Dartmouth

Learn More About the City of Dartmouth

Situated just a short ferry ride across Halifax Harbour from downtown Halifax, Dartmouth is home to many quaint cafes, noteworthy food joints, shops and a charm all its own.

Dartmouth, also known as the City of Lakes, boasts 23 lakes that provide opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing and swimming. Paddle on Lake Banook or visit one of the many parks and walking trails that stretch out into the unspoiled coastal beauty of the Eastern Shore.

Visit the Dartmouth Waterfront to walk along the boardwalk, the ideal place for a photo of the Halifax skyline, or take a boat tour from nearby Fisherman’s Cove in Eastern Passage to McNabs Islands. Visiting on a Saturday morning? Be sure to visit the popular farmers’ market at Alderney Landing.

Four friends dining at Oxalis Restaurant in Downtown Dartmouth

Top Spots for Outdoor Activities in Dartmouth

Shubie Park and Shubenacadie Canal Waterway

Canal stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Bay of Fundy, offering diverse recreational opportunities along the 114 km waterway
Well maintained trailway system provides walking, cycling, camping, and cross-country skiing opportunities within the park
Entry level to expert paddlers will enjoy canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding along the Canal Waterway

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Lake Banook

Part of the Shubie Canal Waterway, the lake is a popular paddling and rowing location for novice to professional and Olympic athletes
Paved and gravel pathways that border alongside most of the lake and nearby Sullivan’s Pond are popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists in downtown Dartmouth
Public supervised beach at Birch Cove in the summer months

Two people walk over a trail next to the water.

Salt Marsh & Shearwater Flyer Trails

The popular 15+ km, multi-use trail system is part of the Trans Canada Trail
Cycle through wooded areas and through a beautiful salt marsh before reaching Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park
Salt Marsh Trail also connects with the Heritage Park Trails and the Atlantic View Trail at Lawrencetown Beach

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Two cyclists on a coastal trail on McNabs Island.

McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park

Over 22 km of hiking trails with interpretive panels that take you through forested and coastal settings
Fort McNab, a national historic site, is situated on McNabs Island. Lawlor Island is a protected natural area and is not open to the public
McNabs Island is accessible by boat from Dartmouth, Eastern Passage and Halifax.

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Fisherman's Cove

200 year old working fishing wharf and community located 15 minutes from downtown Dartmouth
Browse boutiques and shops to discover a variety of Maritime arts and crafts from over 100 local artisans
Work up an appetite as you explore MacCormacks Beach, paddle the coastline, or take a boat tour to McNab’s Island then dine at one of the Cove’s eateries before taking in the sunset

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