |
5. Citadel Hill Loop
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Address: 5425 Sackville St
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHWJHUyTME1ZDmhj8
Just step back in time with the 1.4 km Citadel Hill Loop, a trail that winds through one of Canada’s most historic battle sites. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Halifax while learning about the site’s rich history through interpretive panels.
This easy trail usually takes less than 20 minutes to complete for average runners and is open year-round.
| Pro Tip: Bring your camera. This spot is perfect for capturing both history and city views, especially the colorfully-garbed guards. |
6. Seawall and Loop Road
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Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/sir-sandford-fleming-park-the-dingle/1521
Address: 260 Dingle Rd
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qYrsqzzmfwEG9MNFA
The Seawall and Loop Road is a scenic 2.7 km loop located in Sir Sandford Fleming Park. With stunning views of the Northwest Arm and a historical detour to Dingle Tower, this trail is perfect for a leisurely run.
Average runners often complete the trail in around 40 minutes. The trail is also perfect for runners any time of the year.
| Pro Tip: Parking is available at both Sir Sandford Fleming Park and Dingle Tower. |
7. Susie’s Lake – Whopper Dropper MTB Trail
Media credit: halifaxtrails.ca
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rEiDpK3Ej3We5LvZ8
Susie’s Lake Trail, a charming 6.5-km loop in the heart of Long Lake Provincial Park, offers a delightful mix of terrain and views. Known for its moderate challenge, this trail weaves through a forested area with a mix of rocky paths and smooth stretches.
You can expect a bit of a workout with its gentle inclines and declines, but the scenic payoff is well worth it. The trail is a favorite among locals for its beautiful lake views and the occasional sighting of wildlife.
| Pro Tip: Starting from the trailhead at the end of the road, you’ll find ample parking and easy access. The well-marked path ensures you won’t get lost, but always keep an eye out for trail markers, especially as the trail winds around the lake. |
8. Fox Lake Trail
Media credit: halifaxtrails.ca
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/idC73SUB9gTNDzNFA
Fox Lake Trail is a 4.2-km loop near Halifax that’s moderately challenging and keeps you on your toes with its rocky terrain and numerous look-offs.
Navigating this trail might feel like solving a maze at times, with its many side paths and occasional confusing junctions, but that’s part of the adventure. It’s also perfect for bird watchers, hikers, and those who enjoy a snowy trek in winter (snowshoeing, anyone?).
The trail kicks off from Collins Road, though parking at Maskwa Canoe Club is also an option if you’re up for a bit of extra walking. You can expect to meet fellow adventurers along the way since this trail is quite popular.
Dogs can roam off-leash in some spots, so let your furry friend enjoy the freedom!
| Pro Tip: Parking at the end of Collins Road provides a direct entry, making it the easiest option if you want to dive straight into the trail. |
9. Shaw Wilderness Trail
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Address: 2379 Purcells Cove Rd
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iRbcQaYVxvhQwn8RA
The Shaw Wilderness Trail, with its 4.2-km out-and-back route, takes you on a delightful rollercoaster through Halifax’s natural beauty. Starting off easy with a slightly uphill path, this trail offers rewarding views of Williams Lake.
Beyond that, expect a bit of a workout with its up-and-down terrain, mostly in the woods. Red markers guide you, but the trail does shift to red ribbons and paint, making it a bit of a scavenger hunt.
The scenic variety, including lovely lake views, makes it worth the moderate challenge. If you’re craving more, the Colpitt Lake Loop extension adds extra miles to your run.
| Pro Tip: The first 0.4 km of the trail offers the easiest section, so it’s a great spot to enjoy the view before you tackle the more challenging parts. |
10. Chain of Lakes Trail
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Website: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/trails/chain-lakes
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pk2Zie9VYb4diAr88
The Chain of Lakes Trail stretches a hearty 13.2 km and is perfect for those who enjoy a well-paved path. This moderately challenging trail is a favorite for runners, bikers, and strollers, thanks to its smooth, paved surface.
It runs from Joseph Howe Drive to Lakeview, providing scenic lakeside views that make the distance fly by. Even in winter, this trail is maintained and accessible, making it a year-round option.
| Pro Tip: Parking at Ashburn Golf Course provides the most direct access to the trailhead, making it the best spot for getting started on your adventure. |
11. Costley Farm Heritage Trail Loop
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Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XB4GqQRcHMToTVok8
Costley Farm Heritage Trail Loop is a delightful 4.3-km journey through the Cole Harbour Heritage Park. The trail has varied terrain from rocky paths to gravel walkways, all offering lovely seaside views.
This moderately challenging loop is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of scenery and terrain. The trail is particularly great from March through October, making it a wonderful choice for spring and summer adventures.
Dogs are welcome and can roam off-leash in some areas, so let them enjoy the beautiful views along with you.
| Pro Tip: The main parking lot on Bissett Road is the best option for quick and easy access to the trailhead. |
12. Osprey – The Attic – Lou’s Basement Trail
Media credit: mcintoshrun
Address: Hartlen Park, 25 Lois Ln
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fui4xLufYWdRLEWy5
Osprey – The Attic – Lou’s Basement Trail is a unique 3.2-km loop in Mcintosh Run Regional Park. This trail offers a mix of rocky terrain and beautiful rock formations, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.
The varied routes and intriguing off-shoots keep things interesting, while the serene backdrop of chirping crickets and singing birds adds a calming touch.
The trail is well-marked with plenty of alternate routes to explore, so you can make your run as challenging as you like. It’s also pretty popular for birding, camping, and hiking.
| Pro Tip: Bring a trail map and keep an eye out for the various off-shoot trails to make the most of your run. |
13. Purcell Pond and Flat Lake Loop
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Website: https://nsnt.ca/focus-areas/purcells-cove-backlands/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Z2uscQXS7YSyLVT8
Purcell Pond and Flat Lake Loop spans 6.8 km of moderately challenging terrain in the Purcell’s Cove Backlands. The trail is a bit of a rugged adventure with steep inclines, declines, and plenty of rocks.
Ideal for runners who enjoy a bit of a challenge, this loop provides stunning scenery and a good workout. Since it’s not marked, downloading offline maps is a smart move to avoid getting lost.
Leashed dogs are welcome, and the trail is best visited from February to October.
| Pro Tip: The trail’s variety includes technical sections that are more demanding than the initial parts, so wear proper hiking footwear. |
