The best hikes from bus stations around Halifax County

The Sackville River runs alongside much of the greenway before emptying into Bedford Basin. The trail crosses it twice and stays close to the water through several sections, so you get plenty of chances to stop and look down at the river as you go. It’s also an important salmon river, with ongoing restoration work focused on improving fish habitat and water quality.

The Bedford-Sackville Connector Greenway is a 3.5-kilometre multi-use trail following the Sackville River between Bedford and Lower Sackville. It continues from the Fort Sackville Walkway at Range Park and crosses the river twice before reaching the Fultz House Museum. The mostly gravel route also has benches and interpretive signs along the way, with several access points if you don’t want to walk the full length.

Bedford Bay forms the northwestern end of Bedford Basin, where the Sackville River meets the sheltered waters of Halifax Harbour. The shoreline here is quite developed, but public paths and boardwalks keep you close to the bay around Bedford’s waterfront. It’s also a good place to watch boats moving through the basin and waterfowl around the quieter edges of the shore.

Mainland Linear Trail is a multi-use greenway that follows a utility corridor for just under 5 kilometres, connecting parks, schools, recreation facilities, and neighbourhoods across western Halifax. It’s a mostly flat, wide gravel surface and passes through woodlands, wetlands, and open green space along its course, making it a popular route for walking, running, and cycling.

Glenbourne Park is a popular community green space with open fields, a playground, sports courts, and home to one of Halifax’s most popular BMX and pump tracks. Connected to the Mainland Linear Trail, it’s a great place to take a break, enjoy a picnic, or watch riders of all skill levels tackle the jumps and berms.

Spanning more than 100 hectares, Mainland Commons is the largest municipal park in Halifax and is a hub for sports recreation. Walking trails weave through woodlands and open fields, and the park includes playgrounds, multiple sports fields, and an off-leash dog park, making this a great spot that offers something for everyone.

Stonington Park is a green space/parkland on the east edge of the Stonington Park neighbourhood. There is access here to a nature trail and facilities. Keep in mind that this is a residential neighbourhood, and you can't park in front of the park entrance here. There is, however, street parking available in the neighbourhood and access to the path to the north along Gary Martin Drive and Innovation Drive.

This neighbourhood nature trail is a very accessible, paved and packed gravel path that runs through a green area with a creek. It is accessible from an entrance in the Stonington Park neighbourhood along Hollyhock Way, as well as entrances behind Charles P. Allen High School, and along Gary Martin Drive. This is a calm trail for a walk or run if you are in the area.