Discover the best things to do in Halifax
Halifax Nova Scotia Canada is a vibrant city full of sights and fun things to do for connoisseurs. From the stunning views of the harbour Halifax to tasting the local seafood delicacies are available in the capital of Nova Scotia a lot to do. Check out our must-do list for ideas on what to do in Halifax!
Book your Halifax accommodation here!
These hotels are particularly suitable for your activities in Halifax:
- The Barrington Hotel* is conveniently located for a walk to Historic Properties as well as the Waterfront.
- It's even closer from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel*. From here you can walk to the Historic Properties and its restaurants in just a few minutes.
- The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is also home to the Muir, Autograph Collection Hotel*.
- From the Halliburton Hotel* you can reach almost all of the attractions in Halifax mentioned here in 10 minutes on foot. You only need 15 minutes to the citadel.
- From the Hampton Inn by Hilton* you can reach the citadel in a few minutes, but the harbor front is also only a seven-minute walk away.
- Or look for the perfect hotel for your needs in our Halifax Hotel Guide . We also present the most popular hotels in the city. You will find luxury hotels as well as budget hotels. Families will also find their perfect accommodation there.
Our top tips on what to do in Halifax
Visit the Halifax Citadel
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is an impressive destination that offers views of the city and its harbor. You can explore the fortifications of this 19th-century British garrison, which include guns and guards in period costumes. You can even witness traditional ceremonies on the premises, such as B. Gun salute at noon and Beating Retreat parades.
5425 Sackville St,
Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3
Taking a harbor cruise in Halifax is fun
Experience the sights and sounds of Halifax on a harbor cruise. Relax on board and enjoy 360-degree views of downtown, Point Pleasant Park, and other landmarks along the way. The boat also includes an audio guide that provides fun facts about the sights you see along the way. Plus, these boat trips are great for spotting wildlife as there is an abundance of marine life in the waters.
What you can do as a foodie in Halifax
Have a picnic in Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park is one of Halifax's most popular outdoor attractions. The park extends over 200 hectares and is surrounded by vistas of the coast. It is perfect for long walks, wildlife viewing and exciting activities. But also for a picknick in the park. Be sure to explore the historic fortifications from the time of the Acadians until the Victorian period. Have a picnic at one of the beautiful viewpoints, or simply admire the scenery as you stroll the expansive paths that criss-cross it.
Explore the Seaport Farmers Market
Experience the vibrant culture of Halifax at the Seaport Farmers' Market. With over 200 vendors, this marketplace is a cornucopia of delicious dishes and snacks, local produce, crafts and imaginative works by artisans. From freshly caught seafood to honey straight from a bee farm, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Be sure to take advantage of the activities at the market, such as workshops, live music performances, and cooking demonstrations. You also get to know the local people.
961 Marginal Rd,
Halifax, NS B3H 4P7
Try Garrison Brewery's craft beers
The Garrison Brewery is also located not far from the Farmers Market. There you can taste the craft beers that the brewers make with hops from Nova Scotia and around the world and other ingredients. Let yourself be surprised how beer tastes with pine shoots, lavender, rhubarb or pumpkin. You'll be surprised!
1149 Marginal Rd,
Halifax, NS B3H 4P7
What you can do as an Arts & Crafts fan in Halifax
Discover local art in downtown Dartmouth
Downtown Dartmouth is home to a number of studios, galleries and shops, offering visitors the opportunity to explore Halifax's arts scene. Spend an afternoon strolling the quaint streets and taking in the sights and sounds of local art. There are many options to choose from including locally made paintings as well as prints, handmade jewellery, pottery, sculpture, ceramics and more! Be sure to visit some of Dartmouth's local markets for even more great deals on art.
What you can do as an outdoor fan in Halifax
Explore the harbor front
Halifax's Harbourfront offers the perfect blend of history and modern day entertainment. Stroll along the promenade to enjoy harbor views, visit museums and galleries, admire historic architecture, shop at unique boutiques or explore art installations. Don't forget to stop in for a seafood feast at one of the many restaurants in the area!
Go outside and enjoy the view of the Atlantic
Discover Halifax's unique coastline and explore rugged beaches, tranquil harbors and quaint fishing villages. Take a boat tour of the Atlantic Ocean to spot seals sunbathing on the nearby rocks, or go deep sea fishing to enjoy your own seafood feast. If you're looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the sea views, rent a kayak from one of the local beaches or take a leisurely stroll along the Waterfront Boardwalk. No matter how you choose to explore it, Halifax is definitely blessed with some of the best ocean views on the east coast!
What history buffs can do in Halifax
Tour historic downtown Halifax
Downtown Halifax is home to some of the city's most historic sites, from Government House to St. Paul's Church. Take a tour of the area and walk through centuries-old buildings, visit parksto enjoy expansive views of the harbor, or explore Fortune Lane and Grand Parade Square to learn more about Halifax's military history. A walk through the historic core of the city center offers a unique insight into past centuries.
Discover what connects Halifax with the Titanic
Visit Fairview Cemetery in Halifax's North End. 121 victims of what is probably the most tragic shipwreck in the Arctic are buried there. The RMS Titanic was probably the most famous cruise ship built in Belfast. It was considered unsinkable. However, when it collided with an iceberg southeast of Newfoundland on April 15, 1912, it showed that despite all the protections, nature is stronger. The Titanic sank quickly, taking most of its passengers with it. At Fairview Cemetery you will find rows of graves where some of the victims found their final resting place. If you want to learn more about this tragedy, you can find more information about it in the exhibition at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
What to do with kids in Halifax
Take a walk at Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth
Located in the heart of Dartmouth, Sullivan's Pond is a great spot for some outdoor adventures. Stroll around the pond and enjoy the views and skyline along Dartmouth town centre. It's a great way to get outside and explore Halifax's neighboring city in an exciting way!
Go on a whale watching tour
Take the whole family out to sea on a whale watching tour. Halifax offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with nature and spot dolphins, whales, seals, seabirds and other marine life! Choose from a selection of boat tours that promise breathtaking views as well as an unforgettable experience.
Have fun at the Children's Museum of Halifax
The Children's Museum of Halifax is a great place to take the kids for some family fun. From water activities to art classes, interactive exhibits and special events, there's something for everyone!
Eureka! The National Children's Museum
Discovery Road
Halifax HX1 2NE
Visit the Public Gardens or a Wildlife Park
The parks in Halifax are a highlight that you should not miss. Pack a picnic and take the kids with you before heading to one of the public gardens - Point Pleasant Park or Long Lake Provincial Park. Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is another fun place for those looking for something a little more adventurous – get up close and personal with wildlife while also enjoying beautiful views of the local natural scenery!
What needs to be in the suitcase for what you can do in Halifax?
- Halifax is a city that is easy to explore on foot. Hence comfortable shoes are definitely important. If you're going to be on foot for a long time, it's worth it, too, to pack walking boots in the suitcase .
- Im Ivanovsky Travel Guide Canada East * you will also find numerous tips from us.
- We always take a backpack with us on sightseeing tours. In it we store all the utensils that we need for the day. There is also enough space for souvenirs or a picnic.
- Halifax has a maritime climate. You should definitely expect rain here. A rain jacket that is waterproof is therefore worth taking with you.
- In summer, however, the sun often shines. Since you move outdoors a lot, a sun hat is very helpful.
- Order your travel guide for Halifax and Nova Scotia here*.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Getting to your things to do in Halifax:
For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. Air Canada, Condor and Icelandair fly from Germany to airports in eastern Canada. The Halifax Airport you can definitely reach it all year round Toronto.
Car Rentals:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Camper Rentals:
You can rent a motorhome in Halifax here.
When traveling in a motorhome, it is also worth checking that you have everything with you. Our packing list for campers definitely helps with that.
Hotels:
Hotels in Halifax * You can also book through our partner booking.com.
Do you know this?
- Discover Halifax attractions
- Halifax Nova Scotia: the Public Gardens
- Airport Halifax hotel with shuttle service
- Halifax Hotel Guide
- Halifax Airport – What you need to know
- Restaurant and gourmet scene in Denver, Colorado
Source: On-site research with support from Tourism Nova Scotia and the Canadian Tourism Commission. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Text What to do in Halifax: Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Wikimedia Commons Public Domain
Video: Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
