Kidston Lake Beach — Attraction in Halifax

I grew up just minutes away from this VERY pretty place!! In the early 60s, it was home to a still-working sawmill, and the woods around the lake were logged to produce lumber. There were even horses!!! The trail was ankle-deep with sawdust in spots, and wood was stacked up along the sides of the trail. It's still a lovely spot, developed into a cute little park with picnic tables, a sandy beach, and a trail system that goes across the barrens which were until recently thick with blueberries (but not anymore: our climate is FAR wetter now than back in the 60s when i spent many a wonderful summer day picking gallons and gallons of berries for mom to make into all sorts of things, and even freeze.... and of course i sold some to the neighbours, lol. There were fires in the area regularly then, which regenerated the berry bushes. STILL a great trail system for hiking: you can go for miles through the woods, to several other local places and lakes. The water has grown clearer over the decades, and is now QUITE good for even sensitive swimmers. The famous Rocking Stone, which a child could rock when i was such a child, is now next to impossible to move more than a few inches, but it CAN be rocked with a bit of effort still, and a long enough pole. GREAT for climbing on, lol. The Victorians used to sally out from Halifax to see it, and have picnics on top, while folks rocked it for their enjoyment. A historic spot and a great little park which is very much enjoyed by the residents...

While the beach itself was very pleasing, with nice sand both in and by the water, as well as a separate swimming area off a gentle sloping granite outcropping, unless one gets there VERY early, the parking area closest to the beach is miniscule, and even if you obtain one of those coveted spots, you have a 3 or 4 minute hike to the beach area. If you WEREN'T so lucky, you'll be parking much further back as the narrow lane connecting the lots does not allow for parking on the shoulder.

So kudos for a nice beach, but thumbs down for...

Really nice beach. Not much shade. There's one, small picnic table and a memorial bench. The lifeguarded area is small and fairly shallow. Mostly sandy. The parking is out of sight and there is obvious signs of break-ins, so make sure valuables are stored...