Take advantage of your subsequent journey to the Maritimes with this superior information to the most effective issues to do in Halifax, Canada!
Because the capital metropolis of Nova Scotia, Halifax is full of fascinating vacationer points of interest and funky issues to see and do.
Halifax boasts the world’s second-largest ice-free pure harbour, making it an economically necessary seaport for Japanese Canada.
It sits centrally on the east coast of Nova Scotia and was given the nickname “Warden of the North” due to its robust army presence.
There’s a very robust maritime affect and tradition in Halifax, and on town’s many seashores pirates had been hung till 1844.
Town was established by the British in 1749 when Edward Cornwallis arrived and introduced 2,500 settlers.
The British had been lured there by the massive port and hopes of nice fishing. Halifax was aptly named after the 2nd Earl of Halifax after which grew to become the capital of Nova Scotia.
Winters are gentle and summers are cool as a result of gulf stream currents within the Atlantic Ocean.
Yr-round precipitation is excessive and most days town is roofed in coastal fog.
However don’t let that hold you from visiting this lovely metropolis in Nova Scotia!
READ MORE: Take a look at our Canada journey information that can assist you benefit from your go to to the Nice White North.
Halifax is a really distinctive metropolis and though one of many lesser travelled to cities in Canada, it shouldn’t be neglected!
It has a multicultural inhabitants, a median age of 39, and an enormous faculty scene.
The nightlife is plentiful, the music scene is ample, and Halifax has extra pubs per capita than any metropolis in Canada.
You’ll find loads of issues to see and do for all ages.
From museums wealthy in maritime historical past and immigration, the pleasant Haligonians who welcome you, to the historic landmarks and delightful waterfront.
The 12 Finest Issues to Do in Halifax Nova Scotia
Only a quick journey away from all of the top-visited points of interest in Nova Scotia, like Peggy’s Cove and the Bay of Fundy, Halifax is the right resting place between day journeys to those spectacular locations in Nova Scotia.
A number of the finest points of interest are proper on the Halifax waterfront boardwalk. There are strategically positioned forts in a number of of Halifax’s metropolis parks.
No matter your pursuits, plan to construct out an important itinerary from our listing of what to do in Halifax Nova Scotia.
1. Go on a Free Strolling Tour of the Metropolis Alongside the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
The easiest way to get acquainted with what to do in Halifax Nova Scotia is to go on the free strolling tour supplied by town!
Study concerning the historical past and tradition of Halifax whereas seeing a couple of of the most effective websites town has to supply.
You’ll begin on the entrance to the well-known Nationwide Historic Citadel, a fort constructed to guard town.
From there you will note town’s iconic three-story-tall clock tower that was constructed within the 1800s.
Heading in direction of the coast, you’ll stroll alongside the Halifax waterfront, one of many longest waterfront boardwalks on the earth.
Little doubt top-of-the-line issues to do in Halifax is strolling round its lovely waterfront!
Be looking out for the colourful artwork murals and the beloved drunken lampposts. The boardwalk is lined with many outlets, cafes, patios, eating places and beer gardens.
You may be certain to search out one thing to go to or do later in your journey!
The tour lasts round 60 minutes and covers all of the highlights of downtown Halifax.
- Price: Donation
- Location: Entrance to the Halifax Citadel
- Hours: 10 am and three pm, June – September fifth. Winter hours by appointment
2. Spend Time within the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canada’s Oldest and Largest Maritime Museum
Discover many maritime displays and consider over 30,000 artifacts at Halifax’s hottest museum: The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic contained in the Nova Scotia Museum.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was conceived by a number of Canadian Royal Navy officers. They wished a spot to protect navy artifacts and share its historical past.
The museum performs host to quite a lot of mannequin ships and portraits all through maritime historical past.
One of many extra in style displays is the Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia.
There you could find many artifacts recovered from the RMS Titanic.
Nova Scotia performed a significant function in serving to get well our bodies from the sinking of the well-known ship. Additionally go to the Fairview Garden Cemetery, a memorial to those that died within the Titanic.
In case you are into historical past, this museum in downtown Halifax is certainly price a go to. You could possibly simply spend a couple of hours searching the a number of displays.
You’ll acquire an understanding of Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage, and the way occasions and the ocean performed a component in shaping the tradition of this wonderful metropolis!
- Price: Grownup $5.15, Senior $4.40, Youth (6-17) $3.10, Little one Free
- Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm, Sunday 1pm – 5pm, Tuesdays shut at 8pm
- Location: 1675 Decrease Water Road
3. Go to the Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Web site
While you climb Citadel Hill and stroll via the gates of the Halifax Citadel, you will note why the fort was constructed right here to guard town.
The expansive views of town and the Halifax Harbour from Citadel Hill will take your breath away!
Although it by no means noticed a battle, the fort was nonetheless strategically necessary to town and its individuals and holds loads of Halifax historical past behind its partitions.
Go at midday to observe the altering of the guards and listen to the blast of the cannons.
Together with barracks, interval rooms and watching 78th Highlanders of their uniforms, there may be additionally a museum to discover on the Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Web site!
- Price: Grownup $11.70 – Senior (65+) $10.05 – 17 and underneath Free
- Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
- Location: 5425 Sackville St
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4. Stroll By means of the Halifax Public Gardens
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk and enjoy the great thing about Halifax’s nationwide historic Victorian Gardens.
Positioned on Spring Backyard Street, the gardens are a favorite Halifax attraction by each locals and vacationers.
Enclosed by an ornate wrought iron fence, the gardens span 16 acres in the midst of town.
Wander over lovely bridges, via lots of of timber, previous ponds and luxurious vibrant flower beds.
The gardens are positively one of many prettiest spots in downtown Halifax! Different points of interest are simply close by as nicely, just like the Halifax Central Library and the Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Web site.
- Price: FREE
- Location: 5665 Spring Backyard Street
- Hours: 7:00am – 7:30pm
5. Get pleasure from Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour
Would you want a bit historical past to associate with your beer? In that case, you’ll be able to’t miss grabbing a pint at Alexander Keith’s Brewery in Halifax Nova Scotia!
Based in 1820 by the Scottish Alexander Keith himself, it is without doubt one of the oldest breweries in North America.
Go on an unforgettable tour the place you can be led alongside by a information wearing 1820’s apparel and taught the historical past and brewing technique of the corporate.
Additionally, you will witness musical storytelling and are assured a Nova Scotian good time! In fact with plentiful quantities of ale.
Alexander Keith’s Brewery is certainly one of many prime Halifax points of interest!
6. Wander By means of the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
Proper on the waterfront, you will see the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, North America’s longest-running farmer’s market.
Initially began as a meat and cattle market in 1750, it now hosts over 250 distributors and has quite a lot of crafts, flowers, seafood, meat and regionally grown produce.
There are even celebrations held there, just like the Canada Day Kitchen Day, and dwell music!
In case you are on the lookout for an affordable lunch when visiting Halifax, the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is the place!
Seize some tasty native fare like a donair or a mouth-watering lobster roll whereas searching the completely different distributors.
- Hours: 8am – 2pm on Saturday, 10am – 2pm on Sunday
- Location: 1031 Marginal Street
7. Absorb Scenic Views of the Halifax Waterfront Whereas Driving the Halifax Harbour Ferry to Dartmouth
Hop on the longest-running saltwater ferry in North America and cross the attractive Halifax harbour to Dartmouth.
There are two completely different ferry routes and at simply $2.50 every means, a experience on the ferry is one of the simplest ways to see the harbour and it’s simple on the pockets.
If you wish to discover additional, ask for a free bus switch and take the bus from Dartmouth to the historic Fisherman’s Cove.
While you determine to return, hop on a special ferry to finish a full loop of the harbour.
The general public ferry is the most effective low-cost method to see the Halifax waterfront!
Go to the web site for more information on the Halifax Dartmouth Ferry schedules and costs.
- Price: $2.50
- Hours: Ferrys run each 15 minutes from 6:30 am – 11:30 pm
- Location: 88 Alderney Dr
8. Test Out the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Much like New York’s well-known Ellis Island, Pier 21 was as soon as the ocean liner terminal the place over a million immigrants handed via from 1928 to 1971.
A Nationwide Historic Web site, it’s now house to the Canadian Museum of Immigration.
Established in 1999, the museum was began to rejoice the 1.5 million immigrants who handed via its gates into Canada.
While you step contained in the museum, you’ll go on a journey via completely different halls and expertise what it was wish to immigrate to Canada via Pier 21.
There are millions of artifacts and tales to be seen and browse on the Canadian Museum of Immigration.
There are additionally interactive displays for younger and outdated to get pleasure from!
E-book your ticket on-line right here.
- Price: Grownup $12.61, Senior $9.78, Youth (6-16) $8.04, Little one Free
- Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Location: 1055 Marginal Street
9. Ice Skate at Emera Oval
Skating on the Emera Oval is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do when visiting Halifax throughout any season.
And better of all it’s fully free!
The oval is an outside skating rink that’s as giant as 3 NHL hockey rinks.
Within the summertime, rollerblading/skating and bike driving are in style actions.
Within the winter the oval is frozen and you’ll go ice skating.
Free leases embody the whole lot you would want like helmets, bikes, skates, scooters and even sleds!
All you must convey is your self and a government-issued ID to get in on all of the enjoyable! Go to the Halifax Oval web site for more information about occasions and skate instances.
- Location: On the nook of North Park and Cogswell Road
- Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (hours can differ because of day and climate)
10. Pay Respects in St. Paul’s Church
Definitely top-of-the-line issues to see in Halifax is St. Paul’s Church.
Courting again to 1749, the church is the oldest constructing in Halifax. And it’s the oldest Protestant church in Canada!
The church has a easy look, nevertheless it was truly modelled after the St. Peter’s Church in London.
While you tour the church you’ll discover some fascinating particulars.
There’s a steel shard embedded in one of many partitions and in case you look intently at one of many stained glass home windows you will note a silhouette of a person, all remnants of the well-known Halifax Explosion of 1917.
It’s creepy but positively price looking at when sightseeing in downtown Halifax.
- Price: FREE
- Location: 1749 Argyle St
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
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11. Watch a Shakespearean Play on the Water at Level Nice Park
Need to get pleasure from an area out of doors occasion? Then seize a blanket or chair and head on all the way down to Level Nice Park in downtown Halifax Nova Scotia.
Day-after-day (besides Monday) in the summertime you’ll be able to catch a dwell Shakespearean play or one other in style traditional.
Go for a hike within the park within the morning after which calm down for a matinee efficiency that can you should definitely delight you.
Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Society is a not-for-profit group that began in 1994 with hopes of offering traditional Shakespearean leisure to audiences at Level Nice Park.
They’re additionally dedicated to the event of Canadian theatre artists.
The performs are free, however they may gladly settle for donations; it goes to a superb trigger!
- Location: Level Nice Park
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7:00 pm, Weekend Matinee 1:00 pm
- Price: Free (or donation)
12. Observe the Views from Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove can’t be handed by once you’re only a quick drive away.
Probably the most visited locations in Nova Scotia, the well-known crimson and white lighthouse that resides there may be nonetheless in use as we speak by the Canadian Coast Guard.
Peggy’s Level Lighthouse, in-built 1915, has change into probably the most photographed lighthouses on the earth!
Native folklore says the cove was named after a younger shipwreck survivor who was adopted by a household who had settled there.
The little woman was too younger to recollect her title so the household determined to name her Peggy. She then grew to become referred to as “Peggy of the Cove”.
The tiny fishing village is a must-see from the country homes and buildings that line the cove to the colorful fishing boats bobbing within the harbour.
And you’ll’t go away earlier than capturing the long-lasting photograph of Peggy’s Level Lighthouse!
Halifax Nova Scotia Journey Information
Now that you already know what to do in Halifax, we wish to provide help to make your different plans as nicely by sharing the most effective lodging and locations to eat within the metropolis.
Finest Lodging – The place to Keep in Halifax Nova Scotia
Relying in your journey type, style and finances you could find any variety of hostels, inns and mattress and breakfasts that provide quite a lot of facilities.
Whereas not as low-cost as travelling in a 3rd world nation, Halifax is without doubt one of the cheaper Canadian cities for lodging.
In case you are a budget-savvy traveller you will see a couple of conventional hostels within the space or you’ll be able to even lease an empty dorm room at an area college.
In the event you don’t thoughts splurging on a nicer resort, you will see many choices proper in the midst of downtown Halifax or one with an expansive harbour view.
With that stated, these are a couple of of the most effective choices you’ll have as you spend time in Halifax sightseeing and exploring town.
The Finest Hostel in Halifax Nova Scotia – HI-Halifax Heritage Home Hostel
Keep proper in the midst of the hustle and bustle of town in a historic outdated home!
HI-Halifax Heritage Home Hostel is without doubt one of the finest hostels to remain at due to its proximity to each the bus and prepare stations and the highest issues to do in Halifax are actually only a quick stroll down the street!
HI Halifax gives each personal and dorm-style rooms. Dorm selections are for both male/feminine or combined dorms with at most 6 beds.
The facilities supplied are top-notch, with key factors being a big well-equipped kitchen that’s self-catered, free wifi, a tidy frequent space, coin-operated laundry and safety lockers.
Rated excessive for location, worth, safety and cleanliness, HI-Halifax is the right hostel for the outgoing traveller trying to be near all Halifax has to supply.
With rooms beginning at USD$26 for a 6 individual combined/male/feminine dorms, you’ll be able to count on nice worth contemplating all of the facilities HI-Halifax has to supply.
Finest Funds Lodging for {Couples} – Atlantica Resort Halifax
An distinctive worth for its location and facilities supplied, the Atlantica Resort Halifax is a superb possibility for any couple searching for each consolation and accessibility throughout their keep in Halifax.
There may be quite a lot of room choice, starting from a superior king room or two double beds.
Facilities embody an indoor swimming pool and sizzling tub, free wifi in rooms and customary areas and a breakfast buffet.
And a bonus is that the resort is pet-friendly so in case you are travelling along with your fur child you’ll be able to plan to remain right here with out worrying about sneaking her or him in!
There’s a bar on-site the place you’ll be able to seize a drink earlier than heading out for an evening in town.
While you keep on the Atlantica you might be inside strolling distance to key points of interest such because the Citadel, Halifax public gardens and the Museum of Pure Historical past.
Or hop on a metropolis bus or request a taxi or Uber experience to take you to close by websites. With charges beginning round USD$68 you received’t have the ability to beat the worth for the placement.
Finest Mid-Vary Resort in Halifax – Barrington Resort
For these on the lookout for an important worth whereas exploring the most effective Halifax actions, the Barrington Resort is the whole lot you may want or need.
Rated excessive for its historic allure, location, consolation and pleasant service there may be little or no extra that you may ask for.
All rooms are clear and nicely furnished, with free WiFi, flat-screen television, giant ensuite toilet and comfortable beds.
There may be additionally a swimming pool, spa, and health middle for many who wish to deal with themselves.
Finest Luxurious Resort in Halifax – Prince George Resort
If you wish to really feel like royalty throughout your keep in Halifax, the Prince George Resort provides you the chance to splurge a bit with out breaking the financial institution.
Exceptionally rated for room consolation, cleanliness, facilities and placement.
Located close to Halifax Harbor within the metropolis centre, the highest issues to do in Halifax Nova Scotia are actually proper outdoors your entrance door.
However in case you’d like to remain on the resort and calm down, this is without doubt one of the finest choices you’ve got.
With a sizzling tub and an indoor heated pool throughout the resort, you’ll be able to count on to set again and revel in your keep.
And in case you’d wish to throw in a bit train, there’s a health centre as nicely.
The Prince George Resort options an important restaurant and bar.
There may be additionally room service in case you aren’t within the temper to exit or wish to calm down in your room watching tv after an extended day of Halifax sightseeing.
Rooms begin round USD$130 and give you the chance to ebook a deluxe queen room, king or double beds.
You can too improve to a king suite in case you’re feeling notably luxurious whereas staying in Nova Scotia’s capital metropolis!
Finest Eating places in Halifax Nova Scotia
Halifax is stuffed with scrumptious choices for locations to eat when you get pleasure from your keep within the metropolis.
From informal fast bites to luxurious positive eating experiences you’ll be able to count on a variety of eating atmospheres.
Halifax is in fact recognized for its scrumptious seafood.
And you’ll’t go away town earlier than attempting a well-known lobster roll or a tasty plateful of haddock fish and chips.
There may be additionally one other well-known meals steady within the metropolis known as a donair.
It’s potential to make Halifax a vacation spot for the meals alone!
Listed here are a couple of of our favorite locations to eat in Halifax Nova Scotia.
Funds
You possibly can’t say you’ve visited Halifax Nova Scotia with out attempting town’s official snack, the Halifax donair!
King of Donairs was the primary restaurant in Halifax to supply the delicacy in 1973 and it’s nonetheless positioned in the identical constructing as we speak. The sandwich intently resembles a gyro, however with out the lamb and tzatziki sauce.
As an alternative, its shaved spit-roasted beef with a candy but garlicky sauce. Good hangover meals!
Mid-Vary
One of many top-rated eating places in Halifax Nova Scotia, Edna is bound to supply up tasty Canadian fare with nice ambiance. Strive some native seafood just like the steamed mussels or seared scallops.
In the event you’re not within the temper for seafood, their pork chops come extremely really helpful! Pair the meal with a scrumptious cocktail or beer and your tastebuds will certainly be delighted.
Costs begin at $10 for an appetizer to $38 for a big ribeye.
Tales Tremendous Eating
Tales Tremendous Eating has constantly rated the #1 restaurant in Halifax Nova Scotia for good purpose!
With specialties similar to ahi tuna and sea scallops, duck, and beef striploin you might be getting into positive eating at its finest.
You’ll actually be paying prime greenback for what you get. However in case you are on the lookout for a implausible dinner with distinctive service in an important ambiance, you received’t be upset right here.
