Dartmouth is a popular area to live for those commuting to work in downtown Dartmouth. It offers easy access to the downtown via ferry or bridge. Dartmouth has many lakes and is often referred to as the "City of Lakes". In summer there are many places to swim, including both lake beaches and nearby ocean beaches like Rainbow Haven Beach and Lawrencetown Beach. In the winter, often skaters can take advantage of these lakes for skating and hockey. In the heart of Dartmouth sits Brightwood Golf Club.

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Dartmouth has both boutique shops and restaurants in its downtown core, close to the ferry terminal, as well as big box stores housed in an area known as Dartmouth Crossing. There are many parks including Birch Cove Park, and Shubie Park within walking distance of Dartmouth's downtown.