Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and is well-known for its picturesque seaside location and rich maritime history.
There is no shortage of things to do and see here, whether it’s your main destination or a stopping point on your way to discovering more of Atlantic Canada. And it’s the ideal city to explore on foot. Keep reading for ideas on things to do and places to visit in Halifax.
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TOP THINGS TO DO IN HALIFAX
Check out six must-include items for the ultimate Halifax sightseeing itinerary!
#1 Halifax Waterfront
Ask anyone what to do in Halifax and they’ll likely tell you to check out the Halifax waterfront. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for the city, with almost four kilometres of boardwalk to stroll along. Visit one of the many seaside shops and restaurants, rent a bike or e-bike, or just take in the views.
Some of the many highlights on a visit to the Halifax waterfront include the infamous “Drunken Lampposts,” a fun art installation that has become a popular photo op, and the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, one of North America’s oldest farmers’ markets (open year-round).
Activities you can check out
The boardwalk has something for everyone! Check out this map of must-see landmarks and attractions.
Want to go beyond the boardwalk? Try this Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour, or explore in classic style on a Tall Ship Harbour Sailing Tour.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Lower Water St, Halifax, NS
Hours: The boardwalk is open 24 hours/day, hours of restaurants/shops vary by location.
Price: Free
Tips:
- Looking for the perfect skyline view? Head to the ferry terminal and take the 15-minute Alder-ney Ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth. It’s $2.75 one way—get a transfer slip at the ferry terminal and use it to return within 90 minutes.
- Physical distancing – As in all public spaces, physical distancing is required as a COVID-19 precaution. Groups should be limited to no more than 10 people.
- The three Cs – Care-ing, community and common sense, keeping the waterfront a safe space for everyone to enjoy. If you’re visiting shops, remember that wearing a mask is also required in most indoor public places.
Parking: There are five paid parking lots located along the Halifax Waterfront. Look for the blue P signs along Lower Water Street.
Heading to the farmers’ market? Parking is free at the Cunard Lot (1325 Lower Water Street) between the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and The Halifax Brewery Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 6 am to 3 pm.
#2 Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Canadian Museum of Immigration is the perfect destination for the end of your boardwalk stroll!
This iconic, historic location is where almost one million Canadian immigrants landed between 1928 and 1971. Visit to be immersed into the ongoing history of Canadian immigration, from past to present.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price:
- Adult – $14.50
- Senior (60+) – $11.25
- Youth (6 – 16) – $9.25
- Children (5 and under) – Free
- Family (2 adults/3 children) – $34.50, each additional child $3.45
- Students – $9.25
- Groups – $9.20
Tips:
- If you have family members who immigrated to Canada, you can research their history and immigration records at the on-site Scotiabank Family History Centre. Museum staff can also help with other family genealogy research and questions.
Parking: There is on-street metered parking nearby, as well as a paid lot by the museum’s main entrance. (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. is $2//hour to a maximum of $10/day. Weekends, Evenings (6 p.m. – 8 a.m.) and holidays are complimentary.
#3 Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Visit this historic hilltop fort that has sat overlooking Halifax since 1856: definitely one of the most recommended places to visit in Halifax. On the same site, earlier versions of the fort existed as early as 1749. Step back in time as you explore the fort and learn what daily life was like for soldiers.
Activities you can check out
Don’t miss the firing of the Noon Gun, every day year-round except for Christmas Day. Watch at 12 p.m. as gunners dressed in an 1869 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery Uniform fire a reproduction 12 pounder, smooth-bore muzzle-loading gun from the ramparts of the citadel. This has been a daily tradition at the site since 1857, a tribute to the city’s history as a British military stronghold.
Take a self-guided tour of the fort with a downloadable map of key locations that you can view here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS
Hours: The citadel grounds are open year-round from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for visitors to explore, while buildings and exhibits are closed during the off-season (Public washrooms are still available year-round).
- May 7 – 31: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- June 1 – Sept 15: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Sept 16 – Oct 31: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Price:
- Free for youth 17 and under
- June 1 – Sept 15: $11.90 adults, $10.20 seniors
- May 1 – 31 and Sept 16 – Oct 31: $7.90 adults, $6.60 seniors
Free rest of the year
Tips:
- Before your visit, be sure to check the latest COVID-19 guidelines to see what’s open and closed at the citadel.
Parking: On-site parking is available inside the fort’s West Ditch at $3.15/vehicle.
#4 Halifax Public Gardens
On a visit to Halifax, don’t miss taking a stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens, a beautiful Victorian-era garden first established in 1867.
Depending on the time of year you visit, there will be something unique to see as you walk the 16-acre garden’s many winding paths—from seasonal plants to fountains and statues reminiscent of Victorian times.
Activity you can check out
Want to know what you’re looking at on your visit to the gardens? Guided tours are currently on hold, but you can follow along with this visual guide of what blooms in the garden each season:
Add some extra fun to your visit to the Public Gardens—check out this Halifax Tourist Scavenger Hunt.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Spring Garden Rd. &, Summer St, Halifax, NS
Hours: Park gates open at 7 a.m. and start closing one hour prior to sunset.
Price: Free
Tips:
- Visiting on a warm day? Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Family Lawn Area facing Summer Street.
Parking: There is no parking lot at the gardens, but the surrounding city streets have metered parking spaces and are free after 6 p.m., on weekends, and on holidays.
#5 Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Nova Scotia has an incredibly rich maritime history. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is great if you’re looking for interesting activities in Halifax, whether you’re a history buff or not. Visit the museum for an immersive overview of maritime history, from the Titanic to the Halifax Explosion, to the Golden Age of Sail.
One of the museum’s most notable exhibits tells the story of the Titanic, Halifax’s role in the disaster, and the personal stories of many who were on board, with a collection of artifacts that include a rare Titanic deck chair.
Want to dig even deeper into Halifax history from the Titanic to the Halifax explosion? You might like this Half-Day Historical Tour of Halifax.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 675 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS
Hours: Closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Price: Free on Tuesday afternoons from 1-4 (limited museum capacity) Adults: $5.15, seniors $4.40, Youth 6 – 17 $3.10, Children 5 and under free, Families $11.85
Tips:
- Arrive early—museum capacity is limited due to COVID-19. Groups size is also limited to five people, and masks are mandatory for anyone over two.
- Read more about the museum’s safety precautions and how you can help keep safe during your visit here.
Parking: There are five paid parking lots located along the Halifax Waterfront—look for the blue P signs along Lower Water Street. Metered street parking is also available nearby.
#6. Self-guided tour from the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
If you’re a sports fan and in search of a great outdoor activity, this is a must-add to your Halifax sightseeing list. Follow a free guide from the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, with three different walking routes that take you to sports heritage sites around Halifax.
The Sport Hall of Fame itself is currently in the process of moving locations, but there’s plenty to see along the route for any avid sports fan.
Find the walking tour route and information here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Start your self-guided walking tour from 1800 Argyle Street.
Hours: Anytime!
Price: Free
Tips:
- Follow the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame on social media for updates on their new location.
Parking: Metered parking is available throughout downtown Halifax and is free after 6 p.m., on weekends, and on holidays.
A QUICK HALIFAX TRAVEL GUIDE
Money — Halifax uses the Canadian dollar (CAD), and the majority of businesses accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and debit/bank cards (Interac, Plus, Cirrus). Bank branches and ATMs are readily available throughout downtown Halifax.
When is the best time? — Halifax has something unique to offer visitors year-round, but you’ll experience the most pleasant weather May through October, especially if you’re looking to enjoy outdoor or waterfront activities.
Getting here — By car: You’ll drive into Halifax via the Trans-Canada Highway—drivers coming from outside of Nova Scotia need to pay a $4 fee at the Cobequid Pass. There are no tolls for drivers from within Nova Scotia unless entering via the Halifax Harbour Bridges.
By plane: Halifax Stanfield International Airport is 30 minutes from downtown. Shuttle bus service is available from May 1 – October 31 from the airport to downtown Halifax at $22/person or $40 for a round trip.
By public transportation: Travel on VIA Rail with connections from many major Canadian cities, or by Maritime Bus from other maritime provinces in Canada.
Getting around— Halifax is an easy city to get around on foot. There are many hills, but it’s a very pedestrian-friendly city. You can also rent a car or bring your own, with ample metered and paid parking available, or travel by bus throughout the city with Halifax Transit.
Find detailed information on parking in downtown Halifax here.
Find out more about local bus routes here.
WHERE TO STAY IN HALIFAX
BUDGET STAY
Just outside the downtown hub yet still within reach of all Halifax has to offer. Visitors love it for its complimentary breakfast, pool, and sauna.
MID-RANGE STAY
The Hollis Halifax, a Doubletree Suites by Hilton
A boutique-style hotel located right in downtown Halifax steps from the waterfront. Amenities include an on-site pool and fitness center.
UNIQUE STAY
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Halifax, this charming, nautical-themed B&B by the sea is a unique stay offering panoramic views of Halifax Harbour—you might even catch sight of a whale off your private deck!
LUXURY STAY
In the heart of downtown Halifax, offering a world-class, sophisticated, and charming experience. Enjoy luxe amenities and features, from an award-winning culinary team at the on-site restaurant to a pool, sauna, and workout facilities.
Frequently asked questions
– If you have the time, Peggy’s Cove is a must-see! It’s just outside the city and home to one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses. Check out this Guided Best of Halifax Tour, which also takes you on a tour of Citadel Hill and through downtown Halifax.
– Halifax has a temperate climate with all four seasons! Summers are typically warm and sunny, fall crisp and cool, winter snowy and cold, and spring warm and sometimes rainy.
– Halifax has something unique to offer visitors year-round, but you’ll experience the most pleasant weather May through October, especially if you’re looking to enjoy outdoor or waterfront activities.
– The Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts both offer free wifi, as well as in Grande Parade Square. Most coffee shops, libraries, and hotels also have free wifi.
– Halifax is a great city for dining out! You’ll find plenty of options for any budget, from fine dining to pubs. Canada’s Maritimes are also known for their amazing seafood, so you’re sure to find many options if that’s what you’re after.
– Restrictions vary depending on where you’re traveling from and also are continuously changing as the situation with the pandemic evolves. You can see up-to-date information here.
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