The Best Things to See & Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and has much to offer visitors, including a bustling waterfront, fantastic seafood, beautiful parks and beaches and a thriving pub culture – its most famous brewmaster, Alexander Keith, was also mayor. Read on to discover where to go, what to eat and, of course, what to drink when you’re in the city.
1. Enjoy food and live music
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Contemporary
A number of bars in the city offer live music from local talent throughout the week. The Carleton has great shows from well-known artists, and a menu of seafood, burgers and vegetarian options, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you listen to the live show. For other great live music, check out Stayner’s Warf overlooking the waterfront; Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, which offers exactly what its name suggests – live blues music and ribs and burgers; The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, and Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub.
2. Walk along the waterfront
Architectural Landmark
There is always tons going on on the Halifax waterfront, and even just a stroll from end to end is an experience. Grab a famous ice cream from COWS, stop for a drink at the Stubborn Goat Beer Garden, or grab lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water. If people-watching is more your thing, grab a seat in one of the Adirondack chairs, benches and hammocks lining the waterfront, and kick back with a cocktail or two. Also, keep an eye out for events and festivals such as Ribfest, Halifax Oyster Festival, and the Halifax Busker Festival.
3. Eat lots of seafood
Restaurant, Seafood
Lobster dinner, lobster rolls, scallops, mussels, salmon, shrimp… you name it, Halifax will have it. Enjoy everything from an upscale seafood dinner to a lobster-roll-to-go at Halifax’s many top-notch restaurants and waterfront kiosks.
5. Discover Point Pleasant Park
Park
In Halifax’s south end you’ll find Point Pleasant Park, a beautiful seaside park perfect for walking, biking, and picnicking. There are also trails, fort ruins, a historic tower and a swimming beach. If you enjoy theatre, make sure to check out Shakespeare by the Sea, a local theatre company that stages plays at the park throughout the summer months.
6. Halifax Public Gardens
Botanical Garden
Located right in the heart of downtown Halifax, the Public Gardens are a beautiful spot to spend a couple of hours relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Grab an ice cream from the onsite café, which is in the house that was originally home to the park’s groundskeeper, and check the schedule for regular garden tours and performances.
7. Take a brewery tour
Brewery
8. Head to the markets
Farmers' Market, Market, Canadian
9. Visit the museums and galleries
Museum
10. Take a harbour cruise
Sports Center
There’s nothing quite like sailing on the ocean, and this is an experience not to be missed when visiting Halifax. Head down to the waterfront, and you’ll find numerous tour groups offering everything from whale-watching and booze cruises to pirate-themed sailing tours. If you want a cardio workout while you travel, consider Kayak Halifax’s harbour kayak tours.
11. Spend time on the beach
Park, Natural Feature
While there aren’t any beaches right in the city, it’s well worth renting a car and driving to discover them. There are many beautiful beaches within an hour’s drive of Halifax, including Crystal Crescent, Bayswater, Rainbow Haven, Lawrencetown, Queensland, and Hubbards.
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