Halifax's top 5 tobogganing hills for family fun
CBC Nova Scotia ranks the best hills based on accessibility, parking, steepness and fun
Even though travel in Halifax was made a whole lot harder after Tuesday's snowstorm, some people are hopping on their toboggans to take advantage of the fresh 15 centimetres on the ground.
It could be a family tradition to hit city slopes or you could be a first-timer. Either way, there are a number of hills in Halifax upon which you can lay down your plastic runners onto powder.
CBC Nova Scotia's Steven Berry is your guide to the city's slickest slopes.
No. 5
Fort Needham Park — 3 toboggans out of 5
At the bottom of the list, this small double-bump hill is great for younger riders.
Pros: Easy to climb back up after a run, well-worn pathways make for a leisurely trip down.
Cons: Not much parking and simply too short to keep older kids (and immature journalists) entertained.
No. 4
Flynn Park — 4 toboggans out of 5
This gem of the west end has fun twists and turns, not to mention the sweet jump someone built. Good for teenage riders.
Pros: Lots of benches for when you need a break, and good visibility from the road.
Cons: Lack of parking. You might get a face full of chain-link fence if you've got enough speed.
No. 3
Gorsebrook School — 4 toboggans out of 5
The kids who go here probably can't wait for school to start so they can go for a rip down this classic south-end slope. Something for all ages.
Pros: Different levels of steepness depending on how brave you're feeling. Plus you're right next to the IWK if you need to re-attach an arm or leg.
Cons: Crowded. There's typically enough people here after a good snowfall that you may find yourself having to wait your turn.
No. 2
Citadel Hill — 4 toboggans out of 5
We all knew this was coming: the biggest hill on our list and certainly the best known.
Pros: Easy to find, loads of parking and a great view from the top.
Cons: Riddled with gut-punching bumps and valleys. And since it's downtown with roads on all sides, you might find yourself out on the street.
No. 1
The Pit — 5 toboggans out of 5
My first impression of the No. 1 hill on our list was simply "Good grief, that's steep". Truly a thrilling, chilling, afternoon killing machine in the deep north end.
Pros: Great for getting the blood pumping, and slopes into a bowl shape making it accessible for lower skill levels. Also has a handy path back to the top, letting you get in more runs.
Cons: You need a helmet. The nature of this hill and the speed at which you and other riders are moving makes safety paramount. This is a drag if you hate helmet hair as much as I do.
If you want to add any of your favourite tobogganning hills, check out this crowd-sourced Google Map of Canada's best: