St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails Association

The St. Margaret’s Bay Trail is a 33-kilometre multi-use recreational trail built on the original railway line that once served the Bay area. The trail is part of the South Shore’s 109 kilometre Rum Runners’ Trail from Halifax to Lunenburg, and offers elevated panoramic views of St. Margaret’s Bay. Interpretive panels along the trail provide information about the area’s history, ecology, attractions, and points of interest. 

With multiple entrances and exit points along the way, and accessible by wheelchair, the trail is designed for everyone. Each year, over 100,000 residents and visitors enjoy staying active on the St. Margaret’s Bay Trail throughout the seasons, making it the busiest multi-use trail in Nova Scotia. There are many ways to enjoy the trail: walking and hiking, running and cycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, horseback riding, or by ATV and snowmobile.

The St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails Association (SMBARTA) is the community-based volunteer group that manages and maintains the trail between Hubley and Hubbards. Volunteers ensure the trail is meticulously maintained so future generations can continue to enjoy it. With courtesy and safety as priorities, the trail’s speed limit is 20km/h, and “wheels yield to heels” (cyclists, ATVers and snowmobiles yield to walkers, runners and horseback riders). Trail visitors are asked to take garbage home, including beverage cups, cans and filled dog-waste bags.