places to visit at halifax

Halifax Travel Guide

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19 Best Things To Do in Halifax

Updated Apr. 24, 2024

Halifax is steeped in history, much of which centers around the sea. For an in-depth look at the city's watery past, reserve a few hours for the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic . Another must-see historic site is the towering Citadel , a fortress

All Things To Do

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Halifax Citadel National Historic Site free

Towering over downtown Halifax, the Citadel is a testament to the city's military past. Four forts have occupied this hilltop since 1749, when Edward Cornwallis, a career British military officer, governed the region; the fort that stands today dates back to 1856. Visitors can wander the Citadel's corridors and learn about Halifax's involvement in major wars, such as the American Revolution, the American Civil War and both World Wars. The on-site Army Museum offers a closer look at the fortress's history. And to truly feel what it was like to be on the hill back in its heyday, make sure to come at lunchtime, when reenactors of the Royal Artillery fire the traditional noon gun.

You can also interact with members of the 78th Highland Regiment. From May through October, these kilted reenactors offer free guided tours of the fort and provide insight on what it was like to be a soldier there. You can even learn to shoot a 19th-century rifle from one of these reenactors (for an extra fee and age restrictions apply).

Halifax Public Gardens Halifax Public Gardens free

The Public Gardens are a living testament to the Victorian era. And visitors welcome the respite from the urban atmosphere. Opened in 1867, this 16-acre public space – marked by an ornate metal entryway – houses manicured flower beds, quiet walkways, a picturesque gazebo and plenty of perfect picnic spots. Locals and visitors alike praise the beauty of the park and love the peace and quiet it affords in the center of the city. The Friends of the Public Gardens runs tours of the grounds during the summer. You can request a tour and check out the latest tour schedule on the organization's website .

The Halifax Public Gardens are open every day from 7 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Admission is free. The gardens are located kitty-corner to the Citadel . You can learn more about the Public Gardens by perusing the park's website .

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market Halifax Seaport Farmers Market free

The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market was established by royal decree in 1750, a year after the establishment of Halifax itself. Since opening nearly 300 years ago, travelers and locals alike visit the market to purchase a range of goods. On any given day, you'll be able to buy soaps, baked treats, fresh produce, fish, jewelry and more from nearly 100 vendors. Recent visitors praised the variety of wares (both food and craft) sold by dealers and say it is a great place to browse.

The market, located on the waterfront, is about a 5-minute walk from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 . It's is free to peruse the market. Hours vary slightly by season, but you can expect to visit the market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The market is open on Mondays in the summer only. For more information, visit the market’s website .

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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

It makes sense that Canada's oldest and most substantial maritime museum is located in Halifax: The city's history drips with stories from the sea. By displaying artifacts and providing interactive exhibits, this specialty museum recounts the numerous shipwrecks off Nova Scotia's shores, the city's days as a commercial shipping hub and its role as a military player in World Wars I and II. But the exhibit detailing Halifax's response to the 1912 sinking of the Titanic is, for many, the highlight of the museum. The display includes artifacts from the "unsinkable ship" and recounts local efforts to recover lost passengers and remaining parts of the ship. In fact, it was at this museum that director James Cameron saw the carved panel that inspired Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet's raft in the 1997 film, "Titanic." (You can also find many Titanic victims buried in Halifax's cemeteries. )

While examining the Titanic artifacts is the biggest draw, previous visitors say that you should make time for the other displays. Recent museumgoers say you should budget about two hours to take in all the maritime history.

Dartmouth Dartmouth free

Sitting across the harbor from Halifax is Dartmouth, a small town that has been around since 1750. There are two primary reasons to visit this Nova Scotia town (aside from the scenic ferry ride across the harbor): First, to enjoy its natural landscape; and second, to take in its history. Known as "The City of Lakes," Dartmouth is peppered with 23 individual ponds, many of which are surrounded by public parkland and ideal for a picnic. Another scenic stomping ground is the Shubenacadie Canal, which was created in the early 1800s to connect Halifax Harbor to Shubenacadie Grand Lake and ultimately the Bay of Fundy near Nova Scotia's interior. Walking on the trails at Shubenacadie is a favorite activity for many recent visitors.

You should spend an hour or two exploring Dartmouth's harbor, where you'll find a cluster of historic buildings that now house cute shops and cozy restaurants. The area is also adorned with different street art, making the walk between boutiques and eateries entertaining.

Halifax Waterfront Halifax Waterfront free

The Halifax Waterfront is a fun-filled spot packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, historic ships, boat tours and ferries, not to mention buskers and other street performers. It's here that you'll find many of the area's top attractions that detail the city's maritime heritage and its history as an immigration port . It's also a premier photo stop for tourists, as the harbor views, art installations and bright orange hammocks (ideal for relaxing) provide the perfect backdrop. Recent visitors say the lively area is fun to explore, with lots of options for eating, drinking and shopping, in addition to simply enjoying the views.

The waterfront is located downtown. It has a 2-mile boardwalk that can be accessed at various points. The boardwalk is accessible 24/7, but individual shops and restaurants have their own hours of operation. Visit the Discover Halifax website for more information.

St. Paul's Church St. Paul's Church free

Founded in 1749 by Britain's King George II, St. Paul's is Canada's oldest Anglican Church. The building may look simple at first, but architecture buffs and historians alike will appreciate its construction. The church was modeled after London 's St. Peter's Church (designed in 1722). Its timbers were imported from Maine and other building materials, like the church's bricks, were made near Halifax.

If you want an in-depth explanation of the church's history, attend one of its tours. Guided tours operate from mid-June through October and self-guided tours run from November through June. Tour times vary by season, so call ahead to determine times. Recent visitors expressed that the church offers an interesting piece of history and say the church staff are friendly and informative.

HMCS Sackville HMCS Sackville

HMCS Sackville, now a National Historic Site, is Canada’s oldest warship. The warship is also the last of Canada's 123 corvettes, one of many convoy escort vessels built in Canada during World War II. Following the ship's war service during the Battle of the Atlantic (1939-1945), the Sackville was used as a research vessel until 1982. The ship was then restored to its wartime glory in 1983 and has since served as a naval memorial. As visitors travel through the preserved areas of the ship, which include a mess hall, a gun deck and boiler rooms, they'll learn about the daily routine and challenge sailors faced during the battle.

For many recent patrons, this site was a highlight of their trip. They say the ship has a fascinating history and is in pristine condition. Though many remark it's a small ship, they confirm there is plenty to see.

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Half Day Small Group Tour in Peggy's Cove and Titanic Cemetery

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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Between 1928 and 1971, 1 million immigrants passed through the doors of Pier 21 and became full-fledged members of the Canadian community. This large ocean liner terminal – sometimes referred to as the Ellis Island of Canada – has since become a National Historic Site of Canada and the country's National Museum of Immigration. Visitors can wander the halls that once led immigrants to a new life. And they'll also learn the stories of some of the immigrants who passed through. And who knows: You might learn a little more about yourself while here. Recent visitors who looked up their ancestors' journeys found it rewarding and fascinating.

Pier 21 overlooks Halifax Harbor from its seat just a few blocks south of Alexander Keith's Brewery . During the summer, the museum is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; hours are more limited between December and April. Admission is roughly CA$13 for adults (about $9.25) and CA$8 (about $5.50) for children ages 6 to 16. To learn more about the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, visit its website .

Alexander Keith's Brewery Alexander Keith's Brewery

Founded in 1820, Alexander Keith's Brewery is one of the oldest commercial breweries in North America. The brewery is named for a Scottish immigrant who devoted his life to brewing his beer. Today, the institution still runs on Keith's values, creating flavorful ales and generously providing visitors with a relaxed, social experience.

The brewery offers booze enthusiasts hourlong guided tours of the facility (even kids will be entertained). Once the tour is over, you're welcome to sample some of Keith's most popular brews, such as the India pale ale at the on-site tavern. Recent visitors loved the interactive aspect to the tour and the friendly, entertaining guides.

Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park free

Less than an hour by car from downtown Halifax, Crystal Crescent Beach offers an outdoor respite from the busy city. Here, you'll find three white sand beaches, a 6-mile hiking trail and ample opportunities to view wildlife. In the distance, you can see the Sambro Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1759.

Recent visitors praised the beauty of the beach and the clear waters. They also noted that one of the beaches welcomes nude bathing.

Province House Province House free

This three-story Palladian building in the heart of Halifax has provided a meeting ground for the Nova Scotia House of Assembly since 1819, making it the oldest house of government in Canada and a National Historic Site. Although it still functions as a legislative building, visitors are welcome to a self-guided tour of the building year-round or to partake in a guided tour in July or August. You can also sit in on assembly gatherings (when they're in session).

Recent visitors recommended taking the guided tour, which they say are informative and comprehensive.

Fairview Lawn Cemetery Fairview Lawn Cemetery free

After learning about the tragic sinking of the Titanic at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , visit this cemetery for another sobering experience. The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 100 victims of the Titanic disaster and visitors regularly come to pay their respects. In addition to the Titanic victims, you can also visit the graves of fallen soldiers from both World War I and II. Recent travelers said visiting the graveyard is a must-do for those interested in the Titanic. They also remark it is a somber, albeit interesting experience, and that there are plenty of signs to find the Titanic victims' graves.

The cemetery is located about 3 miles northwest of downtown Halifax. You can get to the cemetery by car or taking the Nos. 2, 4, 29 or 90 bus routes. Grounds are open daily for free visitation from sunrise to sunset. Check out the cemetery's official website for more details.

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Halifax Central Library Halifax Central Library free

Visiting a library while on vacation may not be at the top of your list, but hear us out about this branch. In addition to its enormous collection of books and other materials, the Halifax Central Library has a sunroom gallery space, two cafes, a rooftop patio, video game systems and a 300-seat auditorium that hosts shows, author talks and lectures.

Visitors can explore several exhibits at the library. Informative installations detail the First Nations culture, African Nova Scotians and the region's Acadian and French heritage. There's also a room with books solely about Nova Scotia history as well as a display that honors Halifax County's military men and women who have lost their lives since World War I. Many past visitors were in awe of the contemporary space and especially enjoyed the on-site cafes.

Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History

Tackling everything from geology to marine life to weather, the Museum of Natural History is a place for the curious. With a visit here, you can learn all about Nova Scotia's forests, see live animals like frogs, snakes and salamanders, and admire artifacts from bands of the Mi'kmaq First Nation.

The museum also hosts traveling exhibits (which may cost extra), which have explored everything from Egyptian mummies to art. There are also nature talks, walks and children's programs. It's a great place for families to spend time, but recent visitors say all ages will most likely enjoy it.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

This provincial art gallery, housed in an Italianate building downtown, has a permanent collection of more than 17,000 works. It emphasizes the creations of Canadian visual artists as well as those who work on the Atlantic Coast. The collection and its exhibits feature everything from sculpture to painting to handicrafts to prints. Next door in the Provincial Building (an annex of the gallery), you’ll find the actual home of the late painter Maud Lewis, a wildly popular and beloved Canadian folk artist. The small home, which is adorned with whimsical and colorful paintings created by Maud and her husband, has been lovingly preserved by the museum since 1984. Many reviewers said Lewis' home was a highlight of their visit.

Admission for adults is CA$12 (about $8.50) and CA$5 (around $3.50) for children ages 6 to 17. A guided tour of the collection is given Tuesday through Sunday at 2 p.m., with an extra one on Thursday at 7 p.m. Tours are included in the admission price. Operating hours vary, be sure to check the museum's website before your trip.

Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame free

Halifax Distilling Company Halifax Distilling Company free

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Best of Halifax Small Group Tour with Peggy's Cove and Citadel

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Halifax

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Despite the skyscrapers of more recent times, Halifax is still dominated by a star-shaped, hilltop citadel. The city is not just the capital of Nova Scotia , it is also the commercial hub of Canada's Maritime provinces, as well as an important center for research, with no fewer than six universities and colleges.

Its fine natural harbor cuts deeply into the Atlantic coastline, with docks, piers, parks, and industry along its entire length. The harbor and its seafaring history still shape life in the city, and you'll find many of the things to do in Halifax — from its rollicking entertainment scene, infused with maritime music, to its museums and tourist attractions — relate in some way to its close relationship with the sea.

During both world wars, Halifax was a collection point for convoys — a strategy for ships to cross the Atlantic in greater safety and protect themselves against attack from German U-boats. In 1917, the French munitions ship, "Mont-Blanc," which had arrived to join one such convoy, collided with the Belgian "Imo," causing the world's worst explosion prior to the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. The whole of the northern end of Halifax was razed to the ground, killing 1,400 people outright and injuring about 9,000. Windows were shattered as far away as Truro, some 100 kilometers away.

Halifax has more sea and shipping connections: as a major point of entry for immigrants arriving from Europe, and as the port closest to the Titanic disaster. You'll find reminders of both as you tour the city, but you'll find its lively present just as much fun to explore as its past. You can find the best places to visit with this list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Halifax.

1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

2. halifax harbourfront, 3. pier 21 national historic site, 4. take a day trip to peggy's cove, 5. maritime museum of the atlantic, 6. css acadia and hmcs sackville, 7. stroll through halifax public gardens, 8. province house, 9. take a harbor cruise, 10. walk in point pleasant park, 11. art gallery of nova scotia, 12. take a ferry to mcnabs and lawlor island provincial park, where to stay in halifax for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in halifax.

Aerial view of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Standing above the city's downtown, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site encompasses the 1856 fortress. Although it never actually saw battle (and perhaps because of that), it is an excellent and intact example of a 19th-century British fort. In the summer, interpreters wear red British uniforms and interact with visitors to show what life was like here for the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery and their families.

Kids love Citadel Adventures, where they can try using the drums, march in a drill, and spy on the enemy. After dark, tours relate some of the Citadel's several ghost legends.

A road cuts up the hillside to the fortress, with stops for excellent views of the city, the harbor, Dartmouth, little Georges Island, and the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge. The Old Town Clock , which has become the symbol of Halifax, also sits on the hillside. Prince Edward originally commissioned it in 1803. It has four clockfaces and chimes and is an enduring memorial to the punctuality of a strict disciplinarian.

For the full experience, try to time your visit to coincide with the Changing of the 78th Highlander Sentinel guard ceremonies and the firing of the traditional noon gun.

Address: 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax

Much of the downtown waterfront in Halifax has a boardwalk along its length, where heritage vessels, small sailboats, tugs, and ferries come and go. The "Historic Properties" area has been refurbished as an attractive pedestrian precinct of 19th-century stone warehouses and old wharf buildings, now serving as bright shops, artists' studios, and restaurants with terraces overlooking the harbor.

The streets are closed to normal traffic. The square between two warehouses has been roofed over to make an equally attractive mall. During the day there are boats to tour, shops to browse, and restaurants serving fresh seafood; on a summer night, the harbor becomes a romantic place to stroll, with outdoor cafes and lively maritime music in the air.

In the years from 1928 to 1971, when it served as the immigration shed, Pier 21 saw more than one million immigrants enter Canada. The interpretive center has exhibits that explore the immigration experience, from the homeland departure to being assimilated in a new country.

Interactive exhibits engage all ages in the personal stories of immigrants from all over the world, as they left their homes and arrived to make new lives in Canada . Children can dress in period clothes, imagine crossing the Atlantic inside a replica ship's cabin, and sit in a railcar that carried immigrants to new homes in the West. From the windows, there are good views out to the lighthouse on Georges Island.

Just a short walk away, the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is one of the city's most popular places to visit, loaded with local goodies. It's open daily, and there's a rooftop picnic area.

Address: 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax

Peggy's Cove is a delightful little bay on the rugged Atlantic coast, 43 kilometers southwest of Halifax. Colorful houses perch on the granite rocks along a narrow inlet, washed by crashing surf. Even on a calm sunny day, the waters here are dangerous, and subject to rogue waves. So pay attention to the signs, and stay off the wet rocks.

Above the village, Peggy's Cove Lighthouse completes the scenic ensemble, one of Nova Scotia's iconic landmarks and likely the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Because of its popularity, you can expect to find the scene crowded with tourists; try visiting early in the day or late in the afternoon, when the inevitable tour buses have left.

Despite its fame as a must-see attraction, Peggy's Cove is an active little fishing village and a pleasant afternoon getaway. An easy way to get there is on a Peggy's Cove Day Trip from Halifax , or you can combine Peggy's Cove with the lovely historic towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay on a tour along Nova Scotia's scenic southwest coast.

Peggy's Cove achieved sad notoriety in September 1998, when a Swissair plane crashed into the sea killing 229 people. A memorial marks the event.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a view over Halifax harbor and brings the sea indoors with its collection of small craft, model ships, photographs, and curiosities of maritime history. One of its most popular exhibits concerns the Titanic disaster and Halifax's role as the port where the survivors were brought.

Exhibits are devoted to sea life and historic vessels, small craft boatbuilding, World War Convoys, the Days of Sail to the Age of Steam, plus historic events like the monumental Halifax Explosion in 1917 that devasted the city. The museum is not all static exhibits, with a number of hands-on activities, art programs, and performances.

Those especially interested in the Titanic should visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where simple granite stones mark the resting places of those who died in the disaster. A larger monument marks the place of one victim, labeled Unknown Child, paid for by the sailors of the rescue vessel that recovered him from the sea. It wasn't until 1912 that the boy was finally identified.

Address: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax

The Canadian Scientific Ship CSS Acadia , berthed at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, was built for the Canadian hydrographic service in 1913, the first vessel specifically designed to survey Canada's northern waters. But her career extended long beyond surveying ice-infested waters of Hudson Bay.

As a guard ship in Halifax Harbor , Acadia was damaged in the Halifax Explosion in 1917, and is the only vessel still afloat today to have survived the disaster. Acadia was recommissioned as a warship in 1939, serving as a patrol vessel and training ship through the war, and is the only surviving ship to have served the Royal Canadian Navy during both world wars.

Not part of the museum, but berthed just outside and appealing to anyone interested in ships or naval history is the HMCS Sackville , the last remaining Flower Class corvette in the world. Restored to her wartime configuration as a Canadian Naval Memorial, the Sackville is both a museum and memorial to those lost during the Battle of the Atlantic.

One of many convoy escort vessels built in Canada and the United Kingdom during World War II, this is Canada's oldest fighting warship. Halifax is a fitting location, as it was an important assembly point for the convoys.

The Halifax Public Gardens sit in a seven-hectare park and opened to the public in 1867. The gardens are a good example of Victorian horticulture, with an ornamental bandstand, fountains, statues, and formal flower beds.

Ducks and other waterfowl make a home in the garden ponds. Weekly free tours explore the garden's history and its plants, and on Sunday afternoons from mid-June to mid-September, there are afternoon concerts at the bandstand. Heavy iron gates mark the entrance on Spring Garden Road.

Address: 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

This Georgian sandstone building known as Province House , completed in 1819, is the seat of Nova Scotia's Parliament, in existence since 1758. The guided tour includes the "Red Chamber" where the Council used to meet, as well as the parliament chamber and the library that, with its two grand staircases, was once the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.

This is where, in 1835, Joseph Howe defended himself against the charge of defamation. His acquittal is regarded as the beginning of a free press in Nova Scotia. He later went into politics and led the campaign against confederation, but ultimately joined the dominion government in Ottawa.

Address: 1726 Hollis Street, Halifax

It would be a shame to visit Halifax and not see it as so many first laid eyes on it, approaching from the sea, with the Citadel's ramparts rising above the historic waterfront. There are several ways of enjoying this water view. You can take a harbor tour on the tugboat Theodore or cruise it under sail, which you can help hoist, aboard the 40-meter Tall Ship Silva .

The oldest saltwater ferry in North America, the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry is also the second oldest in the world, after the Mersey Ferry in Liverpool, England. Once the only way to get between Halifax and the town of Dartmouth, at the other side of the harbor, it is still the fastest route.

While in Dartmouth, you can visit Quaker House , the only surviving home of the Quaker whalers, who settled in Dartmouth in 1785, and the Shearwater Museum of Aviation , filled with beautifully restored vintage aircraft, flight memorabilia, and a flight simulator where you can try out your piloting skills.

If you prefer to take a guided tour of the harbor, you can help hoist the sails and even take a turn at the helm on a Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise aboard a 130-foot schooner. Or just sit and enjoy the experience as you learn about the maritime history of Halifax as you sail past Harbour Bridge, Fort George, McNab's Island, and Point Pleasant Park.

For a unique way to see the sights, consider the Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour , which takes you around the top attractions on land and sea in an amphibious Vietnam War vehicle.

One of the most splendid places to stroll in Halifax is Point Pleasant Park , on the southernmost point of the city peninsula. This natural area features towering trees, winding footpaths, and great views out over Halifax Harbour and the North West Arm. It is closed to vehicles.

Within the park are many historical monuments and remnants of wartime. The Prince of Wales Tower is a round stone tower that was built by Prince Edward in 1796. It was the first of its kind in North America, the prototype "Martello Tower."

The basic idea was to combine soldiers' accommodation, a storehouse, and cannon mountings in a unit capable of defending itself, surrounded by immensely thick stone walls, with access only by a retractable ladder to the first floor.

Address: 5718 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax

In downtown Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in the Atlantic provinces . The museum features a permanent collection of visual arts from the Maritimes and around the world, numbering more than 13,000 pieces.

An entire exhibit centers on the work of Nova Scotian folk artist, Maud Lewis, and part of the gallery's collection includes her shed-sized house, which is decorated with vibrant paintings. The gallery also features excellent temporary exhibitions, which explore topics as diverse as artists' greeting cards or the work of the province's new voices in art.

Address: 1723 Hollis Street, Halifax

McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park is located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour. Ferry boats take visitors to this natural area to enjoy bird watching, hiking, or a little history. While Lawlor Island is not open to the public, McNab Island features 400 acres of woodlands along with Fort McNab, a national historic site.

Other heritage buildings include summer homes, Maugers Beach Lighthouse, and a long-closed teahouse that is undergoing restoration to become the island's center for outdoor education and community activities.

The best place to stay in Halifax is right downtown near the stunning harbor and historical district. The area is compact and easily walkable to key attractions, including the Maritime Museum, Province House, and Pier 21 National Historic Site. Just behind is the famous Citadel Hill. The following are some highly rated hotels in great locations:

Luxury Hotels :

Downtown, just one block from the stairs to Citadel Hill, the posh Prince George Hotel offers exceptional service and well-appointed rooms, some with views of the harbor. The only hotel directly on Halifax's waterfront is the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel . This property has rooms with amazing views out over the harbor and is directly on the harbor walk.
Next to the train station and close to the waterfront is the recently renovated, charming Westin Nova Scotian , originally built in the 1930s.

Mid-Range Hotels :

The 4-star, but moderately priced, Lord Nelson Hotel is a landmark property that has overlooked the Halifax Public Garden since 1928. A short walk from the main attractions and shopping streets, the hotel has on-site parking.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown features suites with full kitchens, separate sitting areas, good views, and a complimentary breakfast.
The Hollis Halifax - a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton is one block off the waterfront and has oversized suites and a large indoor pool.
For a boutique hotel, the Halliburton is an excellent choice. The hotel consists of three heritage townhouses that have been converted into 29 charming rooms, some with fireplaces.

Budget Hotels :

The best budget options are just outside the city center. About 10 minutes from downtown, in the Bayer's Lake area, is the Coastal Inn , with large, bright rooms and a good variety of restaurants in the nearby area.
Also a short drive out of downtown is the Comfort Inn . This hotel offers a great view out over Bedford Basin and has an indoor pool. A hiking trail leaves from the back of the hotel and winds its way through Hemlock Ravine Park.

More on Canada

The Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Halifax just might be Canada’s coolest city. With a beautiful waterfront, an easy-to-navigate downtown, and rumored to have the most bars per capita of any city in Canada, it’s difficult to compete with Halifax. Halifax has a small-town vibe with all the amenities of a big city. If you need convincing to visit this waterfront city check out these top things to do in Halifax to get you started.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Halifax Nova Scotia

With summer just around the corner, windows opening up to let fresh air in, and vaccines finally in full swing, we may all be able to travel again. There’s no better place to travel than within our home and native land, so how about taking a road trip out to Halifax Nova Scotia, one of the most exciting destinations in Canada.

Planning to see more in Nova Scotia, Canada? Read our Best Things to do in Nova Scotia – The Ultimate Travel Guide

1. Alexander Keith ’ s Brewery Tour

things to do in halifax alexander keith's brewery tour

One of our favourite things to do in Halifax was to take the Alexander Keith ’ s Brewery tour. As Dave said during our tour, “Alexander Keith’s is a is a gathering of good people, great beer and great music.” Enjoy a beer as you learn about the man behind the beer, Alexander Keith, and see how it is made as your guide shares stories and lots of laughs. It is one of the oldest breweries in North America and it is not to be missed on your Halifax itinerary.

what to do in halifax nova scotia - brewery tour

Nova Scotians know how to have a good time, and this tour offers a lot of tastings to keep you happy. The tour starts off right with a serving of beer and then they offer samples of red, pale, Edinburgh ale throughout. At the end of the tour everyone joins in a free Ceilidh.

2. Halifax Distilling Company

distillery tour in halifax Halifax distillery rums

If beer isn’t your thing, well what’s wrong with you? But seriously, another great alcohol-themed attraction outside Alexander Keith’s Brewery is to enjoy some genuine Halifax rum. The Halifax Distilling Company takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of this privately-owned distillery.

But that’s not all, once you have learned how the rum is distilled enjoy cocktails in the chic cocktail lounge. It is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Halifax.

3. Stroll Along the Halifax Waterfront

Sure, many cities have a waterfront, but Halifax Harbour is something special. A walk along the Halifax Harbour is one of our favourite things to do in Halifax to get acquainted with the city. Many of the top attractions in Halifax are located along this 4km (2.4 mile) boardwalk and when summer is in full swing it is packed with people checking out the views and enjoying the many eateries.

We stayed at the Hotel Halifax during one of our stays in Halifax making for the perfect walking tour of Halifax. Located downtown Halifax, it was walking distance to the waterfront making for a great base. So what can you see along the waterfront? Read on.

4. Take a Halifax Harbour Boat Tour

Travelers rate a boat tour as one of the best things to do in Halifax at sunset. Take a boat tour of the Halifax Harbour to take in the views of the beautiful waterfront. Many of the top things to do in Halifax are located within the harboour or waterfront, and you can get a waters edge view from the Harbour Boat Tour.

On this tour you’ll see George’s Island, a National Historic Site which was a strategic military point for defending Canada.

5. The Harbour Hopper Tour

The Harbour Hopper boat tour in Halifax offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city and its waterfront and is one of the most popular tours for families. One of the standout features of the Harbour Hopper is that it’s an amphibious vehicle. This means the tour starts on land, navigating through downtown Halifax, and then transitions into the water, offering a boat tour of the harbor. The transition from land to water itself is an exciting experience, especially for first-timers.

Why should you take this tour? The Harbour Hopper provides a comprehensive overview of Halifax’s key landmarks, both on land and from the water. It offers a condensed way to see many of Halifax’s main attractions in a single tour, providing both a land and sea perspective in. aunique and fun way.

6. Take the Ferry Across the Harbor

If a boat tour isn’t on your list, take the ferry across the harbor to Dartmouth Nova Scotia. The ferry is one of the best ways to travel between Halifax and Dartmouth. It provides fantastic views of both cities and the harbor. It’s also the oldest continuously operated saltwater ferry service in North America. It gives you the chance to see another city in Canada while getting a boat tour to boot.

The ferry takes only 10 – 12 minutes from downtown Halifax to Downtown Dartmouth. It’s a quick and affordable way to see views of Halifax. With 23 ponds, Dartmouth is known as The City of Lakes. Located on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour, it is a part of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and is directly across the harbour from Halifax.

Dating back to its founding by the British in 1750. Over the years, it played a significant role in the maritime and military history of the region.

7. Historic Properties

heading into historic properties in halifax

Historic Properties date back to the 1800s when Privateers ruled the seas and schooners stopped in at the port of Halifax. This collection of warehouses has been fully restored in 1963 and was declared an area of national historic importance in Canada.

Today the properties blend a mix of history with contemporary as the facades look and feel like life in the 1800s, but inside you’ll find boutique shops and popular restaurants. This is an excellent stop on any Halifax itinerary.

Be sure to try the lobster at Salty’s followed by a pint of beer at the Lower Deck. Checking out Historic properties is very best things to do in Halifax. You’ll be able to eat, drink, sightsee and relax. Seriously, one of the best things to do in Halifax, is to have a lobster on the waterfront. You feel like a tru maritimer.

8. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax Nova Scotia

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a great stop on your day tour of Halifax, Nova Scotia. We really enjoyed learning of the maritime history of Canada at this museum that showcases the marine heritage of Halifax, Nova Scotia. If you love maritime history, put this at the top of your things to do in the Halifax list.

It tells the history of life on the seas from the 1800s to today. There are several artifacts on display and there are sections dedicated to the Titanic victims where and the victims of the Halifax Explosion of 1917.

9. CSS Acadia

When looking for things to do in Halifax, there is no shortage of interesting museums and historic sites. The CSS Acadia is a part of the museum and visitors can step inside this floating museum. It is the only only surviving ship to have served the Royal Canadian Navy during both world wars.

10. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

At the opposite end of Halifax Harbour from Historic Properties, you’ll find one of the best things to do in Halifax, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This museum is not to be missed when visiting Atlantic Canada and is filled with interactive exhibits, and information about the immigrants who settled in Canada.

Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the first point of entry for many immigrants to Canada. It has now been turned into a museum. You can explore your own family history and hear first hand accounts from immigrants to Canada about their journeys.

Canadian Museum of Immigration in Nova Scotia

The Canadian Museum of Immigration lets you immerse in what it was like crossing the Atlantic in tight quarters, where you can try on period garb or see how immigrants coming to Canada packed their entire lives into one small trunk.

There is an interesting Titanic display with artifacts from the ship. To see more about the Titanic disaster, you can visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Halifax was the closest harbour when the Titanic sank and many of its remains were brought to Halifax. The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place for 121 of the Titanic victims.

11. Halifax Seaport Farmers ‘ Market

After you’ve finished up on the Halifax waterfront, pop into the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market to grab everything you need for a picnic. Even if you are not shopping, it is not to be missed. The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is the one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in North America.

During that time it has changed locations regularly, and in 2021, the Halifax Farmers Market moved down the street to offer an outdoor shopping experience during the summer months with indoor vendors at Pavilion 22.

The market sells everything from local craft and jewelry to fresh fish and local produce. Wether you are shopping or simply browsing this is not to be missed.

12. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Art lovers will enjoy the Art Gallery of Halifax, Nova Scotia the largest art museum on the East Coast of Canada. It features permanent collections of Nova Scotia artists most notably, the folk art collection of Maud Lewis House. Maud Lewis was a painter in Nova Scotia who spent 40 years painting her small home with colourful scenes of Nova Scotia. Several years after her death, the Art Gallery of Halifax moved her home to become a part of its permanent collection crearting an immersive experience. .

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) is located in the heart of downtown Halifax and stands as the primary provincial art gallery for Nova Scotia. As the most prominent art museum in Atlantic Canada, it serves as a pivotal cultural institution in the region.

Situated on Hollis Street in Halifax, with an additional branch in Yarmouth, the gallery offers a vast collection. This collection emphasizes visual arts from Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region, spanning a wide array of mediums from paintings to sculptures, photographs, and drawings.

13. Halifax Public Gardens

If you have a picnic in hand, make your way to the Halifax Public Gardens. The Victorian Gardens date back to 1867, spanning 16 acres with flower beds, fountains and manicured gardens to enjoy.

The public gardens is a lovely place to find a quiet space as you stroll through its garden paths admiring its carpet beds of flowers and historic statues. There is also a bandstand, a Victorian era greenhouse.

There are events that happen within the public gardens, you can check out their website here. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, a stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens is one of the best things to do in the city.

14. Point Pleasant Park

Another green space to visit in Halifax is Point Pleasant Park. It covers approximately 190 acres (75 hectares) at the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula and offers a mix of forested trails, historical sites, coastal ecosystems, and recreational facilities.

The park has several historic sites, particularly related to the defense of Halifax. The remains of several fortifications can be found within the park, most notably the Prince of Wales Tower, which is one of the oldest Martello towers in North America. Every summer, the park hosts “Shakespeare by the Sea,” a theater festival that presents classic plays in an outdoor setting.

15. Halifax Central Library

One of the coolest pieces of architecture in Halifax is the Halifax Central Library. It was created as a community gathering place and even visitors to the city will want to go inside. If you are into architectural design when traveling, you’ll love the library, it was awarded Governor General’s Medal for its outstanding new civic building design. Make sure to go up to the rooftop terrace, it is a great place to take in panoramic views of downtown Halifax and the harbour. If you are looking for things to do in Halifax that the locals love, this is it.

16. Hang out at Spring Garden Road

The Halifax Public Gardens and Halifax Central Library are both located in the Spring Garden Road area of Halifax. It is one of the trendiest areas in the city with bars, restaurants, and the main shopping hub. After you’ve done some shopping, head to one of the hip bars for a cocktail. This is a great way to experience the local vibe of halifax.

17. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

One of the not-to-miss things to do in Halifax is to make your way up to the Halifax Citadel. The Halifax Citadel was a fortification that stood guard over the city. This national historic site is a star-shaped fort (Also known as Fort George) that will take you back in time from its origin in 1856 through World War II and today.

Watch the changing of the guard and see a reenactment of the 78th Highlanders march through the grounds. You can even be a soldier for a day and dress up in the Highlanders uniform complete with kilt! Don’t miss the Royal Artillery firing the noon gun, one of the oldest traditions in the world.

18. Citadel Hill

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Going up Citadel Hill is a great place to catch the sunset over Halifax. The Old Town Clock is a classified federal Heritage building that stands proud over the city.

Looking down over the Historic Town Clock makes for a serene view of downtown Halifax and the harborfront. Or you can join a ghost tour from the Old Clock Tower. Its claim to fame is the oldest ghost tour in North America.

19. Ghosts of St. Paul’s Church

While strolling downtown Halifax, keep an eye out for the ghost of St. Paul’s Church. It is the oldest building in Halifax surviving the Halifax explosion that left the mark of a face in its glass. After the explosion a silhouette of a head was forever etched into its glass. Is it the ghost of a reverend, the pipe organist or a sailor who died in the blast. We’ll never know, but this head has fascinated visitors for more than a decade.

20. Go Skating at Halifax Emera Oval

Built for the 2011 Canada Games, the Emera Oval is a skating rink that is free during the winter and free rollerblade, bike, and scooter rentals in the summer. So strap on your ice skates in the winter and roller blades in the summer and get outside.

One of the unique features of the Emera Oval is its year-round accessibility. During winter months, it operates as a long-track speed skating rink, which is the largest artificial ice surface east of Quebec in Canada. In the warmer months, it transitions into a roller-skating and biking venue.

The Emera Oval is located on the Halifax North Common at the corner of North Park Street and Cogswell Street.

21. Nightlife on Argyle Street

If you are looking for a night out in Halifax, look no further than Argyle Street. It has three things that we love. Pubs, patios, and food. Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, Argyle Street is a lively place day or night lined with restaurants and live music venues. For things to do in Halifax at night, Argyle Street is the place to be.

We recommend dinner at the Five Fishermem Restaurant for authentic Nova Scotia Seafood. It’s been rated the #1 Restaurant in Halifax for best service, ambiance, value and food!

22. Halifax Donair

After a night of drinking and dancing, a late night Donair will help with the hangover. The Donair is the “unofficial” official food of Halifax. A meat-filled wrap of tomato and onions reminds you of a doner kebab or gyro, but it is neither. It is distinctly Nova Scotians. One of the best places to enjoy a donair is The King of Donair. Its the original where founder Peter Gamoulako wanted to introduce the gyro to Canadians putting his own twist on it.

23. Try Some Fish and Chips

Plenty of places in Halifax claim to have the best fish and chips in Canada and for good reason. Atlantic Canada. isall about the fishing culture and here you will enjoy fresh local haddock. Some of the best places for fish and chips in halifax include John’s Lunch which has been serving up fish and chips since 1969, The Five Fishermen for a more upscale dining experience, snf Fredie’s Fantastic Fish House ehivh id s no-frills spot that locals love. It’s known for its generous portions and crispy battered haddock.

When choosing a spot for fish and chips in Halifax, it largely depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for, whether it’s a casual takeaway, a sit-down restaurant, or a scenic spot on the waterfront. Remember that the freshest seafood is a hallmark of many Nova Scotian eateries, so you’re likely in for a treat wherever you decide to go.

Top things to do in Halifax with kids

Before we get into where to stay and day trips from Halifax, let’s look at some of the Halifax attractions dedicated to the whole family.

The Discovery Centre is a hands-on science center offers interactive exhibits, live science shows, and a featured exhibit gallery that changes regularly. Kids of all ages will be entertained while learning.

Hatfield Farm : A short drive from Halifax, this farm offers horseback riding, wagon rides, a petting zoo, and more, making it a perfect family outing.

Bayers Lake Mystery Walls : For families who enjoy a little outdoor exploration, these mysterious ruins offer a mini-adventure. The origin of these walls remains a mystery, sparking imagination and curiosity.

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park : Located in nearby Dartmouth, this wildlife park showcases mainly native animals and is a hit with kids. They can see animals like moose, bears, and deer in relatively natural habitats.

Visit the Beaches : Halifax and the surrounding areas are home to several beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, build sandcastles, or explore tidal pools, there’s a beach for you.

Take a Harbour Cruise : Several companies offer harbor cruises, some tailored for kids with themes like pirate adventures.

Where to Stay in Halifax

The Haliburton is a lovely boutique hotel close to downtown and the waterfront that travelers love.

Hotel Halifax was our favourite hotel in Halifax as it was close to the harbourfront and citadel and is walking distance to many top Halifax attractions. It has a pool, bar, restaurant and fitness centre.

Lord Nelson is a historic hotel in Halifax dating back to 1928. We didn’t mind staying here, but it’s a bit dated and the service wasn’t the best. But if you like those grand old hotels like the Chateau Frontenac or Chateau Laurier, this is for you.

Quick Day Trips from Halifax, Nova Scotia

If you are just visiting Nova Scotia for a short time, you may only have time for a few day trips from Halifax. We have an entire article about the best things to do in Nova Scotia , but here are a few easy day trips from Halifax, Canada.

Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is a must visit when exploring Halifax. It is Nova Scotia’s most popular attraction and with good reason. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, its an easy day trip.

There are tour busses and tours that leave from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove, but we suggest renting a car for a day to really explore all the things to do in and around Peggy’s Cove. Leave before sunrise to be able to watch it from Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. You’ll be free from crowds and it’s a beautiful view. Read all about our time at Peggy’s Cove here.

Bay of Fundy

Burnthead Coat National Park in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s famous for being home to the world’s highest tides and no trip to Nova Scotia would be complete without visiting the Bay of Fundy. Luckily, Burntcoat Head Park is only an hour away from Halifax and is one of the provinces most popular attractions. It is here that you can walk on the ocean floor for three hours on either side of the tides that move 100 billion tons of water every six hours. That is more than every river in the world combined! Read more about the bay of Fundy here.

things to do in lunenburg nova scotia waterfront

Lunenberg is a bit of a long drive from Halifax at 2 and a half hours, but if you have a short time in the province, it is not to be missed. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Canada’s prettiest town with colourful buildings lining the waterfront. The historic Blue Nose tall ship makes its base in Lunenberg and you can visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. There are mircorbreweries, fine dining and plenty of shopping. If you have more than a day, make sure to visit Lunenberg. Read more: 20 Best Things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia – Top Activities

While you are making your way to Lunenberg, make sure to stop at Mahone Bay. Just a 10-minute drive from Lunenburg, Mahone Bay is a great stop on your Lunenburg Itinerary. Founded in 1745, Mahone Bay was named one of Canada’s best small towns. It’s famous for The Three Churches that line the waterfront and this scene is one of the most photographed places in Nova Scotia.

How to Get to Halifax

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the major international airport serving Halifax and the surrounding Maritime provinces. It’s located in Enfield, about 35 km north of Halifax. The airport has several direct flights from major cities in Canada, the United States, and Europe, as well as seasonal flights from other destinations. Once you arrive, you can take a car rental, taxi, or shuttle to reach downtown Halifax.

VIA Rail Canada : The Ocean is VIA Rail’s passenger train service that runs between Montreal and Halifax. It’s a scenic route, operating three days a week, offering a unique view of the eastern seaboard landscapes, including the Matapedia Valley and the Baie des Chaleurs.

Canada : If you’re coming from central or western Canada, you’d follow the Trans-Canada Highway eastbound which will lead you through Quebec and New Brunswick and then into Nova Scotia.

From the US : If you’re driving from the northeastern United States, you’ll likely cross into Canada at the Calais, Maine / St. Stephen, New Brunswick border. From there, you’d follow the Trans-Canada Highway (NB Route 1 which becomes NS Route 104) east through New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia. This route will take you to Truro, where you’ll follow NS Route 102 directly to Halifax.

When planning your trip to Halifax, it’s essential to consider the season, as winter can sometimes present travel challenges, especially if you’re driving. Always check the schedules and availability ahead of time, especially given the potential changes in services or routes.

And these are our favourite things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There is so much more to see and do, and we can’t wait to get back to the Halifax to experience that east coast hospitality, beautiful scenery and gorgeous coast. Have you been to Halifax?

Our trips to Halifax were courtesy of Tourism Nova Scotia. Like everything here on ThePlanetD all opinions are our own. To check out more things to do in Halifax and Nova Scotia, visit their website.

Best Things to do in Nova Scotia – The Ultimate Travel Guide
The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary
14 Gorgeous Stops on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

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The 15 Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Halifax is a crown jewel of the beautiful Canadian Maritimes. These eastern provinces all border the Atlantic Ocean and are remarkable for their coastal cities, which are sparse across most of Canada . Historic Halifax is the perfect destination if you want to explore this unique part of Canada!

As the capital city of Nova Scotia , Halifax possesses a rich history, which plays out in its many cultural establishments and beautiful architecture. It’s also surrounded by gorgeous fishing villages, islands, and lakes. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is a major attraction just south of the city, while you’ve got green spaces, historic neighborhoods and avenues, and many museums and galleries dedicated to promoting the culture of the Maritimes right downtown.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So, we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Halifax for you. Stick to these fun and unique Halifax bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous part of the Canadian Maritimes!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

1. Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

One of the oldest institutions in Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has a history going back as far as 1908, with the current space having opened in 1988. One of the best things to do in Halifax for art lovers, this gallery is now home to a signature collection of Maud Lewis’s works, alongside beautiful works by Indigenous artists and maritime locals.

You’ll find the most complete collection of Maud Lewis’s works here, including her cottage home, which she painstakingly hand-painted and decorated. It’s now preserved as part of her legacy.

Other permanent pieces include iconic works by Kent Monkman, alongside various local artists. While the focus is definitely on regional artistry, the exhibition feels large in its historical and stylistic scale.

If you want to see everything, the gallery will take up to four hours to fully enjoy, so plan accordingly! Make sure to swing by the gift shop and pick up a few of the lovely prints, souvenirs, and postcards for the art lovers in your life.

2. Stroll the Halifax Harbour Boardwalk

Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax Harbour Boardwalk

The iconic Halifax Harbour Boardwalk is a mainstay bucket list item for visitors to Nova Scotia. This historic waterfront exudes the charm and beauty the Maritimes are known for.

If you’re looking for unique Halifax activities, head to the boardwalk and you might come across dancers practicing their routines by the ocean, buskers of all kinds, and fishermen casting lines over the pier.

You’ll find plenty of seaside boutiques to pick up a gift or memento at, alongside restaurant patios, museums, and outdoor exhibits. Don’t miss the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market , and if you have time, why not stop at a café during your visit?

The harbor is also the site of Pier 21, a safe haven for millions of immigrants to Canada for much of the 20th century. This historic site has been memorialized with the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 , dedicated to preserving its stories.

Also keep an eye out for classic Canadian treats like Beaver Tail pastries, cheese curd-laden poutine, and the seafood Halifax is known for. A trip to the boardwalk is the perfect place to indulge in decadent treats. All in all, the pier is a must on any Halifax bucket list, whether you’re in town for a romantic getaway, exploring with the family, or simply interested in the history of the Maritime provinces.

3. Surf at Lawrencetown Beach

Fun Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Lawrencetown Beach

The beautiful Lawrencetown Beach is located just outside the city of Halifax, but it’s worth the trip. The beach is known for being an amazing surfing destination on Canada’s east coast.

The Atlantic Ocean swells are ideal because of the shape of Nova Scotia itself – with the varying winds and movements of the waves, you’ll be able to find your ideal surf spot.

Cool Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Lawrencetown Beach

The best time of year to go surfing in Lawrencetown ranges from September through November. In the winter months, just pack a thick wet suit. The beaches will be empty and the waves will be incredible.

Meanwhile, the summers tend to be less predictable, while the waters are more temperate. If you’re not a surfing aficionado, beginners can hone their skills with lessons from a local surf shop, like the East Coast Surf School .

Even if you’re not a surfer, Lawrencetown Beach is a beautiful destination for an oceanside picnic or a midday dip (if you’re comfortable in strong currents). The beach is quieter than others nearer the city, with crystal-clear waters and full amenities. Just keep in mind that it is a little rocky, so bring your sandals.

4. Indulge in the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail

Halifax, Nova Scotia Bucket List: Nova Scotia Lobster Trail

Nova Scotia is an international hub for lobster fishing, which takes place year-round off its shores. If you’re looking for delicious things to do in Halifax, you’ll be able to partake in some of the freshest lobster in the world via the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail !

Destinations in and around Halifax include the beautiful waterfront Cable Wharf restaurant, the Sou’Wester at Peggy’s Cove, and Evan’s Fresh Seafoods in Dartmouth.

Must do things in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Lobster Trail

The Lobster Trail is a fun way to visit some of Nova Scotia’s best restaurants. For every stop you make on the trail, you’ll receive a stamp. Collect enough and you might even win a few prizes.

The culinary explorers among us should definitely check out the Good Cheer Trail , laden with local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, and the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail .

If you’re a real lobster aficionado, visit during February and head to Barrington, Nova Scotia, for the annual Lobster Crawl festival. Nova Scotia’s South Shore is the best place on the island to find seafood, and that’s peak lobster season.

5. Enjoy the Halifax Public Gardens

Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax Public Gardens

Nestled in the heart of town, the Public Gardens hold a timeless allure, and visiting them is one of the top Halifax activities. Victorian aesthetics and flourishing flora complement the city’s historic downtown buildings.

Strolling through the ornate iron gates at the entrance, you’ll encounter a symphony of colors, fragrances, and beautiful garden architecture. The meticulously maintained grounds are a testament to horticultural artistry.

Halifax, Nova Scotia Things to do: Halifax Public Gardens

Marvel at the geometric flowerbeds, the charming gazebos, and the serene ponds and bridges. This is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, where you can enjoy a peaceful moment or a carefree picnic among the blooms.

The beautiful Horticultural Hall Plaza is the centerpiece of the gardens, containing a beautiful swan fountain and trellised side buildings. Informative plaques dotted throughout the park provide fascinating insights into the gardens’ rich history and the significance of various plant species.

Whether you’re an avid gardener, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the simple pleasure of a leisurely stroll, these gardens are a haven of natural beauty and tranquility in Halifax’s vibrant downtown.

6. Kayak around Georges Island

Cool Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Georges Island

Halifax’s stunning coastline is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and kayaking is an immersive way to soak in its natural beauty. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Halifax, you can even embark on expeditions from the Halifax Harbour to the beautiful Georges Island.

Harbour Watercraft Tours & Adventures operates kayaking, Sea-Doo, and boat tours. We love the curated experiences they offer, many of them going all the way to Georges Island and around the most picturesque parts of the waterfront.

Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Georges Island

Georges Island is a history-lover’s dream and one of the top Halifax attractions. It’s home to Fort Warren, an incredible historic site that dates back to the American Civil War.

The fort was a staple of Canada’s coastal defense network, and the stone and granite structure was built to last. While the fort is no longer operational in its original capacity, it welcomes curious visitors into its sprawling bakery, grounds, and the underground tunnels.

Whether you decide to boat, kayak, or take the ferry out to the island, there’s much to enjoy out on the water. Fisherman’s Cove is also an amazing spot to check out if you’ll be exploring Halifax’s waterways. It’s a charming village laden with colorful clapboard houses and a boardwalk. McNab’s Island is also nearby, if you’re doing a day trip!

7. Explore the Citadel National Historic Site

Fun Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Citadel National Historic Site

The Citadel National Historic Site is another one of the most iconic Halifax attractions that offers a captivating journey into the city’s past. Be transported to a different era as you explore this impressive fortress.

Encounter costumed interpreters who bring history to life with their stories and reenactments. Get fascinating insights into daily life for soldiers stationed here and the role the citadel played in the city’s development.

Make use of the higher elevation of the hill and fortress to see panoramic views of the downtown that has sprouted up around it. There’s nothing quite like standing on top of the ramparts of the Citadel National Historic Site!

The interactive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging demonstrations make this an excellent place to visit for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about Canada’s past.

8. Shop in the Historic Hydrostone District

This gorgeous northern Halifax neighborhood is a hub for unique eateries and boutiques. If you’re looking for things to do in Halifax, wide avenues, plenty of greenery, and cultivated gardens make this a lovely place to stroll, dine, and shop.

Named for the fire-resistant stone many of the buildings are constructed from, this European-style neighborhood is filled with historic row houses and heritage charm. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to get away from downtown Halifax.

The Hydrostone Market is the neighborhood’s primary commercial area. Check out cool shops like Lady Luck Boutique or The Lemonade General Store & Co. for one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, and other interesting finds.

You’ll also want to check out the pastry shops around the market – Julien’s Patisserie serves up artisanal baked goods and locally roasted coffee in a Parisian-style interior. And if you want a sommelier-worthy wine list, just walk over to The Ostrich Club !

9. Ride on the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry

Must do things in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Dartmouth Ferry

Dartmouth is a city located right across the harbor from downtown Halifax. Known as the City of Lakes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to kayak, swim, or canoe when you visit!

Getting to Dartmouth is easy. The Alderney ferry leaves right from Halifax Harbour, and it takes only 15 minutes to reach downtown Dartmouth.

Halifax, Nova Scotia Bucket List: Dartmouth Ferry

Once you land, consider taking the Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail, which connects the Dartmouth and Woodside ferry terminals and intersects plenty of other trails as well. Cycling the trails on Dartmouth is a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Visiting on a Wednesday or over the weekend is ideal, since the famed Alderney Landing Market is only open a few days a week. Depending on the season, operating times might change, too. But the market is one of the must-do things in Halifax if you’re looking for special gifts, local produce, or other artisanal treats.

10. Relax in the Halifax Central Library

What to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Central Library

If you’re searching for relaxing Halifax activities, there’s no place quite like a library to stay and rest a while. The Halifax Central Library is conveniently located in the downtown core, and its striking architecture will probably capture you long before you step through its doors.

As one of Halifax downtown’s most iconic landmarks, it’s worth stopping by just to snap a few photos. Step inside, and you’ll find great places to lounge – plush contemporary chairs, study nooks, and spaces for public readings.

Soaring floor-to-ceiling windows line the library’s entry hall, while bridges crisscross the upper stories, making for fascinating angles to peer at and easy navigation through the stacks.

While the building itself is a work of art, there is also plenty of art thoughtfully placed throughout the library, mostly by local artists. The Halifax Central Library is definitely worth a visit while you’re downtown – especially if you’re interested in the culture of the Canadian Maritimes.

11. Take a Ghost Walk through Downtown Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia Things to do: Ghost Walk

There’s nothing quite like a ghost walk to get acquainted with a city on an entirely different level – and Halifax is no exception. With a history strewn with drowned sailors, mysterious ghosts, and tricky devils, embarking on a ghost walk is easily one of the most unique things to do in Halifax.

The Halifax Ghost Walk is a guided tour that will immerse you in chilling stories of haunted landmarks, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena. It’s an immersive experience that delves into the city’s rich past, replete with vivid accounts of the macabre. From haunted graveyards to eerie alleys, each stop on the tour is infused with an aura of suspense and intrigue.

Tours are a good length, at an hour and 45 minutes, and start at 8:30 pm, making them a great post-dinner outing. Plus, you’ll still have time for a nightcap afterward to settle the nerves!

This particular tour is hosted by a skilled individual guide. Keep in mind that advance reservations are required, and tour dates may not always be available. All that means is that this unique experience definitely belongs on your Halifax bucket list.

12. Check Out the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

While you’re exploring the beautiful Halifax waterfront, stop by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 . This immersive museum commemorates the port of entry for almost one million immigrants to Canada during the 20th century.

This national museum is located on Pier 21, a historic site in itself. The immigration facility was in operation from the 1920s through 1971, and after its closure, efforts began to memorialize the site, which finally reopened as the museum you see today in 1999.

Cool Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

During your visit, you’ll encounter rich first-person accounts of people’s journeys to Canada, set alongside artifacts like archival photographs and keepsakes. The museum also addresses darker moments in Canada’s history and immigration policy.

Special exhibits capture particular immigration stories, often focusing on a time period or group. Others are more focused on art installations that touch upon related themes. A visit to this museum is absolutely one of the best things to do in Halifax if you’re interested in Canadian history, diversity, or culture in general.

13. Ice Skate in the Halifax Oval

Fun Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax Oval

The Halifax Oval is one of the best places to skate in all the Maritime provinces. This outdoor rink is bigger than three NHL hockey rinks, large enough for over 1,000 skaters to enjoy at the same time.

What makes this rink extra-special is that it’s refrigerated, meaning you’re even able to ice skate in temperatures as high as 10°C (50°F), meaning you can enjoy outdoor ice skating on sunny, breezy days in the fall and early spring, rather than only in winter. During the summer months, the rink is still open to rollerblading and cycling, so it’s definitely still worth a visit if you’re feeling outdoorsy.

Unique Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax Oval

If you’re looking for family-friendly Halifax attractions, special events are held in the rink during every season. You’ll find that the rink is liveliest during the prime skating season around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so if you’re visiting for the holidays, put this on your Halifax bucket list!

14. See the Titanic Exhibit

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a great stop if you’re interested in Halifax’s nautical history. The most well-known exhibit here features the Titanic, as Halifax is where the victims of the tragedy were laid to rest after being recovered from the site.

The “Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax” exhibition covers what staying on the Titanic was like and includes artifacts like deck chairs, letters, and other flotsam collected from the site, so you can truly envision the space, from the captain’s quarters to first-class. If you’re interested in other bits of Titanic history, many of the victims were buried in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, so you might plan a visit there as well.

“Explosion in the Narrows” is another noteworthy exhibit that reveals the devastation of the 1917 Halifax explosion, which decimated the city and spurred decades of rebuilding and redesigning the Halifax we know today. You might also look for “Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek,” which focuses on the Mi’kmaw people of the Maritimes.

15. Snap a Photo at Peggy’s Point Lighthouse

Halifax, Nova Scotia Bucket List: Peggy's Point Lighthouse

A short drive from Halifax, you’ll find one of Canada’s most famous lighthouses and one of the top Halifax attractions: Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. You’ll also find the village of Peggy’s Cove nestled on that same bit of shoreline, bursting with fishing town charm.

Peggy’s Cove is a picturesque escape where Maritime traditions thrive against a backdrop of craggy granite cliffs and rolling waves. The lighthouse, with its stark white and red exterior, stands out amidst the endless blue of the ocean and the skies, making for postcard-worthy snaps.

Must do things in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Peggy's Point Lighthouse

In the Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area, you’ll find beautiful, undeveloped coastal barrens strewn with the massive boulders that ancient receding glaciers left behind. This is a must-see if you love untouched natural landscapes.

Other local attractions in Peggy’s Cove include the Coastal Heritage Trail, which will guide you through some of the most beautiful areas on the coast, and the William deGarthe Gallery and Museum , where you’ll find the artist’s collection of paintings heralding a bygone era of Nova Scotia’s history.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Halifax. What’s your favorite thing to do in Halifax?

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Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC

Halifax has a long history of seafaring traditions and this museum is home to the city’s collection of all things nautical. Here you can learn all about the region’s links to the ocean – from the Titanic tragedy to fishing on the Grand Banks.

It is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum housed in a purpose-built structure that even incorporates a 20th-century chandlery, all located in the heart of the city’s waterfront.

Exhibits include the world’s largest collection of artifacts from the unsinkable Titanic – including the only deck chair recovered at the time of the sinking and the wireless log taken as the ship floundered. There is also a very powerful “ Halifax Wrecked ” gallery that tells the story of the 1917 Halifax Explosion that devasted the city. These are only a couple of the many, many exhibits in this wonderful museum and you could easily spend a few hours here.

Just outside the museum, you can also go aboard the CSS Acadia which is Canada’s longest-serving survey vessel. It was built in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England in 1913 and is the only surviving ship to have served the Royal Canadian Navy during both World Wars. It is free to tour the ship with proof of admission to the museum.

Reviews of Maritime Museum of the Atlantic | 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1S3

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.3 km | 15-minute walk | 4-minute drive

HALIFAX SEAPORT FARMER’S MARKET

Photo Credit: Halifax Seaport Farmers Market

The original Halifax farmer’s market was started in 1750 by Royal Proclamation, just one year after the founding of Halifax. It started with vendors selling livestock and produce and has grown to over 250 vendors selling everything from prepared food, produce, and high-quality arts and crafts.

Since its beginning, the market has moved around to several locations around the city until it was moved to its present location in 2010. It is now the largest continuously running market in North America.

The market is popular with locals who pop in for something fresh and delicious on their lunch break or make a weekly visit on Saturdays when the market is bustling, especially between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. For visitors to Halifax, it is a great spot to stop for your own lunch when out exploring the waterfront area, or to find some local treats and crafts to bring home to remember your visit to Halifax.If you’re visiting Halifax by cruise ship, the market is close to the cruise terminal so you could stop by on the way back to your ship at the end of your day exploring the city.

For those that really love a good Farmer’s Market, there is another market called Brewery Market that is open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Alexander Keith’s Brewery building. It’s not as big as the Seaport Farmer’s Market, and it’s only open on Saturday but is worth checking out for the beautiful old building and the longtime artisans.

Reviews of Seaport Farmer’s Market | 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P8

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 0 km | 1-minute walk

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

The Historic Properties are the oldest surviving waterfront warehouses in Canada and are a wonderful way to stroll through some of the city’s history. The wooden and stone warehouse, chandleries, and other buildings were once used by privateers and other shipping interests and have been carefully restored to their 1800s glory.

Today this three-block expanse on Upper and Lower Water Streets is brought to life with boutiques, modern restaurants, cafés, and a brewery. During the day the area is busy with walkers, shoppers, buskers, and street vendors. At night, especially in the summer, live music is staged in the spaces between the historic buildings for a lively evening.

As you stroll along this area be sure to notice the Victorian and Italianate facades of these charming historic buildings and learn about the history of the site described on the interpretive panels halfway along the Privateer Wharf.

Reviews of Historic Properties | 1869 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.6 km | 20-minute walk | 6-minute drive

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Affectionately called “Canada’s Front Door”, the Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 brings to life the stories of those who travelled across the ocean to make a new home in Canada. It describes their journey with first-hand accounts from their decision to leave their home country, the voyage to come to Canada, the rail journey some made to parts further inland, and then settling in their new country.

The museum is located on Lower Water Street which is right on the waterfront near Halifax’s massive cruise ship terminal. It has a long history of welcoming foreigners in its original capacity as an “immigration shed” in which it welcomed more than a million immigrants, refugees, and war brides that arrived in Canada between 1928 to 1971. Pier 21 was also the main departure point for 500,000 Canadians who fought in WWII.

This is one of Canada’s newest national museums that underwent extensive renovations and expansion and then was reopened in 2015. Some of the exhibits and activities that aren’t to be missed include:

“Canada Immigration Hall” which showcases the benefits immigrants have brought to Canada’s culture and economy.
The 30-minute film narrated by a fictional immigration officer called “Oceans of Hope”.
The documents, artefacts, photos, and first-hand stories from people that tell the story of more than 400 years of immigration history. Some of Canada’s immigration policies and practices were less than admirable, but the museum doesn’t gloss over these so we can learn from our history.

For those with a family that immigrated to Canada through Halifax, there is a Research Centre with documents, passenger logs, and images of passenger vessels that can be used to learn about their ancestors. The museum also offers work experience and mentoring program to help newly arrived immigrants enter the workforce so your guide may have their own immigration story to share!

Reviews of Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 | 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P7

HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS

Started in 1753 as a private garden, the Halifax Public Gardens are now compared to the pretty parks of Europe and considered to be one of the loveliest formal gardens in North America. They are set inside a beautiful wrought-iron fence and the over 16 acres in the heart of the Halifax are worth visiting at any time (or many times!) of the year.

The colours of the trees and flowers are ever-changing, starting with the tulips in the spring to the roses and rhododendrons in summer, to the oranges, reds, and gold of the autumn foliage. You are encouraged to take photos and will no doubt find many picturesque settings to capture some great shots. To see what’s in season for your visit, check out their information about what’s blooming .

Enter through the ornate gates at the main entrance and the simply enjoy wandering along the winding pathways with rests on the shady benches to watch the activity in the garden. You’re sure to see animals scurrying or, in the case of the ducks, waddling about along with couples having their wedding photos taken, as this is a very popular spot in the city, especially in the summer for wedding parties.

During July and August, there are also free Sunday afternoon concerts in the ornate bronze-roofed bandstand that dates from Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

Reviews of Halifax Public Gardens | 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3S9

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 2.2 km | 30-minute walk | 6-minute drive

TOUR ALEXANDER KEITH’S BREWERY

Things to Do in Halifax - Alexander Keith's Brewery

Alexander Keith arrived in 1795 bringing with him brewing techniques from his English homeland to a city of soldiers and sailors which is great timing if you want to open a brewery and make it a success, which is exactly what he did. Opened in 1820 in the grand ironstone and granite building, Keith’s brewery is now the oldest operating brewery in North America.

The main brewing operations have since moved to the Oland Brewery but the original brewery still stands and produces seasonal brews using traditional techniques. Visitors can learn all about the process during an interesting and entertaining hour-long tour. The costumed performers (guides) will regale you with stories of the brewery’s history and often break out into song and dance.

The tour ends in the basement pub where there is beer on tap and you can sample different types of beer if you’d like. Kids are allowed on the tour, but you must be 19 years old to drink alcohol. Minors, or anyone that doesn’t want a beer, can enjoy lemonade instead!

Reviews of Alexander Keith’s Brewery | 1496 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R5

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 850 m | 11-minute walk | 3-minute drive

HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

As one of the most visited National Historic Sites in Canada and Halifax’s main attraction, this is one site you don’t want to miss, especially if you are interested in learning the history of the city.

Officially known as Fort George, the Citadel was built between 1828-1856 and was one of the largest British fortresses on the North American continent. Its purpose was to reduce the threat of a land attack by the American forces in the 1800s but continued to watch over Halifax until the end of World War II.

From below it may look like just a grassy mound at the top of George Street, but step inside and you’ll see the full scale of the fortress that includes moats, barracks, garrison cells, tunnels, ramparts, and plenty of cannons – one of which is fired at noon daily and can be heard from all around the city.

You could easily spend the better part of the day exploring the site if you are interested in military history. And if so, don’t miss the Army Museum on-site which presents hundreds of artefacts reflecting Atlantic Canada’s military heritage and displays military events in which Canadian forces played a significant role.

The hilltop setting provides commanding views over the city and harbour where you are sure to get some great photos too!

Reviews of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada | 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3Y3

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 2.6 km | 30-minute walk | 8-minute drive

STROLL ALONG THE WATERFRONT BOARDWALK

Things to Do in Halifax - Waterfront Boardwalk

For a leisurely day in the city, take a stroll along the 4 km boardwalk along the water. The rehabilitated waterfront extends from Casino Nova Scotia near Purdy’s Wharf to Pier 21/22 at the cruise ship terminal which makes it a great idea for a day in port if you are arriving by cruise ship. The boardwalk takes you the length of the shoreline past the Seaport Farmer’s Market, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Historic Properties – all with great views of the harbour so don’t forget your camera!

On a sunny summer afternoon, the waterfront bustles with visitors enjoying the harbour (sometimes with views of naval vessels from the Canadian fleet), and locals sneaking in an ice cream cone on their lunch break.

Many of the city’s best restaurants and cafés are found along this path so you can find a place to savour dinner of the delicious seafood that Nova Scotia is known for while enjoying the sea breezes. After dinner, you are likely to find buskers and street performers along the boardwalk for some evening entertainment.

While walking along the waterfront is free, you may want to consider a guided walking tour so you won’t miss the best bits and can learn about the city’s history and attractions.

Reviews of Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk | Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P8

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 400 m | 5-minute walk

OLD BURYING GROUNDS AND FAIRVIEW CEMETERY

Things to Do in Halifax - Fairview Cemetery

For a tranquil place to visit to wander and reflect, the Old Burying Ground would be a lovely stop on your visit to Halifax. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1991 and is the city’s first cemetery.

About 12,000 people were buried on these small grounds between 1749 and 1844, although only about one in ten owns one of the age-darkened, hand-carved, old-fashioned headstones. At the entrance, you’ll find a locally famous sculpture of a lion with a Medusa-like man and there are two historic churches nearby that can be viewed through leafy old trees.

This area of the city is steeped in the history of the city’s founders and other notables. The Old Burying Ground includes the 1754 grave of John Connor, the settlement’s first ferry captain. Interpretive signs in the cemetery indicate gravestones of historic significance.

For those interested in Titanic history, a visit to Fairview Lawn Cemetery is a poignant place to visit as it is the final resting place for 121 victims of the tragedy.

The graves are easily found in the cemetery as they are placed in a graceful arc of granite tombstones. When the bodies were pulled from the Atlantic Ocean, they were given a number. These numbers, along with the date of the disaster, adorn a majority of the simple headstones paid for by the White Star Line. Some of the bodies were able to be identified and these stones bear their names and moving family messages.

Please note this is a working cemetery and not a “Titanic tourist attraction” so visitors are free to visit but appropriate respect should be shown.

Reviews of Fairview Lawn Cemetery | 3720 Windsor Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3A5

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 8 km | 14-minute drive

Reviews of Old Burying Ground | Corner of Spring Garden and Barrington Streets, Halifax, Nova Scotia

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.1 km | 15-minute walk | 4-minute drive

HOP ON THE HARBOUR HOPPER

Things to Do in Halifax - Harbour Hopper

Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographe r: Len Wagg

Visiting Halifax and can’t decide if you want to see it by land or sea? Well, you are in luck because you can do both with the Harbour Hopper !

You may have seen these WWII amphibious vehicles in other cities you’ve visited, and while they might look quite touristy, once you are aboard, you’ll likely forget all that as you see how informative and enjoyable the ride is.

The Halifax Harbour Hopper fully narrated guided tour is about an hour long and takes you through the city streets to see major sites such as the Citadel, Halifax Public Gardens, and St. Paul’s Church. From there you splash into the harbour and the vehicle works as a boat to take you to see sights in the harbour such as George’s Island and all along the Halifax Waterfront. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s history with topics such as the Halifax Explosion and the city’s role during war and peace.

This is Atlantic Canada’s most popular tour so make sure to book your tickets early to reserve your spot. Then don’t forget your camera, sunscreen, and a jacket (it can be windy on the water!) and be ready to enjoy a different vantage point of the city!

Reviews of Harbour Hopper Tours | 5050 Salter Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

HALIFAX PUBLIC LIBRARY

Things to Do in Halifax - Central Library

Not everyone looks for libraries to visit wherever they go like I do, but even those that don’t can likely appreciate the exciting new central library in Halifax that opened in 2014.

Situated in downtown Halifax, it is considered by many to be the city’s most innovative architectural work. From the outside, the building’s four glass boxes are stacked and twisted to create a stunning building block effect that looks like a stack of books. On the inside, it is airy, open and full of light with secret quiet corners for reading and stairwells that crisscross like those at Hogwarts (Harry Potter’s fictional school).

Even if you aren’t looking for a book or a place to read, you can still visit the library to see the 5,000+ library card-sized paintings that adorn one wall by artist Cliff Eyland, pop into one of the two cafés for a break, head to the rooftop terrace for fabulous views around the city, or take in a concert in the reading room that transforms into a concert hall!

Reviews of Halifax Central Library | 5540 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1E9

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.4 km | 18-minute walk | 5-minute drive

HALIFAX HARBOUR FERRY

For a really affordable alternative to a guided boat tour, consider hopping on the Halifax Harbour Ferry for fantastic views of the harbour, Waterfront Boardwalk, and the bridges that span the narrows between Halifax and Dartmouth.

The ferry service was inaugurated in 1752 and is North America’s oldest saltwater ferry service. For only a few ‘loonies’ (Canadian dollar coins) you can have a relaxing 15 to 20-minute ride across the harbour into Dartmouth on the Alderney Ferry. Once in Dartmouth, you can walk up to a few of the local breweries for a quick pint before heading back to Halifax.

The ferry can be hectic during rush hour with commuters but is quiet for most of the rest of the day. The ferries run about every 15 minutes so you won’t have to wait long for your little harbour cruise!

Reviews of Halifax Harbour Ferry | Halifax Ferry Terminal, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1M3

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.5 km | 20-minute walk | 5-minute drive

ENJOY A FESTIVAL IN THE CITY

Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia

If you enjoy music and festivals, you are in luck with Halifax! The city and its surrounding communities have an event-packed calendar so there is sure to be something going on when you visit, especially in the summer months when Haligonians (people from Halifax) just want to get outside.

Some great festivals to check out are:

Savour Food and Wine Festival that runs between January and March. This is a growing number of culinary experiences where many of the city’s best restaurants offer special fixed-price menus to mark the occasion.
Halifax Comedy Fest is a four-day festival of laughs in April. Some of the shows during this festival are free.
Halifax Jazz Festival is the largest Canadian music festival east of Montreal and one of North America’s major jazz events. It takes place over eight days in July and features many of the world’s big names playing alongside local talent in a variety of venues around the city.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo bills itself as the “world’s largest indoor show” and is an eight-day mix of marching bands, gymnastics, pageantry, dance, military competitions, and music held in July.
FIN Atlantic Film Festival is a ten-day celebration in September of film and video from the Atlantic Provinces, Canada, and around the world with screenings of more than 150 films.

HMCS SACKVILLE

Photo Credit: kitmasterbloke / CC BY 2.0

Moored to one of the wharves near the Maritime Museum and CSS Acadia you can find the HMCS Sackville which is the world’s last surviving Flower-class corvette (a warship one step down from a destroyer) and Canada’s oldest warship. This ship saw a lot of action in World War II as it escorted convoys across the Atlantic Ocean.

The HMCS Sackville is painted a distinctive blue and white and is outfitted just as it was in 1944. It is maintained as a memorial to all those who served in the Royal Canadian Navy and a seasonal museum. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about the harsh conditions of life at sea during the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic.

Reviews of HMCS Sackville | 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 5X5

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.2 km | 15-minute walk | 4-minute drive

DISCOVERY CENTRE

Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Aaron MacKenzie Fraser

Visiting Halifax with kids? Then you’ll want to add the Discover Centre, Atlantic Canada’s premier science centre, to your list of things to do.

Re-opened in a new and bigger waterfront location a few years ago, this interactive centre is an exciting place that will keep children (and their parents!) enthralled as they explore the fun of science and technology.

The Discovery Centre features five state-of-the-art themed galleries such as an Ocean Gallery to learn about the water cycle, climate change and marine ecosystems; the Energy Gallery to discover the many forms of energy such as electrical, chemical, and nuclear; and the Health Gallery to learn all about how your brain and your body work.

You can explore independently and the staff are always ready to showcase live science demos and answer your questions.

Reviews of Discovery Centre | 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3S8

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 550 m | 7-minute walk

ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA

Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Wally Hayes

Housed in a beautiful 1867 Italianate-style building that previously served as a post office, bank, and the headquarters for the RCMP, the Nova Scotia Art Gallery is Atlantic Canada’s largest and finest art collection. There are so many works of art (over 17,000 in the permanent collection) that there are also two floors of gallery space within the neighbouring Provincial Building.

The permanent collections give priority to current and former Nova Scotia residents and include contemporary art from artists Garry Neill Kennedy, a major collection of Annie Leibovitz photographs, alongside the region’s best folk art such as wood-carver Sydney Howard.

The most famous parts of the collection are likely those of the province’s most well-known folk artist, Maude Lewis . Critics argue that while she was known for her paintings, her tiny home that she shared with her husband was actually her best piece of work. She painted both the interior and exterior of her home and today you can find the original home on display in the gallery.

Reviews of Art Gallery of Nova Scotia | 1741 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V9

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.5 km | 20-minute walk | 6-minute drive

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

Opened in 1750, St. Paul’s Church is the oldest surviving building in Halifax and Canada’s oldest Protestant Church. It was styled after the Palladian St. Peter’s Church in London, England and has been designated as a National Historic Site .

Today this stately white wooden church stands proudly amongst the modern office buildings of Halifax. It is the burial site of many colonial notables and the interior is full of memorials to the early residents of Halifax. It also remains an active church and a pew is always reserved for Queen Elizabeth at Sunday morning services.

St. Paul’s Church played a pivotal role during the 1917 Halifax Explosion when the vestry was used as a makeshift hospital even though it suffered damage itself. During the explosion, the windows of the church were blown out and you can see a framed piece of the original piece of the window on the wall along with debris embedded above the Memorial Doors which is shrapnel hurled from the Mont Blanc from two km away.

Legend now has it that a deacon happened to be standing sideways by a window when the explosion took place and the heat and blast left on a mark on the glass that looks like the side silhouette of a man permanently marked in the window. The story goes that they have tried to replace and fix this strange marking on the window, but it keeps coming back! This is one of those fun things to see in Halifax if you like spooky legends or mysteries!

Reviews of St. Paul’s Church | 1749 Argyle Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K4

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 1.6 km | 21-minute walk | 7-minute drive

TRY SOME LOCAL SEAFOOD OR A DONAIR

Things to Do in Halifax - Try Local Food

Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Scott Munn

One of the best ways to get to know a new city is through their food, especially on a food tour where you get to visit historic landmarks and sights all while sampling the best of the local food from cafés, street food, and local restaurants.

To get to know Halifax, and indeed all of Nova Scotia, through its food you must try some seafood! The province is known for its abundance of lobsters and scallops and you can find many seafood restaurants in the city – some even with ties to the Titanic tragedy.

The Five Fishermen Restaurant was once a schoolhouse before becoming a mortuary. When the Titanic sank boats from Halifax were the first responders and many casualties were brought here where the mortuary made arrangements for their bodies. Today the building is an upscale seafood dining establishment where you can have a plate of lobster with a side of garlic butter for dipping, or a bowl of seafood chowder for lunch. Either way, if you’re a seafood lover, you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re not a seafood lover, you could try a donair that has been declared the official food of Halifax . Made with a combination of spiced meat cooked on a spit, and then wrapped in a pita with onion, tomatoes and a special sweet sauce – they are delicious! You can give one a go at the first donair shop in all of Canada at the King of Donair on Quinpool Road in Halifax. Alternatively, you can also try them at a chain called Greco which are firm favourites of ours!

Reviews of Food & Drink Tours in Halifax | See each tour for address

Reviews of King of Donair | 6420 Quinpool Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 1A8

Reviews of Greco | 70 Lacewood Drive Clayton Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 2P1

PROVINCE HOUSE

Photo Credit: CP Hoffman / CC BY-SA 2.0

Opened for the first time in February 1819, Province House is a National Historic Site for being both an architectural monument and the setting for significant events in Canadian political life.

In addition to being the longest-serving legislative building in Canada, it was the scene of constitutional and legal debates which lead to the establishment of two fundamental principles of Canadian democracy – freedom of the press and responsible government.

Province House is built in the same location as the previous Governor’s House, erected by Edward Cornwallis in 1749. It is a grand three-storey building made of Wallace sandstone surrounded by a garden and monuments. It is considered to be one of the finest Palladian-style buildings in Canada with its symmetrical composition and refined interior detailing known for this style of classical architecture of Georgian England. In fact, in 1842 when Charles Dickens visited Halifax, he was known to have called it “a gem of Georgian architecture.”

Visitors are welcome to explore the architecture, history and art of Province House, or you see it in action by observing a sitting of the House of Assembly.

Reviews of Province House | 1726 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2Y3

SIR SANDFORD FLEMING PARK

Nature lovers will really enjoy a visit to Sir Sandford Fleming Park which is a 95-acre urban park with four natural habitats – woodlands, heath barren, saltwater, and a freshwater pond. You could walk the walking trails, especially the trail along the waterfront, there is a sandy beach for unsupervised swimming, and ponds with waterfowl.

The park was donated to the city of Halifax by Sir Sandford Fleming, known for many things including introducing standard time to North American and designing Canada’s first postage stamp, in 1908.

The centrepiece of the park is the impressive ten-storey Dingle Tower (also known as Memorial Tower) built between 1908 and 1912, during the same period of building other commemorative towers in the British Commonwealth such as the Cabot Tower in Bristol, England. The tower was dedicated in 1912 to commemorate 150 years of representative government in Nova Scotia and is now on Canada’s Historic Places list.

At the base of the tower are two large bronze lions that were donated in 1913 by the Royal Colonial Institute of London and are similar to the lions at Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. The tower is open during the summer and early autumn so you can climb to the top for fabulous views over the Northwest Arm and surrounding areal.

Reviews of Sir Sanford Fleming Park | 30 Dingle Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3P 1B2

🛳️ Distance from Halifax Cruise Port : 8.2 km | 20-minute drive

Things to Do in Halifax - Street Art Murals

Over the past decade or so, the attitude toward street art has changed and now many metropolitan governments and local businesses have started commissioning artists to brighten up the walls of their cities with murals that are reflective of the local area and Halifax is no exception.

Scattered throughout the city you’ll find plenty of different murals that you might encounter by chance as you are out exploring the city, or you could take set out purposely to see a few of some of the cool murals popping up such as ‘Freak Lunchbox’. This massive mural is hard to miss with stunning colourful sea creatures and candy covering the side of a building on Barrington Street. At night the mural is illuminated with colour-changing lights which is a different experience than viewing it during the day.

To check out some of the street art popping up in Halifax, check out the Instagram account “ hfxstreetart ” which features over 100 works of street art around the Halifax area.

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Nova Scotia? You may find these articles helpful.

Things to Do in Nova Scotia

Discover the lighthouses of the bay of fundy and annapolis valley region.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal: 48-Hour Itinerary

MAP OF THINGS TO DO IN HALIFAX

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO NOVA SCOTIA

Fodor’s Travel: Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada
Frommer’s Easy Guide to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
Moon Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador
Lonely Planet: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia Book of Everything
Bradt: Nova Scotia – This book is the most comprehensive and what I consider to be the very best Nova Scotia guidebook.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our full disclosure policy here .

Guide to visiting the annapolis royal historic gardens, 8 great places to visit in the annapolis valley and bay of fundy region, weekend in annapolis royal, nova scotia.

How to spend a weekend in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia including things to see and do, places to eat, and where to stay in a 48-hour itinerary.

12 Awesome Things to Do in Halifax, Canada

Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Make the most of your next trip to the Maritimes with this awesome guide to the best things to do in Halifax, Canada!

As the capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax is packed with interesting tourist attractions and cool things to see and do.

Halifax boasts the world’s second-largest ice-free natural harbour, making it an economically important seaport for Eastern Canada.

It sits centrally on the east coast of Nova Scotia and was given the nickname “Warden of the North” because of its strong military presence.

There is a very strong maritime influence and culture in Halifax, and on the city’s many beaches pirates were hung until 1844.

The city was established by the British in 1749 when Edward Cornwallis arrived and brought 2,500 settlers.

The British were lured there by the large port and hopes of great fishing. Halifax was aptly named after the 2nd Earl of Halifax and then became the capital of Nova Scotia.

Winters are mild and summers are cool due to the gulf stream currents in the Atlantic Ocean.

Year-round precipitation is high and most days the city is covered in coastal fog.

But don’t let that keep you from visiting this beautiful city in Nova Scotia!

READ MORE: Check out our Canada travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to the Great White North.

Halifax is a very unique city and although one of the lesser travelled to cities in Canada, it shouldn’t be left out!

It has a multicultural population, a median age of 39, and a huge college scene.

The nightlife is plentiful, the music scene is abundant, and Halifax has more pubs per capita than any city in Canada.

You will find plenty of things to see and do for all ages.

From museums rich in maritime history and immigration, the friendly Haligonians who welcome you, to the historic landmarks and beautiful waterfront.

Table of Contents

1. Go on a Free Walking Tour of the City Along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

2. spend time in the maritime museum of the atlantic, canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum , 3. visit the halifax citadel national historic site, 4. stroll through the halifax public gardens, 5. enjoy alexander keith’s brewery tour , 6. wander through the halifax seaport farmers market, 7. take in scenic views of the halifax waterfront while riding the halifax harbour ferry to dartmouth , 8. check out the canadian museum of immigration at pier 21, 9. ice skate at emera oval, 10. pay respects in st. paul’s church, 11. watch a shakespearean play on the water at point pleasant park, 12. observe the views from peggy’s cove, the best hostel in halifax nova scotia – hi-halifax heritage house hostel, best budget accommodation for couples – atlantica hotel halifax, best mid-range hotel in halifax – barrington hotel, best luxury hotel in halifax – prince george hotel, stories fine dining, the 12 best things to do in halifax nova scotia.

Just a short trip away from all the top-visited attractions in Nova Scotia, like Peggy’s Cove and the Bay of Fundy, Halifax is the perfect resting place between day trips to these spectacular destinations in Nova Scotia.

Some of the best attractions are right on the Halifax waterfront boardwalk. There are strategically placed forts in several of Halifax’s city parks.

Regardless of your interests, plan to build out a great itinerary from our list of what to do in Halifax Nova Scotia.

The best way to get acquainted with what to do in Halifax Nova Scotia is to go on the free walking tour offered by the city!

Learn about the history and culture of Halifax while seeing a few of the best sites the city has to offer.

You will start at the entrance to the famous National Historic Citadel , a fort built to protect the city.

From there you will see the city’s iconic three-story-tall clock tower that was built in the 1800s.

Heading towards the coast, you will walk along the Halifax waterfront, one of the longest waterfront boardwalks in the world.

No doubt one of the best things to do in Halifax is strolling around its beautiful waterfront!

Be on the lookout for the vibrant art murals and the beloved drunken lampposts. The boardwalk is lined with many shops, cafes, patios, restaurants and beer gardens.

You will be sure to find something to visit or do later on your trip!

The tour lasts around 60 mins and covers all the highlights of downtown Halifax.

Explore many maritime exhibits and view over 30,000 artifacts at Halifax’s most popular museum: The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic inside the Nova Scotia Museum.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was conceived by several Canadian Royal Navy officers. They wanted a place to preserve navy artifacts and share its history.

The museum plays host to a variety of model ships and portraits throughout maritime history.

One of the more popular exhibits is the Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia .

There you can find many artifacts recovered from the RMS Titanic.

Nova Scotia played a major role in helping recover bodies from the sinking of the famous ship. Also visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, a memorial to those who died in the Titanic.

If you are into history, this museum in downtown Halifax is definitely worth a visit. You could easily spend a few hours browsing the several exhibits.

You will gain an understanding of Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage, and how events and the sea played a part in shaping the culture of this amazing city!

Memorial To The Titanic Nova Scotia Canada

When you climb Citadel Hill and walk through the gates of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, you will see why the fort was built here to protect the city.

The expansive views of the city and the Halifax Harbour from Citadel Hill will take your breath away!

Though it never saw a battle, the fort was still strategically important to the city and its people and holds plenty of Halifax history behind its walls.

Go at noon to watch the changing of the guards and hear the blast of the cannons.

Along with barracks, period rooms and watching 78th Highlanders in their uniforms, there is also a museum to explore at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site!

READ MORE: Don’t miss our list of what to do in Winnipeg !

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk and revel in the beauty of Halifax’s national historic Victorian Gardens.

Located on Spring Garden Road, the gardens are a favourite Halifax attraction by both locals and tourists.

Enclosed by an ornate wrought iron fence, the gardens span 16 acres in the middle of the city.

Wander over beautiful bridges, through hundreds of trees, past ponds and lush colourful flower beds.

The gardens are definitely one of the prettiest spots in downtown Halifax! Other attractions are just nearby as well, like the Halifax Central Library and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Would you like a little history to go along with your beer? If so, you can’t miss grabbing a pint at Alexander Keith’s Brewery in Halifax Nova Scotia!

Founded in 1820 by the Scottish Alexander Keith himself, it is one of the oldest breweries in North America.

Go on an unforgettable tour where you will be led along by a guide dressed in 1820’s attire and taught the history and brewing process of the company.

You will also witness musical storytelling and are guaranteed a Nova Scotian good time! Of course with plentiful amounts of ale.

Alexander Keith’s Brewery is definitely one of the top Halifax attractions!

Right on the waterfront, you will find the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, North America’s longest-running farmer’s market.

Originally started as a meat and cattle market in 1750, it now hosts over 250 vendors and has a variety of crafts, flowers, seafood, meat and locally grown produce.

There are even celebrations held there, like the Canada Day Kitchen Day , and live music!

If you are looking for a cheap lunch when visiting Halifax, the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is the place!

Grab some tasty local fare like a donair or a mouth-watering lobster roll while browsing the different vendors.

Hop on the longest-running saltwater ferry in North America and cross the beautiful Halifax harbour to Dartmouth.

There are two different ferry routes and at just $2.50 each way, and a ferry ride is the best way to see the harbour and it’s easy on the wallet.

If you want to explore further, ask for a free bus transfer and take the bus from Dartmouth to the historic Fisherman’s Cove .

When you decide to return, hop on a different ferry to complete a full loop of the harbour.

The public ferry is the best cheap way to see the Halifax waterfront!

Visit the website for more info on the Halifax Dartmouth Ferry schedules and prices.

Similar to New York’s famous Ellis Island , Pier 21 was once the ocean liner terminal where over one million immigrants passed through from 1928 to 1971.

A National Historic Site, it is now home to the Canadian Museum of Immigration .

Established in 1999, the museum was started to celebrate the 1.5 million immigrants who passed through its gates into Canada.

When you step inside the museum, you will go on a journey through different halls and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada through Pier 21.

There are thousands of artifacts and stories to be seen and read at the Canadian Museum of Immigration.

There are also interactive exhibits for young and old to enjoy!

Skating at the Emera Oval is one of the most fun things to do when visiting Halifax during any season.

And best of all it’s entirely free!

The oval is an outdoor skating rink that is as large as 3 NHL hockey rinks.

In the summertime, rollerblading/skating and bike riding are popular activities.

In the winter the oval is frozen and you can go ice skating.

Free rentals include everything you would need like helmets, bikes, skates, scooters and even sleds!

All you have to bring is yourself and a government-issued ID to get in on all the fun! Visit the Halifax Oval website for more info about events and skate times.

Certainly one of the best things to see in Halifax is St. Paul’s Church.

Dating back to 1749, the church is the oldest building in Halifax. And it is the oldest Protestant church in Canada!

The church has a simple appearance, but it was actually modelled after the St. Peter’s Church in London.

When you tour the church you will notice some interesting details.

There is a metal shard embedded in one of the walls and if you look closely at one of the stained glass windows you will see a silhouette of a man, all remnants of the famous Halifax Explosion of 1917 .

It’s creepy yet definitely worth taking a look at when sightseeing in downtown Halifax.

READ MORE: 17 reasons to plan to visit Quebec City !

Want to enjoy a local outdoor event? Then grab a blanket or chair and head on down to Point Pleasant Park in downtown Halifax Nova Scotia.

Every day (except Monday) in the summer you can catch a live Shakespearean play or another popular classic.

Go for a hike in the park in the morning and then settle down for a matinee performance that will be sure to delight you.

Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Society is a not-for-profit organization that started in 1994 with hopes of providing classic Shakespearean entertainment to audiences at Point Pleasant Park.

They are also committed to the development of Canadian theatre artists.

The plays are free, but they will gladly accept donations; it goes to a good cause!

Peggy’s Cove can’t be passed by when you’re just a short drive away.

One of the most visited destinations in Nova Scotia, the famous red and white lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove is still in use today by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, built in 1915, has become one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world!

Local folklore says Peggy’s Cove was named after a young shipwreck survivor who was adopted by a family who had settled there.

The little girl was too young to remember her name so the family decided to call her Peggy. She then became known as “Peggy of the Cove”.

The tiny fishing village of Peggy’s Cove is a must-see from the rustic houses and buildings that line the cove to the colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour.

And you can’t leave before capturing the iconic photo of Peggy’s Point Lighthouse!

Halifax Nova Scotia Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Halifax, we want to help you make your other plans as well by sharing the best accommodation and places to eat in the city.

Best Accommodation – Where to Stay in Halifax Nova Scotia

Depending on your travel style, taste and budget you can find any number of hostels, hotels and bed and breakfasts that offer a variety of amenities.

While not as cheap as travelling in a third world country, Halifax is one of the cheaper Canadian cities for accommodations.

If you are a budget-savvy traveller you will find a few traditional hostels in the area or you can even rent an empty dorm room at a local university.

If you don’t mind splurging on a nicer hotel, you will find many options right in the middle of downtown Halifax or one with an expansive harbour view.

With that said, these are a few of the best options you will have as you spend time in Halifax sightseeing and exploring the city.

Stay right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city in a historic old house!

HI-Halifax Heritage House Hostel is one of the best hostels to stay at because of its proximity to both the bus and train stations and the top things to do in Halifax are literally just a short walk down the road!

HI Halifax offers both private and dorm-style rooms. Dorm choices are for either male/female or mixed dorms with at most 6 beds.

The amenities offered are top-notch, with key points being a large well-equipped kitchen that is self-catered, free wifi, a tidy common area, coin-operated laundry and security lockers.

Rated high for location, value, security and cleanliness, HI-Halifax is the perfect hostel for the outgoing traveller looking to be close to all Halifax has to offer.

With rooms starting at USD$26 for a 6 person mixed/male/female dorms, you can expect great value considering all the amenities HI-Halifax has to offer.

An exceptional value for its location and amenities offered, the Atlantica Hotel Halifax is a great option for any couple seeking both comfort and accessibility during their stay in Halifax.

There is a variety of room selection, ranging from a superior king room or two double beds.

Amenities include an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, free wifi in rooms and common areas and a breakfast buffet.

And a bonus is that the hotel is pet-friendly so if you are travelling with your fur baby you can plan to stay here without worrying about sneaking him or her in!

There is a bar on-site where you can grab a drink before heading out for a night on the town.

When you stay at the Atlantica you are within walking distance to key attractions such as the Citadel, Halifax public gardens and the Museum of Natural History.

Or hop on a city bus or request a taxi or Uber ride to take you to nearby sites. With rates starting around USD$68 you won’t be able to beat the value for the location.

For those looking for a great value while exploring the best Halifax activities, the Barrington Hotel is everything you could need or want.

Rated high for its historic charm, location, comfort and friendly service there is very little more that you could ask for.

All rooms are clean and well furnished, with free WiFi, flat-screen tv, large ensuite bathroom and comfy beds.

There is also a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center for those who want to treat themselves.

If you want to feel like royalty during your stay in Halifax, the Prince George Hotel gives you the opportunity to splurge a little without breaking the bank.

Exceptionally rated for room comfort, cleanliness, amenities and location.

Situated near Halifax Harbor in the city centre, the top things to do in Halifax Nova Scotia are literally right outside your front door.

But if you’d like to stay at the hotel and relax, this is one of the best options you have.

With a hot tub and an indoor heated pool within the hotel, you can expect to set back and enjoy your stay.

And if you’d like to throw in a little exercise, there’s a fitness centre as well.

The Prince George Hotel features a great restaurant and bar.

There is also room service if you aren’t in the mood to go out or want to relax in your room watching television after a long day of Halifax sightseeing.

Rooms start around USD$130 and offer you the opportunity to book a deluxe queen room, king or double beds.

You can also upgrade to a king suite if you’re feeling particularly luxurious while staying in Nova Scotia’s capital city!

Best Restaurants in Halifax Nova Scotia

Halifax is full of delicious options for places to eat while you enjoy your stay in the city.

From casual quick bites to luxurious fine dining experiences you can expect a range of dining atmospheres.

Halifax is of course known for its delicious seafood.

And you can’t leave the city before trying a famous lobster roll or a tasty plateful of haddock fish and chips.

There is also another famous food stable in the city called a donair.

It’s possible to make Halifax a destination for the food alone!

Here are a few of our favourite places to eat in Halifax Nova Scotia.

You can’t say you’ve visited Halifax Nova Scotia without trying the city’s official snack, the Halifax donair!

King of Donairs was the first restaurant in Halifax to offer the delicacy in 1973 and it’s still located in the same building today. The sandwich closely resembles a gyro, but without the lamb and tzatziki sauce.

Instead, its shaved spit-roasted beef with a sweet yet garlicky sauce. Perfect hangover food!

One of the top-rated restaurants in Halifax Nova Scotia, Edna is sure to offer up tasty Canadian fare with great ambiance. Try some local seafood like the steamed mussels or seared scallops.

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, their pork chops come highly recommended! Pair the meal with a delicious cocktail or beer and your tastebuds will definitely be delighted.

Prices start at $10 for an appetizer to $38 for a large ribeye.

Stories Fine Dining has consistently rated the #1 restaurant in Halifax Nova Scotia for good reason!

With specialties such as ahi tuna and sea scallops, duck, and beef striploin you can embark on an excellent fine dining experience.

You will certainly be paying top dollar for what you get. But if you are looking for a fantastic dinner with exceptional service in a great atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed here.

Lindsay Harvey

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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35 Best Things to Do in Halifax Nova Scotia: Travel Guide & Tips (2024)

May 13, 2023 By John Widmer 37 Comments

The wide assortment of great things to do in Halifax helps to make Nova Scotia’s capital such a fun travel destination to visit in Canada! The friendly waterfront city has so much to offer visitors. Personally, Halifax remains one of our favorite destinations in the country.

What makes Halifax so much fun? ⚓ its unique maritime culture, 🇨🇦 the friendly Haligonians who live here, 🎉 the weekly festivals, ☀️ amazing summer weather, 🏞️ the abundant park space, 🍺 a booming craft beer scene, 🦞 delicious local seafood, 🏙️ the vibrant Waterfront, 🚗 adventurous day trips to pursue, and ➕ so much more!

This maritime city is awesome and there are so many fun things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia! We’re here to reveal in this travel guide what we’ve found to be the best things to do in Halifax, the best places to visit, and the best sights to see.

Best Things to Do in Halifax Travel Guide

As this website always likes to point out excellent value, we’ve gone on to provide all of our signature budget travel tips for Halifax too! We’ve personally completed loads of on-the-ground travel research throughout many months of spending summers in Nova Scotia’s capital in a grand effort to uncover how to experience all the best things to do in Halifax, on any budget. We’ll show you loads of free things to do in Halifax. Yet we’ll also show you where to go to indulge in a quintessential lobster supper.

Speaking of lobster, eating is a thing to do in Halifax! In addition to sights, attractions, and activities to do in Halifax, this travel guide dishes out quintessential local foods to try in Halifax and another four drinking things to do here. Halifax is a fun drinking town, after all, with plenty of sunny patios and loads of local beverages to try!

But don’t overindulge too much. It can be worth it to get an early start to embark on a day trip from Halifax. Nova Scotia’s capital makes for an excellent hub to reach lighthouses, UNESCO sites, the wine region, and the famous Bay of Fundy’s extreme tidal changes.

Buckle in for all the travel tips to reach these best things to do in Halifax and the surrounding area. We hope this guide can provide ideas for things to do in Halifax, whether you live here and are looking for something new to do, or if you’re in Halifax for a day, perhaps as a cruise port stop. You can easily use these recommendations as a Halifax bucket list to slowly tick off or a Halifax port guide to get to the best Halifax sights during a short visit.

We have strived hard to provide all the details, directions, prices, and tips you may need, now updated for 2024! It’s going to be another awesome year to explore Halifax!

🚶 20 Best Things to Do in Halifax

🚗 6 Best Day Trips to Do from Halifax

🍺 4 Best Drinking Things to Do in Halifax

🍽️ 5 Best Local Foods to Try in Halifax

💡 More Travel Tips for Halifax Nova Scotia

20 Best Things to Do in Halifax

Here’s a handy Halifax map that pinpoints all of our recommendations for what to do in Halifax that are further detailed throughout this article. So feel free to come back to this map to get your bearings and connect the dots!

Without further ado, below are the 20 best things to do in Halifax!

1) Stroll the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Arguably the best thing to do in Halifax is simply roam around the Halifax waterfront. It’s a must-do in Halifax!

This working port on the Halifax Harbour boasts one of the longest downtown boardwalks in the world ! The length of Halifax’s scenic harbourfront board spans 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). You could easily spend an entire afternoon aimlessly strolling amongst the timber-frame and stone warehouses lining the picturesque seaside.

Stop at the Queen’s Marque steps to dip your toes in the Halifax Harbour. Or relax at the popular orange waterfront hammocks while watching the boats pass by. Continue further down the Halifax Waterfront to consider embarking on a ferry ride or taking a proper Halifax Harbour tour. Found all along the waterfront are attractions like this, covered throughout the remainder of this travel guide of things to do in Halifax.

Ambling on this charming thoroughfare, you’ll inevitably stumble across Halifax’s Farmers’ Market, the historic Alexander Keith’s Brewery, Canada’s oldest warship, the drunken lampposts, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (each of which is further detailed in this Halifax travel guide).

Walking along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk is a free thing to do in Halifax

But don’t go to the Halifax waterfront just for its attractions. Soak in the atmosphere. You’ll hear the chatter of seagulls, the lapping of the water, the soft creaking of boats against the docks, and the laughter of children playing on the Wave sculpture. This lengthy waterfront is such an alluring place that truly defines the city of Halifax.

If you were going to only do one thing in Halifax, let it be a visit to the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk . This is a must-do activity in Halifax and it’s free!

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Just start walking! The approximately 4 km waterfront stretches from the Canadian Museum of Immigration on the southern end ( here ) towards Casino Nova Scotia on the north end ( here ). 📅 Seasonality : While the Halifax Waterfront can be visited year-round, it’s at its most vibrant during the warmer months, May-September. 🕒 When : Day and night. The waterfront is often blue & beautiful by day, but it also lights up in the evening.

2) Climb Citadel Hill for History and Views

The Halifax Citadel , also known as Fort George, is a star-shaped fort that sits atop the strategic high point of Citadel Hill. Given this location, you can go to Citadel Hill to enjoy sweeping views of Halifax and the harbour.

It’s all found at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site .

You’ll find much more atop this military fort than views. The Halifax Citadel also packs in loads of Halifax history. Fort George is the fourth fort built atop Citadel Hill since the first Citadel was founded there in 1749. The current structure was built in the mid-1800s by the British to protect Halifax.

When visiting the Halifax Citadel, you can learn about all this history at the onsite museum. Then explore the fort’s walls, check out the many cannons, and soak in the sweet views of Halifax.

💡 Tip : Try to be at Citadel Hill at Noon for the daily demonstration when those cannons are fired by gunners dressed in period uniforms. Known as the Noon Gun , the daily canon firing is a Halifax tradition that dates back to 1857!

Another regular occurrence to catch at the Citadel is the changing of the guards . It happens every hour. Don’t miss it!

For an even more in-depth background about Halifax’s military past, consider taking a guided tour of the Halifax Citadel, led by an 1869 soldier. These guided tours are complimentary with paid admission, run regularly from May-Oct, and are 45-60 minutes.

💲Cost : Summer rates: C$13.25 for adults from June 1-Sept 15, always free for anyone under 18. 📍 Where : Located here , the Citadel is about a 15-20 minute walk uphill from the Waterfront. 📅 Seasonality : May 7 – Nov 11 has full programs with all exhibits. Nov-Apr has free admission to some exterior spaces, limited services, and Noon Gun firing. 🕒 When : Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 🔗 Official Website : Halifax Citadel National Historic Site .

3) Shop at the Oldest Continuously Operated Farmers’ Market in North America

It was way back in June 1750, when the Halifax Farmers’ Market began, just a year after the city was founded. Nearly three centuries later, this Halifax farmers’ market is still going strong!

The 274-year-old market has grown over the years. As such, it changed locations a few times. And as the vendors themselves have moved around, it has splintered off into two markets:

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
The Halifax Brewery Market

It’s the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market that makes the claim of being the longest continuously operating market in North America . It is the larger of these two farmers’ markets, hosting over 100 vendors each weekend.

Head towards the south end of the Waterfront on a weekend day to peruse through all the local and seasonal treats. The Seaport Farmers’ Market has locally farmed produce, locally made artesenal crafts, fresh flowers, baked goods, and Nova Scotian souveniers. Personally, we enjoy shopping here for Canadian staples like local honey, maple syrup, and even local spirits!

The Seaport Farmers’ Market is indoors and open year-round, so you can still visit it no matter the weather.

💲Cost : Free to browse 📍 Where : New location, here , on the south end of the Waterfront, near the cruise port and Pier 21 Immigration Museum. 📅 Seasonality : Yearound 🕒 When : Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 🔗 Official website : here .

Seaport Farmers Market Halifax Nova Scotia is a fun thing to do in Halifax on a budget

Also, be sure to check out the Halifax Brewery Market. This farmers’ market is named as such because it’s located in the same building that’s home to the historic Alexander Keith’s brewery.

Where the Halifax Brewery Market really excels is with it’s produce and other local foods. This is where we come to get our weekly fruits and vegetables. The Halifax Brewery Market is also a great place to get a bite to eat, as there are some great and affordable lunch options to consider here, ranging from local to international cuisines.

The Halifax Brewery Market is centrally located along the waterfront and boasts 60+ vendors. You’ll need to be in Halifax on a Saturday morning to catch this farmers’ market in action because it’s only open once each week.

Whether at the Seaport Farmers’ Market or the Halifax Brewery Market,

Whether you’re coming here to shop, eat, or simply browse, both of these farmers’ markets are a long-standing local tradition that makes for a fun thing to do in Halifax.

💲Cost : Free to browse 📍 Where : It’s housed here , in Halifax’s Brewery Square, in the same building as Alexander Keith’s Brewery. 📅 Seasonality : Yearound 🕒 When : Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

4) Go Canoeing in Halifax

Canoeing is a national pastime throughout Canada. And given all the water surrounding Halifax, this city makes for a great place to enjoy a leisurely paddle. The bustling Halifax Harbour can be an ideal spot to go for a row. It gives canoers and kayakers a great vantage point of the waterfront and the city itself.

There are a few different opportunities to canoe or kayak along Halifax’s popular waterfront, and they’re priced accordingly. A 90-minute kayak tour at centrally-located Harbour Watercraft is C$55.

For a more natural setting to kayak, consider heading out to Long Lake Provincial Park, just a 15-minute drive west of downtown Halifax. Here you can kayak around the lake’s inlets, islands, and natural shoreline of this protected park. Kayak rentals at Long Lake start at C$30, book here .

💡 But here’s a little Halifax budget tip to rent canoes for free! If you venture to the peninsula to a skinny harbour known as the Northwest Arm , you’ll come to St. Mary’s Boat Club, which provides free canoe rentals during weekends !

It’s a pleasant paddle through the sailboat-filled harbour, along the rugged coastline, and residential areas. You can even paddle across the Northwest Arm to Sir Sanford Fleming Park and briefly dock your canoe. Then you can have a stroll along the park’s waterfront trails or climb to the top of Dingle Tower , which further offers free admission.

Canoeing in Halifax using a free canoe rental from St Mary’s Boat Club

These free one-hour canoe rentals at St. Mary’s Boat Club are only available on Saturdays and Sundays , so be sure to plan this excursion for a weekend. Although this is enjoyed mostly by locals, you don’t need to be a Boat Club member or even a Halifax resident to use the canoes.

You simply need to make advanced reservations to snag a canoe for free and get out on the water! Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as canoes do get fully rented out. More info is at Halifax Recreation .

Tip : Clear days make for enjoyable conditions. But more important than sunny days, we recommend using canoes when the winds are calm in Halifax. On windy days, people have been known to flip right into the harbour! You can check the wind forecast for Halifax here on WindGuru.com . Ideally, winds under 10 knots make for nice paddling conditions in Halifax.

5) Visit Halifax’s Fantastic Museums!

Halifax boasts many worthwhile museums throughout the city. Depending on your interest, you can learn more about Halifax’s major role in the Titanic disaster, explore Nova Scotian nature, have fun with the kids, or discover local art.

There are many wonderful museums throughout Halifax to peruse! We love how each of Halifax’s museums puts a strong emphasis on Nova Scotian culture. These museums offer loads of insights into both Halifax and Nova Scotia, through a local lens.

💡 Tip : If the weather is cold or rainy, Halifax’s museums can be a great indoor option when searching for activities. Visiting museums is a great idea for things to do in Halifax on a rainy day .

The following are the five most popular and often-recommended museums to visit in Halifax:

⛵️ 5.1) Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

If you only have time for one museum, the Maritime Museum is our suggestion.

Halifax’s Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the city’s most popular museum. Conveniently located along the Halifax Waterfront, visitors to the Maritime Museum can explore over 30,000 artifacts! The museum does an excellent job of immersing visitors in the rich seafaring history of the region.

Perhaps most notable is the Titanic exhibit , which tells the story of Halifax’s grim role in the Titanic’s recovery efforts. You can see several artifacts from the tragic sinking from the alluring, like a wooden deck chair, to the morbid, such as a body bag.

Titanic deck chair at Maritime Museum Halifax

Yet there is so much maritime curiosity to explore here, which goes far beyond that famously unsinkable ship. Visitors can also explore restored vessels and enjoy interactive displays that provide a unique, hands-on learning experience.

Those who are really interested in history could easily spend several hours perusing through what is Canada’s largest maritime museum .

💡 Budget tip to get in for free : It’s normally a C$10 adult ticket to get into Halifax Maritime Museum during the summer months. But for those who come Tuesday, after 5:00 pm, entry is free ! On Tuesday evenings the museum has extended hours until 8:00 pm and offers free admission each week during these three hours. There is also usually a free Tuesday Talk at the museum during this time too.

💲Cost : May-Oct: C$9.55. Nov-Apr: C$5.15. Tuesdays, 5:00-8:00, free. 📍 Where : Behind the Halifax Citadel, about a 20-minute walk from the Waterfront, located here . 🕒 When : 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tuesdays, until 8:00 pm. 🔗 Official Website : Halifax Maritime Museum .

🐢 5.2) For Nature Lovers: Museum of Natural History

Explore Nova Scotia’s diverse ecosystems, flora, fauna, and ancient life. Permanent exhibits include a coastal aquarium, Nova Scotia forests, the Gully (deepest submarine canyon in eastern N America), and an 18-foot round screen theatre, among other attractions.

This long-standing museum (est. 1868) is also home to a small selection of live animals. Most notable is a 100-year-old Gus the Tortoise.

💲Cost : C$10 📍 Where : Located on the backside of the Citadel, about a 20-30 minute walk from the Waterfront, here . 🕒 When : 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, daily. 🔗 Official Website : Museum of Natural History

🏛️ 5.3) For Those Exploring Their Canadian Heritage: Museum of Immigration

Halifax’s Pier 21 is the last surviving seaport immigration facility in Canada. It often draws comparisons to Ellis Island in the US.

This National Historic Site of Canada now houses the Museum of Immigration, where visitors can discover 400 years of Canadian immigration, experience what it was like to immigrate through Pier 21 between 1928 and 1971, and even use their genealogy services to investigate your family’s Canadian immigration story.

Different exhibits at the Museum of Immigration in Halifax, Nova Scotia

💲Cost : C$16.25 📍 Where : Located at Pier 21, the southern end of the Waterfront, right here . 🕒 When : May-Oct: daily, 9:30-5:30. Nov-Apr: Wed-Sun, 10-5. 🔗 Official Website : Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 5.4) For Those with Kids: Discovery Centre

This interactive science museum fosters curiosity through loads of hands-on exhibits in addition to live science demonstrations, educational programs, and dome theatre. With four floors of displays covering topics such as science, technology, and engineering, this museum provides an immersive experience for kids that adults can appreciate too.

💲Cost : C$17.50, kids C$14.50 📍 Where : Near the southern end of the Waterfront, right here . 🕒 When : Wed-Sun, 9 am – 4 pm. 🔗 Official Website : Discovery Centre

🎨 5.5) For Art Lovers: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia showcases the province’s diverse artistic talent and cultural history. One of its highlights is the collection of works by Maud Lewis, a celebrated local folk artist. In fact, you can visit her restored home, now housed within the gallery.

The Art Gallery also hosts a variety of rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary and Indigenous art, ensuring there’s always something new and captivating to discover.

Collage showing different aspect of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: 1) exterior, 2) Maud Lewis home, 3) painting, 4) art exhibits

💡 Budget tip to get in for free : Go on Thursday 5 pm – 9 pm, when admission is free of charge as part of “BMO Free Access Thursday Night.”

💲Cost : C$12 📍 Where : Near the southern end of the Waterfront, right here . 🕒 When : Reopens June 8, 2024: Wed-Sun, 9 am – 4 pm. 🔗 Official Website : Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

6) Tour the Halifax Harbour by Boat

Halifax Harbour cruises are popular pursuits for visitors to the city. These harbour tours are a quintessential experience for visitors to Halifax to gain perspective of the port city while cruising in the storied Harbour.

Yacht cruises can be worth the splurge, such as this Wine & Cheese Sunset Cruise of the Halifax Harbour. Soak up the views in luxury with a glass of local wine in hand, as the sun dips down into the sea and the city of Halifax lights up.

Yet for a more affordable and well-rounded tour of Halifax Harbour, we suggest the popular Harbour Hopper tour . It’s a fun 1-hour Halifax tour on an amphibious vehicle that travels along Halifax’s streets and plunks right down into the Harbour, all while visiting many of the city’s most famous sites along the way. Expect to pass by the Halifax Citadel, the Halifax Public Gardens, St. Paul’s Church, Georges Island, the Waterfront, and so much more.

Collage of the Halifax Waterfront as viewed from the Harbour Hopper Tour, shown below is an amphibious vehicle on land and in the water

This informative and comically narrated tour provides a much more complete experience of the Harbour and Halifax itself, with many time slots and budget-friendly prices. If you only have one day in Halifax , we’d strongly recommend the Harbour Hopper tour as the best thing to do in Halifax for an excellent overview of the city and its sights. Check prices and availability here .

💡 Budget Tip: Create Your Own Halifax Harbour Cruise for C$2.75

While a sunset cruise or the Harbour Hopper tour are excellent options to experience Halifax Harbour, we must show an alternative way to tour these waters for less than $3.

For the most economical way to get out into Halifax Harbour, simply take the public ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth . While you won’t get any narration to learn about the city, you will get an inexpensive boat ride into the harbour. This public ferry is primarily used as transit rather than a touristic pursuit. Yet locals and visitors alike are welcome aboard this affordable boat ride across Halifax Harbour.

The fare is only C$2.75 each way and ferries depart about every 15 minutes. You can even ask for a free transfer to continue on, by bus, to other locations across the Harbour. Be sure to have cash though. The ferry does not accept credit card or digital payments.

The Halifax Harbour public ferry is cheap thing to do in Halifax on a budget

Currently, there are two ferry routes: the Halifax-Alderney Ferry and the Halifax Woodside Ferry. We suggest visitors take the Alderney Ferry, which brings passengers to the cross-harbour municipality of Dartmouth. It’s a quick and fun ferry trip across the harbour, that takes about 12 minutes each way. During the journey, you can enjoy some of the best views of the Halifax Waterfront .

💡 Tip : Upon boarding the ferry, grab a seat on the back of the top deck . Many people will pile into the front seats. But it’s the back seats that will offer fleeting views of Halifax city skyline.

Looking at Halifax Waterfront from ferry is a fun thing to do in Halifax on a budget - only $2.50

Once the ferry makes it across the harbour, you can take the opportunity to explore Dartmouth. There’s a small waterfront here, a park, and a whole ‘nother town to discover with some great restaurants, cafes, bars, and more.

And that free transfer we mentioned earlier can be used for buses too. So if you’re on the Dartmouth side of the Halifax Harbour, consider catching the #60 bus onward to Fisherman’s Cove. (We’ll explain why next.)

Or take that same bus down to Woodside Regional Park, where you can catch a different ferry back to Halifax. Doing so creates a loop around the Halifax Harbour to give a slightly different vantage point upon the return from Woodside.

Whether by ferry (on the cheap) or a proper Harbour cruise, taking a boat trip into the Halifax Harbour is another “must” for things to do in Halifax.

💲Cost : C$2.75 adults, C$2.00 seniors & children 📍 Where : The Halifax Ferry Terminal is located here , easily accessible on the northern fringes of the Waterfront. 🕒 When : Runs approximately every 15 minutes from 6:30 am – midnight. 🔗 Official website with timetables : here .

7) Wander Around a Nova Scotian Fishing Village: Fisherman’s Cove

Halifax has a maritime history built around fishing. So visiting a historic fishing village makes for a fun thing to do in Halifax. Nova Scotia’s fishing villages can be intriguing enclaves to explore with lots of photo opportunities abounding.

When visiting Halifax, the most popular day trip to see a fishing village is to Peggy’s Cove, where visitors will find the famed Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse alongside a recreated fishing village. Yet it should be noted that a visit to Peggy’s Cove will either require an hour’s drive with your own transportation or you’ll need to join a day tour, which typically runs between $50-$100.

For a closer and more budget-friendly alternative to Peggy’s Cove, we recommend venturing across the Halifax Harbour by ferry and then taking the bus to see “Fisherman’s Cove.”

There is no lighthouse here. But you will get to see a restored 200-year-old fishing village full of colorful buildings, seafood shacks, artsy boutiques, and fishing boats lining the canal.

It’s also a great spot to take a stroll, watch the fishing boats come and go, or simply soak in the serene maritime atmosphere. Also, consider walking next door to MacCormack’s Beach Provincial Park to walk the boardwalk trails and enjoy this natural portion of the coastline the Halifax Harbour.

Back at Fisherman’s Cove, there’s also a Heritage Centre to learn more about the historic fishing village. The Heritage Centre and Fisherman’s Cove itself are free. So Fisherman’s Cove makes for yet another one of the many great things to do in Halifax, on any budget.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Located across the Halifax Harbour, here . Can be reached by ferry + bus #60. 🕒 When : Daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Sundays, Noon-5:00 pm.

8) Visit McNabs Island to Explore Halifax Off-the-Beaten-Path:

If you’re planning a visit to Fisherman’s Cove, don’t stop there. This is the perfect opportunity to visit McNabs Island. We find McNabs Island to be one of the most underrated things to do in Halifax .

This half-day excursion isn’t among the most popular attractions in Halifax. Yet it’s something we highly recommend to anyone who enjoys nature and wants to get off the beaten path to inject a sense of adventure into their Halifax itinerary.

McNabs Island is the largest island in Halifax Harbour and has about 400 hectares (roughly 1,000 acres) of parkland to explore. With historic forts, beautiful beaches, and even some wildlife, it’s a fantastic place for hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching.

While exploring McNabs Island, learn a bit about its sordid history. McNabs Island has been used as a military fort, an amusement park, and even a soda factory. You can still find some of those bottles scattered throughout the island today. Given the history of this island, it is yet another of Canada’s National Historic Sites located in the Halifax area.

McNabs Island is an underrated thing to do in Halifax on a budget

McNabs Island has a well-maintained network of trails that zigzag across what is the largest island in Halifax Harbour. Those trails will take you to old crumbling forts, scenic cliffs, secluded beaches, and the modern-day ruins of former homes that remain on the island today. Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the trails across this interesting island.

Getting to McNabs Island directly from Halifax can get pricey since you’ll need to charter a boat for the 30-minute ride from Halifax to McNabs Island. Find operators here .

Yet a more budget-friendly way to reach McNabs Island is from Fisherman’s Cove, where Captain Mike Tilley will give you a lift in his skiff. It’s C$30 round-trip from Fisherman’s Cove to McNabs Island and back, which takes about 5 minutes each way.

“Captain Red Grey Beard,” as he’s also known, is full of local knowledge about the island and even has some personal ties that he’ll share with you. Be sure to ask questions and get him to tell you some tales.

💲Cost : Entrance is free. Round-trip ferry from Fisherman’s Cove to McNabs Island: C$30 📍 Where : The island is in the middle of the Halifax Harbour, here . Find Captain Mike’s dock here in Fisherman’s Cove. 📅 Seasonality : Captain Mike’s ferry operates in late spring, summer, and early fall. Other times of the year may be possible, pending the weather. 🕒 When : Typically daylight hours. Consider calling Captain Mike in advance to confirm. 🔗 More Info : Friends of McNabs Island 🔗 Ferry Website : Captain Mike’s McNabs Island Ferry

9) Pay Your Respect to the Victims of the Titanic

This is one of the more somber things to do in Halifax. The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is notable because it has the grim distinction of being the final resting place of the most Titanic victims .

Fairview Lawn Cemetery Halifax Titanic Sign

Survivors rescued from the infamous maritime tragedy were brought to New York City. But the White Star Line had an office in Halifax, which commissioned 3 ships with the task of recovering the victims from the icy waters.

Some were never found, while others were buried at sea. But a total of 209 bodies from the Titanic were hauled back to Halifax . The White Star Line paid for simple gravestones, many of which remain unnamed because the victims couldn’t be identified.

Fairview Lawn Cemetery Halifax Titanic Tombstones

Today, the Titanic section of the Fairview Lawn Cemetery provides visitors with a glimpse into this historic event in which Halifax played a vital role. Viewing this section of the cemetery, you may notice the curved layout of the gravestones that somewhat resembles the bow of a ship. If you go to Fairview Lawn, do note that it’s still an active cemetery that’s open to the public. So your respects is the only thing you’ll pay to visit.

Although a visit to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery is one of the more somber things to do in Halifax, it’s an interesting local sight to experience Halifax’s role in this tragic event.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Located about 5 km from the Waterfront, be prepared for a long walk. Or catch a quick Uber/taxi. Find Fairview Lawn Cemetery here . 🕒 When : Weekdays 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

10) Go Hiking around Point Pleasant Park

Although Halifax is Nova Scotia’s largest city, it still maintains some enormous park space that’s only a short stroll from downtown. Located at the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula, this beautiful park offers stunning views of the harbour and the surrounding ocean.

It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling along the trails and waterfront pathways. Point Pleasant is a great place to come get some fresh air, do some light trekking, or have a picnic by the sea on a nice sunny summer day.

Hiking the trails of Point Pleasant Park is a free thing to do in Halifax on a budget

Point Pleasant Park packs in 25 miles of hiking trails that weave across the peninsula and out toward the sea views. For a solid route that goes around the perimeter of the peninsula, take the Point Pleasant Park Loop . Yet we’d advise taking some detours from the loop to use the wooded trails in order to explore some of Point Pleasant’s historic sites.

Be sure to find the Prince of Wales Tower , which is the oldest Martello-style defensive tower in North America (1796) and one of Canada’s National Historic Sites. Locally known as “the roundhouse,” the Prince of Wales tower was built in 1796 as part of the city’s defensive fortifications. While you won’t be able to enter the tower itself, it’s an impressive historic site with interpretive signs to check out as you explore Point Pleasant Park.

One aspect that makes Point Pleasant Park unique is that Halifax doesn’t actually own it. Instead, the city rents this land from the British for 1 shilling (about 10 cents) each year, with a 999-year lease. What a deal!

Many National Historic Sites in Canada have an entrance charge, yet this one is free. Neither the tower nor Point Pleasant Park has an entrance fee. Perhaps we can thank the British and their generous lease agreement!

Prince of Wales Tower in Point Pleasant Park Halifax

Hiking or biking around Point Pleasant Park is a fun thing to do in Halifax for those who are looking to get active within the city!

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : It’s located here , about 3 km away from the southern end of the Halifax Waterfront. 🕒 When : It’s open all day long.

11) Go to a Free Festival in Halifax

Halifax has festivals throughout the year and these events come to a pinnacle over the summer. It seems there is some major event happening in Halifax every single weekend over the summer. Perhaps best of all, for those traveling to Halifax on a budget, most of the festivals are free! Or they at least have a free component.

Halifax Jazz Festival is a popular free summer event

Perhaps one of the biggest festivals of the year is the Halifax Jazz Festival . It does have modest entrance fees for some of the more notable performances. Yet it still maintains many free concerts throughout the four-day annual event. But Sunday is the day to go because that’s the free day for the Jazz Festival. On Sunday, even the main stage remains complimentary to watch a jam session.

Halifax’s most popular (mostly free) annual summer events include :

Royal Nova Scotia International Tatoo (June-July): World-class spectacle of music, dance, and military displays held annually in Halifax, showcasing both local and international talent. 💲 Ticketed event.
Halifax Mural Festival (July): A celebration of street art, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery with live painting, workshops, and art-related events. 💲 Free.
Halifax Canada Day (July): Commemorates the nation’s birthday with lively festivities, live performances, and an impressive fireworks display over the harbour. 💲 Free.
Halifax Jazz Festival (July): A captivating lineup of local and international jazz artists, drawing music lovers to enjoy a week of soulful performances at various city venues. 💲 Ticketed, but usually has free performances.
Halifax Pride Festival (July): A vibrant, inclusive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a lively parade, concerts, and various events throughout the city. 💲 Free.
Halifax International Busker Festival (August): Astonishing street performances, including acrobatics, comedy, and music, set along the picturesque Halifax waterfront. 💲 Free, tips are strongly encouraged.
Halifax Natal Day Festival (August): Marks the city’s birthday with a weekend of family-friendly events, live music, and fireworks. 💲 Free.
Nocturne (October): A visual spectacle of contemporary art displayed across the streets of Halifax at night.

12) Board Canada’s Oldest Warship: HMCS Sackville

While strolling along the Halifax Waterfront, visitors can find decommissioned warships docked along the harbour that you can now explore and tour!

Perhaps most prominently is Canada’s oldest surviving warship, the HMCS Sackville.

Touring the HMCS Sackville is a popular thing to do in Halifax

This Royal Canadian Navy corvette was used during World War II and was crucial in winning the Battle of the Atlantic. The historic ship is the last remaining of 123 corvettes.

Today it is now a museum ship that is a worthwhile detour off of the Halifax Waterfront boardwalk. You can explore all throughout the WWII ship, from the bow and down into the engine room to learn about the wartime conditions. Visiting the ship offers an opportunity to learn about the brave sailors who served on it, providing a unique insight into Canada’s naval heritage.

As a free (donation-based) Halifax attraction, visiting the HMCS Sackville fits as yet another budget-friendly thing to do in Halifax!

💲Cost : Free, donations accepted 📍 Where : Located here , a central location along the Halifax Waterfront. 📅 Seasonality : mid-June to late October 🕒 When : Weekdays 10:00 am – 4:45 pm 🔗 Official website : HMSC Sackville .

13) Catch Halifax’s Free Outdoor Theatre: Shakespeare by the Sea

Shakespeare By The Sea is a beloved Halifax summertime tradition that showcases outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s plays set in the enchanting venue within Point Pleasant Park. It’s the largest and longest-running outdoor theatre festival in Atlantic Canada.

While the plays are often Shakespearean classics or adaptations, they also feature other (non-Shakespearan) classics too. For example, the 2024 season brings Alice in Wonderland in addition to the Shakespeare classic Twelth Night.

Shakespeare by the Sea performances usually run from July to early September. For 2024, it’s July 6 – September 1. For an up-to-date schedule, check the Shakespeare by the Sea Calendar .

Admission is pay-what-you-can and they’ll gladly accept any donation. The seating is on the grass, so bring a blanket or a chair. Otherwise, you can rent them for C$5. It’s a neat experience to watch live theatre under the open sky at dusk, enjoying this unique thing to do in Halifax.

Outdoor theatre-goers in chairs getting ready to watch the outdoor play in the park

💲Cost : Free (by donation) pay what you can, suggested donation C$20 📍 Where : Inside Point Pleasant Park. Nightly performances are held outside the Cambridge Battery, here . 🕒 When : Tuesday-Sunday, 7:00 pm. 🔗 Official website & schedule : Shakespeare by the Sea .

14) Take a Stroll Through the Victorian Gardens: Halifax Public Gardens

Halifax Public Gardens is a 16-acre oasis right in the heart of downtown Halifax, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. The Halifax Public Gardens are one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian Garden in all of North America .

This impressive garden boasts beautifully manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a variety of trees, providing an idyllic setting for a stroll.

Be sure to wander through the blooming flowers and over the quaint bridges. While strolling past charming ponds and ornate fountains, visitors can even find a replica of the Titanic. Perhaps consider pausing for reflection. Or indulge in an ice cream cone from the vendor in the garden’s pavilion.

The Halifax Public Gardens is a fun free thing to do in Halifax to see flowers bloom in the botanical garden

The Halifax Public Gardens are a popular attraction in the summer. Yet it’s a fairly big space in the middle of the city, so you may end up seeing more traffic in the form of ducks rather than people.

While many notable gardens around the world charge hefty entrance fees, Halifax’s Public Gardens are open to the public for free! So while walking around this city on a nice summer day, be sure to amble through these gardens. It makes a great free thing to do in Halifax.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Located here , it’s about a 15-20 minute walk from the central Waterfront. 🕒 When : 8:00 am until 30 minutes before sunset (check Halifax sunset times ). 🔗 Website : Friends of the Public Garden .

15) Go Skating for Free at the Emera Oval

A fun and free Halifax activity is skating at the Emera Oval. Rollerblades are popular here. But you can opt to go retro and borrow a pair of roller skates instead! Bikes, scooters, and even plastic toy cars are also available over the summer.

And all of these equipment rentals are entirely F-R-E-E! It’s all such good, clean fun. Slap on a pair of skates and go!

skating at Emera Oval is a free thing to do in Halifax on a budget

In the winter, the Emera Oval becomes ice, and hence free ice-skating commences for a popular wintertime activity in Halifax. Whatever season you visit the Emera Oval in, just be sure to bring an ID, which is required for any of the free rentals.

Taking a few spins around the Emera Oval is one of the fun things to do in Halifax for families. Kids love it! (But so do we.)

💲Cost : Free, with identification 📍 Where : It’s located here , about 1.5 km inland from the Halifax Waterfront. 🕒 When : Hours vary. During summer, typically opens at 11:00 am on weekdays and noon on weekends. Remains open until 8:00 pm (June, Sept, Oct) and until 9:00 pm (July-Aug). Check the website for official hours (below). 🔗 Official website : here .

16) Check Out Halifax’s Vibrant Street Art

Halifax has a thriving street art scene , so keep your eyes peeled while roaming around town. We appreciate how some of the artists keep true to the city’s maritime theme.

One of the best (and easily accessible) murals can be found sprawling along the backside of Freak Lunchbox, which is a fun candy store located in downtown Halifax.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW7fpQ0F40A/?taken-by=roamingaroundtheworld

To get started on your street art pursuits, you can find this mural located here on Google Maps . Continuing throughout this downtown area, around Barrington Street and Argyle Street, looking for vibrant street art in alleys and on the side of other buildings.

Halifax’s North End neighborhood is another good area to find a burgeoning street art scene. You can find several impressive murals along Agricola Street, Gottingen Street, and the surrounding areas. More recently, several murals have sprouted up in the Quinpool District too.

Keep an eye out for public art displays as you roam around Halifax. New street art pops up all the time around this vibrant city.

17) Why Visit the Library during a Trip to Halifax

Given its glass facade and eye-catching design, this library is a great place to visit in Halifax for any architectural buffs and casual travelers alike.

Inside the Halifax Central Library, you’ll find an Escher-like series of stairs taking you to the top floor. And it’s well worth ascending, whether you’re into architecture or not.

Arguably the best reason to venture over to the Halifax Public Library is for the panoramic views you can find on its top floor. There’s also a café up there. So grab a cup of coffee and gaze out over Halifax’s downtown at those harbor views.

The library is an interesting thing to do in Halifax because of its unique architecture. So come to see that, but stay for the free wifi or simply to take a break from a busy day of sightseeing in Halifax.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Located here , a leisurely 10-15 walk from the Waterfront. 🕒 When : Mon-Thurs, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. Fri-Sat, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Sun, Noon – 6:00 pm. 🔗 Official website : Halifax Central Library .

18) Find the Drunken Lampposts

If these street lamps look a little tipsy, it’s not because you overindulged at one of Halifax’s spectacular patio bars. These lampposts were placed on the Halifax waterfront in 2013 as a temporary art installation. But the drunken lampposts were beloved so much that the city decided to keep them as permanent fixtures.

The drunken lampposts are an offbeat Halifax attraction to see on the Waterfront

The drunken lampposts have since become a funny little Halifax attraction for travelers to seek out. They are said to represent “the nakedly honest portraits of unseemly behavours that are often playing out on our own streets after dark.” We think it’s hilarious. These drunk lampposts really show off Halifax’s quirky side and its sense of humor.

Where are the drunken lampposts in Halifax? You can find the drunken lampposts while strolling along the waterfront. They are located on the pier in front of the Bicycle Thief restaurant. Here’s the exact location on Google Maps .

💡 Tip : To get the best shots of this funny site, go early on a weekday morning. During weekend afternoons in the summer, this attraction will be flooded with many other Instagrammers and photographers trying to snap a picture.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : On the Waterfront, here . 🕒 When : They’re always there and always drunk.

19) Visit Historic St Paul’s Church for a Halifax Oddity

St. Paul’s church is the oldest building in Halifax, dating all the way back to its founding in 1750. St Paul’s is also the oldest surviving Protestant church in all of Canada. It’s worth visiting this historic church to soak in the history, admire the Georgian architecture, and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere inside.

Yet what makes St Paul’s particularly interesting is a face that remains forever etched into one of the church’s windows.

Reminders of the tragic 1917 Halifax Explosion , which claimed about 2,000 lives, can be found throughout Halifax. Yet perhaps none are as attention-grabbing as the lingering silhouette that is etched into this historic church’s window.

silhouette of man from Halifax Explosion in church window

Lore tells of a deacon who happened to be standing perfectly aligned with the window at the time of the explosion. This legend continues that an intense heat left his profile burnt into the glass. The deacon’s portrait remains in St. Paul’s window today. Hence, St. Paul’s church makes for a fascinating offbeat sight to see during a trip to Halifax.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Located here on Argyle Street , it’s about a 5-minute walk from a central point of the Waterfront. 🕒 When : Go during daylight hours to see this infamous silhouette.

20) Visit the Iconic Halifax Clock Tower

If you’re walking to or from the Halifax Citadel, you must take a moment to check out what has become an iconic landmark in the city: The Halifax Town Clock . It’s a three-story clock tower that dates back to the early 1800s and sits at the base of the Citadel.

The clock was a gift from Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, to the people of Halifax way back in 1803. The clock has been keeping time ever since, and it’s definitely a must-visit spot for its historical significance and the fantastic view it offers of downtown Halifax and the harbor.

It’s yet another attraction to check out, making it a great way to conclude this Top 20 list of things to do in Halifax.

So go snap of pic of this famous Halifax landmark as you make your way to the waterfront for some drinks. Because that’s what we’re talking about in one of the next sections of this Halifax tourism guide – drinks! But first, check out some awesome things to do as day trips from Halifax.

💲Cost : Free 📍 Where : Right here , in between the Waterfront and the Citadel. 🕒 When : See it in the daytime.

Best Nova Scotia Day Trips from Halifax

In addition to all the awesome things to do in Halifax itself, there are also a variety of day trips located within an hour or two away from Nova Scotia’s capital. There are famous lighthouses to see, record-breaking tides, and UNESCO-listed village World Heritage Sites.

Meanwhile, adventure seekers can pursue an adrenaline-packed day of Tidal Bore Rafting or take a hike along the precipitous coastal cliff of Cape Split. After such hair-raising adventures, sipping some local tidal bay wine in the nearby wineries can make for a perfect way to wind down.

There are a few tours from Halifax to pursue such day trips. Yet those with their own transportation will find the most economical way to reach these sites.

If visiting Halifax without a car, consider renting one, even if just for a day or two.

💡 Tip: If visiting over the summer, be sure to secure your rental car as early as possible, because rental cars do become sold out during the summer high season. Search rental cars for your travel dates .

21) Visit the Scenic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Peggy’s Cove is the quintessential day trip from Halifax. At Peggy’s Cove, you’ll find a beautiful lighthouse on a rocky point, surrounded by a recreated fishing village. It’s a beautiful sight that can be like stepping into a Nova Scotia postcard.

Yet given Peggy’s Cove’s notoriety, it has become is a very popular attraction near Halifax that draws in the crowds, particularly during mid-day. So plan your visit accordingly to best enjoy the picturesque sight.

💡 Tip: Go early in the morning, just after sunrise, when very few others are around. We also find it can be pleasant to go around dusk.

It’s free to visit Peggy’s Cove, as there is no entrance fee. Just be prepared for a 45-minute drive from Halifax, each way.

Alternatively, take a day tour from Halifax. This Peggy’s Cove Tour is the least expensive we’ve found online, receives great reviews, offers direct pick-up from downtown Halifax, and has multiple departure times throughout the day (we suggest 8:30 am if available). Because it is a small-group tour that regularly sells out, be sure to book in advance. Check availability for your travel dates .

22) Visit the UNESCO town of Lunenburg

Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated as such for being the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. This colorful fishing village dates all the way back to 1753. Read more about Old Town Lunenburg’s UNESCO designation .

With dwindling fish stocks in recent years, it’s tourism that now helps Lunenburg thrive.

To better understand Lunenburg’s seafaring past, be sure to check out the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic ($C10). To better appreciate the town’s unique architecture and rich history, consider a walking tour (C$25).

Lunenburg is a must-stop detour from Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Trail. Wander around the picturesque town and practice your photography skills on the original architecture that’s held strong over the course of more than two & a half centuries .

Try some local seafood from places like the South Shore Fish Shack , with a sunny deck overlooking the Lunenburg Waterfront. Wash it down with some local beer from Shipwright Brewing Company or some spirits from Ironworks Distillery , housed in a former blacksmith shop.

Lunenburg is located a bit more than an hour’s drive away from Halifax. And a day trip including both Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove can make a good combo, driving from Halifax on the same day. Exploring Old Town Lunenburg is another free thing to do from Halifax for those who are driving.

Lunenburg tours from Halifax are also available, many of which include Peggy’s Cove since its along the way. Consider one of these Lunenburg tours from Halifax :

Half-Day Small Group Tour of Nova Scotia’s South Shore – Goes to (1) Lunenburg, (2) Mahone Bay, and (3) Peggy’s Cove. 6 hours, C$175.
Nova Scotia Day Tour – Visit Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley – Goes to (1) Peggy’s Cove, (2) Queensland Beach, (3) Mahone Bay, (4) Lunenburg, (5) Bay of Fundy (Wolfville Waterfront Park) and (6) Lightfoot & Wolfville Wineries

23) Experience the Record-Breaking Bay of Fundy Tides

On the other side of Nova Scotia from Halifax is the Bay of Fundy, which is home to the most extreme tides in the world. It’s quite a sight to witness and a rare chance to walk on the floor of the ocean!

We suggest three very different spots to observe the tidal action, which are all free to experience:

Burntcoat Head Park – Walk on the ocean floor at low tide and marvel at the towering rock formations and tidal pools.
Halls Harbour – Pursue tide-watching at this small harbour, where you’ll see boats gently rise and fall, and eat at the adjacent restaurant while waiting for tidal changes.
Fundy Tidal Interpretive Area – watch the impressive tidal bore rush up the Shubenacadie River from an observation deck with informative signs to learn about it.

If you have a car, you can drive to any of these tidal attractions (more info on each, below). If you don’t have your own vehicle, then consider a Bay of Fundy tour from Halifax .

Burntcoat Head Park

About a 1 hour, 15-minute drive from Halifax, you can reach Burntcoat Head Park , home to the world’s highest recorded tides. If you make the trek from Halifax to Burntcoat Head Park, be sure to check the tides (listed on the website ) and plan your visit accordingly.

We suggest trying to time a visit during low tide for the opportunity to walk on the ocean’s floor. This also provides an opportunity to wander the tidal pools that form when the ocean is out. See what marine life you can find that may have been left behind. If time permits, watch as the Bay of Fundy dramatically fills the area you were once standing on, creating an aquatic landscape that shifts with each passing hour.

Halls Harbour

For a different view of the tides in a harbour setting, consider the 90-minute drive from Halifax to Halls Harbour . Here, visitors can witness this extreme act of nature as boats are seemingly lifted up and then lowered onto the harbour floor. At Halls Harbour, the tide swings a staggering 40 feet (~12 meters)! For perspective, imagine the tide rising and falling to the height of a 4-story building!

Look a the pictures below, first at high tide, then low tide.

Hall's Harbour Nova Scotia boats floating at high tide in the harbour, which is part of the Bay of Fundy and the most extreme tides in the world

It’s an amazing natural phenomenon to experience this in person. Walking along the ocean floor and seeing boats resting on the bottom of a harbor is mind-boggling. And yes, you can walk down there, which really helps put things into perspective.

Again, be sure to check the tides before you go and plan a visit for low tide. Halls Harbour is also known as Baxters Harbour and you can find the tide forecast here .

💡 Tip: If you’re waiting around for the tides to change, don’t hesitate to pop into the adjacent Lobster Pound restaurant to try one of their local specialties like the lobster poutine!

Fundy Tidal Interpretive Area

Completely different than the ocean tidal change and the harbour tidal change, coming to the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Area offers a vantage point to witness Nova Scotia’s famous tidal bore in the Shubenacadie River. This is a remarkable natural phenomenon where the incoming tide forms waves that travel up the river.

Informative displays help to deepen your understanding of the Bay of Fundy’s powerful ecosystem. But the main draw is the observation deck to see the tidal bore in action. You may even catch adventurous souls doing tidal bore rafting (see next)!

24) Extreme Adventure: Tidal Bore Rafting

Don’t just watch those extreme tides. Experience them! A popular adventure pursuit in the Bay of Fundy is something known as Tidal Bore Rafting.

While the Bay of Fundy tides steadily fills the bay, the tidal flow is not-so-gradual when it reaches rivers. There are about 60 known places in the world where the phenomena of a tidal bore occurs. Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie River is one of them.

Rivers in this region flow into the bay, just as most rivers in the world flow outward into the sea. But here in the Bay of Fundy, that all changes soon after low tide. The extreme tides rise in the Bay of Fundy and eventually begin to flow into the river. As the approaching water reaches the river, the rising tide is squeezed into an increasingly narrow space in the river. When the tide moves inward, it momentarily changes the course of the river to flow upstream.

During this process, waves and rapids are temporarily formed atop the sandbars. This is the tidal bore! And it’s now possible to go whitewater rafting upstream, during these changing tides. It’s such a crazy experience and is such a thrill! Check out the video below to get a glimpse at what it’s like.

For complete directions from Halifax, tips to know, who to book with, ways to save, and much more information about this Halifax day trip, be sure to check out all the details in our complete post that reviews: Tidal Bore Rafting on the Most Extreme Tides in the World !

25) Cape Split: One of Nova Scotia’s Best Hikes

Also in the Bay of Fundy area is what we’ve found to be one of Nova Scotia’s most scenic hikes. It’s the Cape Split hike!

These jagged cliffs dramatically jut out for 7 kilometers right into the Bay of Fundy, where the extreme tides do their thing.

The only way to get here is the hike down to the cape. It’s a 6-kilometer trek each way that winds through a forest, before ultimately opening up to the barren cliffs that drop off into the bay.

For those who are active, hiking Cape Split is a perfect recreational pursuit you can to do as a day trip from Halifax!

It’s also another free activity. Just park your car at the trailhead and set off. The Cape Split trailhead is about a 90-minute drive from Halifax, located here .

Tip : If you want to check out the tides at Halls Harbour, do this hike in between the tide change to compare before and after.

26) Drink Tidal Bay Wine at Annapolis Valley Vineyards near Halifax

While in Nova Scotia’s tidal area, it’s only appropriate to drink the signature wine variety of the region: Tidal Bay.

There’s a burgeoning scene of wineries throughout the rolling hills of the coastal farmland of Annapolis Valley. Just a short hop away from Halifax, visitors can find these vineyards that produce the area’s signature white wine.

Tidal Bay is Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation and winemakers must maintain strict standards, such as 100% Nova Scotia grapes, in order to have the Tidal Bay designation. It’s a crisp & refreshing white wine, with green fruit notes and a distinct minerality. Appropriately for the region, it pairs exceptionally well with seafood.

It’s about an hour’s drive from Halifax to get to the Annapolis Valley wine region featuring Tidal Bay wineries. In particular, Luckett Vineyards is one of the more popular wineries that we really enjoy.

It’s also a budget-friendly choice, as Luckett has a scenic tasting room with a tasting of five wines starting at only C$12. While there, be sure to wander through the grape vines to find the red phone booth that makes for some great photo ops.

In addition to Luckett, other popular Annapolis Valley wineries to visit include:

Lightfoot and Wolfville Winery – A certified organic, family-owned winery known for its handcrafted, small-lot wines, located in the Annapolis Valley. Visitors can enjoy tastings and farm-to-table dining with stunning views.
Benjamin Bridge – Renowned for its world-class Méthode Classique sparkling wines, this winery offers tastings, tours, and intimate culinary experiences.
Domaine de Grand Pré – Nova Scotia’s oldest farm winery, Domaine de Grand Pré offers a diverse range of wines and is home to the acclaimed Le Caveau restaurant.

Of course, you’ll need a designated driver to be able to enjoy multiple wineries. Instead, consider a proper Annapolis Valley wine tour from Halifax . The Wine and Lunch Escape makes three stops at three Annapolis Valley wineries and a very nice includes lunch! The wine tour receives excellent reviews, but it does book up. Check availability and reviews .

Also, if you enjoy a good drink, there’s much more to drink within the city of Halifax itself. And that’s a perfect segway into our next section of this Halifax travel guide!

Drinking Things to Do in Halifax

Halifax is said to have the most bars per capita of any city in Canada . With such an accolade, drinking IS one of the best things to do in Halifax !

So in addition to drinking Tidal Bay wine at Halifax’s neighboring vineyards (as suggested above), be sure to partake in these other drinking experiences throughout HRM.

27) Tour Alexander Keith’s Historic Brewery

This Halifax mainstay is one of the oldest breweries in North America , dating back to 1820. Keith’s has maintained the historic brewing facility that goes back nearly two centuries in Halifax’s history.

Alexander Keith's Brewery Halifax Nova Scotia

It’s a fun brew tour that’s one part history, one part brewing, and one part Nova Scotian tradition. It’s an equation that adds up to a great time, complete with intimate local music performances and many opportunities to drink Keith’s beer while being toured through the old hallways!

Visitors will learn just as much about the namesake Scottish brewer that became Halifax’s beloved mayor, as you will the brewing process.

Alexander Keith's beer while on brewery tour in Halifax

The tour includes four glasses of different styles of beer, adding to the value of this fun brewhouse tour!

💲Cost : C$26.95 📍 Where : Just off the central Waterfront, right here . 🕒 When : Tours generally occur every hour during summer months, Mon-Sat, Noon-7:00 pm. 🔗 Booking and availability : Alexander Keiths Brewery Tour .

28) Partake in the Halifax Tradition of a “Ceilidh”

Kitchen Ceilidh Durty Nelly's Halifax band playing Gaelic music

During the aforementioned Alexander Keith’s brewery tour, they’ll fully demonstrate what a cèilidh is like. Yet try to make it to an actual cèilidh while visiting Nova Scotia. For those heading up to Cape Breton, know cèilidhs are common occurrences up there. Yet if the timing is right, you can be fortunate to catch this tradition of a cèilidh in Halifax too.

One place that has regular cèilidhs in Halifax is Durty Nelly’s. They often have a cèilidh on Thursday nights 7-10 PM. Check their event calendar to see if one is occurring while you’re in town. The ceilidh itself is free. Just pony up to the bar for a pint while enjoying the live Gaelic music. Beers start at C$7.75.

Alternatively, you can also try the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. They often host live traditional music sessions, and they’ve been known to turn into a full-on cèilidh. Check their gig calendar .

29) Patio Drinking is a Quintessential Thing to Do in Halifax

During the summer months, Halgonians and visitors alike love drinking on a sunny patio. There’s nearly a sport to patio drinking in Halifax and it’s become a hardened summertime tradition in this city.

The BG is a perennial favorite on the waterfront . We love it too for the local beers and the open-air wooden seating directly on the Waterfront with views of the Halifax Harbour. It’s the perfect atmosphere to sip on a beverage on a bright sunny Halifax day. It’s a popular spot in the middle of the Waterfront that tends to get particularly busy during weekends.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of patio bars to enjoy drinks all throughout Halifax. The Lower Deck also sports a welcoming patio along the Waterfront during the summer months. Or go across the harbour to the Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth sweeping views of the Halifax skyline to accompany your cool beverage.

Another one of our favorite waterfront patios in Halifax is Stone’s Throw . This patio bar on the northern fringes of the Halifax waterfront isn’t as popular as the centrally located, BG. Yet for those who want to enjoy patio drinking in Halifax on a budget. During happy hour (4:00-6:00) Stone’s Throw offers local Nova Scotia craft beer for C$6 for a generous 16 oz. pour. There’s also $6 wine and rotating cocktails.

The patio bar is hidden in plain sight, as it’s part of the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. We recommend Stone’s Throw for inexpensive pre-dinner craft beer on the waterfront.

Stone's Throw Halifax patio with beer on the Halifax waterfront boardwalk

30) Drink Halifax’s Fantastic Local Breweries

Halifax has a fantastic local beer scene! There are loads of breweries, brew pubs, and cideries to check out all throughout the city. Brewing runs deep in Halifax and is currently having a major resurgence producing delicious results!

Halifax breweries have lots of appeal and new brewpubs are sprouting up all the time. At last count, we tallied over 20 breweries, brewpubs, and cideries across HRM. All beer-loving Halgonians seem to have their favorites.

Personally, we really enjoy Good Robot , Two Crows , and Propeller Brewing Company , to name a few. But try ‘em yourself and tell us which of Halifax’s local breweries you like best!

To sample some beers by the Halifax Waterfront, hit up Garrisons Brewery , near the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. Enjoying their C$2 tasters from the variety of brews across their dozen taps is easy on the wallet too. At that price, grab a few at a time. We recommend the 8% Juicy Double IPA for those who like a hoppy beer if they have this specialty brew on tap.

Garrisons Brewery Halifax taster flight of craft beer

Use the Good Cheer Passport to Find Halifax Breweries and Earn Prizes

Those beer lovers visiting Halifax, make sure to join the (free) Good Cheer Trail Passport Program ! This passport can be used to discover local breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries all throughout the province of Nova Scotia. An excellent interactive map can be found on the Good Cheer Trail Passport website , to help you navigate your way to each of Halifax’s breweries.

Once you collect a stamp from 15 different places, you can redeem your Good Cheer Trail Passport for a free t-shirt to commemorate your drinking accomplishment! You’ll also be entered in a drawing for a grand prize.

Pick up your passport at any of the participating breweries and at the Halifax Tourism Office. Alternatively, use the digital Good Cheer passport found on the Taste of Nova Scotia Mobile App .

Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail Passport stamps

And while the passport can be used throughout the entire province, you can easily collect 15 stamps right in Halifax . We can tell you from personal experience that this is a fun pursuit.

Eating is a Thing to Do in Halifax!

There are some interesting things to eat in Halifax that are unique to the city and to Nova Scotia. So these final five things to do in Halifax offer up some suggestions for these interesting foodie finds throughout the city.

Halifax has a designated official food that you may find surprising. It’s a must-try, reviewed below.

Yet it’s Nova Scotia’s seafood that simply can’t be ignored. Whether oysters, scallops, lobster suppers, or local haddock (fish), there is lots of seafood to try throughout Nova Scotia’s capital. And while seafood can tend to be expensive, of course, you know that we’re offering up our signature budget tips to help you enjoy the best of Halifax’s dining scene without spending a fortune.

31) Try the Official Food of Halifax: The Donair

The Halifax Donair has been proclaimed the official food of Halifax . And lucky for budget-conscious visitors to the city, the Halifax Donair makes for an inexpensive meal to try while in town.

Halifax donair is a great cheap eat in Halifax and is the city's official food

It may look like a Greek gyro or a Turkish doner kebab. Yet here in Halifax, donairs have taken on their own identity.

What is a Halifax donair? A large pita is stuffed with shaved spiced beef, rather than lamb or other doner meat. But what really makes it a “Halifax donair” is the “donair sauce.”

A concoction of condensed milk, sugar, garlic, and vinegar is what gives a Halifax Donair its distinction. As the story goes, it was 1973 when a Greek immigrant adjusted his recipe to local tastes by using beef and developing the signature sauce.

Nearly 50 years later, there are now donair shops all over Halifax. But his “King of Donair” shop is still in Halifax too. So go there to try this deliciously messy meal. Just grab some extra napkins!

Official Website: King of Donair

32) Eat Local Maritime Oysters in Halifax

Nova Scotia, along with the surrounding maritime provinces, is known for its fresh oysters. So be sure to try some freshly-shucked raw oysters on the half-shell while you’re in Halifax.

Local oysters are a culinary delight to try in Halifax. Being so close to the source helps to ensure freshness. The shuckers really take their oysters pretty seriously around here. The quality and freshness are unparalleled.

You’ll find many oyster varieties on the menu local to Nova Scotia and the surrounding Martime provinces. But keep an eye out for Sober Island oysters in particular, which are farmed about a 100-km west of Halifax and considered a premium oyster.

Oyster Happy Hour at Five Fishermen Halifax Little Fish is a cheap seafood deal in Halifax

Many oyster bars can be found all throughout Halifax. Often recommended Halifax oyster bars include the Press Gang , Barrington Steak House and Oyster Bar , Five Fishermen , Waterfront Warehouse , and McKelvie’s Restaurant , among many others.

💡 Budget Tip: Oyster Happy Hours

Oyster prices vary in price around Halifax but are typically somewhere around C$3+ per oyster (2024 prices). So wouldn’t be unusual for a dozen oysters to cost C$40+ at a Halifax restaurant or oyster bar. Thankfully, oyster happy hours around Halifax will help to enjoy these mollusks for less.

Here are a few places in Halifax with known oyster happy hours:

Highwayman – C$2 oyster daily 4:00-5:00 pm.
Lot Six Bar & Restaurant – Dozen oysters for $C24

33) Three Ways to Eat Local Nova Scotia Haddock

Halifax and many coastal communities throughout Nova Scotia have been based around fishing throughout the local waters. So a great way to try the local catch – haddock!

Haddock is a type of cod, found locally in the cool & clean Atlantic waters offshore. Pan fried haddock is a local preparation of the fish that can be found widely on Halifax menus.

Collage of Nova Scotia Haddock in Halifax:1) Fish and chips2) Nova Scotia chowder3) Pan fried haddock

Yet the mild white fish also makes for some particularly awesome fish & chips ! Fish & chips are also commonplace on menus throughout Nova Scotia, a nod to the province’s British roots. The fish and chips around HRM is some of the best we’ve had!

You can find fish & chips ranging from upscale restaurants to pubs and super casual counter-service joints. While in Halifax, try fish and chips at Fries & Co. , Willman’s Fish & Chips , or Evan’s Fresh Seafood in Dartmouth.

You can also find haddock in another delicious Nova Scotian dish found throughout Halifax – chowder . Nova Scotia’s chowder starts with a rich, creamy base and abundance of fresh local seafood, such as clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, mussels, and of course, haddock. This hearty soup can eat like a meal and is a personal favorite to always enjoy in Nova Scotia!

34) Try Some Canadian Snacks at the Waterfront:

There are some tasty treats and local snacks to try while wandering around the Halifax waterfront. Most of them are easy on the budget too! Here are some quintessential local snacks we suggest trying while visiting Halifax:

Ice Cream: Cows Creamery & Moon Mist

Cows Creamery is known to have the best ice cream in Canada and is often listed as the world’s best ice cream. It’s a staple in the neighboring province of PEI, you can also find a Cows Creamery location directly on Halifax’s waterfront. Scoops for this primo ice cream start at C$4, a sweet price for this tasty treat that we think lives up to the hype!

And for a uniquely Nova Scotian treat, keep an eye out for “Moon Mist” ice cream at any of the ice cream joints along the waterfront. This colorful mix of grape, banana, and bubble gum ice cream is a Nova Scotia tradition that can only be found around these parts.

Eat a BeaverTail on the Halifax Waterfront

BeaverTails are a beloved Canadian snack food that originated in Ottawa and quickly spread across all of Canada. So you can now find this flattened fried dough at a kiosk along the Halifax boardwalk. They’re shaped like (you guessed it) beaver tails and covered with cinnamon & sugar. If that’s not sweet enough, you can choose to have it loaded up with an assortment of other sugary toppings, from a maple spread to Nutella. BeaverTails start at about C$5.

Enjoy Canada’s National Dish in Halifax – Poutine

If you’re visiting Halifax from outside the country, you must try Canada’s national dish – poutine . It’s an economical snack/meal/gut bomb. For the uninitiated, poutine is a delicious concoction of french fries covered in squeaky cheese curds and brown gravy.

Perhaps one of the most convenient places for poutine on the Waterfront is Smoke’s Poutinerie . It’s a poutine franchise that has a kiosk in a central location on the Halifax waterfront.

Yet locals in Halifax point to Willy’s Fresh Cut as the best poutine in town. We visited, devoured, and concur. Prices range from C$6.00 for a small to C$9.50 for a large. Willy’s is located at Pizza Corner, which is another eating thing to do in Halifax that’s further explained next.

Smokes Poutinerie is a great place to try poutine in Halifax

35) Eat Lobster in Halifax

Nova Scotia’s waters are teeming with lobster fishing boats, and the province exports millions of pounds of lobster globally each year. So be sure to try this delicious local seafood while visiting Halifax.

Usually served boiled and served with classic sides, such as potato salad, restaurants in Halifax, many restaurants in Halifax feature local Nova Scotia lobster on their menus. Yet for a local tradition, consider a lobster supper, which can be a fun way to connect with Bluenosers (Nova Scotians).

To see if any community lobster suppers may be occurring during your visit, check local Facebook events, Eventbrite, Kijiji, local bulletin boards, or community social media pages. Yet for more of a sure bet, head out to the longstanding Shore Club in Hubbards (a 45-min drive from Halifax) for a traditional lobster supper, with mussels, and all the fixins.

Once considered the “poor man’s protein,” Nova Scotia lobster has since transformed into a premium culinary delight with prices to reflect that. Throughout Halifax, lobster is often at “market price” throughout Nova Scotia. Expect to pay somewhere around $C40-$C60 for a full lobster supper in Halifax (2024 prices).

If that’s a bit steep for those on a budget in Halifax, consider indulging in a lobster roll instead. Chunks of chilled, succulent lobster meat are tossed lightly with mayo and served in a toasted, buttery roll. It’s a simple, yet incredibly delicious way to enjoy lobster in Halifax. Expect to pay roughly $C25-C$35 (2024 prices) for a lobster roll in Halifax, which may or may not include a modest side like a bag of chips.

Lobster in Halifax: Dave's Lobster (upper left), Lobster Poutine from Halls Harbour (upper right), and lobster supper in Halifax from Mic Mac (bottom)

Here are just a few notable suggestions among the many places to eat lobster in and around Halifax:

Five Fisherman – Upscale restaurant in a historic setting known for its seafood dishes, with lobster suppers at market price.
McKelvie’s – Situated on the Halifax Waterfront, this seafood restaurant serves steamed lobster at market price and also offers a delicious lobster pasta (C$49).
Salty’s – Located directly on the Halifax Harbour, Salty’s has a more casual downstairs and a more upscale upstairs restaurant, each with steamed lobster at market prices.
Dave’s Lobster – Seasonal counter-service joint slinging various lobster rolls (market price) and even a lobster grilled cheese, conveniently located on the Waterfront.
Shore Club – A 45-minute drive east of Halifax will take you to this lobster supper institution, with traditional communal seating, live music, and all the accompaniments. (1-pound lobster dinner: C$43.95, 1.5-pound: C$54.50).
Halls Harbour – Given the 1.5-hour drive from Halifax, it’s a smart idea to include as part of a Bay of Fundy day trip. In addition to lobster meals (market price), this active lobster pound has a wide variety of lobster dishes, including lobster nachos (C$25.50), lobster mac & cheese (C$24.50), lobster BLT salad (C$30), and our personal favorite – lobster poutine (C$23.25)!

And if you haven’t got your fill of lobster in Halifax, also check out our separate article about lobster in Nova Scotia’s neighboring province: 6 Best Ways to Experience Lobster in PEI .

More Halifax Travel Tips

Here are a few more travel tips to help you explore Halifax!

☀️ Best Time to Visit Halifax:

There is little debate that Summer (June-August) is the best time of year to visit Halifax. This is the warmest time of year for Halifax, yet temps usually remain mild and crisp, with highs ranging from 18°-24°C (~65°-75°F) in the afternoon. Blue, clear skies becoming increasingly prevalent.

All seasonal establishments are open. Summer also brings an influx of events and festivals across Halifax. Yet summer is also peak season for Halifax. So visitors may encounter high-priced accommodation, crowds (particularly on weekends), long waits for attractions and restaurants, and/or availability problems.

While summer can be an ideal time to visit Halifax, one could make a solid argument to travel to Halifax in the early Fall for optimal conditions . Temperatures are still mild, with highs ranging from 16° to 22°C (61°-72°F). And it’s the month of September that actually has the greatest propensity for clear skies. Fall visitors to Halifax may also get an opportunity to see foilage around the city. stunning fall foliage. Yet another perk is how Halifax becomes less crowded after Labour Day.

There’s never a bad time to visit Halifax, but do know that winter can be quite cold , with temperatures often below freezing. Seasonal establishments will be long shut down before winter even begins, so that may limit your activities. There’s usually a good amount of snow during winter in Halifax, so this brings about the opportunity for winter sports.

🧥 Pack for the Weather:

Halifax’s maritime climate can be unpredictable. Pack layers and a rain jacket, especially in the spring and fall. If your trip to Halifax is in the next week or so, here’s the Halifax 7-day forecast .

Also, understand that even during warm summer days, temperatures can dip down towards 11°C (low 50s F) in the evening. So be sure to pack a light jacket or sweater to keep warm, even in the summer . To see what weather averages are during any time of year, find year-round Halifax weather averages on WeatherSpark .

⏰ Local Time in Halifax

Remember, Halifax is in the Atlantic Time Zone , which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time . Your phone will adjust automatically. But just make sure you’re aware of the time change.

⚠️ Not from Canada, eh? You need travel insurance!

While Halifax is a very safe travel destination, accidents can occur. If you’re visiting Canada from the US , be sure you have medical coverage while within the country.

If not, you won’t be covered by Canada’s health care system. Medical costs will be outrageous should an unforeseen accident occur. Medical coverage is an absolute must, but travel insurance will also cover other mishaps like trip cancelation and lost luggage, which can also be assuring to have. For Americans visiting Canada, we recommend World Nomads travel insurance which contains the medical coverage you need to have while traveling in Canada. Get a quick quote for your travel dates .

✈️ Getting to Halifax

Halifax is well connected by flights to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Air Canada and WestJet have numerous flights throughout Canada, which make for convenient connections elsewhere.

For those traveling to Halifax from the US, direct flights are limited to Boston year-round, so a connection will likely be necessary. Although, there are seasonal direct flights between Halifax and Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Philadelphia, and DC.

We’ve spotted flights around $400 and less for roundtrips from US locations. Of course, airfare prices change regularly. Search around to score a good deal on flights to Halifax. Get creative with your flight searches and be sure to book at least 3 weeks out (or more) to secure a low fare.

🚐 Getting from the Airport to Downtown Halifax

The Halifax Airport is 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from downtown, so it takes over a half hour to get into town. A taxi will cost you a flat rate of C$65 and Uber estimates are C$55-C$60.

For travelers on a budget, the Regional Express Airport 320 bus runs every 30-60 minutes and drops off in Scotia Square, right in the heart of downtown Halifax. The cost is only C$4.25, so it’s quite the savings over taking a taxi! Find all the timetable and route info: Regional Express 320 .

🚶 Getting Around Halifax

Halifax is a very walkable city . Most all the attractions, restaurants, and bars that we’ve mentioned throughout this guide can be walked to. Be sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes!

Those driving to Halifax and staying downtown (recommended), may find they have no need for their car throughout the visit. If the need arises, you can use Halifax Transit as an affordable way to get around the city. Uber is now in Halifax too, providing a convenient option.

📍 Where to Stay in Halifax

Map showing the best area to stay in Halifax

Most Halifax hotels are naturally located within this area, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Just consider booking early.

📍 For Summer Reservations – Book Early!

If staying in Halifax over the summer, particularly during a summer weekend, be sure to secure a reservation as soon as possible. Hotels will be sold out and those that still have availability will likely have very high prices. Book early to have your pick of hotels and to secure a good rate.

With over 100 properties listed, we’ve found Booking.com to have the most hotel listings and often the best prices too. Search Halifax hotels on Booking for your travel dates to lock in your accommodation.

🚗 Use Tours or Rental Cars for Day Trips from Halifax

There’s no need to rent a car to get around Halifax itself. In fact, it may even be a burden to find parking. Yet Halifax makes a great central base to explore much of Nova Scotia.

We’ve found rental cars to be surprisingly inexpensive in Halifax, with rates as low as C$50 per day for an economy car. Most of the major car rental agencies have locations in downtown Halifax (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, etc.). Often rental car prices were cheaper from those downtown locations compared to picking up a rental car at the airport.

We scoured through all the main booking sites and even got quotes from agencies directly. In doing so, we noticed the best rental car rates in Halifax by searching on Priceline . Book your rental car as early as possible, because these also become sold out during popular summer days. Search rental cars for your travel dates .

🚰 Tap Water in Halifax

Halifax’s tap water is safe and delicious to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle.

💬 Know the Local Lingo in Halifax

You may encounter some new words and phrases while in Halifax, or even while reading this article. To help you make sense of things, here are a few local words we’ve picked up during visits to Halifax:

Bluenoser: A term for someone from Nova Scotia. It originated from the schooner, Bluenose, which is featured on the Canadian dime.
Caper: Someone from Cape Breton Island.
Scotian: Another term for someone from Nova Scotia.
Maritimer: A term for someone from the Maritime provinces, which include Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
The Peninsula : The Halifax Peninsula, is a smaller portion of the city of Halifax that includes downtown and the waterfront and is defined by water boundaries that include the Halifax Harbour, Northwest Arm, and Bedford Basin.
HRM : Stands for “Halifax Regional Municipality,” which is the 5,000+ sq km wide region that includes Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Halifax County.
The Valley : Refers specifically to the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia.
Sociable! : Similar to “cheers!” Raise your glass, say “socialable!”, and take a drink.
Donair: A popular fast food item in Halifax, similar to a gyro, but with a distinct sweet garlic sauce.
Kitchen Party: A social gathering in someone’s kitchen, often involving music and dancing. This is a common tradition in Atlantic Canada.
Storm Chips: Bags of potato chips Nova Scotians stock up on before a storm.

📖 Order a Free Halifax Visitor Guide

Want some more info and ideas for Halifax, be sure to check out Discover Halifax . It’s the official tourism website for Halifax and has loads of great information. If you live in the US or Canada, they’ll even mail you a complimentary Halifax Visitor Guide by using this link .

If you want even more travel info for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Maritimes, consider ordering a Travel Guide. We like the Lonely Planet Nova Scotia , which was last updated in 2022.

Best Things To Do in Halifax: Conclusion

We hope that this post has helped to give you lots of ideas for what to do in Halifax and show that it is very possible to enjoy many things to do, whatever the travel budget. Halifax is a wonderful city that has proven to be one of our favorite lengthy stays while traveling all over the world.

We have absolutely fallen in love with Halifax while roaming around the city.

If this travel guide has helped you plan your things to do in Halifax, please let us know in the comments below.

Or if you have been to this fun Canadian city and have your own travel tips or suggestions for things to do in Halifax – let us know too! We will certainly be back and would love to use your Halifax travel tips and update this article again!

Happy travels to beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia! 🇨🇦

Publishing note: This article about the Best Things to Do in Halifax was originally published in November 2017. It was most recently updated in June 2024, in an effort to reflect current pricing and up-to-date info.

Tidal Bore Rafting on the Most Extreme Tides in the World

December 27, 2023 at 2:31 AM

Awesome Halifax travel guide! Planning a trip and these 35 tips are gold. Thanks for the simple and friendly advice!

February 19, 2023 at 6:51 PM

Thank you so much for the tips John! What a great site!!! A bunch of friends and I are taking a cruise and only have 1 day in Halifax so this really helped narrow down the must see list. Do you know by any chance if there are (electric) scooters or bikes to rent to scoot around downtown for the day?

October 26, 2019 at 4:33 PM

This is a phenomenal post for Halifax! Thanks for a TON of tips and suggestions. Glad I stumbled upon it. Getting that jump on planning for a visit in Summer 2020!

October 28, 2019 at 2:16 AM

So glad it’s proved helpful! Hope you have a great trip to this awesome city! 😀

August 10, 2019 at 9:05 PM

Very helpful article, thank you! As a quick note, you might want to double check that 18-20 are all listed as “drunken lampposts “!

August 13, 2019 at 12:09 PM

Thanks for catching that and alerting us. 🙂 I’ve just updated to correct those subheadings.

July 29, 2019 at 6:18 AM

Great post and really well put together! makes me want to go back to nova scotia now. Thanks

July 23, 2019 at 12:19 AM

Wow…you have given us a lot to think about!!! Great tip about Driver Dave!!! The no Uber/Lyft was a big surprise; we have found the service so inexpensive when we travel whether we drive or fly so we don’t need to draw straws for who will be the DD. So yikes…now we need a car for a couple days and look at that!! You provided that info as well!! Out of curiosity, are taxi’s expensive in the city for short distances?

This is so well thought out and researched, thank you for all the tips and suggestions. This will be my 2nd trip to Halifax and I cannot wait!! Six more sleeps 😉

July 26, 2019 at 1:05 PM

Yes, Driver Daves is really convenient and certainly the most economical private ride transfer from the airport into Halifax. Yeah, it’s too bad they don’t have rideshares available in Halifax as we’ve found it to be so convenient and often affordable in many places around the world. Taxi prices for short distances around Halifax are quite pricey, at least by our standards. But we always have such a pleasant time walking around the city, so we never feel a need to splurge on taking a taxi within the city. The relatively inexpensive rental cars helped for when needing to get to further-flung locations. Hope you have a great return trip back to Halifax with lots of beer and empty plates – cheers!

June 15, 2019 at 11:41 PM

This is truly a very helpful guide! You wrote it with so much passion and caring attitude for us which I liked most. Thank you so much! Me, my husband, our son will be visiting our daughter who study there. I will keep your instructions in-front of me to get the best of Halifax from a short visit. Sending best wishes from Bangladesh.

June 19, 2019 at 7:14 PM

Thanks so much for taking the time to drop us a comment. We just recently updated this post, so makes us happy to hear that it’s getting out there and people are finding it useful! Hope you have a great visit. Halifax is truly such a pleasant and welcoming place, as I’m sure your daughter must be experiencing. ধন্যবাদ 🙂

September 24, 2018 at 9:31 PM

I’ve never heard of the drunk lampposts. I might need to check those out.

I’ve also never heard of “The West Arm”, it’s actually called the Northwest Arm.

September 25, 2018 at 9:24 AM

The drunken lampposts are a funny sight. If you take a southerly stroll along the waterfront, you’re bound to stumble into them.

Ah, yes, it’s Northwest Arm, not West Arm. Not sure how we let that slip through, but we’ve just edited to correct, so thank you. 🙂

June 2, 2018 at 11:17 PM

Thanks – very helpful. Will be traveling in early August. Can’t wait!

June 5, 2018 at 10:28 AM

August should be a beautiful time to visit Halifax – hope you have a fantastic trip! 🙂

May 15, 2018 at 4:31 PM

We are traveling to Halifax in just a few weeks and so glad to have stumbled upon this page. So much great info and recommendations, thanks for putting this together!

May 25, 2018 at 1:16 PM

Awesome! We hope you have an great trip to Halifax ahead. What a great way to kick-off the summer fun! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment with your feedback. 🙂

April 27, 2018 at 3:16 AM

Fantastic post. Halifax is in my bucket list so I found your post very helpful also the budget table is very useful to plan a trip accordingly. All the places seems very interesting so I would love to visit them all.Keep sharing such posts.

May 9, 2018 at 10:51 AM

Thanks and we hope you make it to this great city one day! It’s definitely a place to tick off the bucketlist and makes a great base to explore Nova Scotia!

November 28, 2017 at 8:40 AM

I wouldn’t leave out of any the options that you have listed here! They all sound like wonderful experiences, and the place is so laid-back and relaxed that I would probably need a few days here to complete all of that 🙂

November 28, 2017 at 4:59 AM

This is an awesome guide for visiting Halifax!! Thank you so much for creating it! It’s amazing how many things you can do for free there. I love how many of your suggestions are for outdoorsy activities. The city looks gorgeous! Your tips on using public transport, including the local ferry instead of an expensive boat cruise, are super helpful. Will definitely add Halifax to our Canada itinerary!

November 27, 2017 at 10:25 PM

Great post. Really comprehensive. Walking along the waterfront, canoeing, going on the warship and looking at Street Art seem like activities I would enjoy. Pinning this to my Budget Travel board.

November 29, 2017 at 10:14 PM

Oh thanks! The waterfront and canoeing are certainly two of our favorites in Halifax. Also, glad to hear you’ve added this to your Pinterest travel board and sharing. 🙂

November 27, 2017 at 2:37 PM

thank you for this thorough guide to Halifax. There are plenty activities to enjoy for free that allow visitors to enjoy the waterfront and the culture of the city. I would love to go during a festival and enjoy some of the outdoors activities.

November 29, 2017 at 10:10 PM

Yeah, those summer festivals in Halifax are pretty nice and the amazing summer weather seems to make any outdoor pursuit there even more enjoyable! 🙂

November 27, 2017 at 11:39 AM

This list is epic and I am so impressed that you wrote this with so much detailing. It’s interesting that sometimes even presumably expensive cities can be done on a budget 🙂

The most fascinating bit was the final resting place of the most Titanic victims…I had no idea such a place even existed. And a visit there is free…

November 29, 2017 at 10:09 PM

Yes, we had feared Halifax may not be in our budget so we were really pleasantly surprised to discover reasonable accommodation, cheap restaurants, and so many free things to do in Halifax! Am hoping the detail we’ve included in this Halifax travel guide will help others to experience all that this city has to offer.

November 27, 2017 at 11:12 AM

I loved the way you actually listed down all the things with their approximate costs! Superb! Halifax certainly looks a very pretty place with lots to see! The boats along the waterfront makes for such a pretty sight and I am sure I’d love a canoe ride and a visit to the farmer’s market! I love markets and the delicious sights and smells on display! The colours of houses along the fisherman’s bay look amazing! Big Big fan of street art so glad you covered that too. What a lovely coverage you have here! 🙂 Bookmarking this!

November 29, 2017 at 10:07 PM

Oh thanks! Yes, there’s certainly a lot to see and do here. The waterfront, markets, canoeing, and the street art were also among our favorite things to do in Halifax! 🙂

November 26, 2017 at 5:28 AM

Love the way you have presented the cost in a table. It would be really helpful while planning a trip to Halifax. The Road train looks so cute, and its amazing that is free or voluntary donation based.

November 26, 2017 at 6:44 PM

Oh, good. Yeah, we wanted to show at a quick glance just how budget-friendly Halifax can be, so hope that cost table help to display that. We kept seeing that road train all over the Halifax waterfront – it’s actually quite popular, sometimes with lines forming to ride on it. But oddly enough, we never hopped on during the entire month we were in there because we always enjoyed walking around the waterfront so much!

November 26, 2017 at 3:22 AM

it is nice to know that there are so many sites to see for FREE! Amazing on all as it definitely a whole lot of experience 🙂

November 26, 2017 at 6:41 PM

Yes, we were amazed to find so many free sites and activities throughout Halifax. The city truly has so much to offer without having to spend a dime. Free canoeing, skating, museums, plays – it’s really pretty incredible!

November 26, 2017 at 3:15 AM

What a great guide to Halifax. I’ve been dying to visit Nova Scotia, so this is so helpful. Maxwell’s Plum sounds like really and truly has some incredible specials. I know that would absolutely help our budget while traveling! I’d definitely have a pint or two at Garrisons Brewery

November 26, 2017 at 6:39 PM

We loved visiting Nova Scotia, so hope you make it there! Halifax made for a great central base to experience many of the sites around the province. And, yes – you really can’t beat the $3 steak dinner at Maxwell’s Plum! And it’s actually a pretty decent steak too. 🙂

November 12, 2017 at 11:48 AM

Thanks for the shout out! I started the Specials Guide around 5 years ago and update it every 6 months or so. I started it so that I could keep track of cheap places to eat and drink, and then figured people would be interested too! I’m living in Tanzania currently, but still managed to update it a couple of months ago. Great post!

November 13, 2017 at 11:11 PM

Thank YOU for taking the time to put that together and update it. It’s a great resource that helped lead us to some deals all around town. I’d imagine many people find it really helpful! I know we did. Wow, enjoy Tanzania – special place!

A Perfect One to Three Day Halifax Itinerary

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: September 16, 2020 - Last updated: February 23, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Growing up in the province next door, I’ve been to Halifax many times before but haven’t spent a lot of time there as an adult. So when I traveled to Nova Scotia to drive the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton this summer, I decided to add on Halifax to my itinerary. It was a great decision – there are so many fun things to do in Halifax.

Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant neighborhoods, stuffing your face with lobster at amazing restaurants, or on a day trip to nearby islands and charming small towns, there are so many awesome places to visit in Halifax. If you’re planning a trip, this post will help you map out a perfect Halifax itinerary!

Part of my time in Halifax was in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism. I am so thankful to them for supporting local creators during this time!

Day 1 Halifax Itinerary: Explore Downtown Halifax

Walk the harbourfront.

Halifax has changed a lot since the last time I was there. The city has done a great job developing the waterfront and downtown core, which has an amazing atmosphere. Atlantic Canada isn’t known for having big cities, and Halifax is the largest that you’ll find. It may not be the metropolis of Toronto or Montreal , but Halifax has its own unique maritime charm that will make you quickly fall in love.

Start your day by walking along the harbourfront. There’s a lot going on and it’s a great place to kick-off your Halifax itinerary. I have to say, I was a bit jealous coming from St. John’s Newfoundland . I wish our harbourfront was as pedestrian-friendly!

halifax itinerary day 1 - walk the harbourfront

Stop by the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market on the South end of the Harbourfront where you can grab a local coffee and stock up on fresh produce if you’re renting an Airbnb and want to cook for yourself.

Right next door to the farmers market is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 . This is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history. Many years ago, Halifax was a major port of call for European travelers and anyone who was immigrating to Canada would have to pass through Pier 21. At the museum, you can learn about the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada.

You can also visit the The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront, to learn more about Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage.

The Halifax waterfront doesn’t take long to walk from end to end, but there is a lot going on down there. There are many restaurants if you want to grab a bite – Bicycle Thief is a popular choice. If you want something quick, there are several food shacks. I highly recommend COWS ice cream – this is what my childhood dreams were made of! There’s also a couple of beer gardens, which is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends.

On the other end of the harbourfront, there are these amazing hammocks you can hang out on and enjoy the views of Georges Island. I love how chill Halifax is!

Halifax itinerary ideas: Enjoy it on the water

For a different view of the harbourfront, rent jet skis or join a kayaking tour with Harbour Watercraft. We took a kayaking tour on a sunny Sunday morning and it was such a lovely experience. Being out in the water is so nice on a hot summer day. You get great views of the city and can paddle out to George’s Island to check out the lighthouse there. I also saw cute seals in the water!

Kayaking by George's Island halifax itinerary

If that’s not your thing, you can also join a tall ship sailing tour to explore the harbourfront. During a sailing tour, you’ll get a guided tour of the harbor with notable sights such as the Harbour Bridge, Fort George, McNab’s Island, Point Pleasant Park, and the Historic Properties.

Spring Garden Road

After strolling the harbourfront, walk 15-minutes North to Spring Garden road. This is a major commercial and cultural district in Halifax where you’ll find great shopping and dining options. Check out the Garden Bar Lounge and Cafe. The interior is beautiful and they’ve even got hammocks in their outdoor seating. Nothing goes better with brunch then a hammock!

Walking along Spring Garden Road, you’ll undoubtedly notice the gorgeous Halifax Central library. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture inside and out. It’s refreshing to see a city investing in its library!

Visit the Halifax Public Gardens

Keep walking along Spring Garden road and you’ll come across the Halifax public gardens. This is such a lovely green space right in the city center. It is one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden in North America. The public gardens are a perfect place to go and take cute photos!

Visit Citadel Hill National Historic Site

Right next to the public gardens is the Citadel Hill National Historic Site , which is one of the most popular places to visit in Halifax. Strategically located on a hill looking over the city, the Halifax Citadel was part of the incredibly impressive Halifax defense complex used during the world wars. While visiting Citadel National Historic Site, you can step back and time and learn what roles the fort and its inhabitants played. The views of Halifax from Citadel Hill are also wonderful.

Join a spirit tasting at Citadel Hill

Another fun thing to do at Citadel Hill is join a spirit tasting. A local distillery is making spirits at Citadel Hill, and Nova Scotia Tourism arranged a tour for us to taste some of them.

After a guided tour of Citadel Hill where we learned about the history of alcohol in the British military and how it was used to rally the troops, we headed into the barrel room to pick a spirit to try.

After opening the barrel, we headed inside to sample it alongside three other spirits and a delicious charcuterie board. Honestly, I’m not a big spirit drinker (I’m a beer gal), but I have to say these were very good. This is a really fun way to spend an evening in Halifax!

After the spirit tasting, we went on a ghost tour around Citadel Hill. Only guided by candlelight, we explored the chambers and alleyways while the guide told us ghost stories that people have reported over the years. I’m actually pretty terrified of ghosts, so I’m grateful I had some whiskey courage! If you’re into ghost stories, this is a great thing to do in Halifax.

Join a segway tour

If you’re short on time and want to see a lot of Halifax, a great thing to do is join a guided segway tour . I used to think these were lame, but I tried it while in Italy earlier this year and it’s actually so much fun. I saw so people on segways while I was visiting Halifax!

Day 2: Neighbourhoods and Islands

Now that you’ve explored downtown Halifax by foot, it’s time to venture out to nearby islands and neighborhoods.

Visit George’s island

One of the newest things to do in Halifax is to visit George’s Island national Historic Site. You can see this island from the harbourfront, but it only opened up to the public at the beginning of August. George’s Island is another part of the Halifax Defense Complex.

It’s just a quick 5-minute boat ride from the harbourfront to the island, where you can do a self-guided tour of the fort or join a guided tour of the tunnels.

We did the guided tunnel tour which was so neat to walk through. Georges Island also has a beautiful view of the skyline of Halifax. You can even see wildlife there. Okay, I’m talking about snakes. You have been warned!

George’s Island is only opened on Saturdays and Sundays to the public. The tours have been extended until October 11th so get there soon if you want to visit this year!

Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Center

Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Center is a really cute place to visit near Halifax, it’s just a 20-minute drive. This small fishing village is made up of colorful cabins with a boardwalk, where you can find local gift shops and dining options. You can also join kayaking tours from Fisherman’s wharf with Kattuk Expeditions.

Right next door to Fisherman’s Cove is McCormacks Beach Provincial Park, which is a great place to soak in nature and watch the sunset.

McNabs islands

I just love how there are so many islands to visit near Halifax! McNabs is one of the larger ones in the harbor, which you’ve probably already guessed – was part of the Halifax Complex Defence. It’s a lot bigger than George’s island, you could spend the entire day walking around McNabs.

If you don’t know someone with a boat to get to McNabs, you can hire a boat to take you from Halifax or Fisherman’s Cove. We got a boat from Fisherman’s Cove which took about 20-minutes and cost $15 each.

On McNabs island there are gorgeous hiking trails, forts to explore, and stunning beaches. It’s a lovely place to go swimming. If you’re craving nature while visiting Halifax, McNabs Island is the perfect place to go.

North End / Hydrostone Market

One of the best parts of visiting Halifax is that there are a number of different cute neighborhoods to explore. One that I really enjoyed was Hydrostone market in the North End. It’s just a small street but it’s lined with cute restaurants and boutique shops that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.

The north end of Halifax used to be considered a no-go zone for Tourists but in recent years it has gentrified and now has some of the best restaurants and breweries in the city. I recommend Agricola Street Brasserie, a French-style restaurant where I had a delicious lobster and avocado focaccia for brunch. Halifax does brunch really well!

Another neighborhood that’s turned itself around in the last few years is Dartmouth. It’s across the harbor from Halifax, so you can get there by driving over the bridge or taking a short ferry ($3.50). What’s cool about taking the ferry is that it gives you a chance to get photos of the Halifax Skyline from the water. Dartmouth has many awesome restaurants and breweries where you can try some of the awesome craft beer Halifax has. The Canteen is a great choice!

Day 3: Take a Day Trip

Another great thing about Halifax is that there are so many day trip options less then hours drive from the city. If you’ve got an extra day on your Halifax itinerary, rent a car and visit one of these stunning places.

Halifax Itinerary Ideas: Peggy’s Cove

Less then an hour’s drive away from Halifax is one of the most iconic lighthouses in North America – Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Built in 1915, this stunning lighthouse stands on a gorgeous rocky landscape facing the Atlantic ocean. It’s an amazing place to take photographs, especially at sunrise or sunset. Peggy’s Cove itself is also quite picturesque and still an active fishing community today.

If you don’t have your own car, there are also many guided tours to Peggy’s Cove you can join.

Mahone Bay & Lunenberg

If you want to see more charming towns in Nova Scotia, continue driving along the South shore. Known as the lighthouse route, this part of Nova Scotia is lined with gorgeous small towns. One you don’t want to miss is Mahone Bay, an area popular for sailing.

Just a 15-minute drive from Mahone Bay is Lunenberg, a UNESCO world heritage site that has become one of the most photographed towns in Nova Scotia. There are so many colorful houses here, it’s hard not to fall in love! If you want a view of Lunenberg like above, head to the golf course across the water.

Just a 10-minute drive away from Lunenberg is Blue Rocks, a very small and quiet picturesque fishing village.

Hit the Beach

If you’re craving beach time, there are plenty to choose from less then an hours drive from Halifax. Lawrencetown Beach is a popular choice – you can actually go surfing there!

Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting

If you want an adrenaline-filled day, head out to the Shubenacadie River and join a guided tidal bore rafting adventure. This is a pretty unique experience, and unlike any other rafting tour I’ve experienced. What’s unique about this rafting is that the rapids are caused by the tides changing directions in the bay of Fundy.

On the tour, we headed out on zodiac boats and first got the chance to go mud sliding. Don’t worry, the river is great at cleaning you off! From there, we waited for the tides to come in, and then the guide took us through the rapids. We got absolutely soaked – it’s a blast!

Where to stay in Halifax

steps away from halifax marrioth harbourfront hotel

I was hosted at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hote l which is a great option if you’re looking to stay downtown.

I highly recommend basing yourself on or near the harbourfront in Halifax, that way you have so many amenities right outside your door.

Steps outside the Marriott, there were restaurants, beer gardens, and even a COWS ice cream. So convenient! The rooms also have ocean views which are so nice to wake up too.

Halifax has a wide variety of apartments, B&B’s, and budget hotels to choose from which I’ve covered more in-depth in my where to stay in Halifax guide.

There are also a few hostels to choose from in Halifax which is a great option if you’re on a limited budget or traveling solo and want to make friends. HI-Halifax is centrally located downtown and has great reviews!

FAQ: Halifax Itinerary Guide

What is halifax best known for.

Halifax is renowned for its rich maritime history, vibrant waterfront, and the iconic Citadel National Historic Site.

How do I spend a day in Halifax Nova Scotia?

Spend a day exploring the Halifax Citadel, strolling along the waterfront boardwalk, and indulging in local seafood delicacies.

Is Halifax Nova Scotia worth visiting?

Absolutely, Halifax offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Canada.

Is Halifax walkable from cruise port?

Yes, Halifax is highly walkable from the cruise port, with many major attractions within easy walking distance.

What is Halifax most popular food?

Halifax is famous for its fresh seafood, especially lobster, fish and chips, and donair, a local favorite.

What is the best month to visit Halifax?

The best months to visit Halifax are from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the city is alive with events.

Do you need a car when visiting Halifax?

While Halifax’s downtown area is walkable, a car is useful for exploring surrounding attractions like Peggy’s Cove and the Annapolis Valley.

What is high season in Nova Scotia?

The high season in Nova Scotia runs from June to August, featuring warm weather and numerous festivals.

What is the coldest month in Halifax?

January is the coldest month in Halifax, with chilly temperatures and snowfall common.

Can you swim in the ocean in Halifax?

Yes, you can swim in the ocean in Halifax during the warmer months, with several beaches nearby offering pleasant swimming conditions.

I hope this post could give you some inspiration for planning your Halifax itinerary! It’s a wonderful city well worth spending a couple of days in. Have you been before? Let me know what your favorite thing to do in Halifax is!

Pssst – Halifax is a great addition to an East Coast Canada road trip. If you’re planning a trip through Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland combined with Nova Scotia – this guide has all the info you need.

Traveling in Nova Scotia? Check out these posts!

How to Plan an Epic East Coast Canada Road Trip [2023]
A Perfect Cabot Trail Itinerary in Cape Breton Nova Scotia
Where To Stay In Halifax Nova Scotia
The Best Places to Stay on the Cabot Trail

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

Everything You Need to Know About the Halifax Public Gardens

Step into a fairytale at the Halifax Public Gardens. Get lost in the beauty of this historic gem, nestled in the heart of Halifax. Explore the vibrant floral displays, catch fuzzy ducklings nuzzling each other near the pond, and wander the lush, intricate pathways that tell the tales of more than 150 years of botanical wonder.

The Halifax Public Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful 16-acre Victorian-era public gardens formally established in 1867. It features carefully manicured lawns, colourful floral displays, and mature trees, along with a historic bandstand, duck pond, fountains, and a system of winding paths through it all.

History of the Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful 16-acre Victorian-era public gardens formally established in 1867 through the amalgamation of two adjoining gardens; a swampy piece of wasteland and a beautiful bequest from an estate.

Initiated by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836 and spearheaded by Joseph Howe, the Gardens were developed on a 5.5-acre piece of the Halifax Commons that was donated in 1841. Twenty-five years later, in 1866, politician John MacCulloch began the work of expanding the Gardens, and by 1872, Richard Power unified the gardens into a cohesive design. Many notable features were added during this period, including the Bandstand, Jubilee Fountain, and Gardener’s Lodge.

Continuous restoration efforts, particularly after Hurricane Juan in 2003, vandalism in 2022, and a fire in Horticultural Hall in 2023, have preserved and enhanced this historic urban oasis.

Garden Features

Main Gates The ornate wrought iron gates which welcome visitors to the Gardens bear the coat of arms of the city of Halifax, “E Mari Merces”, which means wealth from the sea.

Bandstand The original bandstand, built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, was restored in 2011 and sits at the heart of the Halifax Public Gardens. has been a venue for concerts and been the focus of social events for over 125 years. During the summer there are 32 geometric garden beds surrounding the bandstand, planted in traditional Victorian annuals. These floating beds provide exuberant colour and complement the intricately carved wooden trim of the bandstand.

Bridges The upper and lower bridges of the Public Gardens are destinations of choice for wedding and graduation photos. Both are made of concrete, with elaborate balusters and concrete urns on the four corner pedestals.

Carpet Beds Carpet beds are a Victorian garden tradition consisting of densely arranged dwarf plants with contrasting leaf colours depicting a particular design or motif. The plants usually are not allowed to flower and are consistently clipped during the season to keep the lines sharp. The Halifax Public Gardens contain two carpet beds that are used annually to commemorate special events.

Geometric Beds The 32 geometric geometric beds are a common element of Victorian gardens. During the summer these floating beds, planted in traditional Victorian annuals, provide exuberant colour and visual intrigue.

Tropical Display Bed As was the custom of the times, Victorian Gardens included Tropical Display Beds for exotic plant material that few people would otherwise be able to see. Most of the plants in the display bed must be overwintered in greenhouses to survive Halifax’s Zone 6 winters.

Horticultural Hall Originally built as a meeting hall and storage area for the NS Horticultural Society in 1847, Horticultural Hall is the oldest part of the Halifax Public Gardens along with the four elm trees at each of its four corners. Today, it houses a café where visitors can enjoy their coffee and snacks on the deck surrounding the building.

Griffin’s Pond and Titanic Model This man-made pond is named after a young Irishman who was hanged on its banks and whose murder conviction was later questioned. Griffin’s pond was once part of a natural watercourse that flowed through the Gardens. Over the years it has become a stopping place for migrating birds, and a regular flyover location for cruising ospreys. Since 1994, a model of the Titanic, donated by the Maritime Ship Modellers Guild, makes its summer anchorage on Griffin’s Pond. This follows a long-standing tradition of displaying ships’ models in Victorian gardens.

Soldier’s Memorial Fountain The 1903 fountain commemorates Canadian soldiers from the South African War, topped with a figure modeled after a local Mounted Rifleman, supported by a Corinthian capital with four cranes. Nearby, a Weeping European Beech and a ring of Camperdown Elms, including one donated by a soldier’s family, add to the memorial’s significance.

Bird Enclosure An Aviary or significant recognition of feathered garden denizens is often a regular feature of a Victorian Garden. The Halifax Public Gardens has had, until recently a Bird Enclosure, originally named as the Swan Enclosure. This site has been the home of swans and geese since King George V donated the first pair of swans to the Public Gardens in 1926. After the death of Horatio (2008), the last surviving swan, Flora and Finnegan, a pair of Toulouse Geese, became the new residents of the bird enclosure. Diana, another Toulouse Goose joined Flora after the sudden death of Finnegan. Both Flora and Diana have delighted visitors with their supple, gyrating necks. until they too passed on. Today, swans grace the garden with their presence every summer, and during the winter months, they take a winter vacation at a wildlife sanctuary.

Visiting the Gardens

Location The Halifax Public Gardens comprise an entire block of the downtown core, bordered by Spring Garden Road, Summer Street, South Park Street, and Sackville Street.

The main gate of the Halifax Public Gardens is located at the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street, with gates at the other three corners as well.

Hours Gates open at 8 a.m. and close 30 minutes before dusk, year round.

Make a day of your visit

There are plenty of things to do around the Halifax Public Gardens. Whether you’re cozying up at the Public Library, filling up on fresh fare, strolling the dreamy gardens, or browsing local goods at a boutique, you can find it all in the Spring Garden Area. A few local favourites include:

Ice cream at the Dairy Bar * Coffee at Apartment 3 Espresso Bar Brunch at Bliss Caffeine Bar Catch a Halifax Wanderers FC game at the Wanderers Grounds* Grab a local pint at Stillwell Beergarden * Browse the stacks at the Halifax Central Library Shop the boutiques along Spring Garden Road

Guidelines for visiting the Gardens

To protect the serene atmosphere and enjoyment of the Gardens, pets, bicycles and jogging are not permitted within the Gardens. Bike parking is available outside the main gate.

The Public Gardens is a smoke free zone. No smoking is permitted anywhere in the Gardens.

Please do not feed the water fowl and birds – there is plenty of natural food is available for them.

Please use the waste receptacles available throughout the Gardens.

Please use the established pathways rather than the grass to enjoy the garden vistas. Lawn activity is encouraged on the Family Lawn Area located at the Spring Garden and Summer Streets area.

Halifax Public Gardens FAQs

What is the price of admission? The Halifax Public Gardens are free to enter. Do I need a reservation? No reservations are required for daily entry to the Gardens.

Do the Gardens offer guided tours? Free one-hour horticultural and historical tours are available. Learn more . Can I have my wedding in the Gardens? Weddings are not allowed in the Gardens as they are private events and all events within the Gardens must be open to the public.

Can I take my wedding/prom pictures in the Gardens? Wedding and prom pictures are encouraged. Share the gardens and be respectful of other parties, the flower beds and grass.

Can I have a picnic in the Gardens? Yes, in the family area which is a spacious area facing Summer Street. We request you do not walk or sit on the grass in the other areas of the gardens.

Welcome to Halifax

P'jilita'q wla kjipuktuk.

Halifax is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land. Historically, a land acknowledgment is a traditional practice shared amongst Indigenous groups to recognize the Indigenous land and territory they are visiting. Today a land acknowledgement remains a way to express one’s gratitude to the Indigenous people for being stewards of the land that we live and work on.

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Tracking Hurricane Ernesto

By William B. Davis , Madison Dong , Judson Jones , John Keefe and Bea Malsky

Ernesto was a Category 1 hurricane in the Sargasso Sea Thursday afternoon Eastern time, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory .

The hurricane had sustained wind speeds of 85 miles per hour. Follow our coverage here .

Ernesto is the fifth named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2024.

What does the storm look like from above?

Satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size and cohesion of a storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it.

In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that there would be 17 to 25 named storms this year, an above-normal amount .

This season follows an overly active year, with 20 named storms — including an early storm later given the official name of “Unnamed.” It was the eighth year in a row to surpass the average of 14 named storms. Only one hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the United States.

Typically, the El Niño pattern that was in force last season would have suppressed hurricanes and reduced the number of storms in a season. But in 2023, the warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic blunted El Niño’s usual effect of thwarting storms.

The warm ocean temperatures that fueled last year’s season returned even warmer at the start of this season, raising forecasters’ confidence that there would be more storms this year. The heightened sea surface temperatures could also strengthen storms more rapidly than usual.

To make matters worse, the El Niño pattern present last year is also diminishing, most likely creating a more suitable atmosphere for storms to form and intensify.

Hurricanes need a calm environment to form, and, in the Atlantic, a strong El Niño increases the amount of wind shear — a change in wind speed and/or direction with height — which disrupts a storm's ability to coalesce. Without El Niño this year, clouds are more likely to tower to the tall heights needed to sustain a powerful cyclone.

Sources and notes

Tracking map Tracking data is from the National Hurricane Center. The map shows probabilities of at least 5 percent. The forecast is for up to five days, with that time span starting up to three hours before the reported time that the storm reaches its latest location. Wind speed probability data is not available north of 60.25 degrees north latitude.

Wind arrivals table Arrival times are generated from a New York Times analysis of National Hurricane Center data. Geographic locations use data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Natural Earth. Time zones are based on Google. The table shows predicted arrival times of sustained, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or more for select cities with a chance of such winds reaching them. If damaging winds reach a location, there is no more than a 10 percent chance that they will arrive before the “earliest reasonable” time and a 50 percent chance they will arrive before the “most likely” time.

Radar map Radar imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Iowa State University. These mosaics are generated by combining individual radar stations that comprise the NEXRAD network.

Storm surge map Storm surge data is from the National Hurricane Center. Forecasts only include the United States Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The actual areas that could become flooded may differ from the areas shown on this map. This map accounts for tides, but not waves and not flooding caused by rainfall. The map also includes intertidal areas, which routinely flood during typical high tides.

Satellite map Imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Precipitation map Data for multi-day forecasts or observed rainfall totals are from the National Weather Service. The 1-day forecast is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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TIFF 2024: Francis Ford Coppola, Pedro Almodóvar films among wealth of high-profile additions to lineup

Director Francis Ford Coppola at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, in Cannes, southern France, on May 17. Coppola’s epic sci-fi drama Megalopolis will have its North American premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. Scott A Garfitt/The Associated Press

New films starring Adam Driver, Julianne Moore, Daniel Craig, Nicole Kidman and Gillian Anderson are coming to next month’s Toronto International Film Festival , as organizers announced a surprisingly large number of high-profile, late-addition titles Tuesday while revealing this year’s full schedule.

The 20 new films – which span the Gala, Special Presentations, Centrepiece , Discovery and Special Events programs – bring the 49th annual festival’s total to 278 titles. By announcing so many new selections just three weeks before TIFF kicks off Sept. 5, organizers shook up the traditional rhythms of the film-festival calendar, as typically only a handful of additional movies get confirmed this close to launch.

Highlights include the North American premiere of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic sci-fi drama Megalopolis starring Driver and Aubrey Plaza, which premiered to polarizing reviews at this past spring’s Cannes Film Festival; the North American premiere of Luca Guadagnino’s drama Queer , an adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novel of the same name, starring Craig; the world premiere of Marianne Elliott’s drama The Salt Path , starring Anderson and Jason Isaacs; the North American premiere of Halina Reijn’s erotic thriller Babygirl starring Kidman, Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas; the Canadian premiere of Jason Reitman’s dramatization of Saturday Night Live ’s very first episode, titled Saturday Night ; and the North American premiere of Brady Corbet’s epic post-Second World War drama The Brutalist , starring Adrien Brody.

Also coming to TIFF after much industry speculation is Pedro Almodóvar ’s drama The Room Next Door , starring Moore and Tilda Swinton. The film marks the Spanish director’s feature-length English-language debut, and its North American premiere in Toronto will set the stage for TIFF’s newly announced Lightbox retrospective of Almodóvar’s career, which will run in November.

TIFF will also welcome back two long-time festival veterans, Canadian Mina Shum and Oscar winner Damien Chazelle , as the two filmmakers will attend retrospective screenings of their respective breakthroughs, 1994′s Double Happiness and 2016′s Whiplash .

Organizers also announced Tuesday this festival’s off-screen programming. Highlights include the “In Conversation With …” series, which will feature live conversations with Cate Blanchett, Zoe Saldana, Steven Soderbergh and Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook; the Visionaries series, part of TIFF’s Industry Conference, featuring onstage dialogues with Alfonso Cuarón, Pete Docter, Franklin Leonard, Steven Moffat and Malala Yousafzai; the return of the Black Excellence Brunch, celebrating Black leaders in the Canadian and global film landscape; and the new event Play the Part, featuring a conversation between director Jia Zhang-Ke (at TIFF with his new film Caught by the Tides ) and his protégé, filmmaker Rafael Manuel ( 102 Narra ).

Tuesday’s news marks TIFF’s last official programming announcement leading up to next month’s festival. Single tickets for the 11-day event will go on sale to the public starting Aug. 26.

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Read our Best Things to do in Nova Scotia - The Ultimate Travel Guide. 1. Alexander Keith ' s Brewery Tour. One of our favourite things to do in Halifax was to take the Alexander Keith ' s Brewery tour. As Dave said during our tour, "Alexander Keith's is a is a gathering of good people, great beer and great music.".
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Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. 3,391. Piers & Boardwalks. Scenic harborfront boardwalk blends dining from street food to fine cuisine, maritime history at the museum, and local art, perfect for a leisurely stroll. See ways to experience (23) 2024. 5. Alexander Keith's Brewery. 1,282.
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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Halifax (2024)
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