Overview
Stretch your legs while enjoying some of Nova Scotia’s incomparable scenery.
If the confines of shipboard life leave you feeling either restless or a bit claustrophobic, then join us on one of four easy scenic walking tours. Four destinations, four different landscapes--your choice.
This tour includes:- Private vehicle and guide
- A choice of 4 great walking tours
- Incomparable views, fresh air, and exercise
- Lots of amazing photo opportunities!
The greater Halifax area is privileged to have dozens of walking trails, offering access to a great diversity of habitats. While a few of the hikes are physically challenging, most are easy-to-moderate, and we've chosen four of the latter among which you may choose.
Hike #1 – Martinique Beach is the longest and prettiest beach in the province, extending more than 2 miles (3 km) east-west. Despite the beach’s beauty, it is never crowded, perhaps because the cold waters deter most swimmers. We’ll hike to the eastern end of the beach and (tides permitting) continue to Flying Point, on the southern tip of the Bayers Islands. The scenery is compelling, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Martinique Beach Game Sanctuary to the north, and bird-watching is often rewarding. The beach is roughly 60 minutes from the port, and we’ll spend 2-3 hours walking and exploring. Wear comfortable walking shoes, but you can go barefoot on the sand if you prefer.
Hike #2– The Prospect Coastal Barrens lie west of Halifax Harbour, and a popular trail leads from the village of Prospect for more than two miles (3 km) along a special landscape – massive granite headlands carpeted by fragrant low-lying coastal plants, which present a superb palette of autumn colours in October. The landscape is similar to that protected around Peggy’s Cove, but the Prospect Barrens are less well-known, and lightly visited. The trailhead lies 45 minutes from the port, and we’ll spend 2-3 hours on-site. This is not a difficult walk but the trail is basic, with modest elevation changes and a few wet spots. You should be reasonably fit for this hike. Trekking poles will be available should you wish to use one.
Hike #3 – The Saltmarsh Trail, which follows a former railway line, is a popular trail providing access through a special habitat, the extensive salt marshes of the Cole Harbour estuary. The harbour is now mostly ringed by protected areas, making the trail popular with naturalists, photographers, walkers, and cyclists – no motorised vehicles are permitted. The first part of the trail passes through mixed-wood forest before emerging onto the estuary. For the next three miles (5 km) the former rail-bed, restored and resurfaced, crosses a rich mosaic of salt-marsh, mudflat, and water. It should come as no surprise that this is one of the best birding sites near Halifax. The trailhead lies 45 minutes from the port, and we’ll spend 2-3 hours on-site. This is an easy walk, but you should still wear comfortable walking shoes.
Hike #4 – Lewis Lake is just 30 minutes from the seaport, but it lies within a delightfully uncrowded provincial park. The park’s roads and paths lead through a mix of forests, and lead to two lakes, on the larger of which, Lewis Lake, a pair of Common Loons nest every year. This is an easy walk, and there are several superb nearby cafes if you wish to stop for lunch.
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Please note: All tour times are local port times. - Please be aware that most Carnival Ships do not adjust to local time when in port. The actual time will be +1 from ship time. Please double check with your cruise line.
- In groups of 6, one traveler will not have a window seat.
- Water will be available at all times.
- Please notify us in advance if you'll want to stop in a restaurant for lunch during the tour (lunch costs are not included in the tour fee), as this will effect planning for the day's activities.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Trekking poles will be available should you wish to use one. A camera is a must, and binoculars would be very useful as well. Since we’ll be away from the vehicle for 2-3 hours during our hikes, a day pack will come in handy.
- Nova Scotia has a maritime climate, producing weather that is changeable, cool, and moist. Temperatures on this trip will rarely exceed 75 F (25 C), and may be much cooler in the autumn. It is usually breezy (or windy) along the coast.
- Dress in layers, and remove or add them during the trip as required.
- Biting insects can be a nuisance in forested areas, especially in May and June. Bug repellent will be available, if required.
- During check-out, we will ask you which hike you want.
- This is a private tour, so if you wish to alter the itinerary “on the fly” it will often be possible to do so. We will try to be as flexible as possible.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 5 hours We recommend departing as soon as possible after ship's arrival. Call us to change start time
- 09:00 AM, duration: 5 hours We recommend departing as soon as possible after ship's arrival. Call us to change start time
- 10:00 AM, duration: 5 hours We recommend departing as soon as possible after ship's arrival. Call us to change start time
- 11:00 AM, duration: 5 hours We recommend departing as soon as possible after ship's arrival. Call us to change start time