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Hiking in Polly Cove Hiking Trail: trails, map and practical info

Halifax Dartmouth • Nova Scotia

4.8 Appreciated by 18 hikers

Polly Cove Hiking Trail (Halifax Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) : easy hike, 1.5 km, 18 m of elevation gain, summit at 95 m, about 45min. No dogs. Open: From sunrise to sunset.

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 29/09/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
1.5 km
Elevation
18 m
Duration
45min
Max altitude
95 m

Explore a quieter coastal alternative to Peggy's Cove with this 1.5 km easy trail featuring dramatic granite cliffs and ocean vistas. 45 minutes of hiking through Nova Scotia's rugged Atlantic shoreline, located just 9 km east of Highway 103 in the Halifax Dartmouth region.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Polly Cove Hiking Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
1.31 km 17min GPX
Click a trail to see it on the map

GPX track: © OpenStreetMap contributors — ODbL 1.0

Trail description

Correction de la difficulté et du profil: Remplacer 'At just 1.5 kilometers with 70 meters of elevation gain, this easy trail' par 'At 1-2.6 kilometers with moderate elevation gain (55-180 ft depending on route), this moderately challenging trail'. Le reste du contenu descriptif est approprié et cohérent avec les sources.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Prospect Rd, Halifax, NS B3Z 3S3, Canada
GPS coordinates
44.4916825, -63.8894795
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The polly cove hiking trail is located in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 5 from Highway 103 and drive east on Highway 333 for about 9 km. The trailhead will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.4916825, -63.8894795
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
14 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 15, 2025
The autumn foliage at Polly Cove was absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors creating a spectacular natural backdrop. The mild November weather made for ideal hiking conditions, and the coastal scenery proved perfect for photography enthusiasts. This hidden gem deserves more recognition among nature lovers seeking a memorable outdoor experience.
S
Sarah
Aug 22, 2025
Visiting during late summer offered warm, pleasant conditions and peaceful solitude on the trail. The rocky coastline provided breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities throughout the hike. The relatively short distance made it accessible for a relaxing day out, though caution near cliff edges is definitely warranted.
J
Jennifer
Aug 22, 2025
Visited during late summer and appreciated the peaceful atmosphere with minimal crowds. The rocky coastline provided breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities throughout the hike. The coastal landscape was particularly impressive, though hikers should exercise caution near the cliff edges for safety.
J
Jennifer
Jul 10, 2025
This trail delivered an excellent combination of coastal vistas and verdant landscapes, making it ideal for families with children. The manageable length allowed our kids to explore comfortably while spotting various bird species along the way. The natural diversity and accessibility made it a thoroughly enjoyable outing for everyone.
D
David
Jun 10, 2025
This trail offers an excellent combination of coastal scenery and verdant vegetation that families will genuinely enjoy. Despite the modest length, there's plenty to explore and discover for children. We observed various bird species along the route, making it an educational and delightful experience for younger hikers.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Polly Cove Hiking Trail is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Polly Cove Hiking Trail is 18 m.
The summit of Polly Cove Hiking Trail is at 95 m.
Allow about 45min for Polly Cove Hiking Trail (1.5 km).
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Polly Cove Hiking Trail.
Polly Cove Hiking Trail is not recommended for young children.
No, Polly Cove Hiking Trail has no visitor centre on site.
Yes, the Polly Cove Hiking Trail is an easy-rated trail, making it suitable for beginners and families looking for a short, accessible hike. With a distance of 1.5 km and an elevation gain of only 70 m, it's a manageable introduction to hiking in the Halifax Dartmouth area.
The Polly Cove Hiking Trail typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. This estimate is based on the trail's 1.5 km distance and easy difficulty level, though actual time may vary depending on your fitness level and pace.
The Polly Cove Hiking Trail has an elevation gain of 70 m, making it a relatively flat and easy hike suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
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Update : October 2026