Eastern Passage - Cow Bay

Eastern Passage is located at the southeastern edge of Halifax Harbour, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Eastern Passage is a vibrant suburban community that is home to a thriving fishing industry. It is home to Fisherman’s Cove – a restored, 200-year-old fishing village only 20 minutes from downtown Halifax. Situated on the entrance to the Halifax Harbour, Fisherman’s Cove features a picturesque boardwalk, unique shops, and restaurants serving only the freshest seafood.

Cow Bay is a traditional farming community and is home to a number of beautiful beaches including Rainbow Haven and Silver Sands, famous for their kayaking. Cow Bay's motto is "Cow Bay - Attracting Visitors Since 1773". In 1959, a large concrete moose statue by Winston Bronnum was constructed and remains a popular landmark today.

CFB Shearwater brings a lot of military personnel into the area. There has been continued residential growth that robustly started in the early 1990’s. The main commerce area has grown to include a small shopping plaza, pharmacy and eateries.

With easy access to the circumferential highway Eastern Passage and Cow Bay are an easy commute working in Halifax or Dartmouth. Homes are affordable for first time homebuyers and have become a large military family area, as the homes are affordable and easy to sell for the very transient military families.

Cow Bay is the sister community to Eastern Passage that is known for the famous landmark, The Moose, which overlooks Silver Sands beach was erected in 1959. Properties in Cow Bay have larger lots; oceanfront and ocean view lots are the most popular. A popular beach still attracting crowds is Rainbow Haven located where the bay meets Cole Harbour. Cow Bay attracts surfers from around the world and can often be seen off Osborne Head.

census (2011) 11,470

 Schools

ELEMENTARY

1. Oceanview Elementary: Grades PP – 3

2. Tallahassee Community School: Grades PP – 3, including French Immersion

3. Seaside Elementary: Grades 4 – 5, including French Immersion

JUNIOR HIGH

1. Eastern Passage Educational Centre: Grades 6 – 8, including French Immersion

HIGH SCHOOL

1. Island View High: Grades 9 – 12, including French Immersion

 Recreation

There are several parks and playgrounds in the area. Two are located in the Heritage Hills subdivision (on Melrose and Serop Crescent, respectively), and there are playgrounds at Tallahassee, Oceanview, and Seaside schools. In August 2006, a new skateboard park opened near Seaside Elementary. Around 2016 a dirt BMX park was built.

There is a large playing field at Eastern Passage Education Centre, and numerous baseball and general purpose fields located within the vicinity of the three elementary schools.

A public tennis court is located near Seaside Elementary. The Tallahassee Recreation Centre (located in the Tallahassee Community School building) often has various activities going on year-round.

Several beaches are in the area. McCormick's Beach is located at Fisherman's Cove near the boardwalk. A salt-water beach (Rainbow Haven Beach) is located towards the Cow Bay area of the community. A large serviced beach (MacDonald Beach) is located between Eastern Passage and Cole Harbour. There is also a smaller beach located at Kiwanis Park.