14 Don’t Miss Experiences in Halifax

Don’t Miss

Looking to get the most out of your visit to Halifax? Whether you’re looking to hit the top photo spots, explore historic sites and galleries, or just stroll about the city exploring, we’ve pulled together a list of top experiences you should add to your Halifax must-do list.

Be a soldier for a day at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Halifax’s star-shaped fortress has stood watch over the city since the mid-1800s. Learn about life in the trenches with the year-round Trench Experience exhibit. Get suited up in an authentic uniform of the Queen’s army; take part in foot drills, firearms training, and a tour of the Citadel.

Other Halifax Citadel experiences include ghost tours, guided Citadel tours, the firing of the noon gun, and more.

Fisherman’s Cove, Eastern Passage

Located within the working fishing community of Eastern Passage, Fisherman’s Cove features a variety of gift shops and art galleries & studios and is a great spot to grab a snack or fresh seafood, stroll the boardwalk at McCormacks Beach Provincial Park as well as to catch the sunset over the Halifax skyline.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Canada’s largest and oldest maritime museum is the ideal place to learn about Nova Scotia’s rich and storied maritime history. Collections include over 20,000 photographs and artifacts relating to the Titanic disaster and the Halifax Explosion.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Experience interactive exhibits that allow you to experience what it was like for almost one million people who immigrated to Canada through Halifax’s Pier 21. Then, take a look at how newcomers have influenced Canada, trace migration throughout Canada and beyond, and test your knowledge at the Canadian Citizenship Test Table.

Halifax Central Library

Located at the corner of Queen Street and Spring Garden Road, the Halifax Central Library has received many accolades since it opened in 2014, including winning the national Governor General Architecture Medal in 2016. The interior is a high-tech, sustainable and accessible, making it a cultural hub of downtown Halifax. Stop by to take in some of the library’s programming, grab a snack at the on-site café and to check out the stunning architecture and views of Halifax.

Emera Oval

The Emera Oval, the long-track speed skating oval on the Halifax Common, is an outdoor activity destination for all four seasons. In the winter months, the Oval offers public skating and special events. No need to pack your ice skates, in-line skates, or helmets – rentals are free. In the summer months, the Oval is a popular spot to inline skate, roller skate or to bike.

Halifax Public Gardens

Entering through the main gates at the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street, you will discover the Halifax Public Gardens, the oldest Victorian Gardens in North America, a 16-acre oasis that is a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll, stop to smell the roses and observe the beautiful landscaping throughout including tropical fruit-bearing plants during the summer months. Take a break and stop for an ice cream cone at the onsite café or enjoy live music at the bandstand.

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Downtown Halifax’s waterfront boardwalk hugs the harbour for 10 city blocks from Pier 21 at the Halifax Seaport to Casino Nova Scotia. The boardwalk follows the water’s edge past historic sites, shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can easily spend the entire day exploring the Halifax Waterfront visiting such places as the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Home to Atlantic Canada’s largest collection of regional, Canadian, and international art, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia exhibits a variety of permanent and changing installations throughout the year in a historic downtown building dating from the 1860s..

Perhaps the most well known permanent exhibits is that of Nova Scotian folk artist Maud Lewis’ works, including her tiny, perfectly preserved home that is vividly decorated with her artwork.

Halifax Harbour Ferries

For $3.00 one way you can enjoy the view of the Halifax skyline from the top deck of the ferry. Not only is this quick and easy way to travel between the Halifax waterfront and downtown Dartmouth, which has several shops and fantastic restaurants and cafés to be explored and sampled, but the photo ops of the Halifax skyline are second to none.

Alderney Landing, Dartmouth

After you ride the ferry over to Dartmouth, you’ll find yourself in Alderney Landing, a multi-purpose event space complete with an art gallery, weekend farmers’ and craft markets, restaurants, shops, and harbourside park to take in the views of Halifax. There is also an outdoor performance stage that hosts concerts and theatre productions during the summer months.

Family enjoying dinner from Evan's Seafood in Alderney Landing

McNabs Island Provincial Park, Halifax Harbour

A quick boat trip from Eastern Passage will deliver you to McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour which has over 22 kilometres of hiking trails to explore. Pack a picnic lunch an water – there are no services out here – and explore beaches and trails throughout the island and the epic views out over Halifax Harbour.

Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

Start your weekend off with breakfast at the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America in Halifax’s seaport area. Located near the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in the Halifax Seaport area, pick up Nova Scotia–grown fruits and vegetables, wine, beer, spirits, baked treats, cheeses, and beautifully crafted artisanal goods and artwork.

Georges Island National Historic Site, Halifax Harbour

Book your tour ticket, depart the Halifax Waterfront on a tour boat, and spend the day exploring the historic tunnels while enjoying the scenic Halifax views from a new perspective atop Georges Island in the middle of Halifax Harbour. This unique opportunity allows visitors to learn more about this hidden in plain site historical gem.