Pedal your way through summer on these bike trails

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You’ve experienced Halifax and beyond on four wheels, but how about two? It’s the summer of cycling, a form of transportation that will give you a whole new view of both the urban core and the natural beauty the province has to offer. There’s an abundance of biking trails full of nature, culture and even music, waiting to be explored. Whether you're an avid cyclist or someone who just recently started practicing the art of bicycle riding, there’s a trail with your name on it this summer.

HALIFAX

Barrington Street Active Transportation Greenway
If you’re looking to head outdoors this summer but still want to stay within the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can try out the Barrington Street Active Transportation Greenway that spans Barrington Street from North to Cornwallis.
Distance: 800 metres.

Halifax Urban Greenway
Escape the city in the city by enjoying the Halifax Urban Greenway, a path built along the CN Rail Line to help preserve the nature in the city's south end.
Distance: 1 km

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Instead of just strolling the boardwalk this summer grab your bike (or rent one at I Heart Bikes) and ride the waterfront.
Distance: 3.8 km 

Point Pleasant Park
With 75 hectares, Point Pleasant Park lets you design your own bike trail. Take a different path each time you visit. Not to mention there’s plenty of parking at Point Pleasant Drive and Tower Road if you live a little further.
Distance: 3.36 to 39 km

McIntosh Run
Located at the north end of River Road in Spryfield, this trail takes you on a footbridge that transforms into a paved path through Silver Estates.
Distance: 1.3 km

Chain of Lakes Trail
Starting on Joseph Howe Drive, this 2-hour trail takes you through Bayers Lake Business Park and Lakeside Business Park before connecting to the Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Trail.
Distance: 7.25 km

Frog Pond Trail
Beginning just after the intersections of Herring Cove and Purcells Cove Roads, this half-hour trail is perfect if you’re looking for a lot of nature in a little amount of time.
Distance: 1.4 km

DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail
Across the harbour from Halifax is… another inviting seashore. Get a beautiful view of the ocean and the iconic downtown Hali skyline while biking along the Dartmouth waterfront.
Distance: 3 km

Shubie Canal Greenway
Beginning at Fairbanks Centre Shubie Park, this 3-hour trail allows you to enjoy Waverly Nova Scotia and has been known to be perfect for beginner bikers. Future plans for this trail include connecting it to the Dartmouth Harbourfront.
Distance: 9.25 km

TIMBERLEA

St. Margarets Bay Rails to Trails
Riding this trail in its entirety would take you a whopping two days, but with three trailheads (Station Road in Hubbards; St. Margarets Bay on Station Road; Highway 3 at Hubley), flexibility on where to begin and end is your friend.
Distance: 32 km

COLE HARBOUR

Salt Marsh & Shearwater Flyer Trail
Starting at the Department of National Defence Shearwater, the Shearwater trail meshes into Salt Marsh. These trails connect you to the urban core, the eastern shore, and Lawrencetown Beach.
Distance: 13.5 km

Atlantic View Trail
Cycling on the Eastern Shore, this trail guides you through marshes, bluffs, woodland, and passes through Lowarencetown Beach Provincial Park. This trail also connects to the Salt Marsh Trail. Distance: 10 km

Musquodoboit Trailway
This trail system—no camping allowed—meanders more than 40 kilometres, so you could easily book out your entire day with a return trip estimated at eight hours. But that includes the possibilities for backcountry and wilderness hikes. The Rail Trail at the heart of the system is an easily bikeable path built on an old railway line.
Distance: 15 km

BEDFORD & SACKVILLE

First Lake Glen Slauenwhite Trail
Starting at First Lake and Glendale this trail is perfect if you’re looking for some solitude this summer.
Distance: 3.3 km

OUTSIDE THE HRM

The Dynamite Trail
This beautiful trail begins at Martin’s River and takes you through a lakeside and woodland adventure ending at Mahone Bay.
Distance: 10 km

The Gorge
Located in Kentville, The Gorge is perfect for beginners and experts looking for a little extra fun. It offers a variety of terrains and skills park at the entrance as well as free ride destinations within the trails.
Distance: 19 km

Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Also known as Port Hastings Trailhead, this trail is an impressive 92 km running from Port Hastings to Inverness on Cape Breton Island. This unique experience offers, off-road cycling, beaches, a golf course and even live Celtic music to keep you entertained.
Distance: 92 km

Rum Runners Trail
Who needs a car to see Nova Scotia? This trail connects Halifax to the quaint town of Lunenburg while also providing a glimpse of Hubbards, Chester and Mahone Bay along the way.
Distance: 119 km

Cabot Trail
Known as one of the world's most beautiful cycling trails, the Cabot Trail is something avid cyclists should do at least once in their lives. Along the way get assistance from Parks Canada staff, explore the local culture and book an outdoor stay at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Distance: 298 km

Harvest Moon Trailway
This trail shows off the great Annapolis Valley, travelling through towns and showcasing the area's Acadian heritage. Stop at delicious restaurants and farmers' markets while you ride.
Distance: 110 km