Battery Point

This popular trail offers an easy jaunt out to a pebble beach—the first half of the mile-long path is even paved. Travelers, locals, and guide companies all enjoy the walk so you won’t find solitude here unless it’s a stormy day. But hiking the trail is a great way to check out the forest and enjoy the water, where you may see surf scoters, seals, sea lions, and humpback whales, especially in May and June. So bring some binoculars and a camera, a snack for the beach, and maybe a swimsuit and towel—if you’re willing to brave the cold for a polar bear plunge. It’s the closest, easiest hike around.

Directions

Follow Beach Road from town (it’s the waterfront street that passes the cruise ship dock). After one mile, it veers uphill to the right and turns to dirt. Follow it for another mile to the parking area and trailhead.