Nova Scotia Buzz
One of the best winter memories you can make as a child is speeding down a hill in a toboggan with the wind at your face. Certainly, winter sledding is one of the major perks of being Canadian and having snowy winters!
Nova Scotia has plenty of places to enjoy the snow and speed, and we have a list that combines some well known locations with some lesser known gems all over the province.
Burgher Hill – Kentville, NS
A summer destination for BMX racing and mountain biking, Burgher Hill was designed with sledding in mind, with a “sledding zone” as part of the site plan from the beginning. The sledding section takes up the east side of the hill and even has a box of sleds for the community to borrow from so everyone can enjoy a good time at the hill!
Southdale North Woodside Hill – Dartmouth, NS
A popular destination for Dartmouth kids, this safe but exciting hill on the grounds of an old elementary school is within walking distance to pizza places if you want to warm up or get a snack after a day on the hill.
Ritcey Crescent Hill – Cole Harbour, NS
A clear space with no large rocks or trees to contend with, there is a ton of open space to slide, with a natural bump to one side that often turns into a ramp as the season progresses. There is plenty of parking at the top of the hill.
Citadel Hill – Halifax, NS
The Wanderer’s Grounds side of the Citadel has a steep hill for thrill seekers ending in a long landing area. You can also borrow a pair of skates or bring your own at the nearby Emera Oval.
Gorsebrook Park – Halifax, NS
A fan favourite in Halifax, Gorsebrook Park has several small to medium sized hills to accommodate sledders of all ages, with a variety of inclines so everyone can have fun.
Ashby Corner Park – Sydney, NS
A family favourite, this hill has plenty of short sections that are not too steep, accommodating the littlest of sledders. Definitely a favourite of young families in the area!
Hantsport Memorial Community Centre – Hantsport, NS
Near the back of the baseball field, you’ll find a great hill. Good news for parents – there are benches positioned just right for taking photos of your kids sledding.
Merv Sullivan Park (The Pit) – Halifax, NS
This is the place for the thrill-seeking sledder. With steep inclines and a smooth surface, zooming on this hill is for the bravest of winter enthusiasts. Due to its bowl-like shape, helmets are highly recommended because collisions are always a possibility.
Haliburton House Museum – Windsor, NS
Haliburton House was built in the 1830s for Thomas Chandler Haliburton and is now part of the Nova Scotia Museum network. In the museum’s off-season, families flock to the grounds for some moderate but exciting sledding.
Ross Farm Museum – New Ross, NS
If you’re looking for a well maintained hill, look no further than Ross Farm. Although there is a modest admission fee, with your contribution you’ll be supporting a historic museum. You are sure to have a clean, clear, medium-sized hill that ends in an open field for safe coasting.
