Victoria Park: The Heart of Truro
Victoria Park is a hidden gem nestled in the town of Truro. While locals have long cherished its beauty, visitors often overlook this serene oasis just outside the bustling downtown district. Originally established in 1887 through a generous donation of 25 acres of land by Susan Wadell Stevens, the park has since flourished into a sprawling 3,000-acre haven thanks to contributions from various sources.
Named in honor of Queen Victoria, the park offers a plethora of attractions and activities for all to enjoy. From scenic hiking trails to exhilarating mountain biking routes, from lively concerts to cozy movie nights under the stars, Victoria Park is a destination that caters to the entire family.
Walking Paths and Hiking Trails
One of Victoria Park’s biggest attractions is its walking paths and hiking trails. Spanning across most of the 3,000 acres are hillside walking trails with picturesque views of waterfalls and the forested area which surrounds the park. Along the paths you can find two waterfalls which you will have access to all year round. The Wadell Waterfall located on the Lepper River has a very accessible lookout point to which you can enjoy the water and sounds of nature after only a few minute trek down one of the walking paths. Another great waterfall is the Joe Howe Waterfall.
Throughout the park you can also find many paths, wooden stairways and bridges along your trek which make for a lovely view and amazing workout. Some paths are much easier to walk through than others, but each path is worth exploring if you choose to do so.
The main pathway through the park features a paved road section which has been in use for many years, but has been closed off to motor vehicles since the 1980s. This path is among one of the easiest to walk along, but it still has some moments of steep incline and decline if you want to make it all the way to the waterfalls. If you follow along the main path you will come across some of the famous parts of the park.
Jacob's Ladder:
Easily one of the more difficult paths up the escarpment, Jacob’s Ladder is situated on two of the main walking trails with other wooden pathways leading to the stairs as well. If you choose to climb the stairs you will be walking up 175 steps on a steep incline that is held in high regard by locals as one of the best workouts in Truro. During the summer time you can observe many people attempting to climb the stairs, stop in the middle to catch their breath, and continue up the stairs.
From the main paved pathway you will come to the top of Jacob’s Ladder and from the dirt trail pathway you will be situated at the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder. For those wanting to experience the ladder I would recommend taking the dirt pathway first, climb the stairs then continue on the paved bath up the hillside. Doing this will be much easier than walking the paved trail around the park back down then trying the ladder at the end as you would have to make the trek back down the paved pathway.
Wadell Waterfall
The Wadell Waterfall is named after Susan Wadell Stevens in honor of her donation of 25 acres of land which included the flowing brook and waterfall. The falls flow fairly consistently throughout the year, and during periods of heavy rain you can see the falls flowing stronger and hear them roaring throughout the entire park. These falls are accompanied by wooden bridges giving a very different viewpoint of the falls than most.
Joe Howe Falls
Accompanied by a convenient wooden trail system and sitting area the Joe Howe Falls are easily accessible along your trek in the park. The falls are located below the Wadell Waterfall and offer visitors a much closer view of the falls compared to the Wadell Falls. The outlook platform offers a covered shelter away from the sun to relax and rest for the rest of the hike, a nice step down for those who would like to get a little closer to the falls when safe to do so and one of the best views in the park.
The Joe Howe Falls were named in honor of a famous Journalist, naturalist and politician from Nova Scotia. Joe Howe was the owner of “The Novascotian” newspaper and has been renowned in the province as a local legend. Among these waterfalls the name of Joseph Howe has been used to name many other things in his honor including some school buildings, University buildings and some memorial parks.
Mountain Biking Through the Trails
Victoria Park is not only known for its amazing walking trails and beautiful waterfalls, it is also home to some of the most accessible mountain biking trails in all of Nova Scotia. Within the park there are 40 kms of trails for various levels of bikers. The Railyard Trails are marked with the Railyards signature purple signage and will guide you to the right trails for your skill level.
Stay a Few Nights in the Park
Nestled atop the park is Seek Wilderness, a very beautiful and unique accommodation which has guests staying in modern shipping container cabins. These cabins offer the family, or a group of people some of the best accommodations for modern camping. Seek also offers a few different kinds of accommodations including Yurts and campgrounds for anyone looking for a different experience. You can also experience the wonderful trails from your accommodations and together with Hub Cycle you may rent some snowshoes in the winter and some mountain bikes to enjoy the trails.
A Night in the Park
Each summer the town of Truro will host Movie Nights in Victoria Park. The Truro Parks Recreation and Culture board brings a 20ft screen, sets up a projector and displays a family friendly movie for anyone to come and watch. If there will be rain that night the venue is moved indoors to the Douglas Street Recreation Centre.
Overall, Victoria Park boasts a plethora of activities catering to all ages and interests, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking recreation, relaxation and adventure. From its expansive green spaces perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls to its well-maintained playgrounds and mountain biking trails, the park offers something for everyone. Additionally, the park hosts regular events such as outdoor concerts and movie nights, ensuring there is always something new and exciting to experience. Whether you're looking to unwind amidst natural beauty or engage in a fun-filled day of activities with loved ones, Victoria Park promises a memorable and enriching visit for all.
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