Explore Top 5 Scenic Hiking Trails Near Halifax with Local Dining and Shopping Gems

Halifax offers more than just urban charm. Within a two-hour drive, you can find some of Nova Scotia’s most stunning hiking trails, each paired with exceptional local dining and shopping experiences. For food lovers who appreciate casual fine dining and want to support local businesses, these day trips provide the perfect blend of nature and culture. This guide highlights five top trails, including the iconic Cape Split, and nearby spots where you can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals and unique shopping finds.

Cape Split trail with panoramic ocean views

1. Cape Split Trail

Cape Split is a must-visit for hikers seeking breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. The trail is moderately challenging, about 13 kilometers round trip, and rewards you with dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean vistas.

Dining Nearby

After your hike, head to The Long Table Social Club in nearby Scots Bay. This restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere with a menu focused on local ingredients. Expect dishes like fresh seafood, local produce and seasonal vegetables, paired with wines from the Annapolis Valley. The Long Table Social Club emphasizes community and sustainability, making it a perfect spot for foodies who want to support local producers. On Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm to 9pm they host a social dining event called Cooking with Fire, with locally inspired dishes cooked over a wood-fire grill, long tables that encourage mixing and mingling, and live music from great local talent. Advanced tickets are highly recommended. Learn more on their website: www.thelongtablesocialclub.com.

Beverage Options

Canning is home to Raging Crow Distillery, where you can stop in and meet the owner, Todd Gates, and taste a wide variety of award-winning locally inspired spirits and purchase some to take home from their retail store. www.ragingcrow.com For beer lovers, stop off at Sea Level Brewing to enjoy a variety of beers and locally-inspired beverages. www.sealevelbrewing.com

Port Williams is home to several wineries, craft breweries and cideries. You can't go wrong if you stop by Planters Ridge Vineyards or Beausoleil Farmstead Winery & Cidery for a tasting or visit Bay of Fundy Brewing Co. for a locally brewed beer.

Shopping

Stop by Canning for a few great places to shop, including art, pottery, gifts, wool and wool products, as well as meat and produce and other groceries all on the quaint main street of Canning.

Wolfville’s downtown features charming boutiques and artisan shops. Look for handmade pottery, local art, and gourmet food products like cheese, maple syrup and preserves. Supporting these shops helps keep the community vibrant.

2. Blomidon Provincial Park

Just a short drive from Wolfville, Blomidon offers trails with spectacular views of the Minas Basin. The park’s trails vary in difficulty, with the Blomidon Lookoff Trail providing a stunning vantage point. The Jodrey Trail is a bit rough and steep but offers great views from a number of look out platforms. The Woodland and Borden Brook trails offer easy hiking through mixed forests. At the end of the Borden trail, check out the Borden Brook waterfalls, which are amont the tallest in Nova Scotia. During low tide, you can walk the mud flats, but be careful to watch the tide times and bring only clothing you don't mind getting muddy! Just a short drive back down the road, you can stop at a local swimming spot called Houston's Beach. It is a bit more sandy, compared to the mud flats around Blomidon. The water is calm and relatively warm because it is sheltered and shallow compared to the deeper open waters of the Bay of Fundy. There are no services, so change into your swim suit at Blomidon Provincial Park before you head over to Houston's Beach.

Dining Nearby

For a casual fine dining experience, visit Dickie Baxter Taproom & Bistro in the heart of Canning. This cozy spot serves an elevated menu of fusion dishes made with local ingredients, perfect for a light meal after hiking. www.dickiebaxter.com

In Port Williams, consider stopping at The Port Pub and Bistro, a popular local spot with a nautical theme overlooking the Cornwallis River. During low tides, you can see the riverbed from their patio and watch the water rise again as the tide comes in. They have their own craft brews called Brig & Barq Beer as well as seltzers and ciders... and local wine of course.

Beverage Options

In Kingsport, near Blomidon Provincial Park, you can find Blomidon Estates Winery, which is an off-the-beaten path hidden gem. Sip a flight of wine on their patio overlooking the Minas Basin and walk through their vinyard. www.blomidonwine.ca 

You're just a short drive away from a great selection of craft beers in Canning, Port Williams and the Gaspereau Valley.

In Canning, grab a great coffee at The Village Coffee Shop and peruse their retail section for coffee, tea, gifts and local art.

Shopping

Canning's Village Meat Market is a treasure trove of local and exotic meats, local produce, pre-cooked meals and baked goods. It’s open year-round and is a great place to pick up great ingredients to take home (or to your camp site or AirBnB). www.canningvillagemeatmarket.com

Main street Canning has a few great local shops to check out, so while you could pass by it in one blink, keep your eyes peeled for the great gifts, crafts, and local food and beverage shops you will find there.

3. High Head Trail (North to South)

Located near Prospect Bay, this park features a 7.7 km trail (out and back) with coastal views along the Atlantic Ocean with multiple lookoff points to take in the very beautiful views. The trails are less crowded, offering a peaceful hiking experience. The terrain is moderately rough, with sogginess in the spring, rocks past the beach section, and some areas of the trail that are overgrown before leading you along the coast to the community of Prospect. The area is a sensitive ecological trail, so please stay on the path.

The trail goes through a nature reserve that is a natural habitat for many migratory birds, including Arctic terns, willet, great blue heron, osprey and whimbrels. You'll most likely see a variety of sea ducks, black scoters and long-tailed ducks during your hike. You can park at either end of the trail at the end of Hages Lane or off Prospect Bay Road. We recommend parking at Hages Lane at the end of the cul-de-sac. But please don't block the residents' driveways. Thank you!

Dining Nearby

In Hatchet Lake on the Indian Lake Golf Course, try Martin's Kitchen for a "rustic chic" dining experience owned by Chef Martin Keyzlar and his wife, Sheila. Their Italian and French inspired menu is delicious and their atmosphere makes a great place for a family night out or a romantic date. Their patio overlooks the manicured lawn of the golf course and in the colder months you can enjoy the crackling fire that adds to the quaint charm inside their cozy dining room.

Beverage Options

While your best bet for beverages is at Martin's Kitchen, The Multi Scoop Cafe on Prospect Road in Hatchet Lake will make a refreshing stop for ice cream after your hike.

Shopping

Stop in at Mabel's Farm Market on Prospect Road in Whites Lake for a variety of produce, baked items and gifts. You'll really enjoy their baked goods, including great pies!

There aren't too many other places to shop, but in the summer you'll find farm stands... and Prospect Bay is only a short distance from Halifax's many great shopping spots.

A couple enjoys a scenic coastal hike, taking in the rugged beauty of Nova Scotia's rocky shoreline and expansive ocean views.

4. Atlantic View Trail

The Atlantic View Trail is a 20km section of the Atlantic View Segment of the Trans Canada Trail located in Lawrencetown, near Cole Harbour. The trail is an old railway trail featuring a Salt Marsh and a Blueberry run and dramatic coastal views. The Salt Marsh and the Atlantic Ocean are separated by Causeway Road, with Lawrencetown Beach Provincial park as the halfway point.

The trail is well maintained, mostly flat, and there are gorgeous view points all along the trail. The other reason this trail is part of a perfect day drive is that you'll pass by beautiful Conrad's beach and you should definitely drive a bit further to Three Fathom Harbour fishing community and Fisherman's Beach to enjoy the unique coastal geography of the region and some great spots for rock hounding.

Dining Nearby

There are not a lot of options for the distinguished foodie out here, but after grazing for the day you'll have to return to Dartmouth's waterfont to check out Millstone Public House King's Warf, which offers a casual fine dining experience with a focus on seafood. Their stylish, modern patio on the water is one of their best features. If you've had enough of the water view for the day, you can go in-land in downtown Dartmouth to Oxalis Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in Dartmouth. They are known for the creative flare of their fine dining. If it is a nice day, definitely enjoy their cozy courtyard patio.

Beverage Options

Grab your coffee in Lawrencetown at The Lawrencetown Beach Cafe, which has a view of the ocean and is also a great place to grab a light breakfast and some baked goods before your hike. Better Vibe Coffee is another great option in Lawrencetown, especially if you enjoy coffee later in the day and want to grab some soft serve or dessert treats with it.

If you're driving toward Cow Bay and Rainbow Haven Beach, keep your eyes peeled for Mizo Drinks Smoothie Trailer. It is a great place to grab a refreshing smoothie or ice coffee on your way.

Shopping

There are a couple local surf shops nearby, which appeal to the water sporting community that loves to hang out in this area. You can find kite surfers and paddle boarders near Contrad's Beach and Three Fathoms Harbour.

Stop in at the Atlantic Dutch Shop in East Lawrencetown for a great variety of european groceries and some neat gifts. If you're into knitting, you'll love Three Fathom Fiber Arts knit shop on Jade Lane in Three Fathom Harbour. Don't miss Seastar Pottery on Causeway Rd in Head of Chezzetcook, where you can find beautiful sea and nautical themed pottery creations.

5. Cape LaHave Adventures

Ok, so this isn't really a hike, but almost any hiker will love this area and it has a few things that you can fit into a day trip, including sea kayaking with a great tour company called Cape LaHave Adventures. You can rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board and go out on your own adventure, or you can take a lesson or join a group tour.

You can do so much in this small area not too far outside of Halifax - hike at Green Bay Beach, swim at the famous white sand beach at Rissers Beach Provincial Park and Crescent Beach, drive along the causeway and bridges to the LaHave Islands and check out the fishing villages, and of course, paddle around on your own or with a group with Cape LaHave Adventures. Why just choose one?!

Dining Nearby

In Pleasantville, visit Ploughman's Luncheonette sandwiches, baked goods, ice cream, coffee and drinks. for a casual fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes. Their menu features fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables.

For a more substantial meal that is sure to please seafood and land lovers, you'll want to stop in at the Osprey's Nest Public House in Petite Riviere Bridge. It is a great spot off the beaten path with a great lobster roll.

If you are dining in Bridgewater, you should check out La Casetta for fresh homemade pasta and delicious Italian food in a casual fine dining atmosphere.

Beverage Options

The LaHave Bakery is a must-see stop right in LaHave. It is a quaint local bakery and cafe that will take you back in time. The baked goods are absolutely delicious... you'll find it very difficult to only have one. They have a nice little patio on the warf behind the building with a view of the LaHave River, which opens up into the Atlantic Ocean.

At the time of writing this article, the Sourwood Cidery in Pewtite Riviere wasn't open yet. But we hope they will finish construction and open for the 2026 summer season. If they do, please stop by and support this new business.

On your way through Bridgewater, beer lovers will want to stop at King Street Beer Company and enjoy a beer flight sitting on the patio overlooking the river. They have a great snack shack at the brewery to tide you over till your next meal.

Shopping

If you're in Petite Riviere, make sure to stop in at the Maritime Painted Saltbox, an adorable maritime themed art gallery featuring bright beautiful works of art by artists Tom Alway and Peter Blais.

In LaHave, stop in at two little galleries on one strip, the Heart to Hand Studio that features beauty found in nature and Gallery and the Square Peg Gallery with jewelry and art by Merydie Fjarley.

In a serene coastal location, a group paddle lesson unfolds with colorful kayaks lined up on the sandy shore, ready for adventure against a backdrop of rocky formations and a vast blue sky.