Spring is such a wonderful time of year, especially around beautiful Cape Breton- where the forested hills meet the sea. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the island this time of year, is by going for walks in various spots around the island; really enveloping myself in all the magic it has to offer. My daughter was born in late March, and by the time I had been approved for postpartum activity following my 6 week check up, it was mid May, and the weather that year was just perfect for hiking. It was warm enough to get away with dressing in minimal layers (because is any one really sure how to dress their babies in those early days?!). But the cool Atlantic winds were just enough to keep the bugs away, which was perfect for the time when she was too little for bug sprays just yet. And if you’ve been there before you’ll know the struggle that is both sweating and freezing at the same time, struggling to catch your breath, carrying your bulky winter coat, with your hands are already full with baby! Walking has always been the one form of exercise I can really seem to consistently get behind, and if I could I would do it every day. But in the summer and warmer months, the heat and the bugs can make the task seem a much less appealing than spending the day lounging on a beach somewhere instead. Once it gets too cold for the bugs, we are right back out on the trails again almost everyday and love exploring the may different ones our gorgeous island has to offer.
This winter though, I found myself reaching for excuse after another to not get outside. I’m not sure if it was the pandemics effect on my routine- when I would regularly meet up with friends and their littles ones for the activity, the seasonal blues, being back to work, or maybe a mix of it all, but at the end of the day this past winter I had only talked myself into taking two dedicated walks, and it definitely took its toll. I spent my winter cranky, lonely, bored and feeling sorry for myself. I hadn’t realized that this was being effected by the lack of exercise, fresh air and routine until L and I finally head outside again for what felt like the first time in forever. And man did it feel good- did I feel good. By the time we finished our walk, I wasn’t ready for it to be over. The sun felt so warm, and the air felt so clean after such a dark, and miserable winter hiding from sickness. Ever since that first day out, we have been spending every morning the sun is shining this spring venturing from place to place to really experience all the beauty and wonder busting at the seems of our little island.
When we’re looking for our next hiking adventure, pretty much any body of water, or lush forests (or preferably both) are on the top of my personal wish list, and to no surprise having a playground near by in on the top of our daughters list. Being Stroller accessible is a definite necessity for all parties involved. Even though miss L is too independent for us, or the stroller- it usually ends up fulfilling its use to L’s dismay (or delight depending how far along the trail we are, and how low she’s running on energy beans at that point!), at least some point on our walks! Over the years as we’ve been building our family, I’ve been building my list- hoping to instill the same love for the outdoors and nature my partner and I both have. Although the government restrictions put in place this Spring to help manage the covid-19 pandemic require us to stay within our own communities, we are so fortunate to have so many incredible options still available to us even just within the limits of the CBRM. Just incase this limits your usual go-to favorite hiking spots, we thought we would share our top 10 favorite spots to “stroll” in the spring (in no particular order) here with you to help get out to explore with your own family bubbles this Spring within our community!
DALEM LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK LOOP: Okay, I know this is a Spring themed post, but this trail is absolutely beautiful to do anytime of the year. Just take a look at that photo! Each season makes it so uniquely beautiful in its own way, and can feel like a completely different experience with each change. Nestled in the trees as if it were drawn directly from a woodland scene in a children’s fairytale book- the roughly 2.8 km of gravel walking trail wraps entirely around the lake (a favorite Beach spot of ours in the summer!). Alternating between lake views, and lush, diverse forest canopy -the scenery is absolutely mesmerizing. Even L (who is usually full of beans, can’t help but quietly take it all in with wonder as we make our way along the trail.) When the snow hits, the forest canopy becomes draped in snow, and can feel almost as though you’ve just walked through the closet stepping right into the pages of Narnia. The path is popular for snowshoeing and usually fairly packed even during the coldest time of year. Although we’ve had great success pulling L along in her toboggan I definitely prefer to push her stroller with our stroller skis , with myself on my snowshoes for the ease through the winter, or when there is still some snow sticking around on the trail during the earlier parts of the spring. The Spring and Fall tend to be the least busy times for the trails if you hope to miss the beach crowd- which given the current restrictions and safe social distancing, is definitely a selling point for us when hunting for our hike of the day. That being said, the bugs usually tend to head here pretty early, and stick around pretty late in the season as well and can be quite over whelming. Coming from someone who lives deep in the woods ourselves, so you will definitely want to remember to pack all the bug netting and spray you can for this one!
GOAT ISLAND CULTURAL JOURNEY: Located in Eskisoni, the Goat Island Cultural Journey experience is always the top of my list. And once things are able to safely resume again I would highly recommend booking a tour to get the full, and best experience. Mi’kmaq volunteers put on incredibly detailed historical presentations depicting several aspects of their culture, heritage, and history of the area with them help of of music, food and folklore (and hear about how Goat Island got it’s name!). It is such a uniquely beautiful trail- with its path wrapping all the way around the outer edge of the island alongside the water, offering incredible views from every point of the path. We are big fans of the many picnic tables throughout the path that make for the perfect spot fo take in the amazing views for a mid walk snack when the moment (or moments in our little snackers case!) strike! One of L’s personal favorite points along this walk is their creatively designed mostly natural play ground including playhouse, swings, climbing structures, teeter-totters, etc. and has become the inspiration behind our own natural playground at home someday (I knew I kept my woodsman partner-in-parenting around all these years for something!). The walking portion of this trail is roughly 2.4km, due to restrictions the path is currently one way only, but once things begin to lift I recommend completing the trail fully both ways. Each direction provides completely different views, and can feel like two totally different experiences! Completely “strollerable” the whole way through, the entirety of the trail is relatively flat and is over all a very easy trail to complete. Doing both directions works out to be just under 5km, but breaking it into two the walk really seem to fly by with ease and hardly feels like exercise at all while still getting your steps in! The location is also a canoe and kayak rental and launch site if you have a family of water bugs like ours, it is a spot I highly recommend you hit the water from at least once while living on the island! **edited to add: Given the recent horrific discovery of the at least 215 Native Children at the Residential School in BC, and what is undoubtedly to be more uncovered as we investigate farther, this is a great opportunity to do our part and work even a little bit towards reconciliation by taking the time to learn more and educate ourselves on even some of the Native experience. Work toward becoming part of the solution; Book a tour, listen, reflect, and ask how you can help.**
EAST BAY HILLS TRAIL: Living out in East Bay (or the “country” in general) has definitely come with its pros and cons. For example; the drive isn’t terrible into town.. unless you just came back from a grocery trip, only to realize you forgot the one thing you actually really needed to go into town for and have to head right back in! (This is a real thing that happened, and I can laugh about it now, but let me tell you I never forget to buy the milk now! haha) But any potentially perceived downside is so worth what it offers for our little family in return. I love our little slice of paradise, being nestled deep in the woods atop a hill, waterfalls, beaches and wooded trails right at our doorstep. Having this all so close by- and depending on our toddlers mood that day, along with our own levels of motivation to to get off the couch (or lack there of); saving us from long trips to and from town or beyond, in the car with a little one in tow, can be a huge draw when deciding where to hike. That is why we love heading to the East Bay Hills Trail. Just down the road, the local walking path provides roughly 3km of interpretive trail. It offers the perfect amount of exercise; its not too long, not too short, not too steep but still challenging enough to feel accomplished for afterward. This one could be considered slightly more challenging than the two listed above, as the name implies- this trail does go up and down one of the many rolling hills in the East Bay area. Regardless of the direction you choose to take the rounding path (although now this is predetermined due to pandemic restrictions) you will come across a portion of the trail that really makes you work for it, either facing a steeper hill over a shorter distance, or a much longer hill with a lower incline. Thankfully through these stretches, there are rails and supports in place to help you out along your way. Our stroller is able to take on the path with minimal challenge, which is another huge benefit for the inevitable tired legs our little one is bound to get, and the sore back I’m bound to get carrying her in my arms alternatively. Between the breathtaking forested hill view, fresh forest air, and interesting informative tid-bits to read along the way (because we’re all about the learning moments!) this trail has made for many enjoyable mornings in our family! That being said, another one of those things I have absolutely come to learn living out this way in the country is definitely, definitely bring bug spray when you go walking through these woods!
BAILLE ARD (SPEC) WALKING TRAIL: This was one of the first trails L and I ventured to after she had been born. I love that there are so many different path options to take. There are some days when I could spend the whole day walking, and others when I’m out of breath and ready to head home after the first 5 minutes- especially early on after the 6 week post partum check up when I wasn’t quite ready to “push myself” too hard just yet. My personal favorite path to take is the “brooks trail.” Not being from the area, or having a clear sense of direction in what had initially been unfamiliar area, it was the first one I took- knowing that if you ever get lost, you could follow your way back along the waters edge. Bodies of water, lakes, oceans, rivers and streams- have always been something I really connect spiritually with. They just seem to hold this sense of magic and wonder and mystery, and their steady sureness through my best and worst days always seem to bring me a sense of calm and peace into that moment. So when it comes to choosing my path on any given walk, if walking with water is an option, it is always my first choice. But walking at Baille Ard is very special to me for more than just this. Mommy Connections made such a big, and positive impact on my motherhood journey; especially in the early days. There was such a strong connections between all the mothers in our particular group, and we all knew we wanted to find some way to start connecting outside of just our classes. We started meeting at least once, sometimes twice a week beyond our weekly classes, and would travel to various walking spots and then all meet up for lunch together directly afterwards. As the Baille Ard Trail was the most centrally located for everyone to meet at, it was also closest to the best place to eat with large groups who were also able to provide multiple highchairs for our littles, this was the trail we would most frequently find ourselves gravitating to. Nestled right in the city center (with great parking for a group meet when restrictions lift!) This trail is stroller friendly the whole way through regardless of path you choose, and offers over 5 combined km of trails.
WENTWORTH PARK, THE DUCK POND: This is one that seems so obviously we never really thought to actually go to enjoy the walking path it until just this last year. What right now can sometimes feel like a completely different lifetime all together, we had enjoyed Wentworth Park and its band shell for their “Making Waves” Live shows and performances. Both while pregnant and then again a year later when L was just a fresh wee babe. I look forward to these such events returning, but in the mean time, even under restrictions there are so many good things to be said about Wentworth park! Located where the heart of where Wentworth meets the downtown area, this 1 km of paved walking path is an extremely low difficulty level walk and can even be broken up about half way. This makes it the perfect spot for a walk for those freshly postpartum, those with little ones with any type of stroller, and is a new favorite spot to take our push trike! It is a very popular place for Prom photos and alike, and it is no wonder why. The historic homes, and immaculate landscaping lining the path surrounding the duck ponds with fountains, is absolutely breath taking as you make your way along. Being so centrally located, it is easy access to tons of options for lunch, shops, or a cool treat on a hot day! For example, we haven’t been so fortunate to try it out ourselves yet, but we have heard nothing but amazing things about Annies Ice Cream, parked in the convenience parking lot, to the back and left of the band shell. They offer an incredible selection of ice creams to satisfy the sweetest of teeth. Now that we regularly frequent this park for our walks, I most look forward to finally getting the chance (and having a good excuse!! Any other mommas treat themselves after a walk for all that effort?!) to try their icecream borritos– one of their many unique creations, wraps your ice cream selections burrito-style in cotton candy, forming the most decadent and sweet treat imaginable! Along the George St. side of the park is the Wentworth Park Playground, which was designed perfectly to maximize accessible play for everyone from the littlest of littles to the biggest of big kids, to enjoy alike. But above all of this fun and excitement- The Duck Pond itself is always the number one favorite for us. L is big into animals right now, learning their names, sounds, etc. If it were up to my daughter, we would spend our entire time here feeding, mimicking, trying to befriend and just simply watching the ducks. And honestly I wouldn’t mind it at all- because as she watches them, I get to watch the amazement of the little things in the world through her eyes, and take in every inch of all that she is as she grows.
OPEN HEARTH PARK: I feel like this is one of those parks that is so vast and reaching- that every time I visit this park, I find something new to love more about it. Years ago my first encounter had been to the dog park with a friend, but at the time I had no idea just how much this space had to offer. Over the years since we have made several trips to the travelling Ribfest who, prior to the pandemic, would temporarily make its home in this locations, but only last summer did we make our way to the actual park portion of this space. I cannot say enough good things about the Open Hearth Park. It is by far one of my daughters favorite playgrounds! The playground itself can be broken up into four different aspects; there is a dedicated section for the littlest of littles, an area for the bigs, but L’s two favorite spots to hop between are the musical playground with interactive xylophones, gongs, drums and more, and once the weather warms up and the city turns on the water we absolutely all love going to the splash pad to cool down! Most recently though; this spring, we have began to focus more on utilizing their incredible walking paths. The entire trail is completely paved, and while it is only about 1.2 km in length, it wraps and loops along the parks grounds allowing you to extend the duration of your walk in continuity to your own desire. As we live out in the country, we aren’t able to get much use of any of the fun wheeled toys on our gravel roads and drive, so we like bringing them to places like this where their wheels are able to get some traction and L can finally enjoy them as intended. The last few weeks as the spring sun started to stick around and warm us up, I have been taking L out on her push trike while I dust off the rollerblades I’ve had sitting in my closets province to province since my University/ College years, and I honestly don’t know who has been having more fun between the two of us. The path is scattered with pavilions and open park space for picnics, and if you’ve forgotten to pack your own, not to worry! Island Sauce Co. has an operating “take out” building for your convenience, or help yourself to the many other restaurants and food stops the downtown area has to offer just down the way. Be sure to come in layers walking this path in the spring, on even the most beautiful looking days the harbor can blow quite a cool breeze off the Atlantic!
TWO RIVERS WILDLIFE PARK: Opened all year round to be enjoyed during any season- this park has so much variety and fun to offer for the whole family. We often buy annual family passes to have the excuse to enjoy the park as often as possible. The park sits on roughly 500 acres deep in the Mira, where over the years the park has rescued, homed and rehabilitated 50+ species of animals and birds found both on and off the island. Along with their animal discovery path, the park also provides a petting zoo and feed for the animals, wagon rides, fishing, a playground with bounce house- pillow, and in the winter snowshoe trails, tobogganing, and horse drawn sleigh rides, with access remaining to some of their listed amenities as well. In the winter, this is another spot we love using the excuse to break out the stroller skis for making our way through the snow along the animal discovery path to visit all of our winter animal friends. Although really the animal discovery trail can be enjoyed for different reasons in any season- we love turning any moment into a learning moment and there is no better way to learn than experiencing the subject matter yourself. Being able to see those same animals she reads and hears about in her book and on her shows, brings a whole new sense of wonder and magic into her little world. This particular trail, which is covered in gravel and great for strollers, wagons, etc. works out to be roughly 1 km long, and currently houses more than 12 varieties of animals. Just past the second parking lot for another great hands-on learning experience, the park offers a petting zoo (and feed for an additional $1 throughout the park and at the gate) where an additional 12 varieties of animals are housed, and where children have the, in many cases rare, opportunity to get to see the animals up close in person- touching and feeding the animals themselves, helping deepen their interests and passions for animals and wildlife. The park also offers additional specific hiking trails. Breaking into two sections, the short loop consists of 2.4km of interpretive trail, and the long loop offers an additional 1.7 km of trail. L of course mostly loves their newly updated playground, and giant bounce-pillow, so we always make sure to make our mandatory stop here prior to leaving the park (or pay for it dearly the whole ride home! haha if you have a toddler, or have experienced the “terrible twos,” you get it!). There is plenty space throughout the park for the perfect picnic, and just behind the park at the back of the main office is a takeout window for food and other treats for those special occasions or just incase you forgot to pack your own. I have been camping every summer since I was 4 months old, and the same can be said for my daughter now as well- and although we haven’t had to opportunity to camp here since purchasing our camper this year, camping at the Two Rivers Wildlife Park comes highly recommended from all our camping friends with young families. With all the amenities available to you and included in your camping fees, we definitely look forward to giving this a try at the park someday as well.
LOUISBURG LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL: I fell in love with the island my first trip out, and knew right away I wanted to live here permanently. Being so close to the Ocean is one of the things I love most about Cape Breton, you’re never more than 45 minutes from the coast no matter where you are on the island. This walking trail takes you right along Cape Bretons Rugged Coast Line with its 5km path, and long before my daughter, back before I had even met my “partner-in-parenting” this was one of my favorite hiking spots. Located in the historic town of Louisburg where the first light house had ever been lit in Canada in 1734, the entrance to the trail can be accessed just off the main road, by taking Havenside to where it ends in the parking lot at the base of the existing lighthouse. Exiting your car you are instantly greeted by the smell of fresh ocean air, and the roar of its rolling waves. As you make your way along, the interpretive trail offers various look out points along the path allowing you to take in the incredible lighthouse and ocean views from every angle, along with plenty of picnic spots to sit and really enjoy them. This path is stroller friendly, but only up to the beach. If you are an avid hiker, the path continues through the forests entrance on the opposite side of the beach but I would definitely recommend brining a hiking back pack or similar carrying structure just incase if you are planning to venture this part. Although we haven’t been taking advantage of this trail lately as often as we should, writing this all out and reminiscing, I definitely plan to head here our next sunny day, and hope this inspired you plan your next visit here soon as well. Especially if its one you haven’t done recently either, or have never been!
DOWNTOWN SYDNEY HARBOUR BOARDWALK: Centrally located, downtown along the Sydney Harbor, this 1.2 km walking path is the perfect family friendly spot for a sunny spring time stroll along the seaside. With its easy access to the downtown core and all of the amenities, services, restaurants and shops, buskers, entertainers and other excitement that the downtown area offers, this may be a newly renewed favorite spot. Accessible for parking via the Joan Harris Pavilion or the parking lot just to the left near the Portside Bar & Lounge, this 1.2km path stretches all the way along the waters edge up to the Sydney Fire station. At one time you were able to gain access to the path from the Fire Station as well, but with the new NSCC campus construction underway along the harbor front, this area has been temporarily blocked off. Although we do look forward to eventually enjoying the architecture and grandeur of the finished product and its grounds following it’s completion, along with all the business and future development it brings for even more exciting additions to the downtown core to visit while on this walk! To be honest, I was totally shocked and amazed and just how much L loved our walk here the other day, especially not having stopped at any playground during this trip . During this very curious stage in her development, she found so much to be interested and fascinated by. Aside from the obvious gorgeous harbor side views, The green space along the walking path is immaculately maintained, with grassy areas perfect for a picnic, hugged by tulip gardens lining the way. We spent most of our time here that day stopping to smell and take in every flower within sight, watching the boats come in and out of the docks, and stopping what must have been every foot at one point to talk about what we were seeing in or along the water, and dreaming up what might possibly live beneath it. L was completely taken by the the World’s Largest Fiddle at the base of the pavilion, and danced her little heart out to the music coming from it as if it were being played directly from her soul. She could only say “wow mummy” in shock and awe at the Giant boat docked at the cruise ship berth directly behind them once she finally noticed it and its full size. Along our walk we came across many people- young and old, biking, roller blading, and with stroller-fuls of little ones, and it was nice to feel almost “normal” again, after not seeing others for so long! L loved walking along the outdoor shops that looked almost like miniature painted maritime style houses in a village made just her size. With the boardwalk being so close to the library, restaurants, shops, food trucks, and ice cream stops- if we had this much fun while we were all under lockdown, I can’t begin to imagine just how much more exciting walks will be here once everything starts to open up again. This Spot is the perfect representation and “taste” of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and if you haven’t had the chance to in a while, I highly recommend playing tourist in our own home town to really renew an appreciation for all it has to offer.
PETERSFIELD PROVINCIAL PARK: Previously known as the McLennan Family Estate, this park is now a heritage site, home to the remains of the original buildings and grounds completed in 1901. Belonging initially to steel and coal tycoon J.S McLellan, who would famously go on to own and establish the Sydney Post- the Italian style grand estate once boasted a tower, luscious gardens and groomed landscaping, tennis courts, a boat house, stables and a caretakers cottage in its prime. The family was highly respected for their community status and frequently entertained on their estate holding various events such as tea parties, boating races, and large skating parties. Over the years the family and estate famously hosted many notable guests such as the likes of Lords, Ladies, Governor Generals and even the Prime Minister of Canada. Following the expropriation of the land for a naval base during WWII, and its eventual Provincial Park designation, the parks name was changed to Petersfield. Named after the first documented to settle the land in 1785, former Mayor of New York City, David Mathews, and Samuel Peters – who chose to never develop on his parcel of the land leaving the empty field to be referred to by the locals over the years simply as “Peters-field.” . Outside of just the estate remains, there is much to remind us of the lands past throughout the park. Reflective of it’s Naval base history, The Canadian Coast Guard’s College can be viewed from the property where it was relocated to the adjacent property in 1981. The space is also home to an incredible diversity of non native plants, trees and other flora that the McLennan’s brought over with them from Europe, unique only to the area and provides an incredible view from the other side of the Historic Sydney Harbor, opposite from that which was mentioned above. The entire park presents picturesque views from nearly every angel and has been the backdrop of many of the beautiful photos our in house photographer, Creative Isle Photography, and has made an appearance in the family photos of many of our participating Mommas as well. The park offers an extensive network of over 7km of stroller friendly, bike friendly, and on-leash dog friendly interpretive trails to take it all in. After enjoying the trails make sure you Bring a picnic blanket, or feel free to sit at one of the many picnic tables provided by the park – if you forgot to pack a lunch it’s not a problem, Marty’s Chip Wagon is right across the street from the parking lot, and right next to a convenience store to serve you anything you may need for the perfect picnic lunch. This incredibly wide, open space is the perfect setting for many big and small events, and has even previously been the site of a few Mommy Connections Classes. Really looking forward to having these types of gatherings and alike resume in the near future and to connecting in our classes- indoor or out, soon!
Bonus:
I haven’t actually been to any of these trails just yet, so it didn’t feel quite right to recommend them without being able to give my honest opinion on the experience. Even if just to write them down for my own benefit so I don’t forget in the future, I wanted to include them in some way, I thought I would share them all here for you as well! I highly recommend checking out The Old Town Trail, in Lousibourg and The Maryann Corbtett Trail(entrance near the Michaels at the Mayflower Mall.) After recently hearing of these spots and doing some research though, they are definitely trails I would love tot try out in the near future. Rotary Park Is another great spot as well, this one I had been to and it is absolutely beautiful, but when compared to those listed in the top ten, it didn’t feel comparable in my personal opinion, but it still a great walk to add to your rotation every once in a while!
I hope you really enjoyed the read, and feel a bit more prepared for planning your next Spring time stroll with your littles. Keep an eye out for our next blog that will touch on some of our favorite Ocean beaches around the island that you’ll totally want to turn into a full day trip when you see! Don’t forget to always tell a friend or family where you’re hiking before you head out, stay protected from the sun, and drink lots of water!
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