A Perfect One to Three Day Halifax Itinerary

By Lora Pope

Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant neighborhoods, stuffing your face with lobster at amazing restaurants, or on a day trip to nearby islands and charming small towns, there are so many awesome things to do in Halifax. If you’re planning a trip, this will help you map out a perfect itinerary!

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Day 1: Explore Downtown Halifax

Walk the Harbourfront
Start your day by walking along the harbourfront. There’s a lot going on and it’s a great place to kick-off your Halifax itinerary. There are museums, shops, and lots of restaurants if you want to grab a bite—Bicycle Thief is a popular choice. There are also a couple of beer gardens, which is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon!

Get on the water
For a different view of the harbour, rent jet skis or join a kayaking tour with Harbour Watercraft. You’ll get beautiful views of the city skyline and can paddle out to Georges Island National Historic Site to check out the lighthouse. You might even see the resident sea lions along the way!

Spring Garden Road
After strolling the harbourfront, walk 15 minutes north to Spring Garden Road. This is a major commercial and cultural district in Halifax where you’ll find great shopping and dining options.

Visit the Halifax Public Gardens
Keep walking along Spring Garden Road and you’ll come across the Halifax Public Gardens. This is a beautiful green space right in the city. It is one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden in North America!

Visit Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Overlooking the city, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is where you can step back in time and learn all about the fort and its inhabitants. The views of Halifax from here are also stunning!

Join a spirit tasting at Halifax Citadel
Another fun thing to do in the evening is go for a spirit tasting at Halifax Citadel. After learning about the history of alcohol in the British military and how it was used to rally the troops, you’ll get to sample locally-made spirits along with a delicious charcuterie board.

Ghost Tour
Combine the spirit tasting with a ghost tour around Halifax Citadel. Guided by candlelight, you’ll explore the chambers and alleys while the guide shares ghost stories that people have reported over the years.

Day 2: Neighbourhoods and Islands

Now that you’ve explored downtown Halifax by foot, it’s time to venture out to nearby islands and neighborhoods.

Visit Georges Island National Historic Site
One of the newest things to do in Halifax is to visit Georges Island National Historic Site which recently opened to the public. It’s just a quick 5-minute boat ride to the island, where you can explore outside the fort or join a guided tour to walk through the tunnels.

Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Center
Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Center is just a 20-minute drive from Halifax. This small village is full of colorful cabins and a boardwalk where you can find locally made gifts. You can also join kayaking tours here with Kattuk Expeditions.

McNabs Island
McNabs is one of the larger islands in the harbour. You could easily spend an entire day exploring hiking trails, historic forts, and stunning beaches. If you’re looking for nature while visiting Halifax, McNabs Island is the perfect place to go.

Hydrostone Market
One of the best parts of visiting Halifax are all the cute neighbourhoods there are to explore. Hydrostone Market in the North End is one worth checking out. It’s a small street lined with cute restaurants and boutiques that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.

Dartmouth
Dartmouth is just a short ferry ride across the harbour from Halifax. It has so many awesome restaurants and breweries where you can sample local craft beer. The Canteen is a great choice!

Day 3: Take a Trip

There are so many day trip options less than an hour’s drive from the city. If you’ve got an extra day on your Halifax itinerary, rent a car and visit one of these stunning places.

Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is one of the most iconic lighthouses in North America. Built in 1915, this stunning lighthouse stands on a gorgeous rocky landscape by the Atlantic ocean. It’s an amazing place to take photographs, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Mahone Bay & Lunenburg
If you want to see more charming towns in Nova Scotia, continue driving along the South Shore. This part of Nova Scotia is lined with gorgeous small towns like Mahone Bay, an area popular for sailing. Just a 15-minute drive from Mahone Bay is Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has become one of the most photographed towns in Nova Scotia.

Hit the Beach
If you’re craving beach time, there are plenty to choose from—Lawrencetown Beach is a popular choice and you can actually go surfing there!

Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting
If you want an adrenaline-filled day, head out to the Shubenacadie River and join a guided tidal bore rafting adventure. You’ll get absolutely soaked—it’s a blast!

Where to stay in Halifax
Halifax has a wide variety of hotels, Airbnbs and even hostels if you’re on a limited budget. It’s best to base yourself near the harbourfront in Halifax. You’ll have restaurants, beer gardens, and even a COWS ice cream shop right outside your door.