Chocolate Lake

This lake has only been closed for one day due to bacteria in the last fifteen years. So other reviews touting frequent closures are bogus. I live on the lake and our children swim there all summer with no ill effects. Also there is a comment regarding chlorine content that is wrong. It is a lake not a pool and the water is clean due to continuously flowing water from springs and runoff from the Chain Lakes which form part of Halifax’s emergency water supply. There is no development on those lakes and all homes on Chocolate Lake are served by the municipal sewer system. It is a small lake and it has a small beach but it is nice!

Ah yes, Chocolate Lake — every time I go there I wonder if it’s my last day. Only because of how often it’s closed because of bacteria, etc. Kinda gross but I’m just kidding… sort of.
I think it’s worth mentioning that this place is extremely small — so if it’s sunny out and you want to take a dip, you should probably get here earlier than everyone else.
I personally find the scenery here to be beautiful. The water overlooks the other side of Halifax where there are some really nice houses and the water looks great. The sand here doesn’t have small grains, and there actually isn’t that much so you could build a big castle or something. There are quite a bit of rocks underneath. But the water is great — one of the warmest places to swim in my opinion. There isn’t a whole lot of rocks in the water either — well small ones, but not like Crystal Crescent.
There are usually 1 or 2 life guards on duty and it’s pretty close to a Needs in case you forgot snacks and drinks.

Overall not a bad little spot to catch some rays or enjoy a swim in an attempt to beat the summer heat. It is a bit on the small side and does get fairly crowded during the day, admittedly, which is why I tend to go in the in the late afternoon or early evening. This seems to solve the problem.
If you’re not able to make it to a larger beach, consider gathering some friends and giving this one a try. Size aside, it’s still a pretty spot, especially at non-​peak times, when there’s space enough to enjoy it!

A delectable title for a less than delectable spot. Chocolate Lake is a less than desirable spot for summertime dips, although some days its enough to do the trick.
If you enjoy being sandwiched between families and excessive beach equipment, perhaps you may rock Chocolate’s proximity. From my own experience, this beach hasn’t proved itself as a place for my kinda fun in the sun. I prefer a little more relaxation… a little more «serene» in my daylight excursions, not to mention more opportunity for shade.
A quiet read on the beach is difficult to maintain when there are babies rolling around alongside mischief seeking kiddie cats. Baby boomers seeking refuge in a warm day, means chaotic beach buzz. Good for them for seizing the day… but I prefer other methods of self infliction. (Real chocolate? Maybe a martini.)
I’ll splash myself with the hose and hop onto the balcony before I head to Choco Lake again. If you are one for personal space and solace, you may want to do the same.

I’m not secretive about the fact that I’m not a Chocolate Lake fan. Even if it is the only beach within walking distance of most of residential Halifax. Actually it might be the fact that it is the only beach in this busy city (proper) that makes me so irritated.
For one, this beach is always overflowing with people on nice days. It’s not (by any stretch of the imagination) a large beach, so most of the time you have to lay uncomfortably close to people. The shoreline is tiny as well so it feels more like swimming in a pool filled with strangers than an open body of water. When I think of a nice beach I think privacy and space and Chocolate Lake fails to deliver on both.
Hot Hint: This review is only in reference to the lake/​beach and not the surrounding area or the Chocolate Lake Best Western Hotel (which is actually pretty nice).

I think that there are a few key things to keep in mind when heading to Chocolate Lake. First of all, is there an alternative within walking/​biking distance. Depending on where you live, there might be!
Second of all, be aware that Chocolate Lake has a pretty high chlorine level. You will smell it on yourself after swimming.
Third, avoid weekends in summer at all costs. Too busy.
Overall though, a beautiful setting, especially if you’re looking to cool down midweek in summer.

Chocolate Lake is not my ideal swimming hole by any means. I’ve been to this lake a few times and have found it slightly cringe worthy during my visits.
Perhaps going in the midst of summer vacation with children screaming and the water looking murky and stagnant wasn’t such a hot plan on my part. I bet approaching the lake from a different angle may be conducive to a more relaxing time, but then again, if you have kids, heading in at the parking lot entrance is probably the best idea for you.
There are quite a few lakes around this area, so if you’re less excited by hordes of tots and more interested in a laid back clean water situation, then I wouldn’t recommended this lake. It’s unfortunate when one must give nature a bad rating. I’m sure on its own, sans human contamination, this lake is a superstar, probably scoring a solid five. But since this is based on swim-​worthy locals, I’ll have to give it a thumbs down. Sorry Chocolate Lake, you and I just aren’t meant to be.

Sure it’s a little cold now, but sometimes it’s nice to plan ahead. This is my favorite spot to swim in the summer and is a nice place to have a look at come winter.
The sad part about living in our fair city is that our poor harbor is essentially a giant toilet that you can not swim in. Some people tend to think this means you’re out of luck for beaches and water in those occasionally very hot summer months.
But this is not so.
Just past the rotary, within walking distance is chocolate lake. A nice little beach and body of water. It’s a little cold, but not a deterrent, and it’s a great place for night swimming. The beach can be a little crowded during the day, but there always seems to be enough room.
Given its close proximity to the core of Halifax and the fact that it’s not the city’s dumping ground, Chocolate Lake is a great spot to check out when you’re in need of a dip!