Top 23 things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

15 min readOct 24, 2020

Introduction

Top 23 things to do in Halifax as Halifax is one of Canada’s most amazing cities. From the incredible maritime coastline to the rich historical landmarks, this east coast city has no shortage of fun things to see and do — plus; it is the ultimate city for history buffs. Below are some of our favorite free pursuits.

With The planet’s second-largest all-natural harbor and being the energetic hub of Atlantic Canada, Halifax is best known for its historic charm, community spirit, fresh seafood, and incredible all-natural landscapes. Make the most of your visit with these must-visit attractions.

The Waterfront in downtown Halifax

The best way to start a trip and check the Top 23 things to do in Halifax is by strolling Along the four-kilometer Harbourwalk, which winds along the colorful Waterfront. Start in the Historical Properties, where three blocks-worth of warehouses and Victorian-era buildings dating back to the 1700s are beautifully restored. Not only do the facades make a lovely backdrop, but they also house a number of the city’s most popular dining areas, including Twin Deck, Salty’s, Gahan House, and COWS Creamery.

Centre, the harbor where ship tours and whale-watching excursions depart from, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which has a selection of artifacts from the Titanic. Halifax was the nearest major port into where the storied ship sank, which is why all of the recovered bodies and wreckage finally ended up in town.

Wildly popular during the summer months, there’s always Something happening along Halifax’s Waterfront. Lined with bars, restaurants, food stalls, souvenir shops, and Adirondack chairs, there’s plenty to keep you busy on a stroll along its 2.5-mi (4-km) boardwalk. This area is also home to two of the town’s must-visit museums — the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Popular dining spots include The Bicycle Thief — serving up Italian cuisine, and the Lower Deck Pub — the ideal place for a casual afternoon beer.

A calm oasis in the heart of the city, the Halifax Public Gardens is a great place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy a deal from the on-site cafe, Uncommon Grounds. Having been around the public because Canada achieved confederation in 1867, it’s among the earliest Victorian gardens in North America. Its immaculately manicured lawns and gardens often act as backdrops for wedding photoshoots. Flowers and plants from a range of ponds line the walkways here. Expect to see a variety of flora, including sweet-smelling roses, towering trees, and desert cactus

The boardwalk ends at the Farmers’ Market and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which means that you can see most of the top Halifax attractions without straying too far from the water.

Spend a day visiting some of Halifax’s most excellent Restaurants, stopping by the museums, and relaxing in hammock swings. The Waterfront also plays host to festivals and events year-round.

The view from the Citadel

Finding the Very Best view usually means heading upward visiting the top 23 things to do in Halifax, that hilltop spot is the iconic Citadelthat built back in 1749 to protect the city; the star-shaped fort overlooks the harbor. It is essentially responsible for Halifax’s founding, as the British military was drawn to the easily-defendable perch on what is now called Citadel Hill.

Parks Canada currently operates the popular site, which offers Guided tours explaining what life was like in the fort back in the first days. There is also a daily shooting of the gun and enjoyable signature experiences like Soldier for a Day. You can get outfitted in a uniform, practice marching drills, and even get to fire an old-fashioned rifle.

If you are even the least bit stricter, you will want to make time to visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which is regarded as among the best things to do in Halifax.

Trace Canada’s roots at Pier 21

Situated on the Waterfront, the National Historic Site was the primary entry point to many immigrants who traveled to Canada between 1928 and 1971. It’s since been turned into a museum, with impressive displays detailing the experiences of those who left their way into Canada on ships via first-person accounts, photos, and artifacts. There are also interpretive displays, information about how immigration has shaped Canada’s history, and opportunities for visitors to map their family tree.

One can’t-miss activity in Pier 21 is watching ‘In Canada,’ an inspirational documentary that shares the stories of a variety of immigrants who have moved to Canada within the last century. It’s so touching that anyone with half a heart is sure to be ugly-crying from the end! The movie is about 20 minutes and shown numerous times throughout the day.

Guests may visit Canada’s national museum of immigration — the country’s last-standing ocean immigration terminal — to find out more about this Pier’s exciting history, play dress-up in historical costumes and read first-person reports immigrants as well as the men and women who welcomed them. The museum is home to a range of archival photographs and artifacts, including bags and personal treasures. It’s located along Halifax’s busy Waterfront.

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

Halifax Seaport is among the Top 23 things to do in Halifax. Right beside the memorial, you’ll find that the Farmer’s Market, which has existed since 1750 making it North America’s longest working farmers’ market. Initially housed in the Bank of Montreal building downtown, it moved around to several diverse locations in the city before eventually settling into its present place in the seaport.

Today visitors will discover a two-story market overflowing with fresh produce and stalls serving up the likes of lobster rolls, freshly-squeezed organic juice, sweet desserts, and lemonade. There’s also an area to pick up flowers and handmade goods like beautiful wooden cutting boards, jewelry, and greeting cards, making it a one-stop-shop — only be sure to come with an empty stomach and full wallet!

The Halifax Public Gardens

Halifax may be a relatively laid-back town, but it could still get a little hectic in regions such as the beachfront, particularly during the summer months. For a reprieve in the crowds, head until the Halifax Public Gardens across Spring Garden Road.

The Victorian gardens are open to the public because 1867 and have been designated as a National Historic Site a century later. The entrance to the serene, peaceful gardens is marked using an elaborate wrought-iron gate. From there, visitors can trace the winding pathways that pass hundreds of fountains, 140 distinct species of trees, and gardens adorned with vibrant blossoms, carpeting beds, and statues. Seeing as it is among the prettiest places in Halifax, it’s also a favorite spot for couples to get their wedding or engagement photos taken.

Spring Garden Road

Since you’re Currently on Spring Garden Road, you might see Wellhead over a couple of blocks for some shopping. Spring Garden is the city’s best spot for fashionistas, with more than blocks-worth of shops, restaurants, and services. Visitors will find Canadian favorites like Lululemon, as well as many independently owned shops. Additionally, there are lots of great spots to grab a drink in the area, including the hipster-favorite Stillwell, which serves up Nova Scotia craft sausage, beer, pretzels, and ice cream in a fun outdoor area.

Outdoor Patio

Speaking of outdoor patios, there’s nothing Haligonians love to perform more on a warm day than grab a drink and soak up the sun. There is no lack of places to do so, particularly along the harbor where pop-up patios show up in the summertime. Famous watering holes comprise picture-perfect Bicycle Thief, which has one of the prettiest patios in the full city and serves American/Italian fare, in addition to The Gahan House that was situated in Arabian Prince Edward Island and specialized in handcrafted, east coast ales.

Just around the corner, you will find lower Deck, a Halifax Institution that’s the place to party and has live entertainment every single night. While it technically doesn’t have an outside patio, it is well-worth a reference for those wanting to meet the locals and find a taste of east coast hospitality.

No trip to the east coast is complete without love. The good news is there are many different dishes to attempt it in aside from the traditional lobster dinner, like by grabbing a lobster roll out of the Farmers’ Market, at which the seafood overflows from a soft, fresh-baked bun.

Head to Stubborn Goat Gastropub on Grafton Street for the ultimate lobster fix; also, orders their famous Lobster Mac’n’ Cheese. Sure, it probably gets the equivalent of a whole days’ worth of calories, but the cheesy goodness is so worth the splurge.

Discovery Centre

Halifax’s interactive science museum is one of the city’s best attractions for families, including four floors of pleasure, hands-on learning experiences for individuals of all ages. The experiment in the Innovation Lab, see live star shows from the Dome Theatre and test out the Featured Exhibit Gallery, home to regularly changing installations and events. Other highlights include live science demonstrations and the Ocean Gallery, in which children can find out more about the ocean and have the chance to satisfy local sea animals. The Discovery Centre is located a short walk from Halifax’s Waterfront.

McNabs Island

Have a day trip out to McNabs Island and Discover the wildlife, nature, and history of Halifax Harbour’s most oversized island, which is part of the McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park. After being settled by Peter McNab in the 1780s, the island has been abandoned since World War II and is now home to three abandoned military temples and a soda pop mill that conducted bootleg booze during prohibition. From Downtown Halifax, the trip takes about 25 minutes. Tours are available through Friends of McNabs Island.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Celebrating both established and emerging Canadian artists, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia houses over 18,000 pieces and hosts regular displays and events. People who have seen the movie Maudie (starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke) may recognize one of the gallery’s popular screens — that the miniature painted house belonging to the real-life Maud Lewis, that is perhaps her most significant work of art. Don’t leave without taking a trip to the pub’s on-site cafe, Pavia, serving up seasonal paninis, healthy salad plates, soup, and coffee — created with tasty espresso by a micro-roastery in Florence.

Emera Oval

Initially built for the Canada Games in 2011, Haligonians were So in love with their new ice-skating rink in the Halifax Commons that they voted to allow it to be permanent. You can enjoy the racket in the summertime when listening to songs, before heating with a hot chocolate and famous Beaver Tail. The Oval is available year-round. Free public skating is offered at certain times of the day and evening, so it’s recommended you check online before visiting.

Point Pleasant Park

Visitors can experience various coastal ecosystems, take a self-guided cultural walking tour, go for a swim on the beach, or watch Shakespeare’s performance by the Sea theatre group. The park stretches over 190 acres (77ha) and is home to 24mi (39km) of winding paths and wide paths, a lot of which are wheelchair accessible. That biking can ride designated cycle trails on weekends and during vacations. Washroom facilities are readily available.

Paul’s Anglican Church

The first construction in Halifax. Most often visited by outsiders for its famous Face at the Window — a Ghost-like shape brought on by the Halifax Explosion in 1917. Legend has it that the Profile of one of those church’s deacons was etched into one of the windows Forever due to the intense light and heat generated by the explosion. History fans keen to do more research to make an appointment.

Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, which is open Seven days per week, is the longest continuously running market in North America. The marketplace is particularly happening on Saturdays if all of the stalls are open, and tourists and locals come out in force. Stock up on coffee, snacks and souvenirs, then enjoy a view of the harbor in the market’s rooftop patio. If you’re looking for a nice spot to have breakfast, then Norbert’s Good Food comes highly recommended. Halifax is also home to another popular market, the Halifax Brewery Farmers’ Marketplace, located in the historic Brewery Square.

Neptune Theatre

With two phases, the theater hosts various productions, such as neighborhood and Canadian-made plays with and musical-theater favorites. The season runs from mid-September towards the end of May; however, it often carries on well into July. Past productions include Cats, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, and Mary Poppins. Ticket prices vary, with the theater frequently offering a pay what you can’ strategy to produce performances more widely available to this community.

Halifax Harbour Ferry

To get a Fast escape in the city, jump across the sanctuary to Dartmouth onboard the Halifax Harbour Ferry. Known as the City of Ocean, this vibrant community is bursting with attractions, like the Harbourfront Trail along with the favorite Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market. Make sure you head to the Two If By Sea Cafe for giant croissants and locally brewed java. The Lobster Rolls at The Canteen, along with the apple in Lake City Cider on Portland Street, also come highly Suggested. The ferry service runs every 30 minutes.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Discover the city’s extensive maritime history in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, situated in the heart of Halifax Waterfront. During your visit, you will have the chance to learn about the 1917 Halifax Explosion, the town’s ship-building past, and its role in the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic. The Titanic display, in particular, is highly regarded and home to over 200 artifacts, including the ship’s only surviving deck chair. Visitors can also admire Canada’s longest-serving hydrographic vessel, CSS Acadia, which dates back over 100 decades and resides at the museum’s wharf.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

The fortress on Citadel Hill was made to shield the town From assault, but today it stands as a playful national website and museum. Tour guides dressed in historical costumes will take you on an enjoyable journey through this vital site in Halifax’s history as you know about the town’s earliest settlers, watch the sentry shift, and also become a soldier to the day. You can also hear ghost tales and bizarre legends on a few of the Citadel’s favorite ghost tours, which run from mid-July to late October.

Seven Bays Bouldering

The recently opened Seven Bays is a part bouldering gym, part fashionable cafe. Whether you’re a first-timer or an expert, climbers of all skill levels are invited to attack the 120ft (36.5m) long bouldering wall. Get in a fun exercise in the gym before taking your pick from a selection of great coffees, local draught beers, smoothies, and yummy snacks recorded on the cafe’s vegan-friendly menu. Climbing shoes are needed and are available for lease. Kids under 14 are welcome; however, they must be closely supervised by an adult.

Halifax Central Library

A library may seem like a bit of an odd Fascination, but if you take a peek at the construction, you’ll see why it made this record. The magnificent five-level glass construction, unveiled in 2014, reflects the Halifax region’s diversity and contemporary life. It is also the second project in Canada by Schmidt Hammer Lassen, who also designed the newest Highlands Branch Library at Edmonton. The library located downtown is home to two cafes, a rooftop patio, and regular free events.

Lighthouses, but Peggy’s Point Lighthouse — constructed in 1915 — is, without doubt, its most famous. Located a brief drive from Halifax, the lighthouse can be found on Peggy’s Cove, a pretty fishing village along the south shore. See, as huge waves cover granite rocks surrounding the lighthouse before wandering along the boardwalk and catching a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours also provide chances for puffin and seal viewing, together with the opportunity to indulge in fresh fish on a Lobster Dinner Cruise.

Walk, Segway, ride, kayak, or sail around Halifax with among the city’s many tour companies. Popular choices include the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious tour bus that pushes you around downtown, and then to the haven; Taste Halifax Tours invite you to sample the best food in the city ghost tours take you to the city’s most haunted places. Theodore Tugboat is a popular tour choice for households in particular. Kids will learn about Halifax’s harbor before having the opportunity to fulfill Theo’s buddies, Dispatcher, Tugboat Crew, and Benjamin Bridge.

Halifax’s first burial ground, based in 1749, also happens to Be a National Heritage site. Wander around, and you will find yourself transported to Halifax’s ancient history as you pass notable headstones, such as that of Major General Robert Ross. He fought in the War of 1812 and was buried with full military honors. In the burial ground entrance, you can even see the Welsford-Parker Monument that was built in 1870 to commemorate two Haligonians killed in the Crimean War.

Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Nova Scotia has a growing beer scene and is currently home to over 50 breweries, including Alexander Keith’s, Halifax’s earliest. Combine among the brewery’s award-winning tours and find out more about the background of Alexander Keith as well as obtaining a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing procedure before sampling many different ales in the dining area. Musical entertainment is provided in the form of maritime songs performed by Halifax’s most talented regional musicians. Small-batch and limited-edition beers are also available to purchase.

Halifax’s vibrant street art.

Halifax has a thriving street art scene, with all the city’s walls Colored in remarkable people murals for visitors to discover. Some street artists here stay true to the cities maritime theme. However, the murals you’ll come across are ever-changing, using new creations often sprouting up overnight. Among the best and most photographed would be sprawled on the back of the candy store, Freak Lunchbox, located in Downtown Halifax. Made by street artist Jason Botkin (@robotkin), it depicts a vibrant water world, featuring a tangled heron, fish, and octopus. Mulgrave Park housing development is also home to many murals reflecting the community’s spirit.

HMCS Sackville

For an educational experience, climb aboard Canada’s earliest Warship and the last of its 123 corvettes, HMCS Sackville. It’s served as a naval memorial since 1983. It invites visitors to learn about its history while exploring its weapon deck, engine room, and other features. HMCS Sackville is berthed in the Naval Dockyard, roughly one mile in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic between November into mid-June, before being moved to Sackville Landing from late June to October.

Situated in Sambro Creek, approximately 17mi (28km) south of Halifax, you are going to get a peaceful refuge from town. Boasting three white-sand shores in separate coves, Crystal Crescent Beach Park is famous for its peaceful, clear waters, accessible hiking trails, and ample wildlife viewing opportunities. Venture into Pennant Point on a 5.3mi (8.5km) hiking trail, which starts inland and requires you via barrens, boulders, and bogland. You could even observe the historical Sambro Island Lighthouse in the space during your visit, built-in 1759. A couple of beaches have boardwalks and toilet facilities.

In the Museum of Natural History, you’ll have The Opportunity to view everything from unique Mi’kmaq artifacts along with a full-sized whale skeleton to the earliest gopher tortoise in living history, Gus. Learn about Nova Scotia’s marine life, geology, and history as you navigate the museum’s permanent installations, including an exhibition around Sable Island, famous for its shipwrecks and wild horses, and a mammals and birds gallery showcasing a few of the state’s native species. There is also a range of traveling exhibits, live displays, character talks, walks, and children’s programs. The memorial is located next to the Halifax Public Gardens.

Fisherman’s Cove

Have a glimpse into Halifax’s maritime history in this quaint Restored 200-year-old fishing village. Stroll along the scenic boardwalk, admire the fishing vessels lining the canal, or surf the area’s artsy Boutiques and gallery, showcasing local artists’ paintings, cards, and prints. Restaurants and fish shacks here take great pride in the fish dishes Prepared using daily catches. Located around 20 minutes from Downtown Halifax Across from its harbor, this gated neighborhood makes for a relaxing day trip From town. It can be reached by car, bus, and ferry.

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