The coastal city of Halifax has no dearth of water bodies but Lake Banook is among the most popular tourist spots. The beaches on its shore are favorites with kids and adults alike, and offer a beautiful panorama of the surrounding parks and cottages. Trails run along the lake's edge and meander through areas blessed by natural greenery. The lake shore has a plethora of clubs for all sorts of aquatic sports, be it dragon boating, rowing, kayaking or sprint canoeing. In fact, several prestigious international tournaments are held here for water sports during summer and ice skating in winter. Many people also regard it as the place where ice hockey originated.
The chocolate factory that stood on the shore of this water body gave it the name Chocolate Lake. Surrounded by beautiful cottages, a beach and a park, it is a favorite picnic spot with families. Both amateur and expert swimmers enjoy taking a dip here and lifeguards are usually stationed during summer. Swimming lessons are also available during the warmer months. It is a quiet spot within easy reach of Downtown Halifax, to escape from the bustle of the main city. You can also hike further down to discover larger lakes and provincial parks.
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.