Broad, long, beautiful beach. Great for a nice walk. If it's busy, there is always a quieter spot…read morearound the bend.

If you're looking for a little break from the city without having to go far, Rainbow Haven is one…read moreof the easiest beaches to get to. It's a mere half hour drive from the centre of Halifax, and it is definitely worth the drive! The sand is some of the finest grained sand I've ever had the pleasure to sink my toes into. It's like walking on a little piece of heaven. It's so soft! There's tons of space on the beach for lounging, playing or wandering so even at its busiest I doubt you would have a problem finding somewhere to put a towel down. I love the scenery, whether you're looking out into the ocean or looking out over the expanse of vegetation, it's a pretty special spot. That being said there are sand flies. Lots of them. I got quite a few bites - eek! If you can get past the creepy crawlies, it's really really lovely. The water is a pretty nice temperature too. It's not freezing, but it's certainly not warm. Just watch for rip tides!

What, you may ask is a non surfer, non body boarder, non para-sailor doing at this very rugged, and…read morepretty dangerous beach that stretches for 1.5km along the Atlantic Ocean? Walking and watching naturally. Long sandy beach and dunes are perfect for bird watching as well as those more daring than I. Not for me are the rip tides or high rogue waves. I prefer to take my shot of danger vicariously....while munching on a picnic lunch, thank you very much. Whatever your pleasure, though, you'll find it here..

Lawrencetown Beach has always been my personal favorite beach. I love the windy drive out there…read morewith its fantastic views. And that's before you even get to the beach. Lawrencetown is a beach persons beach. It's where all the serious beach activities happen. Surfing, windsurfing, kite boarding, and extreme sandcastles. It's where the big kids play. Lawrencetown is also an ever changing beach. Because it's not as sheltered as some beaches, its shoreline varies yearly. It goes back and forth between extremely rocky and a sandy haven. This year it's extremely rocky, probably the rockiest I've seen it in many years. If you're planning on swimming there is a life-guarded area and a nice bathroom/shower area in the big blue building. The water can be pretty cold, but if you're a local you won't mind. There is always a nice strong offshore breeze to cool you down on hot days as well. If you plan on going in the evening be warned that fog banks roll in more often than not. The beach is good for swimming, but for strong swimmers if you're venturing outside of the lifeguard area. Rip tides do occur and big surf is common. You can wander pretty far out on sandbars before encountering deep water though. In my experiences I haven't encountered too many jellyfish either. Lawrencetown has a bunch of very dedicated surfers who practice their sport year round. They're great to watch and easy to join. There is usually always a surfboard and wet-suit rental truck parked just before the beach. There are also several surf schools and lessons available on site. If you're like me and afraid of tempting fate you can stick to the easy to pick up boogie boarding. Lawrencetown is one of the best places to boogie board, even when it's rocky. If the shore is packed with rocks once you walk out in the water past your knees it's all sandbars. If you're really into the boogie boarding take advantage of any incoming storms or hurricanes. They make for uber warm waters and big surf. The parking situation is pretty good. There is a very long lot along most of the beach and in most cases you can park and walk fifty feet or so to a good beach spot. A word of warning: I have had my car broken into before. It was an old beater truck with crappy locks, but still be weary and hide all shiny things.

It is a very nice scenic beach, it is a very long walk to get to the end but it was gorgeous. I…read morerecommend walking along the beach for the views and at the "end" (which is the end of where you can walk) at the beach you will find a lot of seaweed and shallow water. You can find live clams which are very cool and a few crabs or hermit crabs. Only that part is warm, the water is cooler everywhere else. Overall I definitely recommend this beach.

While it's true, I haven't visited every beach in Nova Scotia, this one is my favorite to date!…read more Five kilometers of sandy beach makes this the longest beach in the province. And whether you like to surf and swim or just wander along the shoreline, it's heaven on earth. Just ask anyone who's there. Hot sunny weekends in the summer are obviously busy, but even then you can find stretches that are deserted...just you, the birds and the waves for company. Glorious if you ask me. Build a sand castle...sure. Pack a picnic...definitely. Catch a wave...I leave that to you.

While this is a beach-related park, I don't foresee a lot of swimming here. It's more of a "wade…read moreinto the water a bit" kind of beach. The water's pretty cold and the wind is pretty strong. However, if you're looking for a gentle stroll along the water's edge on the wooden boardwalk, this is the place for you! It's right next to the Fisherman's Wharf shopping/eating area so this is a good way to walk off some of those calories. On a nice calm day, you can also find tons of stones to skip across the water.

Gorgeous little walk near Fisherman's wharf. Boardwalks make it accessible to anyone. Lots of…read morepretty plants, wild roses, rocks and opportunity to see sea birds.

Had a great lesson with Ben! Tried surfing on my own and was never successful. Was able to stand up…read moreduring the lesson! The beach is beautiful and uncrowded. Perfect for learning :)

This is a great beach. Lovely white sand with a small stream running through it. Loads of space to…read morefind your space. There is a parking lot, change rooms and outhouses at the beach and a picnic area with shelters and grills across the road. Be warned the water is typical for this area, COLD. It is a bit of a drive from Halifax but well worth it to get away from the crowds.

I find it difficult to give a nice sandy beach anything but 5 stars. I mean, it's got one job…read more.. Provide me with a hot sandy beach. Check. Bayswater goes one step further and also gives you warm water! Well, water as warm as the Atlantic ocean can provide. It's not bone chilling and you don't have to numb your whole body before you can swim around. I was surprised at how warm it really was. It's a bit of a drive from Halifax, but that just means not everyone is going to be committed enough to drive out to it. Therefore, the beach isn't packed! I think it might be one, if not my favourite beach in Nova Scotia.

Love this trail! It's a favourite in foot and on my bicycle. It's beautiful and you can ride all…read morethe way to Lawrencetown Beach. Only complaint is dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs!

Went for a 4 mile run in the morning and loved the trail. Clean and beautiful. Nice folks greeted…read moreus along the way. Definitely would love to run again and more.

Park? Not so much. This is basically a parking lot to a beach, a really really rocky beach. I'm not…read moresure what's up with the gigantic moose, but it's interesting. It's a nice look off spot nestled between two houses. well, a house and a mansion. The little grass area has some picnic tables and there is a bike lock up, incase you want to bike here and go for a walk on the rocks. I've heard you can swim here, but there are huge rocks out in the water, so watch your knees! I came here on a really grey, rough seas kinda day so I can't image swimming here, but maybe in the summer? It's definitely worth checking out if you're into outdoor spaces, but I'd use the term 'park' loosely.

I love coming here for a swim on the weekends. Now I may be giving away a secret here, but the…read morereally cool thing about this spot is that no matter what time you come, there's always a decent spot to park your car and to park yourself. This is a lifeguarded beach from 11-5 and there's a decent amount of sand for the kiddies to play in. I love the fact that this isn't a rocky beach at all. You can walk right in the water without worrying about stubbing your toe or having to dodge rocks under your feet. A downfall is that there aren't great facilities here. Just a port a pottie, so your trip may be cut short if you're not a fan of these. Other than that, Cunard Beach is a great spot for a quick swim on a sunny afternoon!

One of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia! Love it!…read moreTotally worth the drive. Secluded beach means not over populated.