Easy hikes and walks in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park

The Sackville Greenway Bridge spans the Little Sackville River and provides safe, elevated pedestrian crossing. Though small, the bridge is a picturesque part of this beautiful area and gives an elevated perspective into Lower Sackville's river habitat.

The Little Sackville River is an important freshwater tributary of the Sackville River that flows through the urban Sackville valley before joining the main Sackville River and emptying into the Bedford Basin. The river is a beautiful backdrop for Sackville Greenway users, rich with plants, birds, and other wildlife. The Little Sackville River has faced historical environmental challenges like a severe urban toxic spill in 2002 and has been treated back to health as part of community conservation efforts. Fish habitat restoration sites and rock sills were built along the banks, engineered to protect the local fish populations like wild salmon.

The Sackville Greenway sits in the heart of Lower Sackville, and follows the Little Sackville River. This paved, fully accessible pathway stretches approximately 1.5 kilometres one way, linking a few parks and neighbourhoods between Sackville Drive and Glendale Drive. The wide, flat terrain makes it a year-round destination for walking, cycling, strollers, wheelchair users and winter cross-country skiing.

Named after the historic stagecoach routes that once crossed this area, Old Stage Coach trail offers a quieter section of the McDonald Sports Park trail network. The path winds through mature forest with a gentle grade, making it a comfortable walk for most abilities. It's part of a larger network of interconnected trails around Lake Thomas, and the surrounding woodland provides good opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife throughout the year.

Despite its name, this area offers more than just sports fields. Trails wind through open green space, small wooded sections, and wetland habitat, creating an easy and family-friendly walk. Benches and picnic areas provide plenty of places to stop along the way, while the wide paths are popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. It's a good option when you're looking for a shorter outing close to the city without venturing far from amenities.

Lake Thomas brings a scenic stretch of shoreline to McDonald Sports Park, with several trails weaving through mature forest beside the water. Openings in the trees provide views across the lake, while benches and picnic tables offer quiet spots to stop along the way. The lake is a popular destination for paddling and wildlife watching, and the combination of wooded trails and lakeside scenery makes this one of the most picturesque sections of the park.

This trail takes you through the forest and traces the shoreline Rocky Lake. You can take it as a quick out and back or connect to the Powder Mill Lake Trail for a nice loop.

The Powder Mill Lake Trail offers a serene loop through the woods near Lakeview. The path follows the quiet western shoreline of its namesake lake while also passing near Rocky Lake. This short loop has interpretive signage and elevated platforms for wide open views of the wetlands, making it a favorite for families, and those seeking a quick escape into the forest.