Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant Canadian city that blends maritime history, rich culture, and scenic waterfronts with modern attractions. Whether you are in the city for just a day in port or you have a week to explore, Halifax offers a host of great things to do. Here are my top things to do in Halifax, Canada.
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1. The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Stroll along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. Enjoy the shops and restaurants, visit museums, and take in views of the harbor. Here are some key sites you can explore:
The Canadian Museum of Immigration
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a national historic site that tells the story of immigration to Canada. Explore exhibits that highlight the experiences of immigrants who arrived at Pier 21 between 1928 and 1971, and learn about Canada’s diverse heritage. For a personal touch, you can also investigate their archives to find any ancestors who may have immigrated through Canada.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Visit the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada, featuring exhibits on the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, and several other ships. Learn about the province’s seafaring heritage, view ship models, and explore a collection of maritime artifacts. Be sure to check out the CSS Acadia which is docked along the boardwalk!
The Wave Sculpture
Climb this iconic piece of public art and take a selfie! I watched several young boys make a running start to try to achieve the summit of the Wave. Only one got close and they all slid promptly down. But you could tell they were having a great time trying!
Various other pieces of public art and murals can be found along the boardwalk, providing unique photo opportunities. In fact, the entire boardwalk, beginning at the cruise ship port is filled with fabulous sculptures and monuments celebrating the city’s maritime history.
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Check out the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America. Browse stalls for fresh seafood, baked goods, local wine, and handmade crafts while enjoying views of the harbor. This is a great place to grab a snack.
The Salt Yard
Enjoy the Salt Yard, with shops, food vendors, and outdoor seating. It is the perfect place for grabbing a quick bite and enjoying the waterfront views.
Take a Harbor Cruise
Take a harbor tour to learn about Halifax by water and see the amazing views of the city. Or, combine your land and sea adventure with an amazing Harbor Hopper amphibious tour. I did this tour and really loved it! If you just want to enjoy a little time of the water without a tour, you could also take the ferry to Dartmouth for a very affordable and scenic trip.
Queen’s Marque
Check out this new mixed-use development with upscale restaurants, shops, and public art installations, as well as plenty of seating areas to enjoy the view. If you are looking for a bit more upscale shopping than your typical souvenir stands, then the Queen’s Marquee is a great place to start.
Be sure to stop in at Peace by Chocolate. This is a family run company was founded in Canada in 2016. The family’s original factory in Damascus, Syria, was lost in an airstrike and they immigrated to Canada. This chocolate is AMAZING! And, I agree that the world could be a more peaceful place if we all ate more chocolate! They have numerous chocolate bar flavors to choose from and the bars make a great souvenir for the chocolate lover in your life – that is if they make it home.
2. Citadel Hill (Fort George)
Explore this star-shaped fort overlooking the city. It offers a glimpse into Halifax’s military history and is a great place to spend a couple of hours. Check out the Citadel Hill museum, watch historical reenactments, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of the hill.
3. Halifax Public Gardens
Enjoy a peaceful walk among the manicured lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and ornate fountains of the Halifax Public Gardens. This Victorian-style garden is in the heart of downtown but is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Opened to the public in 1867, this 16 acre garden is a timeless oasis.
4. Alexander Keith’s Brewery
Founded in 1820, Alexander Keith’s Brewery is one of the oldest in North America. Take a guided tour of the historic brewery, learn about its history, and sample some of the famous brews in a lively atmosphere.
5. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Visit the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada! It features a wide range of both Canadian and international art. View works by local artists, including pieces by renowned Nova Scotian folk artist Maud Lewis.
6. McNab’s Island
Take a ferry to McNab’s Island to hike, exploring old military forts, bird watch, and enjoying its secluded beaches. It is located at the entrance to Halifax Harbor and offers a great mix of history and nature.
7. The Hydrostone District
Explore the charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in this trendy part of the city. This historic neighborhood was built after the Halifax Explosion of 1917 and features unique early 20th-century architecture. Be sure to check out the Memorial Bell Tower.
The Halifax Explosion occurred on December 6, 1917. The SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship loaded with explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The resulting explosion was one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history. It leveled much of the city and killed approximately 2,000 people while injuring around 9,000 others. The blast caused a massive shockwave, a tsunami, and fires, leaving tens of thousands homeless. This disaster had a profound impact on Halifax and is remembered as a tragic moment in Canadian history.
8. Live Music & Nightlife
Halifax is known for its lively music and nightlife scene, especially along Argyle Street and in the area surrounding the Halifax Waterfront. Experience live music in pubs, catch a show at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium or the Halifax Jazz Festival, and enjoy local craft beer in the many bustling bars.
9. St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Dating back to 1750, the St. Paul Anglican Church is the oldest building in Halifax, and the oldest Anglican church in Canada. Explore the church’s beautiful interior and learn about its historical significance, including its connection to the Halifax Explosion.
10. Fairview Lawn Cemetery
Pay your respects at this final resting place of more than 100 victims of the Titanic disaster. Take a moment to visit the graves at Fairview Lawn Cemetery and learn more about Halifax’s role in the aftermath of the tragedy.
11. Point Pleasant Park
This large urban park, located at the southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula, is more than meets the eye. Walk, bike, or run along scenic trails through wooded areas and along the coast. Point Pleasant Park also features historic ruins and beautiful views of the harbor.
12. Just Outside Halifax
Halifax alone will keep you pretty busy. But if you are there for an extended period, it might be nice to check out a great spot just outside the city. Here are my two favorites:
Peggy’s Cove
Visit this famous fishing village located about 45 minutes from Halifax. Be sure to check out its iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. Explore the rugged coastline, and enjoy local seafood. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and is a great day trip.
Lawrencetown Beach
Ready for a little fun in the sun? Lawrencetown Beach is a popular spot located about 30 minutes from Halifax. Catch a wave, as it is known for its excellent surf conditions. Don’t have your gear? Never fear as you can rent it on site. But if surfing isn’t your thing, you can also spend the day beach-combing, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline.
Ways to Tour Halifax
Walking Tours: There is no better way to see the city than on foot! The whole city on foot may seem a little daunting. But find a section you want to explore in detail, and then strap on your walking shoes and get ready to explore! You might consider a Harbourfront Food Walking Tour. What a great way to see the sites, eat regional favorites, and walk off the calories!
Halifax Harbor Hopper Tour: Enjoy this fun and unique way to see Halifax by both land and sea aboard an amphibious vehicle. Learn about the city’s history as you tour the downtown area before splashing into the harbor for a different perspective from the waterfront. This tour only lasts an hour so it is a great way to orient yourself to the city before taking off on foot.
Halifax Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: This is a great way to see the city without having to explore every step on foot. Just disembark at the sites you want to explore. These busses are a little different from what you find in most cities. As you will see, they appear a bit antique. That isn’t just for appearances sake. They truly are quite old. But they are still a great way to get around.
Halifax Ghost Walk: Walk through the city’s historic streets by lantern light and hear tales of ghosts, vampires, shipwrecks, and the Halifax Explosion. One of the oldest ghost tours in North America, it offers a spooky exploration of Halifax’s haunted history.
What Do You Want To See And Do In Halifax?
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