Hit the Trails! Explore Local Trails (and Beyond)
Fresh air is never far away in Bridgewater. Whether you are looking for a riverside bike ride, a forested walking trail, or a longer adventure that carries you beyond town limits, the local trail network makes it easy to step outside and start exploring.
The Centennial Trail
The heart of Bridgewater’s trail system is the Centennial Trail, an 8-kilometre multi-use pathway that winds through town and along the LaHave River. Built on a former railway line, it offers a smooth, accessible surface suitable for walking, jogging, cycling, or cross-country skiing.
One of its standout features is the pedestrian bridge crossing the LaHave River. It is a favourite stopping point, especially in the fall when the trees along the water turn vibrant shades of red and gold. Picnic tables invite you to pause, take in the view, and enjoy the breeze coming off the river.
The Centennial Trail is also part of the Trans Canada Trail network and serves as a gateway to more than 125 kilometres of connected routes stretching toward Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Liverpool, and beyond.
Woodland Trails in Town
If you prefer a quieter pace, several wooded trails within town offer short, peaceful walks beneath the trees.
Glen Allan Park features a trail that follows a gentle brook through mature woodland, crossing small bridges along the way. It connects to nearby neighbourhood streets and even links back toward the Centennial Trail, making it easy to extend your walk.
At Woodland Gardens, accessible from Alexandra Avenue or through the DesBrisay Museum grounds, you will find 24 acres of nature trails and passive parkland. A pond, open green space, and winding paths make it a relaxed spot for an afternoon stroll.
Further north, Riverview Park offers old-growth stands of white pine and spruce with glimpses of the LaHave River through the trees. It feels tucked away, even though you are still within town limits.
These shorter trails are perfect when you want fresh air without committing to a long-distance trek. Comfortable shoes, a bit of curiosity, and you are ready to go.
Beyond Bridgewater
For those who like to go the distance, Bridgewater is a gateway to an extensive network of former rail lines converted into shared-use trails. From town, you can connect to routes that stretch toward Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Liverpool, and deeper into the South Shore countryside.
These wide, mostly level rail trails are ideal for long bike rides, extended walks, and multi-hour outings. Forests open into fields, quiet crossings pass over rivers and marshland, and small communities appear along the way. The pace is relaxed, and the scenery shifts as you move farther from town.
Some of the trails included in the extended network include: Bull Run Trail (connects the Centennial trail to the Region of Queens), the Adventure Trail (runs from Mahone Bay to Bridgewater), and the LaHave River Trail (runs from Bridgewater to New Germany, though not all sections are complete).
Bridgewater’s trails invite you to slow down and see the landscape from a different angle. Lace up your shoes, hop on a bike, and let the river, woods, and open pathways lead the way.
