Point Pleasant Park

Found on the Halifax Peninsula, Point Pleasant Park features the Prince of Wales Tower and artillery batteries, along with forested areas and recreational facilities. This partially forested park covers an area of 75 hectares and offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Residents and visitors are also free to book the park for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

General Information and History

Owned by the British Government, the park is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage while the Halifax Regional Municipality holds the lease. The municipality pays 1 shilling for the lease, and the deal was finalized back in 1866 by Sir William Young, a Canadian jurist and politician. The park’s origin and history can be traced back to the 17th century and the foundation of the St. Aspinquid’s Chapel. Many notable people were buried around the chapel, which is actually a stone amphitheater. It is also the silent witness of the battle of 1760 during the French and Indian War. Seven fortifications were built in the 18th century – the Cambridge Battery, Prince of Wales Tower, Fort Ogilvie, Northwest Arm Battery, Point Pleasant Battery, Chain Battery, and Chain Rock. The batteries were constructed from stone, earth, and logs and were equipped with furnaces and fireplaces. It was during the World War 1 when the Cambridge fortification was abandoned.

Fun, Outdoor, and Recreational Activities

Visitors are offered access to trails and outdoor activities with many wide paths and trails for a nice walk in the open. They enjoy the beautiful scenery of coastal ecosystems and views of the Atlantic and across the harbor. The park also features washrooms, off-leash dog walking areas, and a supervised beach. Attractions include the ruins of several fortifications and the Martello Tower, which was built in 1796 and is the oldest tower on the North American continent. Today, the park is also the home to a host of military monuments, and one of the largest and most significant is the Sailor’s Memorial or Halifax Monument. The monument was created to commemorate soldiers of the Canadian Army, Merchant Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy who lost their lives at sea. This massive memorial features the names of more than 3,200 women and men who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

Flora

Point Pleasant Park is the home to wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees such as apple, white birch, red maple, and sugar maple. Tree species also include mountain ash, pin cherry, white pine, and red pine. Shrubs also abound and are represented by species such as mayflower, northern bush honeysuckle, and sweet-fern. The park is also the home to many wildflowers, including marsh blue violet, wild lily of the valley, club mosses, blueberry, etc. The great diversity of flower, shrub, and tree species makes the park a favorite place for families with children. Whether strolling through the forest or trails, picnicking, or having a relaxing walk with your kids, the park is a good place for a family outing. The trails and paths are well maintained, and there is a lot of parking available. You can go by car to meet friends and hang out together. The park is also a good place for quick walking and running. You can watch the ships, take your dog for a walk, or just enjoy the scenery. It is definitely a wonderful spot for nature lovers. Just pack a picnic lunch for you family and go look at the clams and shells in the water or get some fresh air and enjoy the scenic trails.  No overnight camping allowed on premises