The best walks and hikes in First Lake Regional Park
4.6
(11)
118
hikers
13
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: October 18, 2026
2
hikers
6.95km
01:48
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
3.06km
00:47
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
8.36km
02:09
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
8.29km
02:12
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
6.82km
01:45
30m
30m
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.
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.
Popular around First Lake Regional Park
Tips from the Community
The Sackville Greenway Bridge spans the Little Sackville River and provides safe, elevated pedestrian crossing. Though small, the bridge is a picturesque part of this beautiful area and gives an elevated perspective into Lower Sackville's river habitat.
0
0
The Little Sackville River is an important freshwater tributary of the Sackville River that flows through the urban Sackville valley before joining the main Sackville River and emptying into the Bedford Basin. The river is a beautiful backdrop for Sackville Greenway users, rich with plants, birds, and other wildlife. The Little Sackville River has faced historical environmental challenges like a severe urban toxic spill in 2002 and has been treated back to health as part of community conservation efforts. Fish habitat restoration sites and rock sills were built along the banks, engineered to protect the local fish populations like wild salmon.
0
0
The Sackville Greenway sits in the heart of Lower Sackville, and follows the Little Sackville River. This paved, fully accessible pathway stretches approximately 1.5 kilometres one way, linking a few parks and neighbourhoods between Sackville Drive and Glendale Drive. The wide, flat terrain makes it a year-round destination for walking, cycling, strollers, wheelchair users and winter cross-country skiing.
0
0
The Sackville River runs alongside much of the greenway before emptying into Bedford Basin. The trail crosses it twice and stays close to the water through several sections, so you get plenty of chances to stop and look down at the river as you go. It’s also an important salmon river, with ongoing restoration work focused on improving fish habitat and water quality.
0
0
The Bedford-Sackville Connector Greenway is a 3.5-kilometre multi-use trail following the Sackville River between Bedford and Lower Sackville. It continues from the Fort Sackville Walkway at Range Park and crosses the river twice before reaching the Fultz House Museum. The mostly gravel route also has benches and interpretive signs along the way, with several access points if you don’t want to walk the full length.
0
0
Bedford Bay forms the northwestern end of Bedford Basin, where the Sackville River meets the sheltered waters of Halifax Harbour. The shoreline here is quite developed, but public paths and boardwalks keep you close to the bay around Bedford’s waterfront. It’s also a good place to watch boats moving through the basin and waterfowl around the quieter edges of the shore.
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.
