Long Lake Provincial Park

Long Lake Provincial Park is a protected area of about 2100 hectares in Halifax County with forests, wetlands, and multiple lakes, including the namesake Long Lake covering about 154 hectares. The grounds feature over 5 kilometers of trails mainly on the east side of the lake.

The land served as Halifax's water supply until 1977 and hosted World War I military barracks, trenches, and gun positions. These defensive installations were part of a broader system protecting the region during wartime.

The park contains remnants of 19th-century granite quarries that supplied stone for many buildings in downtown Halifax during its early growth. You can spot traces of this history while walking through the area.

The park has multiple entry points and trails in various difficulty levels suitable for hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The best time to visit depends on your chosen activity, as the lake is popular for swimming in summer and snow-covered trails work well for winter sports.

The land holds rare old trees that survived decades of heavy logging, while moose, beavers, and native orchids thrive in the wetland areas. This blend of forest history and wildlife makes the park particularly interesting for nature watchers.