I don't think there has been anything more devastating to me than seeing Point Pleasant Park pre- and post-Juan. What was once a lush forest to explore felt like a pre-construction business park for a little while there but our city's finest park has pulled through and is clearly hellbent on being the Whitney Houston of our outdoor spaces - always a classic no matter what hard times its been through. Wait - does Cher make more sense there? I don't know...take your pick. You get what I mean. Point Pleasant has everything you could ever want in an outdoor space - hours of trails, historical forts and structures that will have even the biggest sticks-in-the-mud daydreaming, gorgeous views over the water, massive fields for ultimate Frisbee, and off-leash trails for canine companions. It's no wonder that it's always packed with runners, walkers, yogis, and quarterbacks alike. Add on special events like Shakespeare by the Sea that runs all summer and you have a weekly destination that'll keep you out in the great outdoors. So why not a five-star? I wish that the park could clarify its loosely enforced rules particularly when it comes to dogs. Simply put, some trails are off-leash, others aren't. While Shubie Park on the other side of the bridge has clear markers to keep people happy no matter what activity brought them in that day, Point Pleasant can feel a little haphazard when joggers are trying to avoid overzealous pooches at every pass. Make it easier to know where you stand, and everyone will be much better off. read more

Every time I go to PPP I can't help but think how lucky we are to have this place. As a dog owner finding a spot to let my pup run off leash isn't easy but Point Pleasant Park is the perfect place. It's rarely over crowded except for on summer weekends. The only negative is that the small trails can get pretty icy in the dead of winter but the city really does a great job of staying on top of everything. Point Pleasant Park is easily my favourite part of living in Halifax. read more

Tis the season.... Spring is here and I am more than eager to get my run on. Point Pleasant is always a great spot to escape city landscapes and roam freely with nature. Judging by its deep forests and trail opportunity, you'd never guess its place on the outskirts of our very own South End, Halifax. Simply put, its just a great destination to get out and get moving. There are lots of twists, turns and new routes to explore. Some areas are canopied with trees, while others are open, overlooking the water. And if its just a leisurely breath of fresh air you crave, there are benches and grassed areas to sit and chill. During the summer it can get quite busy, especially on the weekends. But its all good... everyones there for basically the same thing. There's a collective appreciation for the good days, and we need more of that around if you ask me. If you're up for a physical challenge, there are trails that boast some pretty good hills as well. Great for interval work, and just adds more option for a workout. Great for exercise, healthy minds and vitamin D. read more

A forest in the city! Point Pleasant Park is great for every kind of person. Whether you are a runner, dog walker, sightseer or a couple looking to take a romantic stroll, Point Pleasant is here for you. They also have the infamous Shakespeare By The Sea which performs, you guessed it, Shakespeare plays in the park. Point Pleasant Park is large enough so that it doesn't feel crowded and faces the water no matter what part of the park you are at! The park is at least a few hundred years ago and used to be a military bastion. As you walk through the woods in the park, you will find cannons, old brick and cement buildings, forts and information about what they were and how old they are. I love this park! It is a great place to get away from the downtown hustle and bustle. And it is only about a twenty minute walk from downtown Halifax. You can sit on the rocks and watch ships go by as they come in and out of Halifax from the Atlantic Ocean. If you are a dog walker, loving couple, cyclist, runner or someone who wants to simply get away from it all, head to Point Pleasant. I guarantee you'll be pleased. read more

Point Pleasant Park is a large forested park filled with winding trails that are great for running, walking, and in some parts, cycling. Local dog owners appreciate the many off-leash trails where dogs are allowed to run, sniff, and play freely (just don't forget to pick up!). Cyclists are welcome on the main trails from Monday to Friday, but are not permitted in the park on weekends, They are also asked to stay on trails and not go off-road, to avoid destroying the delicate ecological balance of the park. The park is a runners' mecca, if not for the challenging hills and natural trails, then for the view: there's a beautiful trail that loops along the water's edge with a view of the harbour and the many ships that arrive and depart daily. If you're feeling a little less energetic and just looking for a rock or a bench to sit on and contemplate life, you'll find that here, as well. read more

Point Pleasant Park is a great place to go to relax, play, jog, walk. You name it , you can do it. You can take your family and enjoy a picnic. Play frisbee, sit on the rocks and watch the boats. Go for a walk along the many trails. It is peaceful and full of life. read more

Ahhhh nature, it's hard to believe you exist in the city. It's even harder to believe you exist in the abundance you do in Point Pleasant Park. Located on the cities southern tip, Point Pleasant Park is a great spot for those of you looking to get out of the city (without leaving the convenience of the city!). The park has seen better days - a series of storms and hurricanes have brought down a number of trees leaving bare patches where dense wilderness once stood, but it's still very scenic and worth your time. This is an ideal spot to walk your dog, go for a run, take some photos and pretend you're lost in the woods. I've also seen people LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) here and yes, it is just as hilarious as you can imagine. So come down, check out the little beach (Don't you dare step foot in the water), throw the ol' ball around and enjoy all the nature our fair city has to offer. You will not disappointed! read more

Visits to this serene spot have been a Sunday tradition of mine for years now. I first came here during my first year at Dal (many moons ago), and I was so intrigued by the scenic beauty of the park, and the vast trails readily accessible, that I soon made Point Pleasant a part of my weekly running/cycling route. Point pleasant is a pristine place, with it's trails encompassed with hundreds upon hundreds of massive trees (though notably lessened by the wrath of Juan, which is a real shame), and overlooking a sparkling waterfront. It's the perfect place to escape the mayhem of everday life and just relax while taking in the beauty of nature. The park is like a natural, scenic playground for people of all walks of life. Athletic types of all ages will enjoy the wide array of challenging and stimulating trails for jogging and cycling, while others will enjoy a relaxing stroll among the trees and beaches. This park is an equally welcome retreat for our canine companions who. Permitted to roam freely on certain park grounds,dogs can enjoy playful activity and socialization with other puppies (not to mention the abundance of trees to sniff!). I've been bringing my little guy here for years, and he's made friends with a number of other dogs at the park. Bottom line: an absolute must-visit for any Haligonian. Halifax is truly fortunate to have such beautiful spaces as Point Pleasant, and it's worthwhile to take a break from crazy urban life to chill out on the trails. read more

This is my favourite place in the entire world. It has been mentioned, of course, that the park isn't as beautiful as it was pre-Juan but even after this disaster, this park can take your breath away. I love that there is an "off leash" area for pups. What a great spot to let them roam and play! If you don't have a pup this is a good spot too for nearly anything. People will often go and enjoy a nice walk or jog. As it's right off the ocean it's a great place to take pictures if you're into photography. You can sit on the small beaches that are provided (though often busy on nice days). When the world is getting you down, head here. You'll wonder how you could have ever felt bad when you're surrounded by such natural beauty. read more

A really nice park in the southern end of peninsular Halifax. Lots of trees, so great for walking through the woods. The southern tip, by the water, has some lawns with picnic tables and gorgeous view of the harbour and the Atlantic. A restful spot in the city. A lot of the trees were damaged during Hurrican Juan in 2003, but much reforestation is underway. Check out their web page for lots of info on car park opening times, events, dog policy, booking for events, etc. Pics of the park on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=point+pleasant+park+halifax&m=text) . read more

One of the best parks we have in the city. It has water views, lots of areas for having picnics,great for going for walks, runs or biking. They also have a stage area for Shakespare by the Sea which is always lovely to watch and see. Also lovely to go in the summer time and get a big ice cream cone from the little shop and take a walk on the little beach and watch the waves & boats going in and out of the city. read more

One of the best parts of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Beautiful surroundings, large trees, and cozy trails for all times of the year. Despite hurricane Juan, Point Pleasant has maintained its beautiful and pristine spaces. Great for families, kids, and pets! read more

One of my Top 5 places to hang out on a sunny afternoon. What more could you ask of a park? There's cannons to play on, a number of trails to explore, a beach (which I wouldn't swim in but it's there) and a beautiful view of the harbour entrance. If you don't like dogs, this may not be the best place to go as there are tonnes of dogs with their owners - me included - but other than that, it's one of the city's many gems that make me proud to call Halifax home. read more

5 minutes from my city condo; quiet cool ocean breeze. Lots of parking and lots of quiet spots to drop a blanket and catch some rays. I do not swim there though. read more

This is a great place to wander around, even after Hurricane Juan really damaged the area years ago. Very popular place to go in the summer and dog walking etc. Just be careful, I once had my car broken into and stuff stolen out of it in the parking lot. It wasn't even a nice car with nice things in it, so just beware. read more

On beautiful days (like today!) in Halifax, expect to see lots of people wandering the paths of PPP. Great trails and stunning views. Expect to be greeted by a ton of happy dogs running around off leash. Awesome place to spend part of your day!! read more

What a beautiful park. Full of fantastic views, historical relics, and all sorts of opportunities to enjoy: benches, trails, mini-parks, water, gazebos, bushier/brushier areas. My ONE gripe is that the off-leash dog trails are very widely used by bicyclists, screamin' tots, and joggers. I totally understand that dogs don't own the trails - rather, they are welcomed in the trails - but I feel pretty strongly that where dogs are allowed off-leash, there should be some rules for how humans use the space so as not to startle, shock, or cause a naturally aggressive reaction in the animals who aren't tethered. This is why I keep my dog on a leash even in the off-leash areas of Point Pleasant: I just don't feel he's safe from an unpredictable human encounter, despite the fact I fully trust him off-leash with other dogs. However, for me, this is a small concession for the beautiful scenery and chance to enjoy an urban green haven with my best pal. read more

A beautiful park, lots of trails to walk and plenty of off-leash areas for the dogs. There's a small beach, and access to the water in several spots. You can visit regularly and walk a different set of paths every time! The view right off the point is stunning, and the historical fortresses throughout the park are very cool to see. read more

Great park for walking and enjoying nature in the city but at present has too many off leash areas for pets. I am the owner of two lovely dogs but appreciate that they and I do not function as well when they are off leash. I would prefer if the park reduced the number of off leash areas and increased the on leash space. Further there are no staff/attendants at hand in the event of incident. Our one dog, on leash was attacked by another, off leash and the other owner failed to identify themselves and we were left with no substantive recourse. read more

This is a beautiful place to go and get away from busy city life!

Beautiful park. Whether you live here, or are just visiting, this park is great for having a picnic on a summer day.

The park has plenty of trails to walk or ride. It looks bigger than it is and can be walked in about an hour. The historical sites could use some more information other than bar codes to scan. read more