The best walks and hikes in First Lake Regional Park
4.5
(13)
123
hikers
11
hikes
Hiking in First Lake Regional Park offers trails through a landscape characterized by freshwater lakes, extensive greenways, and wooded areas in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. The park's terrain includes pathways made of crusher dust, sidewalks, and boardwalks, ensuring accessibility across various sections. Elevations are generally gentle, with routes often following the contours of the lakes and surrounding natural spaces. The park forms part of a larger greenway encompassing First and Second Lakes, providing diverse natural settings for outdoor activity.
Best…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
2
hikers
6.95km
01:48
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
8.29km
02:12
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5
hikers
5.86km
01:29
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
4.19km
01:05
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
3
hikers
3.91km
01:03
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around First Lake Regional Park
Tips from the Community
This small waterfront park sits on the shores of Bedford Basin, with open views across the water toward the hills on the opposite side of the harbour. Benches, picnic tables, and a playground make it a pleasant place to pause, while the adjacent Bedford Outdoor Pool adds to the park's community feel during the summer months.
0
0
Stretching along the harbour and Lake Ontario shoreline, Admiral Harry DeWolf Park combines waterfront paths, marina views, and open green space. The park is named after Vice Admiral Harry DeWolf, one of Canada's most decorated naval officers and a key figure in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Benches along the shoreline provide a place to watch sailboats moving through the harbour, while the mostly level paths make this an easy stop on a longer waterfront walk.
0
0
Sheltered from the open waters of Lake Ontario, Mill Cove offers a quieter stretch of shoreline where sailboats, marina traffic, and waterfowl are often found. The cove sits at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek and provides pleasant views across Oakville Harbour and the surrounding waterfront parks. Benches and lakeside paths make it a good place to pause during a walk, especially when boats are moving through the harbour or the sun is setting over the water.
0
0
Jack Lake is a quiet spot tucked within the forest of Sandy Lake Park, reached by a short trail through mixed woodland and wetlands. Surrounded by mature trees and marshy shoreline habitat, it’s an ideal setting for birdwatching, and the water often reflects the surrounding forest on calm days. There is a small clearing near the shore that’s a great place to pause and enjoy this beautiful natural setting.
0
0
This trail is a flat route that follows an old logging road through pockets of mature Acadian forest and wetlands to the quiet shoreline of Jack Lake. The trail is generally easy to follow but can be muddy and uneven, with rocks, roots, and wet sections, so plan accordingly before you head out. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of birds and other wildlife, making it an ideal path for a peaceful walk to immerse yourself in nature.
0
0
Sandy Lake Park is a lovely 10-hectare municipal park in Bedford, set within a much larger protected area of old-growth Acadian forest and wetlands, part of the Sackville River Watershed. The park is best known for its warm, sandy-bottomed lake and supervised beach, which is one of the few public swimming spots in the area, and is also popular for fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, and off-leash dog walking. The park also connects to a wider network of unofficial trails that lead to Jack Lake and Marsh Lake.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in First Lake Regional Park?
First Lake Regional Park offers a network of trails, with over 7 routes documented on komoot. These range from easy walks suitable for families to moderate paths connecting the lakes.
Are there easy or beginner-friendly hiking routes in First Lake Regional Park?
Yes, the park is known for its easy hikes and walks suitable for all fitness levels. Five of the routes on komoot are rated as easy. A great option is the Kinsmen Park Beach loop from Stone Mount, which is 6.7 km long and generally takes around 1 hour 44 minutes to complete.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the trails in First Lake Regional Park?
The trails feature diverse surfaces including crusher dust, sidewalks, and boardwalks, ensuring accessibility. Some trails, like the Great Oak Trail and Lakeside Trail, have wide, compacted crusher dust bases suitable for strollers, bikes, and wheelchairs. The newer Beech Hill Trail offers more dynamic terrain with twists, turns, and elevation changes through wooded areas.
Are the trails in First Lake Regional Park suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. First Lake Regional Park is very family-friendly, offering easy hikes and accessible paths. Kinsmen Park Beach, located on First Lake Drive, is a key attraction with a playground and a splash pad in summer, making it a great destination for families. Many trails are wide enough for strollers.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in First Lake Regional Park?
While the region research doesn't explicitly state dog-friendly policies, most regional parks in Nova Scotia allow dogs on leash. It's always best to check local signage upon arrival for any specific restrictions or designated off-leash areas within First Lake Regional Park.
Are there any circular walks available in First Lake Regional Park?
Yes, many of the park's routes are loops. For example, the Kinsmen Park Beach loop from Stone Mount is an easy circular route. Another option is the Jack Lake loop from West Bedford Business Park, which is 3.6 km and takes about 59 minutes.
What is the best time of year to hike in First Lake Regional Park?
First Lake Regional Park is enjoyable year-round. The fall offers particularly scenic views as the foliage around the lake turns golden. In colder months, some trails transform into paths for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing winter activity options.
What kind of natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see?
The park's centerpiece is First Lake, offering serene views throughout your hike. Trails often provide scenic vistas of the lake, especially during autumn. You'll also encounter extensive wooded areas, and the Beech Hill Trail is noted for its 'old-growth trees and whimsical, moss-accented, wild woodland scenery'.
What do other hikers enjoy most about First Lake Regional Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the park's accessibility, the beautiful lake views, and the variety of trails that cater to different abilities, from easy family walks to longer routes connecting multiple lakes.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting in First Lake Regional Park?
The park's diverse natural setting, including freshwater lakes and wooded areas, makes it a good spot for bird watching. Keep an eye out for various bird species, especially along the First Lake Glen Slauenwhite Trail, which is ideal for this activity.
Are there any moderate hiking trails for a longer experience?
Yes, for those seeking a slightly longer and more varied experience, the park offers moderate routes. The Lake William Trail — Waverly is a moderate 8.4 km path that takes about 1 hour 57 minutes to complete, offering a good challenge within the park's greenway system.
What facilities are available at Kinsmen Park Beach?
Kinsmen Park Beach, located on First Lake Drive, is a popular spot within the park. It features a playground for children, picnic areas for outdoor meals, a splash pad for summer fun, and a gazebo that provides a picturesque setting.
Most popular routes in First Lake Regional Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
