Beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads

Splash pads

The Halifax Common splash pad will close Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. for the season.

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, most splash pads will be open from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon-7 p.m. on weekends. This schedule will be in place from Tuesday, Sept. 3 until Friday, Sept. 13.

Municipal beaches

Municipal beaches are open to the public from July 1 to Aug. 31.

Outdoor pools

See facility details and schedules here. For a list of programs or call our summer aquatics line at 902.490.5458.  

Supervision

Daily supervision throughout the summer months (July 1 - Aug. 31) will take place at most municipal beaches. Residents are advised there is no weekend supervision at Malay Falls or Kinap Beach. All municipal lifeguards hold National Lifeguard Service certification and are equipped with a variety of emergency supplies to help with water rescues.

Recreation thanks the public for enjoying these facilities responsibly and encourages swimmers to exercise caution during the off-season or in non-supervised areas. 

Water testing

Municipal staff regularly test the water quality for bacteria levels at all supervised and four unsupervised municipal beaches from July 1 to Aug. 31. Know your swimming limitations if you choose to swim in unsupervised bodies of water. Always swim with a buddy in supervised areas and adults should never leave children unsupervised in the water.

Beach washroom or change room facilities

Washrooms and change rooms are available at the following beaches at the hours listed. These facilities open on the long weekend in May and close at the end of September each year. 
Albro Lake Beach: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Chocolate Lake Beach: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Birch Cove Beach: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Penhorn Beach: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

For information on beach closures, call our summer aquatics line at 902.490.5458.

Please note: There is currently a risk advisory in effect for Lake Micmac in Dartmouth due to the presence of a possible blue-green algae bloom. The off-leash dog area of Shubie Park (at Lake Micmac) is also be closed to swimming until further notice. Learn more, here.