Lake Banook

I’ve been living in Dartmouth for quite a few years now but still remember the days that people would ask with their scrunched up faces, «why Dartmouth?» I remember these days because they still happen. And it’s getting old. So stop it, y’all.
Areas like Lake Banook have been my fallback answer since before we could rely on places like TIBS to sell our neighbourhood. Lake Banook and the Sullivan’s Pond extension are both so beautiful that I’d question the sanity of anyone who wouldn’t want to live in the City of Lakes.
The next time you’re on our side of the harbour for your butter fix, walk up Ochterloney with a latte in hand and you can’t miss coming across this gorgeous area. You’ll have a view to keep you company and a paved trail all the way from Prince Albert to Mic Mac Mall, with benches and stopping points along the way. If you feel so inclined, you can even keep on the path and hop over to the next lake that’ll bring you all the way to Shubie Park if you’ve got nothing on the books for the day.
Pro tip: skip the croissant for this journey. You’re going to be lapped by a shit ton of paddlers from the various nearby clubs and will feel bad enough about your physique without the added butter guilt. Real people shouldn’t be allowed to look like that.

Seriously, what’s not to love about Lake Banook? Set just outside of downtown Dartmouth, this lake has something for almost everyone.
In the summer, there are beaches for swimming and play (both official and unofficial). There are several rowing activities — whether it’s sculling, dragon boat racing or paired rowing that take place in the designated lanes. It’s also a popular spot for fireworks and special events. Don’t forget that Prince Albert Road is often closed off beside the lake for special events as well.
All year round, there’s a great mixed use trail around most of the lake that’s used by strollers, dog walkers, runners, skateboarders and bicyclists. In the winter, the ice usually gets thick enough for skating.
Basically, it’s a great lake to meet all your lake needs.