The best walks and hikes in Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area

Blue Mountain trail climbs steadily through forest and over rocky, uneven ground to the highest point on the Chebucto Peninsula. The roughly 3.5-kilometre return route is short but rugged, with muddy sections, stream crossings, granite boulders and some minor climbing along the way. The trail is unmarked and can be difficult to follow at junctions, so it's a good idea to bring your komoot offline map and pay close attention to navigation as you make your way towards the summit.

Blue Mountain–Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area is a large, 1,767-hectare undeveloped landscape with granite ridges, beautiful lakes, wetlands and Acadian forest on the outskirts of Halifax. The area includes a mix of rugged terrain and remote backcountry, with Blue Mountain as one of its highest points and a memorable contrast between the surrounding wilderness and the growing suburbs in the distance. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, and fishing, with several trails throughout the area. It is important to note that routes are mostly informal, unmarked and unmanaged, so caution and good navigation tools are worth bringing along with your hiking boots.

Blue Mountain Summit is the highest point on the Chebucto Peninsula, with a rocky clearing that opens up to a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. From here, you can look towards Ragged Lake, Cowie Hill and the Larry Uteck area, while the forested wilderness of Blue Mountain–Birch Cove Lakes stretches out below you. On a clear day, you can see the striped smokestacks of the Tufts Cove generating station in the distance across Halifax Harbour.

Nichols Falls is perhaps the most scenic part of Nichols Lake's trails. More of a cascade than a thundering waterfall, it's a picturesque and peaceful place to visit.

Nichols Lake is a serene and beautiful spot not far from Halifax. Listen out for the sounds of ospreys above and keep your eyes peeled for the common garter snake sunning itself on the rocks.

The Chain Lakes are a series of small connected lakes that sit alongside the Chain of Lakes Trail in Halifax. They create an open waterfront corridor with several viewpoints directly from the trail, including access to First Chain Lake and Second Chain Lake. The lakes provide consistent water views and serve as natural landmarks along the paved route.

Chain of Lakes Trail Park refers to the green corridor surrounding the Chain of Lakes Trail in Halifax. The park-like zone includes the paved multi-use trail, seating areas, signage, and shoreline viewpoints linked to the adjacent Chain Lakes. It functions as an accessible recreation area for walking, cycling, and easy routes that connect to the wider regional trail network.

The Chain of Lakes Trail is a paved multi-use route running through Halifax from Joseph Howe Drive to Lakeside. The trail follows a former rail corridor and is mostly level throughout, with a smooth asphalt surface suitable for walking, running, and cycling. It passes several small lakes along the way and includes benches, lookouts, and clear access points from nearby neighbourhoods and the Bayers Lake area.