Quick and accessible trails near you – no boots required

Getting out in the great outdoors for a short stroll or roll over lunch hour can be the perfect antidote to screen fatigue. Throughout the pandemic, people are understandably spending longer hours at home, and more time in front of the computer. As we transition into fall, instead of another Zoom call, why not invite a colleague to connect in person on an easy-to-access trail?

 Rail trails are easy – both to access and to walk. These are old abandoned rail lines that have been converted into trails. Many communities have these wide, flat trails and some even have paved sections. Your local municipal parks often have trails, too. If your community doesn’t have an outdoor walking track, consider taking a lap around the local ball field or pick a loop on local streets.

We’ve partnered with Hike Nova Scotia for their recommendations on quick and accessible trails that you can easily reach throughout the province. No matter where you are, there’s a nearby trail to discover. Here’s some of their favourites.

Wolfville

The Wolfville Rail Trail, part of the longer Harvest Moon Trailway, runs along the old railway tracks in town. It begins at Victoria Lane and continues west for 1.8 kilometres, ending at Cherry Lane.

Halifax/Dartmouth

On peninsula Halifax, there are lots of options for walking routes. There’s the Halifax Common Link Trail, as well as the route around the Common itself. If you work downtown, try the Barrington Street Active Transportation Greenway or the Halifax Waterfront boardwalk. Or try the trails at Point Pleasant Park. Not far from the park, you can hook up to the Halifax Urban Greenway. Get off the peninsula on the Chain of Lakes Trail, starting on Joseph Howe Drive.

There are more options in Dartmouth. Try the Dartmouth Harbourfront Walkway or the Portland Lakes Greenway near Russell Lake. The Shubie Park Greenway Corridor starts off Waverley Road at beautiful Shubie Park.

 Lunenburg

In the Town of Lunenburg, try the popular Front Harbour Trail at the foot of Broad Street and Falkland Street along the waterfront to Bluenose Drive. It connects to the Bay to Bay Trail extension at Sawpit Road. Connect with another section of the Bay to Bay Trail on Dufferin Street (close to Lorne), which is part of the longer Rum Runners Trail.

 Yarmouth

In Yarmouth, the Hartlin Trail traces the edge of Yarmouth harbour and offers interpretive signage, harbour views and access to parks, museums, shops and restaurants.

 Truro

In Truro, try a section of the Cobequid Trail that extends for 16 kilometres through central Colchester County, but happens to run through Truro starting near Lower Truro Road, cutting through town, along some downtown streets and then back to trail off College Road. And you can’t go wrong with strolling through Truro’s beautiful Victoria Park.

 Amherst

Amherst’s Walking Guide takes you through the town’s trails, on-street routes, parks and green spaces in a nicely laid-out map. And there are walking tracks available at three local parks: Lions, Dickey and Rotary parks.

 New Glasgow

Take a stroll along a portion of New Glasgow’s six-kilometre rail trail system spanning the town along the scenic riverfront. It includes the Samson Trail, Pioneer Trail and Johnny Miles Memorial Trail.

 Sydney

In Sydney, try the Greenlink Trail System, a network of three-metre wide gravel paths suitable for walkers and cyclists. Access is at many locations in downtown Sydney, connecting the shipyard area to Membertou and to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Another option is Open Hearth Park, a large green space with paved pathways accessible on foot from Prince Street and accessible by vehicle from Ferry Street and Inglis Street.

 Inverness

In the Village of Inverness, let ocean waves calm you with a walk along Inverness Beach, accessible off Beach Road. There are boardwalks that run parallel to a portion of the beach as well. If you’re not up for a beach walk, hop onto the Inverness Shean Rail Trail, part of the longer Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, which is also part of the Great Trail. Access it at the Miners Museum trailhead kiosk in town.

If traversing these trails inspires you to learn more, check out Hike Nova Scotia’s introduction to hiking webinar or many of the other courses and workshops they offer.