A Magical Winter Walk in Victoria Park - Truro, NS

There is something magical when walking through a snow laden forest park in the heart of the town of Truro. This small Nova Scotia town has the most enchanting vast network of trails that leads you through eastern hemlock tree forests, waterfalls and long wooden stairs to climb up to higher places. As this area is most sought after to visit in the warmer months, it is most enchanting to explore in the winter. It will have something for any outdoor activity enthusiast!

Victoria Park history

Nestled in the town of Truro, Victoria Park is one of Nova Scotia’s largest municipal parks with a rich history. The park spans ~ 3000 acres including trails, natural forest and beautiful look-off points. Most of the park is enveloped with old-growth Eastern hemlocks, with some trees being ~ 250 years old! It was established in 1887 to honour Queen Victoria, but the land was donated by Susan Waddell Stevens. As a public park, it relies heavily on donations for continued maintenance and upkeep throughout the year.

Beautiful architecture

There are a good amount of benches to sit and relax along the trails.

Edwin A. Fraser

Victoria Park’s Commissioner in the 40’s and 50’s. This structure was named as per the request of an anonymous donor.

The park also an outdoor activity hub with tennis courts, outdoor pool, baseball diamond and other great facilities. It is a fantastic gathering place for families to host picnics, have fun on the playground or join in on special entertainment hosted. It offers so much to the residence of the community but also for tourists.

Jacob’s Ladder Stairway

Approximately 175 stairs!

Trails and conditions

Upon arrival to the park, there are a few varieties of points of entry to the trails. Our journey started at the parking lot, walking towards the main entry to the of the trails that lead to the waterfalls. Normally in the warmers, the trail is wide and accessible to all individuals of varying physical abilities. In the winter, the trail is somewhat groomed but more unstable in terms of accessibility but very walkable with boots/shoes. The picturesque, snow-covered trees are a true sight to see! It truly feels like you are walking through a winter wonderland.

Scenic waterfalls

The park highlights two main waterfalls and in the warmer months are flowing and vibrant: Joseph Howe Falls and Waddell Falls. Depending on the time visiting in the winter, months, they may be covered by layers of snow but you still may be able to hear the water rushing down. In the warmer months, visitors can walk almost right down to the falls (even swimming). I would exercise caution during the colder months as to not fall through any snow or ice.

Joseph Howe Falls - One of 2 waterfalls along the trail.

During the winter months, they may be frozen over but offers picturesque views.

Waddell Falls

Another great waterfall further up a set of stairways (named after Susan Waddell Stevens).

Ladders and Trailways

Once the path reaches the waterfalls, there will be a network of boardwalks and stairways (most notably the 175 step Jacob’s Ladder) that leads to more extensive trail systems. In the winter, these stairwells can be a bit slippery so best to take your time and watch your step! When you reach the top there will be signs to various looped, groomed trails that are perfect for walking, snowshoeing , XC skiing, and fatbiking. We decided to explore the Hemlock Forest trail that we found it to be a lovely. However, one could go on a variety of other trails along this system. The park provides regular updates on trail grooming so visitors can plan their trip accordingly. As we visited during the week, the trails are so extensive that we only saw a handful of other visitors, so it was very quiet.

Hemlock Trail

Named for its vast forest of old-growth Eastern hemlocks.

Beautiful scenery along the Hemlock Trail

There is something so calming when walking through the forest.

An intricate web of wooden stairways.

In the winter, it is best to watch your step as these get quite unstable and slippery with the snow.

In the winter season, visiting Victoria Park is a great way to get outdoors and explore nature’s beauty. The park maintains a calm and inviting environment that is suitable for many wanting to venture on a snowy adventure. You may even run into some wildlife along the way (see the end of video).

Happy adventuring!