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.
Learning Hike: Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
Where: Sandy Lake
When: Thursday, May 28, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.
Details: Kick off this year’s Hike the Greenbelt series with a special hike at Sandy Lake! In partnership with HRM’s Environment and Climate Change team, join us at Sandy Lake to learn more about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that is threatening our local forests and their Eastern Hemlock trees. Discover what is being done across the province to protect our precious hemlocks, learn to identify signs of infestation, and take action to protect our local forests from invasives! We will also explore the other natural features of Sandy Lake Park, which are essential to the environmental well-being of HRM – and how you can help conserve our local green and blue space.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate terrain, slow pace
Hike to Fox Lake Lookout
Where: Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
When: Sunday, June 7, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Details: Join us for a hearty hike in Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes (BMBCL) Wilderness Area. We’ll trek through classic examples of thriving Wabanaki Forest – the primary forest type in Mi’kma’ki. Learn about the unique local ecology of BMBCL that supports endangered species, such as the Mainland Moose, and upholds the ecological connectivity of our municipality! These green spaces are vital to our communities and local environment – come learn, discuss and take action to protect these lands from urban sprawl.
Difficulty: Moderate terrain, a few challenging terrain sections, longer distance, average pace.
Hike to Flat Lake
Where: The Halifax Backlands
When: Thursday, June 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Details: The Halifax Backlands are home to a globally rare Jack Pine Broom Crowberry Barren. Explore this area’s unique ecology and discover the rare or endangered plants and animals this ecosystem supports! We’ll be on the lookout for Common Nighthawk, a rare bird that nests and mates here in June. If we’re lucky, we can even witness their bold mating display (don’t worry, it’s family friendly!). Discover what makes these forests so special, and what actions we can take to keep them protected.
Difficulty: Moderate terrain, average pace.
Summer Solstice Hike
Where: The Halifax Backlands
When: Sunday, June 21, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Details: Celebrate the longest day of the year and transition to the summer season with our Summer Solstice Hike! Explore the Halifax Backlands, a globally rare ecosystem that is a host to unique animals, plants and beyond! Unique watersheds, topography and forests are yours to discover! These lands fall in the heart of our Suburban area and are feeling development pressures as our city grows. Learn what you can do to support the conservation of our vital green and blue spaces!
Difficulty: Moderate 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!