Choose from 8 Fun Things to Do in Halifax
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Halifax Cruise Port
On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada and the Maritimes. Get out on foot and explore what this east coast capital has to offer, whether it’s strolling the waterfront’s boardwalk, navigating Citadel Hill, or listening to live music at a local pub.
How to get to Halifax
Cruises dock at the Seaport, where there is immediate access to the Metro Transit bus system, Halifax taxis, and limousines. A 10-minute walk will take you straight to the downtown area, where you can peruse local boutiques, visit museums like the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or simply snap photos of the city’s busy waterfront and boardwalk area.
One Day in Halifax
Fortunately, many of Halifax’s highlights are just a short distance from the city’s port. If you love history, visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Visit Citadel Hill for some insight into Canada’s earliest years, or take in the view of the city from the tower.
Take your pick of shopping options along Spring Garden Road, and wander through the Public Gardens. When the sun sets, indulge in a lobster dinner and head out to the nearest pub for some live music and pints of Alexander Keith’s.
Port Information
Of all the Atlantic Canadian cities, Halifax gets the most cruise traffic. More than 15 different cruise lines operate here, including Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and more. All local businesses accept Canadian currency only, and English is most widely spoken (although French is Canada’s other official language).
How to get to Halifax
Cruises dock at the Seaport, where there is immediate access to the Metro Transit bus system, Halifax taxis, and limousines. A 10-minute walk will take you straight to the downtown area, where you can peruse local boutiques, visit museums like the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or simply snap photos of the city’s busy waterfront and boardwalk area.
One Day in Halifax
Fortunately, many of Halifax’s highlights are just a short distance from the city’s port. If you love history, visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Visit Citadel Hill for some insight into Canada’s earliest years, or take in the view of the city from the tower.
Take your pick of shopping options along Spring Garden Road, and wander through the Public Gardens. When the sun sets, indulge in a lobster dinner and head out to the nearest pub for some live music and pints of Alexander Keith’s.
Port Information
Of all the Atlantic Canadian cities, Halifax gets the most cruise traffic. More than 15 different cruise lines operate here, including Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and more. All local businesses accept Canadian currency only, and English is most widely spoken (although French is Canada’s other official language).
Address: Port of Halifax, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
From $ 47
Halifax Harbour
Set along the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada, the vast natural harbor in Halifax has welcomed boats for centuries. Still a shipping hot spot, the harbor contains several islands, among them Georges Island, the former site of a British naval station, and the hiking trail–threaded McNabs Island. A bustling boardwalk lines the waterfront.
The Basics
Halifax Harbour is busy, with lots of boat traffic visible out on the water. To experience the harbor, take a stroll along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, which runs for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and is home to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Cruises around the harbor offer excellent views of the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts as well as key harborside sights such as Point Pleasant Park. Some Halifax Harbour tours include an on-board meal, while others take place on amphibious vehicles that tour key sights on land, including St. Paul’s Church and Halifax Public Gardens, as well as go out on the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Halifax Harbour is a must for scenery seekers, people-watchers, and those who want to dine with harbor views.
- Free Wi-Fi, benches, washrooms, shops, and restaurants are all available at the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
- The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchair users, as are select boat tours.
How to Get There
Boat trips around the harbor depart from various locations, including the Halifax Ferry Terminal, the Cable Wharf, and other waterfront piers. Most departure piers are within walking distance of downtown Halifax and the Halifax train station. Bus routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 82, and 90 all connect to the ferry terminal. The waterfront boardwalk stretches from the Casino Nova Scotia in the north to Pier 21 in the south.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during the summer season, when waterfront restaurant terraces with harbor views, and ice cream and snack kiosks are open. Harbor boat tours typically run from May through October. Tall ship festivals are occasionally celebrated at the harbor, usually in summer.
McNabs Island
Situated at the mouth of Halifax Harbor, McNabs Island offers an easy-to-access nature-filled escape. Once part of the city’s defense network, McNabs still hosts a late-19th-century fort, which is a designated national historic site and was in use during both World Wars. The island has 14 miles (22 kilometers) of hiking trails to explore, which offer excellent bird-watching opportunities as well as views of the Halifax skyline. As there are no facilities on the island, it’s best to come prepared; bring drinking water and a picnic.
Address: Halifax, Canada
From $ 33
St Paul's Church
St Paul’s Church is one of the most significant landmarks in Halifax; in fact, the evangelical Anglican Church is the oldest surviving Protestant church in Canada and the oldest building in the city. It was given the Bishop's seat upon completion, making it the first Anglican cathedral outside of Great Britain. Thanks to the presence of a royal pew, the church welcomed dozens of monarchs throughout the centuries, including Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward and King Edward VII. Its construction was based on the ground plan of St. Peter's Vere Street in London.
Now a National Historic Site of Canada, St Paul’s Church welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, especially because of its crypt. It contains the remains of 20 congregants, including Sir John Wentworth, Charles Lawrence, Michael Francklin, Lord Charles Montagu and John Parr, to name a few. The church is located right next to the historic Halifax Old Burying Ground, a famous tourist attraction which serves as eternal resting place to over 12,000 people.
Practical Info
St Paul’s Church is located in downtown Halifax at the south end of the Grand Parade on Argyle Street, just a stone throw’s from Halifax City Hall and Government House. Several bus routes offered by Metro Transit stop in the vicinity of St Paul’s Church, including routes 7, 9, 35 and 41. It is not advised to travel to St Paul’s Church by car as there is not parking available onsite. Guided visits are available Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 3pm during summer months. Services are scheduled every Sunday at 10am, with Eucharist on Wednesdays at 11am and morning prayer Fridays at 9am.
Address: 1749 Argyle Street, Halifax B3J 3K4, Canada
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-3pm
From $ 33
Blomidon Estate Winery
What better way to enjoy the fine Nova Scotia wines than on a scenic 10-hectare vineyard in the Annapolis region? Blessed with a micro-climate that permits grape growing, the Blomidon Estate Winery is located on the bucolic shore of the Minas Basin has won numerous national and international awards over the years. Many of the blocks were planted in 1986 –including established Baco Noir, L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay, with newer plantings of Riesling, New York Muscat- giving Blomidon some of the oldest vines in the province. Their 100% Nova Scotia production includes crisp whites, strong reds, sweet rosés, sparkling wines (crémants and Prosecco-style sparkling) and delicate ice wines produced in the utmost Canadian tradition. The vineyard provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed picnic or an expert tasting, and is one of the most picturesque pieces of land in the province.
Practical Info
The Blomidon Estate Winery is located an hour and a half (107 kilometers/66 miles) north of Halifax. It can be reached by car via route 101, 358 and 221. The winery is open between Mondays and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 12AM to 5PM. Vineyard tours are available daily during the summer months and cost $5 per person.
Address: 10318 NS-221, Canning B0P 1H0, Canada
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-5pm
Admission: $5 per person
From $ 123
Cabot Trail
Cabot Trail comprises 185 miles (298 kilometers) of cliff-edge roadway weaving around the northern half of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. It offers epic views of the whale-inhabited waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of St. Lawrence, and access to quaint towns and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
The Basics
In theory, Cabot Trail can be completed in five hours. In reality, however, most visitors spend several days here, stopping for hikes, whale-watching tours, or to simply soak up the scenery along the route.
Drive yourself around the route or join a tour so you can focus on the views out the window. Multi-day tours typically incorporate the Cabot Trail into a longer itinerary that also includes other parts of Nova Scotia, such as Halifax and Baddeck, and—in some cases—Prince Edward Island. Many multi-day tours incorporate whale-watching boat trips and stops at scenic coastal villages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cabot Trail is a must for scenery seekers and nature lovers.
- Travel clockwise to stay on the inside lane, which is further away from scary roadside drop-offs.
- For those comfortable and confident at the wheel, go counterclockwise and take the trail’s outside lane, where there is typically less traffic.
- There are no roads cutting across the center of north Cape Breton Island, so once you start the trail, you either have to finish it or turn back the way you came.
- Watch out for moose on the road; if you encounter one, be prepared to stop and wait for it to move on.
How to Get There
Enter the trail via Route 19 (Ceilidh Trail), or via Exit 7, if you’re going clockwise, or Exit 11 of the Trans-Canada Highway 105, if you’re going counterclockwise. It’s also possible to take the Englishtown Ferry across St. Ann’s Bay and enter the trail via Route 312.
When to Get There
Sightseeing tours and whale-watching tours run between June and October, and it’s the best time to go. It’s also when the weather is mildest. If you plan on doing the trail in one day, set off early so you have ample time to explore.
Cabot Trail Wildlife-Watching
As you make your way along Cabot Trail, be on the lookout for some of the most impressive species known to frequent Cape Breton. Moose commonly wander onto the road, bald eagles can sometimes be spotted in the skies overhead, and all kinds of whales—from pilot to minkes to humpbacks—can be seen journeying near the coast from June to mid-October.
Address: Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
From $ 798
Point Pleasant Park
On the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula you’ll find Point Pleasant Park, a large municipal park where visitors of all sorts can find something – well -- pleasant.
History lovers should check out the remarkably preserved 18th century Martello tower known as the Prince of Wales Tower, a 26-foot high heavily armed defense structure used from the early 1800s to protect the city. Other defense batteries can also be found around the area, including the Cambridge Battery.
Several monuments pay tribute to Halifax’s heritage, the largest being the Halifax Monument (or Sailor’s Memorial). This memorial was originally erected in 1969 to pay tribute to the members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Merchant Navy, and the Canadian Army who were lost at sea. Since then, the monument has been replaced twice.
In the summer, literary folks can enjoy plays performed by the Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company. There are also many trails for running or walking. You can pack a picnic, sit at a table near the sea, and enjoy the views. You can walk your dog, but park rules demand that he or she be leashed at all times.
History lovers should check out the remarkably preserved 18th century Martello tower known as the Prince of Wales Tower, a 26-foot high heavily armed defense structure used from the early 1800s to protect the city. Other defense batteries can also be found around the area, including the Cambridge Battery.
Several monuments pay tribute to Halifax’s heritage, the largest being the Halifax Monument (or Sailor’s Memorial). This memorial was originally erected in 1969 to pay tribute to the members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Merchant Navy, and the Canadian Army who were lost at sea. Since then, the monument has been replaced twice.
In the summer, literary folks can enjoy plays performed by the Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company. There are also many trails for running or walking. You can pack a picnic, sit at a table near the sea, and enjoy the views. You can walk your dog, but park rules demand that he or she be leashed at all times.
Practical Info
The park is located on Point Pleasant Drive and is open from 6 AM to
midnight daily. Parking is available, but parking lot hours change per
season. Consult the park website for more details.
Address: Point Pleasant Road & Tower Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Hours: Open daily 6am - midnight
From $ 70
Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public gardens were opened in 1867 -- the same year as Canadian Confederation. A large team of superintendents, horticulturalists, and gardeners has kept everything blooming for over 100 years, and in 1984, the gardens became a National Historic Site of Canada.
Once you’re through the impressive main gates, you’re free to wander the footpaths at your leisure. There are over 100 species of trees here, as well as a collection of flowerbeds. Peruse the Tropical Display beds for exotic plants from around the world, or take in the colorful dahlias.
Cross the Upper and Lower Bridges and visit The Victoria Jubilee Fountain, added in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The most impressive fountain, however, is the double-tiered Boer War Memorial Fountain, erected in 1903 to honor the service of Canadian soldiers in the South African war.
Titanic lovers will want to check out Griffin’s pond, where a model of the ship floats, donated by the Maritime Ship Modellers Guild. This follows a tradition of displaying ships’ models in Victorian gardens.
And finally, to wrap up the whole experience, grab a coffee and some treats from the Horticultural Hall and Uncommon Grounds Café, and enjoy a lunch from the terrace.
Once you’re through the impressive main gates, you’re free to wander the footpaths at your leisure. There are over 100 species of trees here, as well as a collection of flowerbeds. Peruse the Tropical Display beds for exotic plants from around the world, or take in the colorful dahlias.
Cross the Upper and Lower Bridges and visit The Victoria Jubilee Fountain, added in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The most impressive fountain, however, is the double-tiered Boer War Memorial Fountain, erected in 1903 to honor the service of Canadian soldiers in the South African war.
Titanic lovers will want to check out Griffin’s pond, where a model of the ship floats, donated by the Maritime Ship Modellers Guild. This follows a tradition of displaying ships’ models in Victorian gardens.
And finally, to wrap up the whole experience, grab a coffee and some treats from the Horticultural Hall and Uncommon Grounds Café, and enjoy a lunch from the terrace.
Practical Info
The gardens opening times depend on the season, but their “Open Gate
Policy” means that if the gates are open, so are the gardens. Admission
is free.
Address: Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Hours: Apr - Nov: daily 8 am to dusk; Dec - Mar: Closed
From $ 33
Annapolis Valley
Running along the south shore of the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia’s fertile Annapolis Valley produces some of Canada’s finest fruit and vegetables. Apple orchards and vineyards carpet the verdant valley, U-pick farms and farmers markets abound, and several historic sites recount the history of early Acadian settlers.
The Basics
With its pretty rural landscapes and dramatic coastline, the Annapolis Valley is a popular option among hikers, cyclists, sea kayakers, and wildlife enthusiasts; you can spot whales in the adjacent Bay of Fundy. Many tours of the Annapolis Valley focus on the culinary scene, offering the chance to taste local Canadian wines at Annapolis Valley wineries, chow down on fresh Bay of Fundy seafood, and sample delicious local products, from fresh produce to condiments.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Annapolis Valley is a must for food and wine lovers.
- Rain is common in the Annapolis Valley, even in summer, so come prepared with waterproof gear.
- Some wineries in the region, such as Luckett Vineyards, and several attractions, such as the Grand Pré National Historic Site, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Annapolis Bay is situated north of Halifax in Nova Scotia. Fly into Halifax Airport and drive north, or take the ferry from Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia. Driving gives visitors the most flexibility, but with so many wineries in the region, you may be better off going as part of an organized tour so you can indulge in tastings.
When to Get There
May through October is the best time to visit Annapolis Valley, as temperatures are mild and pleasant. The valley is at its most picturesque in May, when the apple orchards blossom. The fall harvest, meanwhile, is a good time to pick fruit at local farms.
Historic Sites in the Valley
In addition to being a foodie hotspot, the Annapolis Valley also has several historic attractions that recall the area’s colonial past. The Grand Pré National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remembers the expulsion of the Acadians (early French settlers) by the British; the Port Royal National Historic Site and the Fort Anne National Historic Site look back at early Acadian settlements in the region.
Address: Canada
From $ 123