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Explore Halifax

3 days

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax Metro

The heart of Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with tree-lined streets, international restaurants, galleries, libraries, and museums.

Discover which historic sites, shops, beaches, activities, and restaurants should be top of your list for a visit to Halifax.

1 Day 1 : Downtown Halifax

Downtown Halifax 

The Halifax Waterfront is the best place to start in downtown Halifax and is one of the most visited attractions in the province.

From here you can hop on a tour and let an experienced guide show you around the city!  If you are visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market at the south end of the waterfront.

The historic Halifax Waterfront
The historic Halifax Waterfront

Take a stroll along Spring Garden Road. This is one of the most popular streets in Halifax, home to various shops and restaurants, and a great spot for people watching. While you’re there, tour the Halifax Public Gardens, a rare example of a formal Victorian garden and a beautiful and serene green space in the heart of the city.

Be sure to check out the Halifax Central Library. The library’s award-winning architecture, central location and sweet cafe have made the library a popular community meeting place in Halifax.

An aerial view of the historic Public Gardens.
An aerial view of the historic Public Gardens.

2 Day 2 : Downtown Halifax

For those wanting to learn a bit about Halifax’s history, visit one of our museums or historic sites.

Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to learn about the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada, or tour the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see the world’s finest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic.

At the top of the city you will find the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site where the sounds of a modern, bustling port city are exchanged for the crack of rifle-fire and the skirl of bagpipes. Or in the heart of Halifax Harbour, take in a guided tour of the historic tunnels, enjoy the scenic views from a new perspective and immerse yourself in the rich history of Georges Island National Historic Site.

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Grab a bite to eat! Visit one of the delicious local vendors located on the Halifax waterfront, or find a pizza shop and grab a donair, Halifax’s official snack.

If you’re looking for something a little bit more, visit one of Halifax’s delicious restaurants. For some local flavours try The Five Fishermen, 2 Doors Down, or Shuck Seafood + Raw Bar.

The Bicycle Thief Restaurant on the Halifax Waterfront
The Bicycle Thief Restaurant on the Halifax Waterfront

3 Day 3 : Downtown Dartmouth

A quick ferry ride will take you on a short boat tour across Halifax Harbour and drop you in downtown Dartmouth. Accessible by both ferry and bridge, Dartmouth is home to a collection of great restaurants, breweries, and shops. The Dartmouth Waterfront it also a great place to take in the Halifax skyline. Explore the area on foot and grab a bite at one of the many popular restaurants such as The Canteen, Battery Park Beer Bar & Eatery, Dear Friend Bar or Café Good Luck.

Also in the heart of downtown Dartmouth you will find Lake City Cider as well as New Scotland Brewing. Several independent shops have also popped up in the area carrying unique local product.

Battery Park Beer Bar and Eatery in downtown Dartmouth
Battery Park Beer Bar and Eatery in downtown Dartmouth

Hit the Beach

From warm waters and white sand, to big waves and killer surf, it’s only a short drive from Dartmouth to see some of the best beaches in Nova Scotia. Take a drive out to Rainbow Haven Beach or Lawrencetown Beach and take in the beautiful scenery and be sure to dip your toes in the Atlantic ocean. Departing for a day at the beach from the Halifax side? Visit popular Crystal Crescent Beach or Queensland Beach.

Catch some surf at Lawrencetown Beach
Catch some surf at Lawrencetown Beach

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