Tucked beside the Fairbanks Centre is Lockside Café.  It’s a great place to grab a coffee, sit on the patio and enjoy the sun before or after a walk in the park.  I spoke to Cameron and Elizabeth, the canteen’s workers about their experiences there.

Many families, dog walkers and even the occasional runner/biker stop in to enjoy a treat from the cafe.   Their favourite thing about working at Lockside is the fact they get to work outside in the park.

The last thing I asked was, in their expert experience, when is the best time for ice cream? Elizabeth thinks anytime in the afternoon, Cameron says 2:30pm. But I think anytime is a good time for ice cream.  The café hours are posted online at http://shubiecanal.ca/lockside-cafe/.

– by Kaylie McGraw, summer student SCC

A group of young paddlers from Dragon Boat East made the trip from Banook Lake to Lock 2 at Shubie Park. While there they learned about the historic locks by walking the trails beside the partially restored Lock 2 and 3. They also visited the Fairbanks center where they experienced a hands on demonstration of how the locks worked by using the lock model. Because of the size of the dragon boat the group had to paddle backwards out of the canal, all part of an exciting day.

If your group would like a demonstration and tour of the Locks at Shubie Park, please contact the Shubenacadie Canal Commission.

Kaynoe Rentals, is a family owned business located right in Shubie Park that allows patrons of all skill levels to paddle down part of the Canal. Many tourist and locals alike are trying paddling for the first time, and according to Dave and his daughter, Nichole, they love it. I went down to talk to them about some of the reactions and experiences they get to share with their customers.

Dave says that most first timers are anxious once they get in the boat. “They aren’t very sure of themselves and grab the sides of the boat”. The beginners range from 7 to 70 years old and come from all around the world “Sort of like a Bucket list item for some people” Nichole said.

For those who’ve never tried paddling before, Dave said that to just let them know that ! They are happy to guide you through and give basic instruction on how to manage yourself in the boat. It’s a great introduction to the recreational aspect of paddling.

They describe the experience as relaxing, soothing and a great de-stressor after a long day of work. “It gives people a different perspective of the canal”. People from all over the world and HRM are coming down to enjoy an afternoon on the water. If you’re interested in experiencing it for yourself, you can find Kaynoe on Facebook or online at http://www.kaynoe.ca/

– by Kaylie McGraw, summer student at SCC

The HRM Alliance is working to create a Halifax Network Plan to protect the Halifax Greenbelt, which connects communities, nature and active living. As part of this alliance, the Ecology Action Center has teamed up with the Shubenacadie Canal Commission to offer a Pride Paddle on Saturday, July 25th.

The event will take paddlers along a portion of the Shubenacadie Canal System – a 19th century system that connected Dartmouth to Maitland and is revered as an impressive feat of engineering. There will be interpretive stops at the Portobello Inclined Plane and at the Fairbanks Center in Dartmouth.

If you want to show your pride but don’t like crowds this is an excellent opportunity for you. Paddlers are encouraged to dress in pride colors or to fly their pride flags high. At the Fairbanks Center, paddlers will enjoy some tasty treats and get a chance to learn about First Nations history and the waterway while getting a chance to learn how the lock system worked.

10:00 am McDonald Sports Park (Map)—Canoeing and portaging, 16k. Difficulty: Moderate/ Challenging.

12:00 pm Portobello Inclined Plane (Map)—Historic interpretation of fascinating Inclined Plane

2:00 pm Picnic at Fairbanks Centre (Map)—Tour of Fairbanks Centre and ice cream break.

4:00 pm Take out at Birch Cove Park on Lake Banook (Map).

For more details on the Pride Paddle, visit www.ourhrmalliance.ca/shubenacadie