Hey guys,

I've just been offered a 4-month internship in Dartmouth for the summer. I'm really excited, I love the coast (and the job should be fun too). I'm wondering what the beaches/provicial parks are like in the area. I may have a car, but it's unlikely, so I won't be able to venture very far. I'd love to spend every weekend on the beach -- am I going to find some beautiful spots close by?

Just curious,
Ian

Lucky you: you will have no trouble finding transportation to local beaches, just outside town along toward the east and down toward the South Shore. Take the bus to Lunenburg someday to see a World Heritage UNESCO site and my favourite bar, The Knots Pub.

You sound enthusiastic so I imagine you will meet lots of local young people: they are a grand crowd and I ought to know, I am Mom to one of the best!

Lawrencetown beach is a popular spot. The water is colder along this shoreline than the Northumberland Strait area (Pictou County). Even closer to Dartmouth is Rainbow Haven which is a smaller beach, but will do on a hot summer day. Queensland beach is outside of Halifax and a very small stretch of sand, but a popular spot.

There are a large amount of lakes in Dartmouth. Shubie Park has a great walking trail system as well.

Lots of lakes in Dartmouth. The easiest one (assuming you are working near downtown or are central) is Lake Banook. Sometimes there are swimmer's itch problems in August, but last year it was only over a few days. Dollar Lake, which would require a car, is also a nicce like and if you camp, you'll love it. The lakes in town are best if you are not a fan of black flies or mosquitoes.

Hopefully you'll get your fill of the cute little passenger ferry across to Halifax while you're in the area. I think you're going to have a great time, and you need only venture away a few times, perhaps with friends acquired by that point.

Should be a great experience!

Thanks for the reply, guys!

I'm really excited to get there; it sounds like I'll have plenty to do nearby, which is great.

Now, if I do have a car, I'd love to live within walking distance of the ocean. I'm all about the ocean. Even if the water is cold, I'm happy to spend hours wandering along the shoreline. I haven't even begun to look at housing options yet, but this is something I'd like to at least keep in mind.

Out of curiosity, how far of a drive would it be from Lawrentown Beach to the Imperial Oil Refinery (I'm not working there, but very close by). Just trying to get an idea of where I could live.

Lawrencetown to Eastern Passage, depending on traffic, probably 10-20 minutes.

if you get a vehicle (which i'd highly recommend even if just renting for the weekends) and go exploring, check out caribou/munroes provincial park by pictou. nice campground/beach and pictou is great.

Even better is Melmerby Beach in Pictou County. Also check out Big Island - a long stretch of deserted beach that is great for walking, swimming and picnicing. There is so much to explore in Nova Scotia. If you are only here for 4 months, take a couple of weekends and explore the wonderful diversified places. The Fundy Trail towards Parrsboro, south shore towards Lunenburg and don't forget the Valley.

Thanks again for the wonderful replies. I've printed out a copy of the thread so I can keep track of all the suggestions.

One last question: It is looking less likely that I will have a car full-time while there. At the moment, staying in residence at Dalhousie seems like the easiest option. Now, I'd prefer to be able to bike to work if at all possible. How long of a bike ride would it be from Dalhousie to the Oil Refinery? I'm looking at Google maps, but can't really judge travel time from that. It isn't that important, just curious.

Anyway, thanks again guys. You've been great!

The easiest way would be to simply bike to the ferry terminal on the Halifax Waterfront and take the ferry across to Woodside. Maybe 5-10 minutes to the terminal, ferry ride about 10 minutes, and perhaps another 10 minutes to the refinery. (all estimates). In order to ride to the refinery, you would have to cross the Angus L. MacDonald Bridge and then head towards Eastern Passage.

Thanks again, Tanya. You've been a huge help! I defintely think I'll stay in res (assuming it isn't overly expensive) and ferry myself over to Dartmouth for work.

The residences at Dal are fine for the summer. Lots of tourist use them as well. You won't be far from the action in downtown Halifax and Spring Garden Road. Nearby is Point Pleasant Park where you can walk or ride your bike. It has been devastated by a hurricane so not as majestic as it once was, but on the water so a nice place to relax and reflect. This summer Halifax will host the Tall Ships in July and of course the Busker Festival the first week of August. Lots of celebrations around Natal Day (first Monday in August - it is a holiday). Take in the Farmer's market every Saturday morning at the Brewery. Most of the pubs have food specials every night - so you can dine out for a reasonable amount.

Enjoy your internship!