Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is a dog-friendly park in Caledonia, NS. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on one of the many hiking trails. There are easy and moderate loops that offer great views of the water and forest, or you can try one of the in-and-out trails. The Mersey Meadow, Hemlocks and Hardwoods, and Gold Mines trails are self-guided and the informative panels throughout provide details about the natural and cultural resources the park protects.

Peggy's Point Lighthouse, also known as Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, is a pet-friendly landmark in Peggy's Cove, NS. A favorite among visitors, this scenic spot welcomes both two- and four-legged explorers to enjoy the coastal views and capture memorable photos by the iconic lighthouse.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is pet-friendly. All of Canada's National Parks allow dogs in picnic areas, at campsites and on any trails. One of Canada’s most enchanting places, the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through this giant national park. On the trail and beyond, you'll notice forested river canyons carved into the ancient plateau, surrounded by cliffs. Keep your eyes open for moose and bald eagles. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

Shubie Park is a pet-friendly park in Dartmouth. This urban park has a lake on either side and is a great place to explore with your leashed pooch. There are canals, trails and benches throughout the park, but the highlight is an off-leash area. The space is not fenced, so keep an eye on your pup and don't let them wander too far away. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.

MacElmon's Pond in Debert, NS, is a pet-friendly park with an easy 1 km (½ mi) trail through pine forest, reclaimed pasture and along a scenic headpond. It's shaded with good ground cover, plus picnic tables and restrooms. Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the peaceful setting, a haven for migratory waterfowl and fall foliage photography.

Mi'kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail in Debert, NS, is a dog-friendly 4.4 km loop where leashed pups are welcome to join you. The well-marked trail features a diverse array of wildflowers, trees, small streams and varied terrain that dogs love to explore. Guided walking tours are available, and it’s a meaningful experience to walk this land where Mi'kmaq ancestors have lived—and continue to live.

The Cabot Trail in Petit-Etang is one of the best ways to see Nova Scotia. This 185-mile scenic road around Cape Breton Island is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Along the way, you'll pass through a section of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, enjoy epic ocean vistas, meander through forests, and gaze across prehistoric rock formations. Make the most of the journey by spending 5-7 days stopping at beautiful coastal villages like Baddeck, Cheticamp and more.

Victoria Park is a pet-friendly natural woodland park in Truro, NS. This location is home to an extensive trail system that features wild gorges, waterfalls, and forested lookout points along the route. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners for a shady walk, a picnic, or a quick photo op through the property.

The Fundy Discovery Site is a prime pet-friendly spot to witness the remarkable tidal phenomena of Canada's Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides on Earth, right in Truro, NS. Friendly staff are available to provide information on tidal bore and tide times. Enjoy a picnic or take a stroll on the nearby Cobequid Trail. You'll also find waste stations conveniently located on site.

Taylor Head Provincial Park is a pet-friendly recreational area in Spry Bay, NS. Located near the community of Spry Bay a short drive from Sheet Harbour, this community park features a stretch of sand just over half a mile in length and 13 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails that vary in difficulty. Leashed dogs can join you on all of the rugged trails along the shoreline.

Five Islands Lighthouse Park in Lower Five Islands, Nova Scotia is pet friendly. Dogs on leash are permitted in the park. Located in the Bay of Fundy, this coastal park is home to the world's highest tides. Take a wander around the 22 acres with your dog! The gravel path will lead to Five Islands Lighthouse, a wooden lighthouse finished in 1914 and moved to its current location in 2008. Afterwards, head to the beach with your leashed pooch.

The Cobequid Trail is a pet-friendly 18-km path in Truro, NS, where two- and four-legged friends are invited to walk together. Leashed dogs can join their owners along this multi-surface route, which winds through woods and past marshlands and connects with other trails. This path is open to walkers, cyclists and snowshoers, but note that there is no winter maintenance.

Greenlink Rotary Park Trail System is a pet-friendly, two-mile gravel path on Cape Breton Island in Membertou, NS. Leashed dogs can walk by your side on the trails in this urban park and can run free in the off-leash dog area. Highlights include views of the Wentworth Creek Dam and waterfall, the historical reservoir, and a nine-hole disc golf course. Please refer to their website for additional access locations.

Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is a pet-friendly coastal space in East Lawrencetown, NS. Dogs must remain on a leash while on the beach and trail. You and your pup can find a spot on the sand and cobblestone beach to watch world-class surfers take on the riptide of this famous surf haven. From this park, you can access the Atlantic View Trail, a six-mile coastal greenway that shows off the best of the region with salt marshes, beaches, woodland and more.

Bring a picnic and your pup to Petersfield Provincial Park in Sydney, NS, which overlooks the south arm of Sydney Harbour on Cape Breton Island. This beautiful dog-friendly recreation space makes a great pitstop on the Cabot Trail. The park features a loop path under a mile in length that is suitable for all levels of walkers.

Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park in Baddeck, NS is a pet-friendly trail along the North Branch River on Cape Breton Island. The payoff to this shady pathway is a picturesque waterfall that carves its way through a granite outcrop. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on this easy out-and-back trail under 2 miles in length.

Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail is pet friendly. Take a stroll by the harbour in Dartmouth, NS with your leashed pooch. At just under two miles, this easy walk by the water extends from Dartmouth's Alderney Ferry Terminal to the Woodside Ferry Terminal. Restrooms are on site.

MacCormack’s Beach Provincial Park is a pet-friendly park in Eastern Passage, NS. Located next to Fisherman's Cove, this picturesque park features a boardwalk, rocky beaches and views across the water to Halifax and McNabs in the distance. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, as long as they are cleaned up after and avoid wildlife.

York Redoubt National Historic Site in Halifax, NS is pet friendly. Bring your leashed dog to this historic fort, where you can enjoy views across Halifax Harbour from the winding paved trails.

DeWolf Park is a pet-friendly coastal recreation area with a boardwalk trail about a half mile in length suitable for all levels of walkers. Bring your leashed dog to this Bedford, NS, spot to picnic, bird watch, walk, or see the sights and listen to the sounds of the coast.