Boating in Halifax

Welcome to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s city by the sea where urban energy meets coastal charm

When you dock in Halifax, you’re literally seconds from fine dining, pubs, museums, cafés, boutique shopping, gardens, galleries, vibrant nightlife, as well as a varied range of festivals and events. Our historic waterfront is anchored by one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks. Its 4 kilometres (2.7 miles) spans the entire length of the downtown core, so all the indulgences, and charms of the city are at your feet. Ready to explore? Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada, and it deftly marries rich history with vibrant culture, to surround visitors with the best of old and new. You could call it the quintessential east coast destination – with an unusual amount of flair and sophistication.

As a culinary centre, Halifax boasts a bounty of riches for a city of its size. The wealth of fresh produce and fine butchery from surrounding rural areas combined with access to the freshest seafood, inspires chefs from our own backyard, and around the world. This ensures you’ll be well-fed as you stroll through historic streets, discover unique shops, partake in the many available tours, and enjoy a broad spectrum of live entertainment.

In Halifax, your days and nights are as contemplative or energetic as you desire. Time and again, visitors remark on Halifax’s welcoming and friendly nature. We welcome you to experience it all for yourself.

Top Halifax Attractions

Halifax Pubs and Live Music

Pull up a stool in a city that is rumoured to have the most pubs per-capita in Canada.
Listen to live music ranging from traditional roots to modern music and enjoy menus featuring local fare, beer, cider, wine and spirits
In the summer, find your spot on a patio or follow the tunes to the waterfront beer garden

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Halifax Events

The Halifax waterfront is the place to be each summer with various annual events taking place including TD Halifax Jazz Fest, Halifax Buskers Festival, and Halifax Seaport Beer and Cider Fest
Don’t miss the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix taking place June 1-2, 2024 on Halifax Harbour. This is the first time this event is taking place in Canada!

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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Become a soldier for a day and experience the life of a 19th century soldier
Explore the history of the fortress, walk within its walls and touch a piece of Halifax’s military history
Each day, the Citadel comes to life with the 78th Highlanders and Royal Artillery re-enactment interpreters

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Georges Island National Historic Site

Located in the heart of Halifax Harbour, the place Mi’kmaq call Kjipuktuk or “The Great Harbour.”
Visit Fort Charlotte and take a guided tour of the historic tunnels while taking in the views of Halifax and the mouth of the harbour
Island is accessible by ferry service as well as private boat, kayak, or canoe. Park entrance included in ferry ticket.

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McNabs Island Provincial Park

South of Georges Island in Halifax Harbour, discover over 22km of hiking and biking trails in forested and coastal settings, sandy beaches, historic sites, and even a Victorian Garden on McNabs Island
Visit Fort McNab to see history frozen in time.
Friends of McNabs Island Society offer guided heritage and nature tours

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Busy shot of Argyle Street in Halifax — Downtown Halifax

Halifax Boating Destinations

Downtown Halifax

Downtown Halifax is the heart of Atlantic Canada. It represents the true essence of a port city where a distinct history meets a new world. With hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shops all within a walk-able downtown core, there is so much to explore, just steps away from your vessel. All within the downtown, nature lovers will find rocky beaches, historical parks, and beautiful gardens.

Urbanites can enjoy the symphony, live theater, art galleries, and museums – along with a lively nightlife that includes brewpubs, booming local culinary, craft beer, and wine scenes. With Maritime hospitality engrained in the culture, expect the best service and the best company throughout your visit.

A couple are on a sailboat and looking out to the Armview basin — Northwest Arm

Northwest Arm

A small inlet, The Northwest Arm contains several small islands, including Melville Island, home of the Armdale Yacht Club, and Deadman’s Island, at the northwestern end near Armdale. There is a public beach (the only one on the Arm) located at Sir Sandford Fleming Park.

Halifax Waterfront

Halifax has a long maritime history and is home to Canada’s east coast navy base. The city’s historic waterfront and over 4-kilometre (2.5 miles) harbourwalk offers meandering public boardwalks and fixed piers with floating docks and marine services for visiting boats. At the waterfront marina, you are in the center of it all. Pubs, restaurants, museums, historic sites, galleries, and markets are all within walking distance of your boat, it is easy to spend a day exploring.

Dartmouth Waterfront

Then you arrive in Dartmouth at Alderney Landing, you are within minutes of a waterfront boardwalk stroll, numerous restaurants, breweries (including a beer garden at Alderney Landing), local shops and galleries, and on Saturday mornings, the weekly, year-round Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market is located next to the entrance/exit of the ferry terminal within Alderney Landing.

Chebucto Peninsula

The Chebucto Peninsula is bordered by St. Margarets Bay in the west, the open Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Halifax Harbour to the east. Hiking trails, beaches, inlets, and coves can be explored onshore.

Further ashore, this vast coastal wilderness area remains virtually untouched, encompassing wild and dramatic rocky barrens, headlands, and coves. Visitors will find exposed granite headlands, cliffs, rocky crags, and numerous islands, along with sheltered passageways, salt marshes, and a few sandy beaches.