Massive sufficient to maintain you busy for per week, however sufficiently small that you just don’t really feel overwhelmed — Halifax may be the proper sized capital metropolis. With so many locations to see and issues to do in Halifax, you’ll need to give your self a while right here.
There are numerous must-visit locations in Nova Scotia, and Halifax is unquestionably certainly one of them!
Wander aimlessly down the picturesque streets, whereas stopping to sip on tasty craft beers and dine on delicious seafood. Calm down in one of many many inexperienced areas, or go to a museum to study concerning the historical past of town, and Nova Scotia as a complete.
No matter you’re in, you’ll discover it among the many many issues to do in Halifax. We spent 5 nights in town and will’ve stayed for much longer!
Don’t Miss The Video of Things To Do in Halifax
In case you’re questioning what to do in Halifax throughout your journey, learn on for my 15 finest suggestions.
1. Stroll the Waterfront
This picture-perfect spot is the prized possession of Halifax. The waterfront walkway is a pedestrian-only zone, making it an ideal place to get away from site visitors.
Watch the locals fishing off the wharf, gawk at a docked superyacht, or pop in for some tasty snacks on the vibrant outside meals eatery — insider tip: strive the beaver tails, poutine and regionally made ice cream! And, don’t miss the Cussed Goat beer backyard.
It is a great spot to stroll any time of the day however is very good throughout the morning and round sundown.
2. Go To a Competition or Occasion (among the finest issues to do in Halifax)
There’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Halifax, and attending one of many many occasions and festivals is certainly one of them. Whether or not you’re a foodie, a sports activities fan, a music lover, or are into the humanities, there’s an occasion for you in Halifax.
In case you’re in town in July, attempt to time your go to for the TD Halifax Jazz Competition. Throughout the starting of July, many venues across the metropolis are become outside live shows.
We had been fortunate sufficient to go to on an evening when American artist, Frequent and native artist, Shad had been performing on the TD stage close to the waterfront. What an unimaginable live performance!
This jazz pageant is the most important in Atlantic Canada and retains rising in recognition 12 months by 12 months. Tickets are reasonably priced at round $45 CAD per live performance, or you should purchase a cross throughout the pageant ($189 CAD).
Different occasions you don’t need to miss in Halifax:
- The annual Royal Nova Scotia Worldwide Tattoo (the world’s largest yearly indoor present).
- Ribfest which is across the finish of June.
- Pleasure Competition which is held in July.
- Busker Competition in early August.
- Seaport Beerfest in August.
…and so many extra.
3. Cross The Harbour to Dartmouth
There are quite a few neighbourhoods in Halifax. If in case you have an opportunity, get out of the downtown space and take a look at among the different components of town.
Particularly, hop on a brief 10-minute ferry trip ($2.50 return) from downtown Halifax throughout the harbour to Alderney in Dartmouth.
Don’t miss the cool avenue artwork, enjoyable craft beer bars, waterfront park, and the three km harbour stroll path. Nevertheless, among the finest issues to do in Dartmouth is to easily wander round and benefit from the quaint downtown vibes.
4. Eat Seafood
By far among the finest issues to do in Halifax (and Nova Scotia as a complete) is to eat contemporary seafood. This province is understood for its abundance of lobster, scallops, and salmon and you may’t depart town with out eating on a tasty meal.
There are quite a few seafood eating places in Halifax, however I like to recommend trying out the Bicycle Thief and sampling the lobster roll.
It is a nice meal for lunch, as a snack or for dinner. Principally, chunks of wealthy lobster are tossed in a lightweight mayonnaise, citrus, and herb sauce and positioned in (and on high of) a grilled, buttery scorching canine bun. Very tasty.
One other must-eat meal is at The 5 Fishermen. Go for a plate of lobster with a aspect of garlic butter for dipping and also you gained’t be disenchanted.
For non-lobster lovers, you’ll be able to all the time go for a piping scorching bowl of seafood or corn chowder or a fillet of salmon grilled to perfection. Plus, there’s all the time the basic fish n’ chips accessible!
5. Hop On The Harbour Hopper (one of many extra touristy issues to do in Halifax)
Admittedly, at first look, this car appears to be like fairly touristy. Nevertheless, when you’re aboard, you notice simply how informative and enjoyable the trip is.
These LARC-V amphibious autos had been utilized by the Individuals throughout the Vietnam battle to move troopers and provides — they had been capable of carry 5 tons!
Today, unused autos have been bought to varied nations to supply a singular tourism alternative. Becoming a member of the Harbour Hopper tour is likely one of the high issues to do in Halifax if you wish to study concerning the historical past, and revel in a distinct vantage level of town.
The narrated tour takes you thru town’s streets to see among the main websites and parks (together with the Citadel), earlier than changing itself into a ship and floating alongside the shoreline!
That is Atlantic Canada’s hottest tour, so be sure you get your tickets early.
The journey is just about 1 hour lengthy, but could be very informative. Don’t overlook your sunscreen, digital camera, and a jacket (it may be windy on the water). Click on right here to study extra concerning the Harbour Hopper and to buy tickets on-line.
6. Go To The North Of Halifax
Whereas many individuals deal with Downtown Halifax, the North Finish is a cool, fashionable district that you just don’t need to miss.
Residence to an African Nova Scotian inhabitants, gentrification has crept in (because it does in so many cities worldwide), and today the North Finish is now predominantly a college pupil space.
With gentrification, you’ll now discover hip craft beer bars, fusion yoga and pilates courses, an up and coming restaurant scene, and cute boutique outlets.
It is a hipster space for positive with many musicians, writers, and artists calling this place residence. Additionally, maintain your eyes peeled for town’s second-oldest constructing, the Little Dutch Church.
Hopefully, new rising companies will probably be conscious of hiring locals from the group, or host occasions that welcome everybody.
Throughout the Halifax Explosion (the most important man-made explosion in the world earlier than the usage of nuclear weapons), the North Finish was hit exhausting, with a lot of the realm being flattened, and quite a few lives misplaced. Don’t miss the Halifax Memorial Public Library which was constructed in reminiscence of the victims.
For sure, the North Finish is a really attention-grabbing place.
Search for bus quantity 320, 52 or 7 to take you from Downtown to the North Finish. It’s a 45-minute stroll or a 20-minute bus journey.
☞ SEE ALSO: Exploring Nova Scotia – Our Expertise on Canada’s East Coast
7. Calm down In a Park
Whereas metropolis life is nice, typically it’s good to sit back out in a inexperienced area for some time. Fortunately, there are a lot of spots in Halifax the place you are able to do simply that.
Go to the 16 acre Halifax Public Gardens, which is a really well-manicured inexperienced area. In actual fact, it’s the oldest Victorian Backyard in North America. Other than enjoyable with a very good ebook or a picnic, you’ll be able to usually discover occasions in the park as effectively.
Close by, you’ll discover the Halifax Frequent (The Commons) which is the oldest city park in all of Canada — it’s extra of a sports activities and actions park. The Commons presents a baseball subject, tennis courts, soccer subject, and a skate park.
Lastly, try the big, 185 acre Level Nice Park which sits on the very southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula. It is a good spot to do some strolling, biking or operating on one of many many gravel trails — with superb ocean views! Convey a picnic and benefit from the afternoon.
8. Pattern The Official Meals of Halifax
Have you ever ever tried a Center Jap doner kebab, shawarma or a Greek gyro? The donair is just like that, however with a Halifax twist.
Within the 1970s after operating a pizza joint, Greek brothers Peter and John Kamoulakos tried to get Haligonians in conventional gyros, nevertheless it fell quick as town wasn’t eager on the yogurt sauce or lamb meat. So, they put a spin on it and invented the donair.
Utilizing Lebanese bread fairly than Greek pita, beef and rooster as a substitute of lamb, and making a sauce from evaporated milk, garlic, parsley, vinegar, and sugar (versus the yogurt-based one), the donair was born. Fortunately, Haligonians took to this creation and the donair is now the official meals of Halifax.
There are just a few locations to pattern them. Johnny Okay’s is situated on Pizza Nook which is a late-night hangout or strive them at King Of Donair.
**Don’t inform any Haligonians this, however I desire the yogurt sauce!
9. Go to a Museum
With a lot historical past in town, ensure to take a look at one, or two, of the museums. Pier 21 is a museum showcasing immigration in Nova Scotia — each previous and current.
From 1928 – 1971, practically a million folks arrived on the Halifax Seaport. On the museum, you’ll be able to even search the database in your personal ancestors!
Throughout the excessive season, Could 1 – October 31, The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is open 7 days per week from 9:30 am to five:30 pm. Admission is $14.50 for adults. Click on right here in your tickets.
One other must-visit is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which homes quite a few artifacts, ships, and a set of things discovered from the sunken Titanic.
In 1912 when the Titanic sunk, Halifax was the closest main port and performed an enormous position in the gathering of our bodies and wreckage.
100 and twenty-one victims of the sinking are buried on the Fairview Garden Cemetery, whereas lots of the artifacts recovered are in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Within the excessive season, Could 1 – October 31, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is open 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, seven days per week, apart from Tuesday when it’s open from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm. Grownup tickets price $9.55.
*Insider tip: go to the museum on Tuesday from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm when admission is free.
10. Strive The Native Craft Beers
Halifax is making a reputation for itself in the craft beer scene. And, based mostly on my private analysis, I can say that sampling the beers on provide is likely one of the high issues to do in Halifax! Whether or not you’re into hoppy IPA’s, heavy stouts, or mild lagers, there’s a beer for you.
Garrisons brewing is situated close to the Pier 21 Immigration and the Seaport Farmer’s Market, making it an ideal pit cease throughout sightseeing.
In case you’re into IPAs, I like to recommend the Propeller Galaxy IPA, a foggy, hoppy delight (strive it on the Cussed Goat beer backyard). You will discover Propeller Brewing Co. just a few blocks north of the Citadel.
Lots of the different breweries are situated in the fashionable North Finish, or throughout the harbour in Dartmouth.
Head to Battery Park in Dartmouth to pattern the Belgian impressed beers at North Brewing Firm, or the small-batch manufacturing at 9 Locks.
In case you’re visiting the North Finish, try Unfiltered Brewing, or the Good Robotic Brewing Firm — which presents a taproom, pub, and occasions.
11. Go to The Farmer’s Market
The Seaport Farmer’s Market is the oldest, repeatedly operating market in all of North America. Right here you’ll discover round 250 distributors promoting a mixture of produce, crops, home made crafts, cheese, bread, jewellery, cooked meals, and extra.
This is likely one of the finest locations to see in Halifax on the weekend. That is when the market will probably be at its liveliest — in the morning. And, maintain in thoughts that lots of the distributors admire it in case you pay by money.
12. Go On a Day Journey
A few of the finest locations to see in Nova Scotia are situated simply an hour or so from Halifax, making town an ideal place to base your self. And, since Nova Scotia is kind of compact, getting round is a breeze.
There are many day journeys from Halifax, listed below are just a few solutions:
1. Peggy’s Cove
This gorgeous group and lighthouse is only a 50-minute drive from Halifax. There are just a few methods to get right here, both by automotive, taxi or tour.
The drive takes you alongside the picturesque Lighthouse Route whereas stopping to benefit from the hidden bays and coves alongside the way in which. Both hire a automotive or be part of a day journey from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove. Another choice is to affix a tour that covers each Halifax and Peggy’s Cove.
2. Lunenburg
The UNESCO listed fishing city is a good place to go to. If in case you have time, spending the night time is finest, however many individuals select to affix day journeys from Halifax to Lunenburg. It’s about an hour’s drive from Halifax.
3. Mahone Bay
Identified for its Three picturesque church buildings, this city presents nice eating places, a craft beer brewery, and plenty of specialty outlets. It’s a bit of over an hour’s drive to succeed in Mahone Bay, making it one other nice day journey from Halifax.
4. Wine Nation
Additional afield than the above Three choices, you’ll discover the Annapolis Valley. Many day journeys from Halifax head out to wine nation on an extended tour — round Eight hours. Take pleasure in tastings on the wineries, a gourmand lunch, and visits to different close by websites. Click on right here for particulars.
13. Be part of The Free Strolling Tour
Many cities around the globe provide free strolling excursions, that are usually run by college college students. One of many high issues to do in Halifax is to affix the strolling tour.
Beginning on the high of the Citadel, you’ll meet up along with your information who will present you across the metropolis. Whereas strolling and having fun with the websites, you’ll hear private tales from the guides, and find out about historical past. Be sure to ask for his or her really useful eating places and bars on the finish — native recommendation is all the time the perfect.
From June 1 – September 1, excursions run twice a day at 10 am and three pm. Whereas the tour is marketed as “free”, as with wherever in the world, it’s based mostly on donations/suggestions. Sometimes, $10 per particular person is the going charge, however be at liberty to pay what you assume is honest.
14. Watch Glass Blowing
In case you’re questioning what to do in Halifax to spend a couple of minutes, head right down to Nova Scotian Crystal and be mesmerized by the glass blowers there.
Once we handed by this store, we had been instantly drawn in and ended up spending round 30 minutes simply watching the entire course of.
Irish immigrants introduced their European glass blowing strategies with them and handed them right down to the following era. That is the one place in Canada that makes hand-cut, mouth-blown crystal objects.
The colorful melted glass is spun, blown, and molded into lovely crystal glasses, bowls, workplace objects, wedding ceremony presents, sculptures and extra. This is likely one of the most fascinating issues to see in Halifax.
15. Get Lively
If operating, strolling or biking aren’t your factor, you could possibly all the time strive your hand at bouldering. Situated just a bit bit north of the citadel, Seven Bays is a reasonably new indoor bouldering gymnasium/cafe. That is positively a preferred spot to go to in Halifax.
They provide climbing for all ranges, and truly, for the reason that partitions are simply 13ft excessive, if you’re completed, you simply leap down onto the thick padding or climb down the wall — no harnesses or ropes are used right here.
If climbing actually isn’t your factor, their cafe is a good place to seize a cup of espresso and so they provide vegan and vegetarian objects on the menu as effectively.
The place To Keep in Halifax
In case you’re eager to do a number of sightseeing, your finest base could be the Downtown space close to the Waterfront. If fashionable, hipster vibes are extra your scene, then the North Finish may be extra for you.
We stayed on the Westin Nova Scotian which is situated proper close to the Waterfront, Pier 21, Seaport Farmer’s Market and Garrisons Brewing.
The newly renovated room was nice and provided a tremendous view of Georges Island and the Waterfront. The employees at this historic lodge are very pleasant and useful, there’s (paid) parking accessible, and you may dine on the onsite restaurant and bar.
Plus, the lodge has a health heart, pool, salon and spa, and the Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Membership is situated in the foyer. We loved our keep right here (the large breakfast buffet was scrumptious).
On our second go to to Halifax, we selected an Airbnb in one of many historic properties close to the waterfront. Since we had been eating at eating places for nearly Three weeks straight, we had been wanting ahead to cooking a few meals for ourselves, which is a good perk of Airbnbs. Don’t overlook your Airbnb coupon code.
To seek for locations to remain in Halifax on Reserving.com, click on right here.
Now You Know What To Do in Halifax!
Nick and I spent 5 days in town and simply might have spent 10. With so many cool neighbourhoods to discover, eating places to dine at, and craft beers to pattern, you’ll by no means be bored right here.
Visiting in the summer time months will make sure you’ll have the ability to catch a pageant (or 3), whereas the low season means you’ll have town and locals all to your self. Benefit from the enjoyable issues to do in Halifax and let me know what I missed in the feedback under.
A particular thanks to Go to Nova Scotia for making this journey attainable. As all the time, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Some photographs in this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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