This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published June 7, 2022.
Living in Halifax, with the hustle and bustle of people and cars, it may be hard to believe that you’re just a short drive away from some beautiful views. Views that you might just fall in love with. What better summer than this one to chase some waterfalls in the city?
Whether you’re looking for a more accessible experience or want to mix in some hiking with your chase, plan out your summer days with this guide to the best waterfalls in Halifax.
Miller Lake Falls
Just 30 minutes outside of downtown, Miller Lake Falls can be found on the north end of Miller Lake in Fall River, Halifax. Just a 10-minute walk from the road, these falls offer an epic view for very little effort.
Getting there: Park on Perrin Drive 2km before the Tilmann Brook bridge, there will be a trail on the left side of the road that leads to the waterfall.
Golden Brook Falls
Not really keen on hiking to the falls but still want to chase some beautiful scenery? Or need a more accessible waterfall? Golden Brook Falls flows into Shubenacadie Grand Lake and can be seen from your car. Just a 35-minute drive from downtown the four-foot Wellington Station attraction is perfect for every age.
Getting there: From Wellington Station, find Kings Road, turn left and drive down the road for 2km.
Slaughenwhites Cascades
Slaughenwhites Cascades is more of a four-in-one deal. Located in Upper Tantallon, instead of just one waterfall, a 10-minute hike to the east river will expose four different cascades. Believe it or not, the best day for an Instagram photoshoot at this location is when the sky is overcast.
Getting there: 30 minutes from downtown, drive along St. Margarets Bay Road, turn left onto Peggys Cove Road and then make another left on Old School Road. Along the road, you’ll see a hiking trail in the woods that leads to the East River.
Phantom Falls
Phantom Falls is Halifax’s largest waterfall and is one of the views that requires a little more dedication when it comes to reaching it. Located in Upper Musquodoboit, it takes about an hour to hike down to the falls, but there is heavy signage and it is considered safe for less experienced explorers.
Getting there: Drive for 4.5km on highway 336 where you’ll then turn right onto a dirt road and drive for 1.8km more. Here you’ll be able to park and signage will be available leading you to the falls.
Pockwock Falls
If you’re looking to tie a little history into your waterfall chasing, Pockwock Falls was once a road that connected to Old Annapolis Road in the 1800s and provided access from Halifax to Annapolis Royal. Just 35 minutes outside of downtown, these falls also require a hike of 45 minutes.
Getting there: Head northwest on Hammons Plains Road then make a right on PockWock Road. Continue on the road until you reach Camptown Road where you’ll be able to pull over, park and start your hike.
Updated with files from Matt Stickland