VISIT HALIFAX
Don't miss these delightful Halifax musts!
What can you expect when you finally make it to Halifax? Incredible entertainment, historic architecture, great places to eat and drink, and a night life that never stops: the city has it all, but where to start? Put these top 10 activities on your to-do-in-Halifax list.
Halifax Waterfront
The Halifax Waterfront is one of the most-visited destinations in Halifax. Stroll the nearly 4 kilometre boardwalk which spans from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia. Explore the many boutique shops, dine at waterfront restaurants, watch boats come and go and end the day on a patio watching the sun set over the harbour.
Alexander Keith’s Brewery
A “jewel in the crown” of Halifax, Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery first opened its doors almost 200 years ago. Today, the same brewery serves as a popular destination for visitors and beer fans alike. Visitors can tour the brewery and learn all about the history of Mr. Keith’s legacy, as well as get a behind the scenes looks at the brewing process.
Seaport Farmer’s Market
The Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market is the oldest, continuously operating farmer’s market in North America having been founded in 1750 and proudly hosts over 250 vendors year round.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel is a must-see stop on any itinerary when visiting Halifax. Majestically set upon an expansive hill overlooking the city, it is part of a series of forts – each one showcasing changes over time to its defenses, each significantly different than its predecessor – that protected Halifax Harbour from 1749 to 1906. It was so strategically important that it was rebuilt three times yet it was never once attacked.
Halifax Discovery Centre (Kids)
Explore the fun behind science and technology at Atlantic Canada’s premier science centre and family entertainment destination. Located on the beautiful Halifax waterfront, the Discovery Centre features five state-of-the-art themed galleries for all ages, Atlantic Canada’s only immersive Dome Theatre, a maker space innovation lab, and a featured exhibits gallery that changes three times annually. Be awestruck by live science demonstrations, meet local sea creatures, and get carried away in a giant body bubble.
Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Located in the heart of Halifax’s historic waterfront, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage than the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. From small craft boatbuilding to World War Convoys, the Days of Sail to the Age of Steam, the Titanic to the Halifax Explosion, you’ll discover the stories, events and people that have come to define this province and its relationship with the sea.
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada. The Gallery is home to iconic artworks that reflect Nova Scotia’s culture to the world, as well as a showcase for temporary exhibitions that highlight the art of this region and this country. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia holds the province’s art collection, with over 18,000 artworks.
Harbour Tours
A 60-minute guided boat tour in and around Halifax’s beautiful harbour on a replica 1930’s style harbour launch with a modern twist. It’s all-electric, ultra quiet, environmentally friendly, and personable. We take six passengers each tour, and every passenger enjoys spacious, comfortable seating and the attention of your super Tour Guide. Our boat is a “classic European river boat” style vessel. Visit https://halifaxharbourtours.ca/ for more information.
Find food tours, sailing tours, guided tours by sea-doo, bicycle, kayak or Segfway, historic tours, and tours of local hidden gems. Visit https://discoverhalifaxns.com/things-to-do/tours/.
Go Surfing!
Crossing something off your bucket list? Try your hand at surfing! East Coast Surf School has been teaching surf lessons since 2009. Their focus is getting new surfers to their feet and riding waves. For more information, visit https://ecsurfschool.com/.
Day trips worth tripping for outside Halifax: one-of-a-kind experiences a short drive away
When you’ll come for a visit, you might want to explore other wonders around the city. Halifax is a cultural hotbed like no other, but a rich variety of experiences lies just outside its bounds too. Just a quarter-hour to two-hour drive out will introduce you to totally different cool scenes and amazing natural settings. Explore the 206-year-old fishing village and light house at Peggy’s Cove, Point Pleasant Park, the forested municipal park at the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula, and the best hiking and bike trails through coastal settings on McNabs Island for yourself.
For visitor guides and tourist information, visit https://discoverhalifaxns.com/plan/visitor-guide/.
