Hiking

McNab's Island Provincial Park. At the mouth of Halifax Harbour, this island appeals to adventuresome spirits. Accessible only by boat, it has 14 km (9 miles) of wooded trails and birding sites, plus a 19th-century fort. Several companies provide water taxis or tours from different Halifax locations. The trip takes 25 minutes from the Halifax boardwalk and costs C$15–C$20 for the round-trip. There is no drinking water available on the island, so you must bring your own. Halifax, Nova Scotia. mcnabsisland.ca.

Point Pleasant Park. Free, easy to reach, and threaded with woodland and waterside trails, this park is popular with locals and visitors alike. If you overstay and the parking lot is locked, call 311 to be let out. Point Pleasant Dr. and Tower Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1B5. 902/490–4700; www.pointpleasantpark.ca.

Sir Sandford Fleming Park. This park, free and very accessible, has a 2.8-km (1¾-mile) trail, with views across the Northwest Arm to Point Pleasant Park on the opposite shore. Marked by an impressive stone tower called the Dingle (open in summer), it's named for the inventor of standard time zones, who summered on the property and donated it to the city. 260 Dingle Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3P 1B1.