Trail Profile: Salt Marsh Trail

This 6.7-kilometre Trail section takes you along a long causeway and four bridges, crossing shallow wetland and forested areas, just outside of Halifax! Walk, cycle, cross-country ski or snowshoe along a relatively flat aggregate trail built on the old Musquodoboit railbed. Part of the Cole Harbour-Lawrencetown Coastal Heritage Provincial Park, this well-marked trail features interpretive signs about the area. 

What we love about the trail 

• Excellent birding opportunities abound
• A long causeway makes for immersive marshland vibes and exceptional views
• A great mix of environments, from marshland to the green of the forest
• A family-friendly option with relatively flat terrain and a lot to look at 

Greens and blues

Start out at Bisset Road in Cole Harbour and head out into a lovely forested patch of the trail. Enjoy the evergreen forest filled with spruce, fir, pine and cedar trees, before coming to a long causeway that will take you over shallow marshland along the Trail. Near Bisset Road, you’ll find a picnic area.

A 360 experience

On the causeway, enjoy sweeping marshland views, keeping an eye out for waterfowl along the way. You’ll cross four bridges on route to Cole Harbour-Lawrencetown Coastal Heritage Provincial Park. Take in the incredible sights and smells of a salt marsh – ocean breezes, birds and seagrasses – as you continue along the causeway. Note that you’re quite exposed to the elements here so be prepared for wind!

Through the park and onwards

As you cross the causeway, you’ll arrive at Cole Harbour-Lawrencetown Coastal Heritage Provincial Park, where you can continue through the park in the woods, eventually linking up with Atlantic View Trail and on to Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park.

A big thanks to the Cole Harbour Parks & Trail Association!

We’re so appreciative of the trail wardens at Cole Harbour Parks & Trail Association for their diligence and dedication to maintaining the Trail! Thank you for all your hard work!