Halifax Beach Day Trips
Where to Sun, Swim and Surf on a Day Trip near Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mar 10, 2009
Just a short drive from Halifax lie some of Nova Scotia’s best beaches. The region north of the city offers excellent surfing while the inner-city Point Pleasant Park provides a quick escape from downtown. For safe, warm swimming waters, head to the interior lakes.
Overall, Halifax beaches offer diversity for a Nova Scotia day trip. Whether visitors are seeking a sunset stroll or an all-day beach adventure, there exist ample options in this coastal Canadian province.
Nova Scotia Surfing at Martinique and Lawrencetown Beaches near Halifax
The options for Nova Scotia surfing near Halifax are numerous. From the sandy shores of Lawrencetown to unnamed rocky points, the Nova Scotia shoreline teems with surf breaks that are conveniently close to Halifax for a day trip.
- Lawrencetown Beach: Visitors to Nova Scotia can ride world-class waves at Lawrencetown Beach. At about a 35-minute drive from Halifax, Lawrencetown Beach offers swimmers and surfers southern exposure and stretches for about 1.5 km (.9 miles). As the beach is located in a provincial park, nearby hiking trails make for a great day trip even when there is little ocean swell. Located on Marine Drive on Highway 207.
- Martinique Beach: A 5-km (3 mile) crescent of pale sand greets Nova Scotia beach-goers at Martinique Beach. Located a one-hour drive north of Halifax, Martinique Beach offers great supervised swimming in the summer and the perfect spot to build sand castles, not to mention the surfing. Located on East Petpeswick Road, south of Musquodoboit Harbour.
Black Rock Beach, Point Pleasant Park: A Halifax Beach Close Downtown
For a quick seaside escape from downtown Halifax, head to Point Pleasant Park where history blends with woodlands and ocean vistas.
- Black Rock Beach at Point Pleasant Park: While not recommended for swimming, Black Rock Beach in Point Pleasant Park makes for a quick getaway to the sun and sand. Watch the seagulls loitering for food, play Frisbee on the grass, or walk along the waterfront and learn about Maritime history at the memorials in the park. In the summertime, visitors can also catch a show by Shakespeare by the Sea. Find Black Rock Beach in Point Pleasant Park, at the east end of Point Pleasant Drive.
Halifax Lake Beaches Offer Safe Swimming
Lake beaches offer a number of benefits—particularly for those on a family summer vacation. The warmth of the lakes means a longer swimming season than at coastal beaches where the strong currents can change quickly. Also, there are often provincial campgrounds nearby for vacationing families.
Lake beaches near Halifax include:
- Shubenacadie-Grand Lake: A 35 km (22 mile) drive northwest from Halifax lie Oakfield Park and the popular swimming beaches at Shubenacadie-Grand Lake. The lake is large and a true family summer vacation destination with options for boating, camping, and barbecues. An educational and fun Halifax day trip includes a visit to the Shubenadadie Wildlife Park. From Halifax, follow highway 118 then Highway 2 to Oakfield Park Road.
- Porters Lake: This picturesque park provides many waterside camping spots in addition to boating and swimming. The park juts out into Porters Lake so swimmers have plenty of options for taking a dip. Drive 30 km (19 miles) northeast from Halifax on Highway 107, then follow West Porters Lake Road.
Other Great Coastal Beaches near Halifax
With more than 7,000 km (4,350 miles) of coastline, there are many other fantastic beaches around Nova Scotia and close to Halifax. The Northumberland Shore and Cape Breton offer stunning and historic beaches, while the beaches on Nova Scotia's south shore present a diverse selection of day hikes that range from easy to challenging.
Visitors will certainly appreciate that the immense Nova Scotia coastline means there is no shortage of places to explore.
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