Best Halifax trails in the winter

In Canada, winter is cold and snowy and for a lot of people, it can be very depressing. I don't mind winter most years because I have had hockey to keep me entertained. Plus, I have also been able to see my family and some travelling to do. One great way to combat depression and the winter blues, is to go for a walk. The Halifax Regional Municipality has many trails despite it being a city, so I thought I would let you know my favourite ones to visit in the winter time.

The one I visit the most during the cold months (and really all year round) is Shubie Park. Most of the walk ways in the park are maintained in the winter, meaning they are cleared of snow so it is pretty easy still to walk or run on them. A portion is also an off-leash dog area. There are also information boards along the trails explaining the history of the area, mainly how the indigenous used the Shubenacadie Canal a long time ago. According to the Tourism Nova Scotia site, Shubie Park is a beautiful 16-hectare urban park in Dartmouth that contains over 9km of wooded walking trails, including part of the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).

Other trails to explore in the winter:

• Salt Marsh Trail (6.5km) - a lot of people use this trail for biking and walking their dogs. It can get windy here as you go over a bit of water but I enjoy this one too

• Mainland North Trail (4.5km) - there are trees on both sides of this trail so it is a little boring but if you live in Clayton Park, this is an easy trail to do

• Frog Pond Trail (1.4km)

• Point Pleasant Park (39km total) - if I remember correctly, the perimeter loop gets groomed/cleared in the winter but the inner trails don't really

• BLT Rails to Trails (13km)

• Hemlock Ravine (4km)

• Sackville Lakes Provincial Park (5.3km) - have only walked this in the fall (which I highly recommend) but I am sure it would be nice in the winter as well since it is wooded

• Gaetz Brook Greenway (6.8km)

Of course, these are just some of the trails that are in the metropolitan area to explore and many more across the province. Bring your camera, wear comfortable shoes (maybe with spikes), and put on some warm clothing to enjoy the trails. Leave no trace while you're using them.

You can find more information on the trails on the Halifax government website or Hike Nova Scotia. All these are a great way to check off 'go for a snowy nature walk' on your winter fun list.