BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN HALIFAX

Why bike touring in Halifax rocks

If you're bringing your bike to Halifax, you're in for a treat. This city was practically made for two-wheeled travel. Compact enough to explore in a few days, yet loaded with diverse landscapes, Halifax lets you cycle from seaside boardwalks to hilltop lookouts—all in the same afternoon.

A city that moves with you

Halifax’s cycling infrastructure is solid and getting better every year. There are protected bike lanes downtown, shared paths through parks, and scenic coastal roads for longer adventures. Best of all, the locals are used to cyclists, so you won’t feel out of place—or in danger—while riding around.

• Compact urban layout for short rides

• Well-maintained trails like the Chain of Lakes Greenway

• Plenty of scenic pit stops: cafes, viewpoints, and historic sites

• Cool weather—perfect for long days in the saddle

• Locals who’ll happily point you to a good lobster roll

Whether you're a hardcore tourer or just down for easy spins with killer views, Halifax hits the sweet spot between urban buzz and natural beauty.

The best cycling routes around Halifax

From inner-city loops to coastal escapes, Halifax is packed with routes that deliver both beauty and vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the top bike touring circuits you shouldn’t miss.

1. Chain of Lakes Trail

Distance: ~10 km (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Joseph Howe Drive / End: Beechville

This multi-use rail trail is perfect for a mellow ride out of the city. You'll cruise past lakes, green spaces, and wooded areas—all on a flat, paved trail that feels a world away from downtown. Great for families or warming up after arrival day.

2. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk + Point Pleasant Park Loop

Distance: ~12 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/End: Halifax Seaport Market

Start at the bustling Seaport Market and glide down the boardwalk, past docked ships and street performers. Then head into Point Pleasant Park for gravel paths, sea breezes, and fort ruins. This route blends urban fun with forest serenity like few others can.

3. Dartmouth and Shubie Park Ride (via ferry)

Distance: ~25 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Ferry to Dartmouth – Shubie Park – Return loop

Hop on the ferry with your bike (yes, they allow bikes!) and explore Dartmouth’s chill vibe. Ride through Shubie Park’s crushed gravel trails and shaded forest paths. It's peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a mid-morning coffee stop by Lake Banook.

• Bike ferry fare is just a couple of bucks

• Lots of places to lock up and explore on foot

• Public washrooms and bike racks throughout downtown

• Great blend of nature and city sights

• Shubie Park is dog- and cyclist-friendly

These routes each offer their own flavor, but what they all have in common is that they’re accessible, scenic, and packed with local color. Halifax really is a two-wheeled playground.

Tips for a smooth ride

Halifax might be chill, but it’s still worth prepping properly so you can ride stress-free and just focus on the good vibes. Here’s how to get the most out of your trip.

What to pack and prep before riding

Bring your own bike if you can—it’ll be more reliable, and rentals can be limited or expensive during peak seasons. A gravel or touring bike works best for Halifax’s mix of paved roads, trails, and boardwalks.

• Padded shorts and weatherproof layers—it gets windy!

• Helmet and reflective gear for safety in mixed traffic

• Phone mount or offline map—cell coverage can be patchy in parks

• Snacks and hydration—some trails are long with few stops

• A small toolkit and pump for quick fixes

Local etiquette and insider tips

Haligonians are laid-back, but safety and courtesy still go a long way. Ring your bell when passing walkers, stay right unless overtaking, and signal your turns. In shared spaces like the Waterfront, be especially chill—it’s about flow, not speed.

And here’s a gem: many cafes and breweries are super bike-friendly, with patios and bike racks out front. Don’t be shy about asking locals for route tips—they love to show off their city and might even ride with you a bit.

• Morning rides beat the crowds and afternoon winds

• Lock your bike well—urban areas can be hit or miss

• Use the Halifax Transit ferry—it’s fast, fun, and scenic

• Combine bike rides with local food stops for a real taste of Nova Scotia

• Watch for hills! Halifax isn’t flat, but the views are worth it

Your Halifax bike tour will be equal parts adventure and chill. With a little prep, you'll be pedaling through some of the most beautiful—and underrated—urban scenery in Canada. Don't just visit Halifax. Ride it.