Smack on the Bedford Basin, this is great park for all seasons and ages. For families with kids,…read morethe highlight would be the large playground. It has a rubbery artifical surface which means it doesn't get muddy, and softens trips and falls. The worn-out previous wooden ship playstructure was replaced in Fall 2015. There is a bathroom which is clean, heated and open all year round. As a bonus for those in the diaper way it also has change tables- in both bathrooms. There are lots of benches around the playground so it is easy to sit and keep an eye on the kids. In the Summer, the park is close to cool breezes from the Basin. It is fun to spread out a blanket and watch the ships sailing in and out of Bedford yacht squadron. There is a brick walkway that goes along the waterfront that is great for casual strolls and running. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Narrows. It is kept clear in the Winter so you often see people pushing strollers and older people getting some fresh air.

For me, this park was just okay. If you have kids I think you might enjoy it a lot more. It has a…read morehuge playground that you can comfortably watch your kids play. There is basically nothing blocking your view in the park. Which I'm guessing is a plus when you bring kids to the park to play, a pano view of the surroundings. It's basically a big patch of grass between the ocean and the parking lot. Lots of benches, lots of fantastic views of the basin. It was winter when I stopped in to check this park out, but I think there is a paved path/boardwalk that goes pretty far. It's a great place to walk your dog (on leash) or go for a stroll if you're in Bedford and in the market for that kinda thing.

Perhaps the most popular hike within the park is the ravine trail. The information below is…read morespecifically about this loop. It's 4 kms or 2.5 miles, a loop trail, and has elevation gains of 93m or 315 feet. The trailhead located off the Bedford Highway on Kent Avenue (across from the Rotunda and has parking lot has space for ~20 vehicles In order to get to the ravine trail, you will need to follow this path from the parking lot: Rockingham Loop (Blue), Governors Loop (Red) and the Ravine Trail (Orange). These trails will take you to the bottom of the ravine. It's here the trail ends, but connects with other trails. We recommend making a right at the bottom. It will allow you to follow a beautiful stream - which is perhaps the most beautiful area of the park. Allow yourself about 2 hours to complete this loop. If you want a complete travel guide and video of this location, please visit our website at www.joshthetravelguy.ca and www.youtube.com/joshthetravelguy respectively.

This is my favorite park in Halifax, for many reasons!…read more Sentimental: I first enjoyed this park when, according to my dad, I was 1 year old. Ever-Changing: Over the years I have returned here and made new memories as I have watched the paths multiply and improve. The landscape evolves with the seasons, bringing new life, transitioning and regenerating. Very popular park, especially on weekend afternoons. Namaste.

Sandy Lake Park is a great place to go even in the winter if you want to hike through some woods…read moreoff the beaten path. Even though the lake freezes over, there are some unfrozen spots which my dog enjoyed swimming in. In the summer, you can utilize some of the picnic tables overlooking the lake. There is a trail that is a circular loop but it's not exactly marked so I recommend coming early enough so you can find your way out. To get there, just take the 102 N to exit 3B - take a right on Smith Rd and drive to the end and there is a parking area.

Poorly marked trails in the off leash dog area, can't get to the beach as it suddenly became no…read moredogs allowed (even on a leash).

If you are ever looking for a playground to take your children to this is the one. First one the…read morethe HRM that is handicap accessible with a cushion floor. Remember when you were little and you used to go to the playground and you fell on the cement well not any more. This ground surrounding one of the larges jungle gyms is almost like sponge. As well in the summer time there are sprinklers that turn on so that the kids can cool down from the Summer heat. From slides to swing to baby swings to monkey bars to a field that you can enjoy playing soccer or just run wild. Tennis courts are there as well and are normally busy in the summer months. Basket ball nets are located by the schools as well. See you there in the Summer trust me the kids will love you for it.

Great playground. Love the foam floor and ramps.great for my 2 yo to runs around and not make a…read moremess!

Located in the North End, this park has been a family favorite of ours every Summer since our first…read morewas born. It has a fence that borders the whole park which is great for keeping the kids safe while letting them run around. There is lots of open spaces and grass perfect for picnics The highlight would probably be the splash pad that is open from end of June until Labour day- bring the swim suits! It is great place to take kids in Summer as there are several trees that you can spread your blanket under for shade. There is also a large sandbox that has a roof over it. There are a bunch of sand toys that are just left there so there is always something to play with if you don't bring any from home. On top of that there are three playgrounds that are suitable for kids from 2 years to about 10. The only thing that would improve it is if there were bathrooms. If you have kids, check this place out!

Dartmouth is known for a lot of things (haters to the left...) but many forget that it's the City…read moreof Lakes. Sure, you've got the more known Lake Banook and Mic Mac, but even the 'burbs are stacked with prime outdoor action that's well-maintained, picturesque, and perfect for getting away from the terrifying Stepford drivers. Cranberry Lake is a calm, motor-free waterbed bridging Dartmouth and Cole Harbour. The paved path runs along the water, through the well-groomed trees making it completely accessible for just about anyone. Plus no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. Despite that one time I was nearly run over by an idiot on a dirtbike, the rule seems to be pretty well adhered to. It's a pretty quick walk if you jump off the trail at Gregory Drive and circle back on Wildwood, but it can be much longer if you keep following the trails as they continue pretty far in between Flying Cloud Drive (baaahahahaha care bears) and Circassion Drive. Frankly if you know your way around, you can customize your route to be anything from fifteen minutes to several hours! One gripe? It's not an off-leash park. That's fine and makes a tremendous amount of sense since you're never far from civilization and the cars that come with it. But dog owners - follow the rules, would ya? First of all, it's not worth the stress of losing your pooch in a maze of houses and streets that all look the same. Second, in a split second your dog could end up out in the middle of the road. Third, the rest of us have ours on leash...just do the same. C'mon...

If you don't have a car, it's hard to get to the beach. Thankfully, Birch Cove Beach is here! It's…read morenot the largest beach in the world but the warm waters of Lake Banook invite you in. The parking lot and beach front have recently been renovated so there's lots of parking. A newly installed dock allows you to jump right in. The grass is a great place for a picnic during your fun. Not a fan of the water? There's a small park to explore as well.

Birch Cove is just a short walk from my house and is really one of the best spots in the city for…read morelake swimming. Due to the world canoe chamionships taking place here a few summers ago, the entire grounds, parking, etc. have been renovated and are top notch. There is a life guarded area, but I usually opt to plant myself on the grassy area a little farther down where it is a bit quieter. Great swimming that's clean and refreshing on lake Banook. It doesn't get much better than this.

My wife and I took a detour here while we were staying at the Westin. Probably about a 15 min walk…read morethrough a lovely affluent residential area. The park itself had a very scenic waterfront view and I believe the pictures I posted to Yelp can attest to the serenity and beauty of the park. Well worth the side trip. It is a backdrop to a wonderful city that I am sure to never forget.

Nice park. Nice paths if you have a dog. If you don't have a dog and live off of the park - beware!…read morePeople's big, scary, off leash dogs will bound right at you - standing in front of your back door, on your patio. No owner in sight. More than once I had to run, for what I imagined was my life, as a big, vicious looking dog ran straight to me full speed. I read two 13 year old girls, living off of the park, and the dad were viciously mauled and disfigured, by a dog. Look it up in the old Point Pleasant chat logs and in I Think The Guardian. But, it's nice for occasional walks and they have public restrooms that are open

Beautiful park with lots of history, every time we go we find trails we haven't seen before!read more

This park really has something for everyone on your list, including your dog if you have one. There…read moreare a few ways to get into this large park set along the Shubie Canal system. You can bike there from Downtown Dartmouth in about 15 minutes either going down Waverly Road or entering just past Mic Mac Mall. This is my usual route, but it is also very accessible by car with lots of parking at both main entrances. When you get there you are greeted by well-maintained trails, lovely lakes and paths that take you off into the woods and along the old Shubie Canal system. There are lots of animals in the park and they are very tame and well fed. They might just follow you around a bit which can be a bit strange but just go with it. There is also a great off-lease dog park that is very popular, maybe a bit too popular at times but if you have a dog that likes to go off lease you will enjoy it. The best part of this park is that it is big enough that even though it can get busy it is very easy to vanish into the wood and explore.

We have been members of this park for approximately four and a half years. Our two dogs get great…read moreexercise and we get the benefit of good walks as well! The park is well maintained by the owners and they try hard to accommodate member's requests. There are nice large holding pens in which to remove your dog's leash before entering the park. It is great to be able to enjoy the outdoors in a wooded area while your dog gets to run free in a safely fenced park. Over the years we have met some wonderful people and dogs and made some great friendships!

We have been a member to this park for over 2 years and absolutely Love it there! I particularly…read moreenjoy how well maintained the park is. You don't have to worry about whether it's been ploughed or sanded. The park is also not just a rectangular box, there are actual path ways. My dog absolutely loves it there.