To walk through the iron gates of The Halifax Public Gardens is to step back a century; Canada's first public gardens have that effect. Since 1867, visitors have enjoyed the flowers, trees, fountains, a pond and winding paths. Sit on a bench near the Victorian bandstand and listen to the music and marvel at the beauty of a huge Rhododendron in bloom. Bring lunch, you'll want to stick around. one thing to remember while visiting the park is that opening times vary in the winter and summer seasons.
Point Pleasant Park offers a sight of squirrels, blue jays, woodpeckers and a good 74.8 hectares (185 acres) to explore. Although it is located a few minutes from downtown, it feels like being in the country. You can walk by the water or through the forest; there are a variety of paths. Bring a picnic lunch or barbecue a few hot-dogs; the park has pits for cooking and plenty of tables. Spend a relaxing day exploring the old forts, watching for seals or mingling with the dog walkers and joggers.
Half of the McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park, McNabs Island is a stunning introduction to Nova Scotia's Halifax Harbour. The island's colorful history includes stints as a French fishing center and a military battery, and today, Fort McNab is considered a National Historic Site. Although Lawlor Island is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy McNabs Island's gorgeous coast and various attractions, like the Maugers Beach Lighthouse. Wildlife watchers can stroll the island's many trails, watersports enthusiasts can spend the afternoon boating, and the curious can get to know the island's history by taking a tour with the Friends of McNabs Island, a volunteer society dedicated to preserving Nova Scotia's island gem.