Travel
Why Halifax Ought to Be Your Subsequent Canadian Escape — And What to Do When You Get There
I wasn’t anticipating to search out a great deal of enjoyable issues to do in Halifax. Initially, I truly had fairly low expectations of Halifax in Canada. No concept why – figured it might be a gritty extra industrial city. What a shock.
halifax ns is vibrant, it’s foodie, it’s Instagram pleasant and there are hundreds and a great deal of enjoyable issues to do in Halifax Nova Scotia.
25 Enjoyable Issues to do in Halifax
1. Be taught concerning the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion
The Maritime Museum of The Atlantic was probably the most attention-grabbing factor I did throughout my time in Halifax. I’m not usually a giant museum individual however this one was fascinating. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic’s Titanic exhibition is unbelievable and consists of issues like a deck chair.
I had by no means heard of the Halifax Explosion earlier than visiting Canada Halifax. It’s a quite surprising story however so attention-grabbing. I extremely advocate spending a while at this fascinating – and fairly photogenic – Halifax museum.
2. Stroll the Halifax waterfront
The Halifax waterfront runs for 10 blocks from pier 21 at Halifax seaport to on line casino nova scotia. There are a great deal of issues to do and see alongside the waterfront in Halifax.
Nice eating places, sculptures, hammocks, bike and segway rent, a lot of outlets and many picture alternatives. The waterfront is without doubt one of the prime issues to see in Halifax.
⇒ In the event you’re planning a visit to pretty Nova Scotia take a look at my Nova Scotia Itinerary – 6 Days
3. Rent a Segway or Bike to discover the waterfront and extra
Because the Halifax boardwalk is without doubt one of the longest downtown boardwalks on the planet I feel you could possibly each stroll AND take one other type of transport to discover its full distance, Take a tour of Halifax City on a Segway or discover Halifax on a Segway at your own pace.
Take a look at I Heart Bicycles on the Waterfront for bike rent.
4. Get on a Kayak
One other nice technique to see Halifax from the water is to rent a kayak. Kayak Halifax presents Halifax Harbour journeys and journeys to the close by islands.
For one thing actually particular, Kayak Halifax presents a Glamping and Culinary journey on Georges Island which features a non-public tour, connoisseur meal, native wine and a sundown bonfire with a terrific view. One of many prime issues to do Halifax has on supply.
5. Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
I beloved visiting Farmers Markets. There are normally alternatives to attempt a lot of scrumptious and attention-grabbing issues and so they do are typically very photogenic. Importantly, they’re sensible when touring to get an actual native view of the realm you might be visiting.
Most Farmers Markets have a requirement that any stallholders should have companies inside a sure variety of kilometers of the market itself. This ensures a genuinely native expertise and the fabulous Halifax Farmers Market was no exception.
6. Take the Harbour Hopper Tour
I’m a giant fan of {a partially} submerged tour! Significantly these duck-related ones the place they ask everybody to quack. Everybody wants an excellent quack now and again!
The amphibious tour in Nova Scotia known as the Harbour Hopper Halifax and is Atlantic Canada’s primary tour. It’s nicely value doing and good worth for cash.
7. Go to the Library
The Halifax Central Library has obtained many accolades since opening in 2014. The constructing is excessive tech and sustainable and it’s a unbelievable house. I discovered the Halifax Central Library nice for pictures and exploring.
Additionally, among the finest coffees I had in Halifax was on the Pavia cafe on the highest flooring of the library. There are some good views from up there as nicely.
8. Halifax Public Gardens
Considerably surprisingly the primary exercise in Halifax on Journey Advisor is the Halifax Public Gardens. These pretty gardens are simply accessible within the downtown space. Halifax Public Gardens have been open to the general public since 1875.
9. Drink some Tidal Bay
Tidal Bay is the primary wine appellation for Nova Scotia. This white wine should be constituted of 100% Nova Scotia grapes. Tidal Bay is a contemporary and crisp white wine. Wineries are left to develop their very own blends inside tips.
This implies there are some attention-grabbing variations throughout the appellation and will increase the probabilities of discovering a Tidal Bay that works for you. I discovered this a really drinkable white wine.
There are some unbelievable tidal bay varietals on the Wolfville Wineries in Nova Scotia – or do some tastings together with native delicacies on the sensible Wolfville Farmers Market .
A good way to take pleasure in Tidal bay is at Wines on the Water Wednesdays. This cruise has a 5-course sampling menu with native wines as you sail the Halifax harbour aboard the Tall Ship Silva. The Wines on the Water cruises run on Wednesdays from 7-9 pm in the course of the summer time.
10. Eat as a lot seafood as attainable
The seafood in Halifax – and Nova Scotia normally – is completely excellent. Whenever you’re interested by what to do in Halifax Canada add consuming as a lot seafood as attainable to the highest of the listing.
The Five Fishermen and The Bicycle Thief are nice Halifax classics for wonderful seafood meals.
For a basic Nova Scotia lobster dinner head to The Press Gang. Bar Kismet is understood for its refined cocktails and a seafood-forward menu.
11. Head up Citadel Nationwide Historic Hill
The Halifax Citadel is without doubt one of the most visited nationwide historic websites in Canada North America. The fort is well explored by yourself and good for photographs.
And don’t miss the Outdated City Clock on the best way – any Halifax journey information will let you know that the Outdated City Clock is one in every of Halifax’s most recognisable sights.
12. Hand around in the North Finish
The North Finish is the “stylish” (I do hate that phrase) space of Halifax. That is the place one can find cool espresso outlets, small manufacturers, and cute boutiques.
There are additionally some very cute and vibrant homes within the North Finish of Halifax. It’s a excellent place to eat and store and stroll round.
Additional down this put up, I’ve a full listing of some nice eating places within the North Finish. For purchasing, I made some purchases at Zekara and Sattva.
The North Finish of Halifax is, nicely, actually north of the downtown space. A great avenue to begin with Agricola and stroll away from the downtown space.
13. Go to Hydrostone Market
Accomplished in 1929, Hydrostone Market rose from the ashes of the Halifax Explosion and is an English-style backyard suburb. It’s a small space stuffed with cute boutiques and nice locations to eat.
The Hydrostone Market space in Halifax is bordered by Novalea Drive, Younger Avenue, Isleville avenue and Duffus Avenue. Younger Avenue is a good place to begin exploring.
Simply to make clear, this isn’t an precise market or market (which I assumed large traveller that I’m) it’s the title for a sequence of streets. It’s undoubtedly one so as to add to your issues to see in Halifax Nova Scotia listing.
I very a lot loved Julien’s Bakery (who’re additionally on the Halifax Farmers Market), The Ostrich Club has lately opened and for purchasing head to the 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery and Woman Luck Boutique.
14. Have ice cream and a burrito at Dee Dee’s
It’s an uncommon mixture but it surely works. I simply went with the ice cream once I visited and it was unbelievable – creamy and so scrumptious with a big selection of flavours.
And Dee Dee presents vegan choices. Dee Dee’s Halifax additionally has a kiosk at Pegg’s Cove in the course of the summer time. Peggy’s Cove is a must-do in your Nova Scotia Itinerary.
15. Drink some Rum
Rum is a giant deal in Nova Scotia. At first, that appeared unusual to me as it’s a drink I affiliate with hotter climates. However then after all rum can be related to sailors so it makes numerous sense that it’s a massive deal in Nova Scotia.
The Halifax Distilling Firm is on the waterfront and presents excursions, rum tastings, has a restaurant – actually it has all of it occurring for rum! The opposite place for rum is Ironworks Distillery.
They’re primarily based in Lunenburg (the Ironworks tour is without doubt one of the greatest things to do in Lunenburg) however function at Halifax Farmers Market on Saturdays full with tastings.
16. Go to what was the Titanic morgue
The our bodies of the victims of the Titanic have been delivered to Halifax. The wealthier victims went to Jon Snow’s funeral dwelling on Argyll Avenue. This constructing is now the house of the unbelievable Five Fishermen restaurant.
It’s stated that this constructing is haunted by the lifeless who’ve handed by it and that ghosts are sometimes heard or seen.
I used to be instructed throughout my go to to the 5 Fishermen that the ghosts have been commonest within the bogs however alas I simply had some wonderful seafood and native wine and no ghost sitings.
17. Lie in a Hammock
These orange hammocks are on the Halifax Waterfront. They’re a pleasant place to relaxation however better of all they’re very photogenic.
18. Go to Dartmouth
Only a 15-minute ferry trip from Halifax Harbour is Dartmouth Nova Scotia. It has a small walkable downtown with native cafes, eating places, bars, galleries, and a beautiful boardwalk.
The principle avenue of Dartmouth known as Portland Avenue and there are many native companies on it. Dartmouth Nova Scotia has a lot of attention-grabbing locations to eat – The Canteen, Battery Park, Il Trullo, the Wood Monkey. Attempt Evan’s Recent Seafood on the waterfront and U Choose Fish Seafood Shack for fish and chips.
The Dartmouth Waterfront has some unbelievable views of downtown Halifax. The Ferry constructing hosts a bustling market on Saturdays and has a theatre and an artwork gallery.
19. Reap the benefits of the Instagram alternative on the Halifax Waterfront.
The waterfront itself may be very Instagram pleasant, notably in the fitting gentle. The Drunken Lampposts demand to be photographed. These are three bent gentle posts that have been put in as a pop-up however have been so standard they grew to become a everlasting fixture.
The purple bicycle sculpture outdoors The Bicycle Thief restaurant is one other good picture alternative, as are the hammocks I discussed above. Relating to what to see in Halifax Nova Scotia, the waterfront comprises a lot of them.
20. Purchase some Pewter Earrings
Amos Pewter employs Artisans to make a spread of Pewter merchandise which might be simply pretty. I purchased some pewter earrings at Amos Pewter once I visited and have worn them hundreds.
They’ve a giant retailer on the waterfront, one at Peggy’s Cove and if I keep in mind accurately some stuff at Halifax airport.
21. Cycle the Rum Runners Path
The Rum Runners Trail from Halifax to Lunenburg is a 119 km multi-use path and consists of pretty Mahone Bay. Cycle half or all of it – there are numerous entry factors.
The Rum Runners Path is a good way to essentially expertise Nova Scotia – and justify extra seafood and Tidal Bay wine.
22. Day journey to Lunenburg
This attractive little city is barely 4 sq. km or 48 blocks and has solely 2,263 everlasting residents. The Outdated City of Lunenburg was named a UNESCO web site in 1995.
It’s Instagram heaven with colourful homes lining the streets, a picturesque harbour, nice meals, and tremendous cute avenue indicators.
⇒ E-book a Day Trip to Lunenburg from Halifax
⇒ Learn my put up on 16 Things to do in Lunenburg and round Lunenburg
23. Day journey to Wolfville
One of many centres of the Canadian wine business is the beautiful Annapolis Valley and the city of Wolfville Nova Scotia. This stunning space comprises wineries, cider homes, breweries, dairies and all types of scrumptious producers.
⇒ Learn my put up on Wolfville Wineries
⇒ E-book a Wolfville day journey that focuses on Sparkling Wine and Cider right here.
24. Day journey to Peggys Cove
Peggy’s Cove is the house of Peggy’s Level Lighthouse – also known as probably the most well-known lighthouse in all of Canada – and Canada has numerous lighthouses! Peggy’s Level Lighthouse has been sending out its beacon since 1868. It’s clearly a very fashionable vacationer spot.
What stunned me was that given how standard it’s the city of Peggy’s Cove and the lighthouse itself are nonetheless extraordinarily stunning – and never in a Venice fashion grown-up story guide approach.
⇒ Book your Day Trip to Peggy’s Cove from Halifax
25. Take a Style tour
As you might have picked up by now Halifax is a good foodie metropolis. To get a broad really feel of that scene take a look at Taste Halifax Food Tour. They provide an consuming tour with 6-7 stops and a Completely satisfied Hour tour.
Head out of Halifax on the Half Day Annapolis Valley food tour. Or keep in Halifax with the favored Open Kitchen Meals Tour is run by Local Tasting Tours.
Fisherman’s Cove
This 200 yr previous fishing village has been refurbished and is now a colourful vacation spot with outlets that includes native artisans and a few scrumptious locations to eat. And it’s only a 20 minute drive from downtown Halifax on the Dartmouth aspect of the bridge.
Queen’s Marque on the Waterfront
The Queen’s Marque is the most recent stage of improvement on the Halifax Waterfront. This new neighborhood is within the absolute centre of Halifax and it’s a very trendy mixture of artwork, eating places and purchasing. Don’t miss the artwork set up Tidal Beacon. This 60 foot set up modifications look in step with Nova Scotia’s well-known tides. Take a look at the tide forecast so you may go to for the “Lunar Crest”, an 8 minute show of shimmering lights.
Halifax Brewery Market
Positioned in downtown’s historic Alexander Keith constructing on Decrease Water Avenue, this member-run not-for-profit cooperative market runs each Saturday year-round from 8am to 1pm. The market options 65 distinctive native meals, drink and craft distributors and has a buzzy ambiance.
Locations to Eat in Downtown Halifax
I loved wonderful meals at two Halifax classics. First up was Five Fishermen. The constructing during which this restaurant lives was used as a mortuary in the course of the time of the Titanic.
What’s now Fiver Fishermen Halifax was the morgue on the time of the Titanic catastrophe. So this was the place the our bodies from the catastrophe ended up.
Hearsay has it that there are ghosts within the bogs of the 5 Fishermen. Sadly, I didn’t see any. Fortuitously, I had a tremendous meal.
I selected a seafood platter as I’m quite Atlantic seafood obsessed and it was wonderful. The Fiver Fishermen is a beautiful, atmospheric restaurant with a pleasant bar.
The service was pleasant and unbelievable. The dessert was nice. Actually all the things was unbelievable concerning the 5 Fishermen.
The Bicycle Thief is on the waterfront and one other native basic. I loved a unbelievable seafood pasta right here. It is a bit more quaint of an inside in comparison with the 5 Fishermen but it surely does have out of doors eating. And fabulous meals.
For Spanish tapas/pintxos take a look at The Highwayman on Barrington Avenue. No reservations and a moody ambiance make it excellent for pre-dinner drinks or a complete dinner of tapas.
For a basic Nova Scotia lobster dinner head to The Press Gang. In the event you’re after Mexican look no farther than Antojo Tacos and Tequilas. In the event you’re after some purple meat, head to the Barrington Steakhouse and Bar.
For some unbelievable seafood and native wine head to The Peacock Wine Bar on the Queen’s Marque.
Locations to Eat in The North Finish
Certainly one of Halifax’s prime eating places, The Kitchen Table can be the one place in Halifax providing a each day eight-course tasting menu. Bar Kismet is understood for stylish cocktails and a seafood-forward menu.
For Japanese head to Kitsune Food Co – it solely has 4 seats so it’s possible you’ll must make it takeaway however locals swear by its takeaway.
EDNA (Eat Drink Nourish Always) has obtained rave evaluations since opening in 2013. Scrumptious meals and a no-reservations coverage means you will need to arrive early to keep away from a significant queue.
Little Oak Bar is a modern wine bar with a chalkboard menu with tasty small plates. The Brooklyn Warehouse introduced hipster eating to Halifax ten years in the past and continues to supply a unbelievable native focussed menu that modifications with the seasons.
Better of all The Brooklyn Warehouse has a wine program that ensures not more than a $15 mark up on bottles.
For wonderful meals in addition to gorgeous inside design head to Agricola Street Brasserie. As a lot as accomplished in home as attainable together with the bread. The present focus is on hand-made pasta and naturally Atlantic seafood. For traditional fish and chips attempt Willman’s.
Halifax Resorts – The Delta
Halifax is a little bit gentle on the bottom with regards to the full-on boutique resort motion. However that’s okay as my gosh it’s a city with quite a bit to supply when it comes to meals, wine, views and issues to do. And there are fairly a couple of very good inns with good thread counts obtainable.
I stayed on the Delta Halifax (thanks for sponsoring my keep guys) on my first journey to Halifax. I had a beautiful keep. The employees are tremendous pleasant and the situation is nice.
And the meals! I need to confess I used to be a little bit snobby stepping into when it got here to the meals on the Delta Halifax and boy did I get it flawed. I had a unbelievable seafood dinner there (and because of George for the introduction to Digby scallops) and so they have a terrific native wine listing.
The breakfast on the Delta Halifax can be sensational – a alternative of a la carte or a unbelievable buffet breakfast menu.
⇒ Learn evaluations on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
Halifax Resorts – The Prince George
On my second go to to Halifax, I stayed on the great Prince George Hotel. This isn’t precisely a boutique resort – extra a normal high-end resort.
However the Prince George Resort Halifax may be very trendy and the rooms have been unbelievable. It additionally has a beautiful massive lounge space that I frolicked in and obtained some work accomplished.
⇒ Learn evaluations on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
Halifax Resorts – Sutton Place
On my third go to to Halifax (sure there have been a couple of!) I stayed at The Sutton Place Hotel within the coronary heart of downtown. The situation of this resort can’t be beat – a lot of the key websites in Halifax are inside strolling distance. My room was large, with a separate lounge space and a big lavatory. Better of all it had a view of the long-lasting Halifax Clock.
I additionally actually loved the out of doors patio space on the seventh flooring of The Sutton Place Resort. The patio has an outside sizzling tub, fire-pits and many snug seating. I didn’t get an opportunity to attempt the on-site restaurant Chop Steakhouse and Bar however I heard good issues and it was very busy the night time I arrived.
Check Prices and Availability for The Sutton Place Hotel
Different Locations to Keep in Halifax:
In the event you’re on the lookout for someplace romantic to remain in Halifax take a look at historic boutique Resort the Halliburton
≥ Learn Evaluations of the Halliburton on Trip Advisor ⇒ Book Now
Or go 3-star boutique resort with the Waverley Inn
≥ Learn evaluations of the Waverley Inn on Trip Advisor ⇒ Book Now
Or take pleasure in a nautical theme at your boutique resort on the Seawatch B&B
≥ Learn evaluations of the Seawatch B&B on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
How you can get to Halifax and the right way to get round
Halifax is a world airport and the primary airport for Atlantic Canada. It comprises pre-clearance for US customs which is tremendous useful.
You gained’t want a automotive inside Halifax itself as a lot of the key issues to do are inside strolling distance. Nonetheless, if you wish to transcend Halifax (which you completely ought to as there are a great deal of fab day journeys) both have a look at a tour (see under) or hire a car.
Thanks very a lot to Go to Nova Scotia for serving to me to plan and sponsoring my journey to fabulous Nova Scotia.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 nations and is a member of the British Guild of Journey Writers in addition to the IFTWTA. She is captivated with wine had has simply accomplished Stage 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.