Neighborhood Feature: Bedford-Sackville

Bedford-Sackville is brimming with parks and lakes, swimming spots, and walking trails—all wrapped in suburban charm and only a short drive from downtown Halifax.

When people use the phrase “glowing up”, they talk about growth, transformation, and becoming the best version of yourself.

There’s no better description that fits the bill when we think of the explosive growth in Bedford and Sackville, Nova Scotia. In the blink of an eye, a once quiet collection of communities is now home to fast-growing neighborhoods, a large shopping district, and a thriving small business community.

With this much change, there’s no time like the present to explore this region of the city. So, tag along for a refresher’s guide to one of Halifax’s fastest growing communities.

Communities

Bedford-Sackville is made up of the following communities:

• Bedford
• Beaverbank
• Birch Cove
• Fall River
• Glen Moir
• Hammonds Plains
• Lakeview
• Lower Sackville
• Middle Sackville
• Princes Lodge
• Upper Sackville
• Wellington
• Windsor Junction

Things to do

Parks & Trails

Traveling down the Bedford Highway, you’ll not only will you fall in love with the brilliant view of sailboats cruising around the Bedford Basin, but you’ll also drive by the historic Hemlock Ravine Park. Originally an estate built for the second Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, John Wentworth, in the 1700s, Hemlock Ravine is now a beloved family and pet friendly nature park, home to a picturesque heart-shaped pond and an authentic escape into nature.

The Bedford Waterfront is an all-year-round destination, home to a summer festival called Bedford Days in June, and the Light Up Bedford Parade at Christmas. Whether you’re taking a stroll down the boardwalk, enjoying a picnic in Dewolf Park, or letting the kids explore the pirate-themed playground, you’re rewarded a panoramic view of the Halifax Harbour.

The Sackville Lakes Provincial Park is also a spot that shouldn’t be missed, boasting 283 hectares of natural beauty. Whether you’re walking, hiking, canoeing, or kayaking, the park offers something for everyone and continues to be managed and developed by a local community group, preserving its beauty and making it accessible for visitors.

Perhaps your idea of enjoying the great outdoors is getting a few holes in before supper? If that’s the case, consider booking your next tee time at Glen Arbour Golf Course, an 18-hole champion course that boasts beautiful scenery and has an on-site restaurant, The Deerfield Pub.

Food & Drink

Nestled in the Bedford limits, you’ll find a variety of cuisines punching well above their weight, ready to experience and enjoy.

Drop into Hali-famous Izzy’s Bagel Co, located right on the Bedford Highway, for freshly baked specialty bagels. Even the cream cheese is homemade and is available in a variety of flavors. Whether it’s for an on-the-go snack or to enjoy at home with your morning coffee, Izzy’s is the place for you! Don’t fill up on bagels before heading to COBS Bread Bakery, where you’ll be served tasty pastries and freshly baked bread (perfect for your next sandwich).

Let the sounds of Elvis take you back in time at the Chickenburger, Canada’s oldest drive-in and a staple in Bedford for over 70 years. If it’s finer dining you’re seeking, enjoy an authentic taste of Italy with Il Mercato Trattoria for your next date or celebration dinner.

Enjoy an after dinner treat or cool off on a hot day with Syrian-owned Booza Emessa, where you’ll be greeted with a serving of cold tasty Arabic-style ice cream and the owners’ warm hospitality.

Bedford also boasts a selection of bars, pubs, and a craft brewery, offering a destination for friends and family alike. Drop into Off Track Brewing for a Sunnyside Blonde or Beaver Bank Station, both classic destinations for friends to come together to relax and share good drinks and conversation.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, casual or upscale, you’ll find whatever your heart (and stomach) desires in this area.

Shopping

Bedford-Sackville is home to a shopping district with new shops popping up left and right. Along a stretch of road in the center of Bedford, you’ll find the Bedford Place Mall, Sunny Side Mall, and the Bedford Commons, with a variety of grocery, retail, spas, and salons, just to name a few.

From designer to bargain and everything in between, schedule your next shopping spree in Bedford.

Living

It’s easy to understand why Bedford-Sackville has become one of Halifax’s fasting growing communities. What makes Bedford so special is its people. It’s home to young families, retired seniors, burgeoning businesspeople, university students, and so many more.

Bedford and Sackville are made-up primarily of suburban and rural neighborhoods with an even mix of affordable houses, condos, and apartment living options.

New ways of getting around

Bedford will also soon be home to a commuter ferry that will travel from a new terminal in Bedford to Halifax’s downtown. Initial planning and research are underway, which is meant to deliver a more convenient and greener way for people to move to and from Bedford. The proposed electric ferry will be the first to move away from diesel and the terminal itself will be a net-zero, energy efficient building.

So don’t be shy, get to know Bedford—you won’t regret it.

Want to know more about Bedford-Sackville? Check out this article.