Welcome to the St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails
If you are a hiker, walker, jogger, cyclist, horse-back rider, cross-country skier, ATVer, or simply someone who loves nothing more than getting outside in the beauty of nature, our community run trail is for everyone.
PLEASE NOTE: the Spring ATV closure is currently in effect. Click here for more details
St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails – Trail Facts
Trail end points: Around civic #4268 St. Margaret’s Bay Road to Hubley.
Connected Communities: Hubley, Lewis Lake, Upper Tantallon, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay, Boutlier’s Point, Ingramport, Black Point, Queensland, Hubbards.
Trail category: Rail-Trail, Multi-Use
Trail activities: Walking, Hiking, Running, Wheelchair Accessible, Cycling, Horse-Back Riding, 4 Wheeling, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeingg
Part of the South Shore’s 109-km Rum Runners’ Trail
Just 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, the St. Margaret’s Bay Area trail is built on the original railway line that served the Bay area. Connecting with the BLT Trail in Hubley and the Aspotogan Trail in Hubbards the St. Margaret’s Bay Area trail is a 33km multi-use recreational trail with some of the most stunning elevated panoramic views of the St. Margaret’s Bay.
Interpretive panels along the trail give information about the area’s history, ecology, attractions and points of interest. With multiple entrances and exit points, in whole or in part the trail is perfect for everyone – and kids will love the trail too with our fun activities.
Quick Links: Trail Facilities Upcoming Events Trail History About UsSt. Margaret's Bay Rails to Trail
- Distance Instructions
- Travel mode:
- walking
- bicycling
- driving
- straight-line
- Distance 31.76 km
- Time 7 h 57 min
- Speed 4.0 km/h
- Min altitude 5 m
- Peak 86 m
- Climb 340 m
- Descent 401 m
A Part of the Community
The St. Margaret’s Bay Area Trail is maintained and managed by The St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trail Association, a community-based volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring the beauty and safety of the Trail for all users to share and enjoy. Maintaining a busy, popular Trail of this size is no easy task. It is only through their continued hard work that the Trail is not only fit for use but will be here for future generations to use and enjoy.
As a volunteer organization we rely on community donations to do seasonal maintenance, clean up, create signage, add benches and more. We would like to invite you to support our efforts, by becoming a trail member or making a donation; every little bit helps.
Become a Member Trail SurveyTrail News
Trails Stakeholder Message
The following is a letter from the Nova Scotia Lands and Forests – Parks and Outreach Division March 24, 2020 Trails Stakeholders:Earlier today, the province updated Nova Scotians on recent measures to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including use of parks and trails. Understandably, Nova Scotians want to get out for walks…Read More >>
COVID 19 Update to Members and Trail Users
Trail use and the need for trail maintenance is expected to increase with the closure of most recreational and community venues. Trail use remains one of the safest recreational activities during the pandemic and a good way to relieve the stress and anxiety associated with this event. A few simple rules as adopted from other…Read More >>
All Hands on Deck March 6th on the Rails to Trails
By Keith Ayling This article was originally published in the March 2020 issue of the Masthead News It was all hands on deck on the St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails Friday, March 6th, as numerous agencies showed up to emphasize education and enforcement while using the popular trail around St. Margaret’s Bay. Representatives…Read More >>
Our Vision
The St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails Association (SMBARTA) manages and maintains the 32.5km of trail for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Our goal is to provide a safe and scenic route for active transportation and wellness activities.
If you would like to help support us consider becoming a Trail member, a Board Member or making a donation. Your help and support are greatly needed and very much appreciated!
Quick Links: Trail Rules About Us