Hike the "greenbelt" of Halifax
Urban Halifax has a fledging greenbelt – areas that should stay undeveloped for all the benefits they provide, including supporting a healthy, vibrant city. Our HRM Alliance is hosting hikes at key spots in the greenbelt during spring, summer and fall 2026. Register below to join!
Registration is capped for each hike, so register to reserve your spot. If the hike you wish to register for is full, please join the waitlist to be notified in the event of cancelled registrations. Participants will receive final details by email two days before the hike.
Discover Forest School: Tree Bingo Hike
Where: Sandy Lake
When: Saturday, July 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Details: Join the Ecology Action Centre and Our HRM Alliance, along with Tideview and Roots and Boots Forest Schools, for a family-friendly adventure at Sandy Lake! Learn to identify common Wabanaki tree species by their leaves as we explore the trails, ending in a fun game of Tree Bingo suitable for all ages! After the hike, forest school practitioners will host an open Q&A about forest school, rewilding kids and helping children and families safely connect with nature. Participants are welcome to stay for a swim at Sandy Lake afterwards.
Terrain: Easy to moderate terrain, slow pace
Invasive Species Bioblitz
Where: The Backlands
When: Sunday, July 5 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Details: Join the Ecology Action Centre, Our HRM Alliance and the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council for a guided hike through the Backlands and learn to identify invasive species commonly found in our local green spaces. Participants will learn how to use the free app iNaturalist to record observations and contribute valuable data to community science efforts. Along the way, we'll explore the unique ecology of the Backlands, including its globally rare ecosystems and important conservation features.
Terrain: Moderate terrain, a few challenging terrain sections, average pace.
Critter Dipping & Evening Swim
Where: Sandy Lake Park
When: Thursday, July 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Details: Join us for “critter dipping” and an evening swim at Sandy Lake. Using nets, we’ll collect and examine aquatic invertebrates up close with magnifying glasses and kid-friendly ID guides. After learning about these cool bugs we can go for a lovely swim in Sandy Lake. This is a family-friendly event – all ages welcome!
Terrain: Easy terrain, ankle deep wading, slow pace and short distance.
Wetlands Appreciation Week - Bioblitz at Sandy Lake
Where: Sandy Lake
When: Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Details: Celebrate Wetlands Appreciation Week with an evening of exploration and community science at Sandy Lake! Learn about the important role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, and filtering water while discovering the plants and animals that call these habitats home. Participants will learn how to use free species identification and tracking app, iNaturalist, and contribute observations that help ecologists better understand species diversity and abundance in the area.
Terrain: Moderate terrain, light bushwhacking, moderate pace.
Hike to Blue Mountain Summit
Where: Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
When: Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for an evening hike to the highest point in all of HRM! Views from Blue Mountain Summit include traditional Wabanaki forest, and a peek of urban landscapes tucked around the forest. Along the way, we'll learn about the area's ecology, history and ongoing conservation efforts while enjoying one of HRM's most beloved wild spaces, and a candidate to be a National Urban Park!
Terrain: Moderate to challenging terrain, average pace.
For questions about the Hike the Greenbelt series, please message our Sustainable Cities Coordinator, Jillian, at jillian.ramsay@ecologyaction.ca
Find out more ways to get involved with Our HRM Alliance here!