Things to Do In Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia’s largest city, Halifax, is the maritime machine of the province. Its vibrant lifestyle beside the harbor makes it the perfect place to spend your vacation. There are many attractions to visit in Halifax. It is also a place where you cannot miss enjoying seafood and other delicacies, like lobster and donair- which is a pita bread sandwich stuffed with spit-roasted shaved beef. This charming port city is definitely a must visit when in Nova Scotia. Read on to learn more about things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

A List of Things to Do In Halifax

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a 19^th-century fort that provides stunning views of downtown Halifax. It is one of main tourist sites in Halifax. From May to October, the Citadel comes to life with the pageantry of the 78^th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery that entertain visitors daily. Built in 1749, this start-shaped fort is a place to learn much about the former British citadel and a little bit of the fortified city’s military history. You can still view soldiers’ barracks, signal station, sewing room, army museum, and garrison cells.

Halifax Public Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens take up 16 acres of land in the heart of the city. This beautiful garden is over 150 years old and still stands as it was a century and a half ago. The gardens bring forth the true Victorian horticulture. It consists of numerous trees, flowers, and other types of flowers. Visitors can admire the elegantly-designed wrought-iron gates, pond, fountains, bandstand and statues in the garden. After a long day of exploring, head to the Uncommon Grounds Café, which serves ice creams, bagels, drinks, and many more food items.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Nova Scotia is a maritime province linked with a lot of sea-related activities like seafaring and fishing. The Maritime Provinces are Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, all of which has a history of its own. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic teaches you about the Maritime Provinces and their link to the Atlantic Ocean. The museum traces the region’s maritime heritage, which includes the arrival of the European colonials like the French, Scottish, and Irish immigrants, by sea. It also highlights the importance of fishing and boatbuilding trades of the region.

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a prominent tourist attraction in the city. Not only tourists, but locals also flock in here to enjoy their day. This 4 km-long boardwalk along the waterfront is the perfect place to sit back and relax watching the boats sailing in the water, or take a stroll while enjoying the surroundings and views. You can also enjoy the beautifully-restored 18^th-century facades while exploring the many shops, restaurants, and art galleries lining the boardwalk.

Halifax Harbor Front and Ferry

Halifax Harbor is a natural harbor on the Atlantic Coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is one of deepest and largest ice-free natural harbors in the world. The Halifax Harbor Front ferry is an excellent way to explore the region and the surrounding area. There are two ferries operating in the harbor front. One ferry service crosses from Halifax to Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth. The other ferry service crosses from Halifax to Woodside.

Fairview Lawn Cemetery

Fairview Law Cemetery is the final resting place of a lot of people who lost tragically around that area. Notably, it is the final resting place of over 100 people who lost their lives in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. It is also the final resting place of those who died in the Halifax Explosion in 1917. When in Fairview, you can also visit the Halifax Mainland Common Park, which is also another place worth visiting with kids.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

St. Paul’s Anglican Church is the oldest building in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is also the oldest standing Protestant church in the country. This National Historic Site of Canada dated back to 1749. The church has a beautiful architecture. It is noteworthy for its stained glass windows, subterranean script, pipe organ, and adjacent cemetery.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, is located in the National Historic Site, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is where you can find out about the many who made Canada their first home. The Halifax seaport is where almost one million immigrants landed in Canada, between 1928 and 1971. The museum has interactive exhibits explaining on what the challenges these immigrants faced as they left their homes in hope of a new future.

Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Over 200 years ago, in 1820, Alexander Keith established his brewery in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The brewery is now beautifully restored and renovated in its original location at Lower Walter Street in Halifax. It is one of the oldest breweries in Canada. A tour at the brewery will give you an idea on how the company makes its popular beers. You will also get a chance to have a taste of these beers.

Point Pleasant Park

Point Pleasant Park, in the southern tip of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a large green space with 186 acres of forest and sweeping ocean views.  As one of Halifax’s most admired parks, it has everything for walkers, joggers, and regular visitors to relax and enjoy. The park also has various statues, memorials, and events that depict the history of Halifax. The Halifax Monument erected in 1989 is also located in this park. It is a popular area where families have picnics relaxing on a Sunday or holiday.

Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is a small fishing village that is located just 45 minutes from Halifax, in Nova Scotia. It is home to the most photographed iconic lighthouse in Canada. It is a beautiful harbor site lined with colorful sheds built on stilts. Visit Peggy’s Cove early morning to avoid the crowds and make sure to stay to witness an amazing sunset scenery.

Conclusion

Halifax is a quaint city with so much to explore, away from the hustle and bustle of most of the major cities in Canada. There are so many things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and it will help to plan a tour, based on the above attraction sites, to make the most of what the city offers.