West Hants Regional Municipality is fortunate to be home to an incredible variety of outdoor spaces that create the possibility of exciting adventures within our region. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk, a scenic hike, or a family-friendly afternoon outside, the beautiful landscapes in West Hants have something for everyone. Breathe in the fresh air, discover stunning views, connect with friends, and get active – right in your own backyard. Get outside and experience the best of West Hants in all seasons!
Stretching across 124,200 hectares of land, our region is a place where nature truly shows its beauty. The Avon River winds its way to the Minas Basin, home to the world’s highest tides that rise and fall along 160 kilometres of stunning shoreline and tidal riverbanks. 30 kilometres of dykes protect 2,436 hectares of fertile land, while a variety of lakes and rivers invite you to dive in! Whether you love swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or boating, there’s always an adventure waiting on the water.
There are two Provincial Parks (Smileys and Falls Lake), two Park Reserves (Cheverie Salt Marsh and St. Croix), and several wilderness areas. Altogether, 12% of the land is protected (as identified by Environment NS) and Crown land.
The Municipality proudly owns and/or manages 73 parks and open space land parcels, covering 492.5 acres. Of these, 43 are dedicated to recreation, and 21 have been developed into well-maintained public recreation sites ready for you to enjoy!
Keep scrolling to discover each of our parks and open spaces, organized by location. You might just find your next favourite outdoor spot!
- Avondale
- Newport Landing Waterfront
- Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Fire Hall Trail
- Irishmans Road Recreation Site
- Mantua-Stanley Rail Trail
- Falmouth
- Falmouth Mini Park and Causeway Trail
- Eldridge Road Recreation Site
- Hantsport
- Chittick Park
- Dr. Silas Rand Park
- Fundy Centennial Park
- McDade Park
- R.A. Jodrey Memorial Field
- Riverbank Cemetery
- Shamrock Ball Field
- Hants Shore
- Cheverie Salt Marsh Restoration Trail
- Hobarts Beach
- Kempt Quarry Recreation Site
- Vaughan
- Armstrong Lake Park
- Falls Lake Municipal Land Trail
- Windsor
- Burgess Crescent Playground
- Elmcroft Park
- Maplewood Cemetery
- Tregothic Trail
- Windsor Waterside Park
- Windsor Waterfront Skatepark
- Riverview Trail
- St. Croix Recreation Site
Avondale
Newport Landing Waterfront
1 Avondale Road, Newport Landing
This area was formerly a New England Planter settlement. Due to the proximity to water, shipbuilding was an important industry. The Wharf was divested from the Federal Government to the Municipality in 1990 and rebuilt by the community. In 1996, the former Municipality of the District of West Hants entered into a lease agreement with the Avon River Heritage Society to allow that organization to develop a portion of the property.
This site has access to a dock and boat launch, a small lighthouse with an accessible pavilion seating area, and a small park. This is also a wonderful location to watch the sunset!
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Fire Hall Trail
The path was developed in 2011 to provide an outdoor option for users of the indoor walking program offered at Brooklyn Civic Centre. This trail is well kept, and is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers, with minimal slopes and tree roots.
Irishmans Road Recreation Site
151 Irishmans Road, Newport Station
This recreation site sits on land formerly used as a municipal landfill, which was decommissioned in 1984. Now, Irishmans Road Recreation Site is full of opportunities, including several trails of varying difficulty, as well as two graveled trails for wheelchairs and strollers. There are several hills, perfect for rolling and sledding, as well as two soccer fields. These fields were named the Ryan Lahey Memorial Soccer fields in 2011 in memory of Ryan Lahey, a local athlete who tragically passed away in 2007. Amenities on site include an accessible washroom, bike maintenance stand at the entrance, and several picnic tables throughout the grounds.
Mantua-Stanley Rail Trail
Parking is available at corner of Chambers Rd and Highway 215, Brooklyn
Work in progress 14km rail trail, actively being refurbished. Although there is still lots of work to do, the space that is not under construction is beautiful for walking, running, and wheeling!
Falmouth
Falmouth Mini Park and Causeway Trail
The former Municipality of the District of West Hants entered into a lease agreement with the Department of Transportation in the early 1980s that allowed recreational purposes. The Causeway Trail is a 2.4km gravel and paved trail around Lake Pesaquid, and connects Falmouth Mini Park, Windsor Waterside Park, Windsor Skatepark, and Riverview Trail trailhead. Trail amenities include lights, washrooms, picnic areas, park benches, and interpretive signage.
Eldridge Road Recreation Site
156 Eldridge Road, Upper Falmouth
This 15.55-acre parcel was purchased in 1988 by the former Municipality of the District of West Hants and developed in partnership with the Falmouth Community Hall Association. Together, they created an exciting community space featuring a playground, 500 metres of walking trails, a basketball court, two fenced racket sport courts (for pickleball, tennis, badminton, etc), and two playing fields. It’s a great place to get outside, stay active, and connect with the community!
Highway #1, Falmouth, Across from the Falmouth Farm Market and Bakery
This freshwater access point sits on Pesaquid lake, fed by the Avon River. Just outside of civilization, this boat launch allows you to temporarily escape from the world and relax on a boat out on the calm water. At this location, you will find a cement landing that goes from the car parking at the end of the road and down to the water, a bench overlooking the water from a small lookoff point, and wastebins to keep trash away from the water.
Dr. Silas Rand Park
Corner between 60 Rand St and Riverview Road, Hantsport
This land was donated to the former Town of Hantsport by Leo and Joyce Vaughn in 1995. The park was named after Dr. Silas Rand, a Baptist Missionary to the Mi’kmaq people.
The park itself is a great little spot to walk to and enjoy your morning coffee, sit and chat, or listen to the birds.
Fundy Centennial Park
This land was donated by USG Canadian Mining Ltd, Fundy Gypsum Company Division to the former Town of Hantsport for recreation in 1993 and residents of the community created the park during the former Town of Hantsport’s Centennial year, 1995. The gazebo in the park rests across from a lookoff over the Avon River branch off the Minas Basin and is a peaceful spot to rest and picnic.
Note: although the gazebo is accessible for wheelchair and strollers, the lookoff point nearby is not accessible as there are stairs.
Hantsport
Chittick Park
Residents created this park during the former Town of Hantsport's Centennial Year in 1995. It is a cute little spot to socialize and listen to the birds chirping, with several benches and a water fountain in the center!
McDade Park
Corner Between Oak Street and Prince Street, Hantsport
Named after 19th mayor of the former Town of Hantsport, Garnet McDade, this quaint park is an excellent spot to relax and indulge in your morning tea/coffee in quiet nature. Although McDade Park is small, its bench sits on the original site of the Presbyterian Church (1897-1980) and is surrounded by bits of history!
R.A. Jodrey Memorial Field
A lease agreement was developed in 2005 between the Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Ltd. and the former Town of Hantsport to create a field for soccer players who had previously been using the baseball pitch. This field is named after R. A. Jodrey, an entrepreneur of several businesses, including the Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Ltd. With a field for playing, pavilion for relaxing, and a trail along the edges, this memorial field is a great spot to be active and socialize!
Riverbank Cemetery
Nestled off a branch of the Avon River, the Riverbank Cemetery provides a maintained walking route of gently winding walking trails around the cemetery. These trails provide a serene space for walking, birdwatching, or simply appreciating the tranquil atmosphere in a place of remembrance. Visitors are encouraged to walk respectfully, taking time to appreciate both the serenity of the landscape and the enduring legacy of those laid to rest.
Shamrock Ball Field
This land parcel was deeded to the former Town of Hantsport in 1928 by the Hantsport Amateur Athletic Association. Located next to the Hantsport School, Shamrock Ball Field hosts several games and baseball practices, and provides a great spot to play!
Hants Shore
Cheverie Salt Marsh Restoration Trail
Originally purchased in 2006 by the former Municipality of the District of West Hants, this site became home to the community-led Cheverie Crossway Salt Marsh restoration project. Managed by the West Hants Trails Association until 2019, it now operates under West Hants Regional Municipality. The site features a trail along the salt marsh, accessible picnic tables, an accessible restroom, a mini library, and a unique Camera Obscura, built by Dalhousie Architecture students in 2012, that projects live images of the Minas Basin on the floor inside.
Hobarts Beach
192 Block Wharf Road, Summerville
Deeded to the former Municipality of West Hants in 1991 by Fundy Gypsum Company Limited, Hobarts Beach has grown into a favourite local spot for recreation and relaxation along the waterfront.
Today, it serves as a community gathering place for picnicking and boating, with a small social area with benches and a firepit that allows for perfect for day trips and evening bonfires. The beach offers a beautiful view of the Minas Basin, and at low tide, visitors can scope out the remains of a sunken ship on the shoreline, a fascinating glimpse of the area’s history.
Kempt Quarry Recreation Site
Kempt Forest Drive, Kempt Shore
Once a gypsum quarry, this site was deeded to the former Municipality of the District of West Hants in 1976 and transformed into a community recreation area in the mid-1990s.
Today, Kempt Quarry is a beloved outdoor destination featuring a clear freshwater quarry ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with surrounding trails perfect for nature walks. The site offers picnic areas and scenic views, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Vaughan
Armstrong Lake Park
640 Armstrong Lake East Road, Vaughan
Armstrong Lake Park is a freshwater lake access point, suitable for swimming or boating on the water, playing yard games, hiking, reading a book from the little lending library, or picnicking with friends and family. Whatever you have planned, Armstrong Lake is a sweet place to go!
Falls Lake Municipal Land Trail
Falls Lake Municipal Land Trail is a freshwater lake access point, surrounded by luscious greenery. It’s a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon on the water or exploring the shoreline, with a picnic table to pause for lunch and take in the peaceful environment tucked away from civilization.
Falmouth Boat Launch
Windsor
Burgess Crescent Playground
Burgess Crescent Playground is an enclosed park space, including a playground, swings, picnic tables, benches, and a playing field. This spot creates a safe space for children and families to play, relax, and enjoy outdoor activities together. Away from busy streets, this playground provides a comfortable, family-friendly spot within the neighborhood
Elmcroft Park
This park is currently closed as construction is underway. The existing playground structures have been removed to make way for a new and improved playground, scheduled to be installed in 2026. Within the next few months, we will be requesting proposals from interested companies to submit designs with accessible features. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming the community back to a renewed park space in 2026!
Maplewood Cemetery
Located just outside of downtown Windsor, the Maplewood Cemetery provides a maintained walking loop around the cemetery, providing a quiet space for walking outdoors alone or with friends. Visitors are encouraged to walk respectfully, taking time to appreciate both the serenity of the landscape and the enduring legacy of those laid to rest.
Tregothic Trail
Connector trail between Wentworth Road, Windsor Elementary School and Payzant Road, Windsor
With 1.4 km stretch of gravel connector trail between Wentworth Road, Windsor Elementary School, hospital, Avon View High School, and neighboring subdivisions, the Tregothic Trail creates the perfect route to get to key locations in Windsor, without travelling on the main roads. This trail is accessible on foot or on wheels, with minimal hills and slopes.
Windsor Waterside Park
The Windsor Waterside park is an excellent, multipurpose park, which includes a gazebo, series of bodyweight exercise equipment, a skate park, outdoor basketball courts, a trail and floating docks that can be used to get out on the water!
Windsor Waterfront Skatepark
Along Lake Pisiquid Waterfront (behind the Windsor Mall)
The Skatepark has a four-stair set with a hubba ledge/rail combo, 2 ft high china bank-style slappy wall, 4 ft quarter pipe and a transitional flat bank. The total area is about 3,000 sqft. The Waterfront Skatepark is located adjacent to in Waterfront Park in Windsor.
Riverview Trail
Connector trail between Water Street, Lakeview Drive, and River Street, Windsor
An 800 m stretch of gravel trail along Lake Pisaquid, with stairs connecting to Lakeview Drive and River Street, and a small beach water access point. Branching off from downtown Windsor, this trail provides a great opportunity to get outside and be active when you need a short break!
St. Croix Recreation Site
This land was initially owned by Aubrey Smiley and was purchased by the Crown when Highway 101 was constructed. The Crown deeded the remaining lands to the former Municipality of West Hants in 1975 with the stipulation to be used for recreation purposes. The site now includes two baseball/softball fields, washroom facilities, a covered picnic area and lots of space for BBQs and running around to play!
