Fall in Nova Scotia never seems to last quite long enough. Once the leaves start turning around Halifax and Dartmouth, there are a few weeks when our parks are filled with yellows, oranges and reds, and it makes one of my favourite backdrops for family, couples and maternity photos.
One of the questions I get asked when planning a session is “Where should we go?” And while there are plenty of beautiful photography locations around HRM, some spots really stand out once the fall colours arrive.
After photographing sessions at parks throughout Halifax, Dartmouth and the surrounding area, I’ve definitely developed a few favourites.
So, I’m ranking some of my favourite fall photo locations around HRM — starting with the location that continues to be my number-one recommendation.
1. Sir Sandford Fleming Park (The Dingle) — Halifax
If I had to choose just one location for fall photos in Halifax, The Dingle would be my pick.
What I love most about Sir Sandford Fleming Park is the amount of variety we can create without having to leave the park.
There are little coves tucked into the trees that give us quieter, more secluded areas surrounded by fall colour. Then we can move closer to the Northwest Arm for completely different photos featuring the water, boats and shoreline.
Of course, there’s also the Dingle Tower, along with bridges, small waterfalls and wooded areas throughout the park.
It feels very Nova Scotian.
That’s one reason I particularly love recommending The Dingle to people who are visiting Nova Scotia or have recently moved here. You don’t have to choose between fall leaves and the coastal scenery we’re known for — we can incorporate a little bit of both into the same gallery.
Another big advantage is accessibility. While there are trails available if we want to explore, there are also beautiful photography spots that are relatively easy to access for family members who may have difficulty navigating rocky, root-covered or uneven trails.
Great for: Families, couples, maternity sessions and visitors to Nova Scotia
Why I love it: Fall foliage + water + boats + wooded areas + iconic Halifax scenery
2. Shubie Park — Dartmouth
Coming in a very close second is Shubie Park in Dartmouth.
If you want your fall photos to really showcase the changing leaves, Shubie is hard to beat.
The trees surrounding the water create beautiful reflections, and I love having the pond and canal as part of the background. A good water feature can break up all of the foliage in a gallery and give us a completely different look without having to travel to another location.
There are also several bridges throughout the park that make adorable photo spots, plenty of wooded areas to explore and, of course, lots of wildlife.
Because there are so many different areas to work with, we can walk, explore and let kids have some fun rather than staying in one spot for an entire session.
Great for: Families, kids, couples and anyone wanting lots of fall colour
Why I love it: Water + reflections + bridges + wildlife + beautiful wooded areas
3. Point Pleasant Park — Halifax
If you can’t decide between fall foliage and the ocean, Point Pleasant Park in Halifax’s South End gives you both.
The tree-covered paths throughout the park become beautiful in the fall, but unlike some of the more heavily wooded locations around HRM, we can also make our way toward open views of the ocean.
There are plenty of interesting features to incorporate along the way, too. The historic fort ruins, monuments, gazebos and beach give us lots of opportunities to change the look and feel of your photos throughout a full session.
It’s especially nice if you want your gallery to feel distinctly Nova Scotian without having every photograph surrounded entirely by trees.
Great for: Families, couples, maternity and lifestyle sessions
Why I love it: Ocean views + fall foliage + historic features + tons of variety
4. First Lake Trail — Lower Sackville
The trail around First Lake near the Kinsmen Centre in Lower Sackville is another favourite of mine, especially for families.
The large trees surrounding the lake make this area beautiful once the leaves begin changing, and there are plenty of options for us to move between throughout a session.
You’ll find sheltered trails, benches, open grassy areas, a gazebo, lake views and plenty of opportunities to spot some local wildlife.
I especially love locations like this for families because we aren’t limited to standing in one pretty spot. We can walk the trail, explore and use different areas as we find them, which naturally gives kids something to do while I’m photographing.
Great for: Families, young kids and relaxed lifestyle sessions
Why I love it: Lake views + large trees + trails + gazebo + open spaces
5. Lake Banook — Dartmouth
Another Dartmouth favourite is Lake Banook.
There’s a large trail system along the back side of the lake where the trees are especially beautiful during fall. It’s a great option if you’re looking for colourful foliage without travelling outside Dartmouth.
And when the lake is calm around golden hour? Even better.
Being able to incorporate the water and its reflections alongside the changing leaves creates some gorgeous backgrounds, particularly when that warm evening light starts coming through the trees.
Great for: Families, couples and golden-hour sessions
Why I love it: Fall foliage + lake views + trails + golden-hour light
A Few More Fall Photo Locations Worth Considering
Those may be my current top five, but they’re definitely not the only beautiful places for fall photos around Halifax and Dartmouth.
Hemlock Ravine Park
The heart-shaped pond is probably the best-known feature here, but the surrounding trails and wooded areas also make it a beautiful choice if you’re looking for a more nature-focused gallery.
Halifax Public Gardens
For something a little more manicured, the Halifax Public Gardens offers a completely different look from the wooded parks on this list.
Between the paths, gardens, mature trees, ponds and architectural features, there’s plenty of variety packed into a relatively small area. It’s especially helpful if you want greenery and fall colour while keeping more of a classic Halifax city feel in your photos.
Fort Needham Memorial Park
Fort Needham Memorial Park is another spot worth considering, with mature trees, open grassy areas and views over Halifax. It’s a great alternative if you prefer an open park setting rather than heavily wooded trails.
How Do You Choose the Right Location for Your Fall Photos?
The prettiest location isn’t necessarily the best location for every family.
When we’re planning a session, I like to think about what you actually want your photos to feel like.
Do you picture your family surrounded by colourful trees? Do you want water or ocean views? Would your kids have more fun exploring a trail? Do we need somewhere that’s easier for grandparents or family members with mobility limitations to access?
You also don’t need to choose a location simply because you’ve seen other people have photos taken there.
Your location should work for your family, your personalities and the kind of gallery you want to create.
That’s one of the advantages of booking a full photography session. We have more time to explore, move between different areas and let things happen naturally rather than trying to fit everything into a short window.
Ready for Your Own Fall Photos?
Fall colour around Halifax and Dartmouth doesn’t stick around forever, and these few weeks when the leaves are changing are some of my favourite times of the year to photograph.
If you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos, planning a couples session or simply taking advantage of the fall colours around Nova Scotia, full photography sessions are available throughout Halifax, Dartmouth and elsewhere.
We’ll choose a location that works for you and have plenty of time to explore, get the classic photos and capture the candid moments along the way.
What’s your favourite place around Halifax or Dartmouth to see the fall colours? I always love discovering new spots.
Ready to plan your session?
Visit my Full Sessions page to learn more and book.
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