Did you know that June 19th is National Picnic Day? Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a delightful picnic surrounded by picturesque landscapes and stunning coastal views. With numerous parks, beaches, and green spaces, here is a list of the top places to have a picnic in HRM. Once you’ve chosen your perfect spot, check out these tips and tricks for what to pack to ensure your day goes smoothly!
1. Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens are the perfect place to picnic in the summertime. Admire the meticulously manicured flower beds, serene fountains, and take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful paths. Try setting up your basket in the grassy area on the south side of the gardens where there’s lots of space to play.
2. Halifax Commons
The Halifax Commons is a great place to have a family picnic. With acres to choose from, our top choice is the Central Common, adjacent to Bell Road. There you’ll find a playground, skate park, paddling pool, and a deliciously cold swimming pool- all FREE to use! A short walk across the street, you’ll find the Emera Oval- a great place for summer roller skating. The perfect family day out!
Halifax Commons Splash Pad/Photo: Helen Earley
3. Seaview Park
Controversially, the community of Africville in Halifax’s North End was eventually transformed into an off-leash dog park. Thankfully, the park was decommissioned in February 2016, which means that Seaview Park is now an excellent place to take your family on a picnic. Enjoy your sandwiches at the former locations of Skinner’s Well or Tibby’s Pond. If you picnic from Tuesday to Sunday, stop in at the Africville Museum – a valuable archive located in the reconstructed Seaview Baptist Church (where you can find out exactly what Tibby’s Pond was all about!)
Photo from Tourism Nova Scotia.
4. Leighton Dillman Park
Leighton Dillman is that beautiful hilly park that is part of the Dartmouth Common, right by the Zatzman Sportsplex in Downtown Dartmouth – and it’s one of the best places to Picnic in Halifax-Dartmouth. The Park Avenue Community Oven (Opening soon!) at Leighton Dillman Park in Dartmouth is open every Saturday, seasonally, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to bring bread dough, pizzas, flatbread, tortillas, “anything you can bake in a pan”, or “anything you can bake in a pot”.
Here’s a crazy fact: at a temperature of 800 – 1000 degrees, a pizza will cook in one minute!
5. Point Pleasant Park
Located at the southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula, Point Pleasant Park offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere for picnickers. Explore its wooded trails, and historical landmarks, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are many quiet corners of Point Pleasant Park in which your family can enjoy an al fresco feast, but we suggest a nice family picnic near the Cambridge Battery at about 6:00 pm. That gives you plenty of time to catch a Shakespeare by the Sea performance, which starts on July 6th, 2024, and runs at 7:00 pm nightly (except Mondays!)
6. Shubie Park
Situated along the historic Shubenacadie Canal, Shubie Park is an excellent spot for a family picnic. With ample space for games, a playground for kids, and access to the canal for kayaking and canoeing, it’s an ideal location for a fun-filled day.
7. Sir Sandford Fleming Park (Dingle Park)
Offering stunning views of the Northwest Arm, Dingle Park is a popular spot for picnics. Set up your blanket near the historic Dingle Tower and enjoy the surrounding greenery and waterfront vistas.
8.Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a beach picnic, Crystal Crescent Beach is the place to go. With its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, it’s an ideal location for a relaxing picnic by the ocean.
Remember to clean up after your picnic, leave no trace, and respect the environment. Enjoy your delightful outdoor meal and create lasting memories in the beautiful surroundings of Halifax Regional Municipality!
