Swimming

Chocolate Lake. In summer, lifeguards supervise this lake, just off the Northwest Arm, that's popular for swimming. The name doesn't mean that the water is delicious, but rather comes from a former chocolate factory on the site. Although it's in a residential area, the lake is surrounded by trees, giving it a secluded feel, and there's a nice beach. Water quality is tested weekly (locals avoid swimming in Halifax Harbour or the Northwest Arm itself because of the dubious water quality there). 2 Melwood Ave., Halifax, Nova Scotia. 902/490–5458.