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 in summer 2025 — register below to join.
Registration is capped for each hike, so register to reserve your spot. Participants will receive final details by email two days before the hike.
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to comply with the province's ban on hiking, we will be leaving our Hike the Greenbelt series hikes open for registration, with an understanding that events may be subject to cancellation. We will update participants as quickly as possible as the situation continues to unfold. Thank you for your understanding.
Hike to Fox Lake Lookout - July 19, 2025
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area
Details: Take in sweeping views of Fox Lake on this guided hike through traditional Wabanaki forest. We'll follow a rugged trail to a scenic lookout, where you're encouraged to rest and enjoy a snack with a view. Along the way, learn about the ecological significance of this area — a trove of connected watercourses and home to species like the endangered mainland moose — and the growing threats it faces. This hike is manageable for those up for a fun challenge.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging terrain, average pace
Hike to Flat Lake - Aug. 5, 2025 - EVENT CANCELLED
PLEASE NOTE: in order to comply with the provincial and municipal restrictions on activities in wooded areas, this event has been cancelled.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 5 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Halifax Backlands
Details: Join us for an evening hike through the globally rare Jack Pine–Broom Crowberry barrens of the Halifax Backlands. This fire-adapted landscape supports rare arctic-alpine plants and is one of the few nesting grounds in the region for the common nighthawk, a threatened bird species that raises its young here during the summer months. Learn how fire shapes this rugged ecosystem and what’s being done to protect it from development pressures.
Difficulty: Moderate terrain, average pace
Stormwater Tour and Bioblitz at Lake Banook - Aug. 12, 2025 - EVENT CANCELLED
PLEASE NOTE: in order to comply with the provincial and municipal restrictions on activities in wooded areas, this event has been cancelled.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Banook
Details: Celebrate Wetlands Appreciation Week with the Ecology Action Centre, Our HRM Alliance and the Halifax Regional Municipality. Join us for a guided tour focused on stormwater management around Lake Banook. Explore how stormwater travels through the watershed, and learn about the successes and lessons learned from nature-based solutions implemented around the lake. Highlights include naturalization projects, planned work in municipal parks and a community bioblitz in Birch Cove Park. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how wetlands and watersheds protect our communities, and how you can contribute to community science initiatives.
To best participate, please bring a smartphone with the free iNaturalist app downloaded.
Difficulty: Easy terrain, slow to average pace
Chat and Swim at Sandy Lake - Aug. 23, 2025
Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Sandy Lake Park
Details: In keeping with provincial and municipal regulations, this event has been changed to a “Chat and Swim” - we will be having a group discussion about the fascinating local ecology of Sandy Lake followed by a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear water. This special place is home to over 15 species at risk, including the endangered Atlantic salmon, but faces increasing pressure from proposed development. Learn what’s at stake, how you can advocate for its protection and why Sandy Lake is one of the most ecologically valuable wild spaces in the region. After our discussion, cool off with a swim at the public beach — change rooms/washrooms are on-site. With municipal lifeguards, a sandy walk-in and refreshing water, it’s one of the best swim spots around.
Difficulty: Easy with optional wading/swimming
For questions about the Hike the Greenbelt series, please message Jillian, sustainable cities coordinator with the EAC, at jillian.ramsay@ecologyaction.ca
If the hike you wish to register for is full, please join the waitlist to be notified in the event of cancelled registrations.
Find out more ways to get involved with Our HRM Alliance here!