the pike group

Military Moves

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The Best Hiking and Outdoor Spots Around Halifax

If you’ve been posted to Halifax, you’re in for a treat — the region is packed with outdoor adventures, and most of them are shockingly close to the city. Whether you prefer challenging hikes, peaceful walks, beaches, or kid-friendly nature loops, Halifax has something for everyone.

Here’s your guide to the most-loved hiking and outdoor locations near CFB Halifax.

1. Point Pleasant Park

Distance: 10 minutes from CFB Halifax

This is where city life meets forest meets ocean.
Perfect for:

  • Daily walks

  • Running

  • Dog-friendly outings

  • Coastal views

  • Exploring old fortifications

Trails range from wide gravel paths to smaller forest tracks — great for all skill levels.

2. Long Lake Provincial Park

Distance: 10–15 minutes

This huge park has become a favourite hangout for families and hikers.

Highlights:

  • Clearly marked trails

  • Swimming spots

  • Kayaking and paddleboarding

  • Peaceful forest areas

The lake views on sunny days are stunning.

3. Duncan’s Cove Coastal Trail

Distance: 25–30 minutes

A rugged coastal hike that delivers some of the most breathtaking oceanside views in HRM.

Expect:

  • Dramatic cliffs

  • Crashing waves

  • Granite barrens

  • Wildlife sightings

It’s windy, rocky and unforgettable. Not ideal for toddlers, but perfect for adventurous families.

4. Polly’s Cove Trail

Distance: 40 minutes

Think “Peggy’s Cove,” but quieter and more untouched.

Enjoy:

  • Coastal views

  • Rolling granite terrain

  • Hidden coves

  • Fewer crowds

This one feels like something from a tourism commercial — photographers love it.

5. Crystal Crescent Beach + Coastal Trail

Distance: 35–40 minutes

If you love a mix of beach and wilderness, this is the spot.

Features:

  • Three stunning white-sand beaches

  • A long, rugged loop with jaw-dropping views

  • Great birdwatching

  • Seals offshore

It’s one of the most Instagrammed nature areas around Halifax.

6. Hemlock Ravine Park

Distance: 10–15 minutes

A beautiful, gentle trail system perfect for families or evening dog walks.

Highlights:

  • Forested loops

  • Heart-shaped pond

  • Quiet, peaceful environment

  • Close to Bedford and Rockingham

Ideal for low-intensity hiking days.

7. Shubie Park

Distance: 15 minutes

Dartmouth’s favourite outdoor escape — a perfect combo of lakeside paths and forest trails.

Enjoy:

  • Off-leash dog areas

  • Wide, stroller-friendly paths

  • Canal history

  • Great picnic spots

This is one of the most accessible parks for families living near Shearwater or Dartmouth.

8. Salt Marsh Trail

Distance: 20–25 minutes

A long, flat trail built on an old rail line stretching across coastal marshland.

Expect:

  • Wide open ocean views

  • Birdwatching

  • Windy boardwalk areas

  • Easy terrain

Great for biking, walking, or long, peaceful outings.

9. Bluff Wilderness Trail

Distance: 20 minutes

For experienced hikers wanting a challenge — this trail is tougher, longer and wilder.

Known for:

  • Steep climbs

  • Wilderness views

  • Rocky terrain

  • Several loops of increasing difficulty

Great for those looking for real backcountry vibes close to the city.

10. McNabs Island

Distance: short ferry ride

A full-day adventure that feels like you’re stepping back in time.

Discover:

  • Abandoned forts

  • Beaches

  • Historic buildings

  • Forest trails

  • Ocean lookouts

Bring a picnic — it’s one of the most unique outdoor spots in HRM.

11. Victoria Park (Truro)

Distance: 1 hr*

A bit farther, but worth the drive.

What makes it special:

  • Waterfalls

  • Wooden staircases

  • Deep forest ravines

  • Well-kept paths

Great for families wanting a full hiking day.

12. Musquodoboit Trailway & Gibraltar Rock Look-off

Distance: 45 minutes

A perfect mix of easy and hard trails depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Highlights:

  • Long flat rail trail

  • Challenging side loops

  • Incredible scenic viewpoints

  • Great for mountain biking

It’s one of Nova Scotia’s most underrated hiking networks.

Final Thoughts

Halifax makes it incredibly easy to get outdoors, whether you want a quiet weekday walk, a family picnic spot, or a weekend adventure along dramatic coastal cliffs. Military families love that some of the region’s most beautiful trails are only minutes from base, meaning you never have to travel far to enjoy Nova Scotia’s natural beauty.

Written by Sandra Pike, REALTOR®, Royal LePage Atlantic
Helping military families discover the best of Halifax — both in the city and on the trails.

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Andrea Davis

Comox Valley

Andrea Davis has come home to the Comox Valley for the lifestyle she loves. She started her successful Real Estate career in Ontario while her husband was posted there, Reaching top 6-10% in the regional market place.

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Sales Representative at Royal LePage

Who is Andrea?

“When my husband retired, after 25 years in the Canadian Military, it was a short conversation to decide where to move with our family. Out of all the places we lived, the Comox Valley has always been the place we considered home.” For most people their home is the biggest investment of their life. Andrea knows the details that reduce the risk and understands the stress of moving. She focuses on finding clients the right home. Repeat business and referrals are the foundation of her business. She makes a donation for every sale to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Her work ethic will move you. In 2018 Andrea was excited to make Directors Platinum which is top 5% in her marketplace.

Jane Furter Broker, B.A. (HONS)

Kingston, Ontario.

RRP- REGISTERED RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

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Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Jane Furter Approach

Welcome to beautiful Kingston, Ontario.  Buying or selling a home is a big decision and you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When you work with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

Jennifer Turcotte

Petawawa

Real Estate Broker RE/MAX

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REAL ESTATE BROKER RE/MAX

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Jennifer brings to the table a strong background in sales, marketing and negotiation. Emphasis on extraordinary service producing outstanding results is the backbone of her business and this philosophy has served her clients well over the years. Because of the unparalleled service provided by Jennifer, clients return time and again and also are happy to refer their family and friends. You can always be assured that your real estate needs will be met and exceed when Jennifer handles your real estate transaction in Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Chalk River and beyond!

Adam Mills

OTTAWA

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

4-3101 STRANDHERD DR, OTTAWA ON K2G 4R9

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Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Adam?

Adam Mills is an energetic, dedicated and approachable professional who strives to assist his clients in fulfilling their real estate dreams. He provides expert and timely guidance and aims to build long-lasting and professional relationships.
With an honours bachelor of commerce degree, specializing in marketing, Adam’s creativity and ingenuity create positive results. His goal is to maximize your return on investment in a timely fashion.
For Buyers: Adam’s comprehensive market knowledge and strong negotiating skills will ensure you find a home that meets your needs and wants at a great price.

Karen Syroid

GAGETOWN

The Real Estate industry is one big misunderstood paradox for most people. It's a Universal language; everyone speaks it - and yet there are still so many questions surrounding it. In my previous experience as a Real Estate consumer, not knowing what questions to ask I realized the process needed work.

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Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Karen?

My career prior to choosing Real Estate was pretty darn awesome, spanning 10 years of people and relationship management in both Private and Public sectors. In my District Sales Management role I managed 6 talented leaders spanning 3 provinces and 160 sales staff, and was awarded Top District Manager and Top Talent Retention for Canada and the US. Travelling for a living was exciting but starting a family was a personal goal and priority. After proceeding to work in a Management role with the NB Government, including leading and negotiating a National contract on behalf of the Province, it was time to put my professional skillset to work in the Real Estate sector.
My friends and family would say I live life in the fullest way. An optimist by nature and always open to new experiences. Last minute trip? Concert tickets for tonight? I'm your girl I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, turning the TV off and playing board games, and I truly value the lost art of conversation over a gin or craft beer. I have a passion for home design and I believe in buying local, supporting and investing in our Community and growing our local market. And not to brag but pretty sure if there was a sommelier equivalent for nachos and poutine, I'd make Master level.
My husband would consider me a risk taker but I would argue a calculated one. Did I leave a fulfilling, Full Time, permanent and pensioned career with the Government for the unknown? I sure did but you'd better believe it was a 5-year move in the making and it came with a solid business plan - and as they say, with great risk comes great reward. Our daughter Kate was born in 2017 which has been the greatest reward of all, and I'm proud to be instilling in her the values I was taught growing up; that women are smart, powerful, resilient, independent, inspirational...they can have a strong work ethic and a fulfilling career, AND be the nurturing, soft place to fall that children need.
The recognition with Royal LePage has come quickly, reaching Diamond level (top 3%) and Top 10 individual agents in the Atlantics consistently since 2014. Selling Real Estate is a form of art. It takes good clear thought, strategy, planning and great instinct. My mission is to Re-define Real Estate, and I've been “doing it” for hundreds of clients since 2012.

Susan Horon

Edmonton

Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

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Real Estate Agent Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Who is Susan?

Susan can be described as an energetic and caring professional. Her moral code is to treat every client as she would want to be treated. This means you can expect respect and attention to detail. Value for the time and effort you are investing with her. After 17 years as a full time real estate agent her wealth of knowledge in the industry is a valuable asset to any form of Real Estate, especially relocation. She is a lifelong resident of Edmonton and has a strong grasp of each community in and around Edmonton. She knows what these areas have to offer and how to translate that into a wise real estate investment for you. Your house needs to be a home, but also needs to be a smart choice for your future. As we know in relocations, tomorrow may bring more change and she is always thinking resale not just a quick sale. She has plenty of experience with Military relocations. These situations require dedication, sense of urgency, patience, a strong grasp of the protocols required and the ability to guide the client appropriately. She understands the stress a relocation has on a family and will make every effort to relieve as much of that stress as she can. Her goal as your agent is create long lasting relationships with you through trust and proven commitment.

Susan is a proud supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helping many women and children across Canada face life’s adversities. Susan was the past chair and governor of the Edmonton Realtors Community Foundation which has given back over $3 million to the grassroots charities in the area. She cares about her city and donates time and money to improve it. Susan is honored to be an educational trainer for Royal LePage Noralta, teaching new agents how to be successful in their career. Previously Susan worked 19 years in the dental industry. She has brought with her to real estate the strong ethics and high standard of service she learned in that previous career. This has all translated in to success as a top producing Real Estate professional.