Things to Do in Halifax
Halifax has a history you can feel, with a colonial past evident on every street corner. The culture is yours to savour, with food, music and art shared by people from all over the globe.
And how could a city by the sea not be incurably romantic? You can be wed at Pier 21 or walk the boardwalk under moonlight. Experience Halifax dining, shopping, museums, galleries and the natural outdoor wonder of Nova Scotia. There are so many exciting things to do in Halifax.
- HISTORIC SITES/SIGHTSEEING
- MUSEUMS & THE ARTS
- ENTERTAINMENT
- SPA SERVICES
- OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- FESTIVALS & EVENTS
HISTORIC SITES/SIGHTSEEING
Explore Historical Halifax
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The present Citadel, completed in 1856, is the fourth in a series of forts since 1749 to occupy the hill overlooking the harbour. It is an excellent example of a 19th-century bastion fortification complete with defensive ditch, ramparts, musketry gallery, powder magazine and signal masts.
Pier 21 National Historic Site (Canada’s Immigration Museum)
One of Canada’s seven wonders, this newly restored historic site and museum tells the stories of the 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, displaced people, evacuee children and Canadian military service personnel who passed through its doors between 1928 and 1971.
Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery
For a true Nova Scotia good time, take an informative and interactive tour of the Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery. Actors in period costume will lead you back in time as you learn about the beer, the brewery and life in Halifax in 1863.
Also visit:
Peggy’s Cove – this picturesque original lighthouse was
built in 1868 and is the center piece of the historical, artisan village. The hypnotizing rhythm of the ocean and salty air make this a necessary stop on any excursion.
Public Gardens – the Halifax Public Gardens are more than an open space or park. They are a rare example of
a formal Victorian public garden surviving intact and relatively unspoiled in the heart of a modern city.
Fisherman’s Cove - watch the fishermen come in with their daily catch; take a boat ride and explore McNab’s Island.
Old Town Clock - one of Halifax’s most famous landmarks officially began keeping time for the garrison and residents of Halifax in 1803.
Province House - this fine Georgian building is home to the first responsible government in the British Empire. Tours available.
St. Paul’s Church – Halifax’s oldest building (1750) and Canada’s First Protestant Church.
Bedford Institute of Oceanography -- Canada's largest center for ocean research and first major federal center devoted to oceanography. Guided tours available by appointment only.
Discovery Centre -- Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to stimulate interest, enjoyment and understanding of science and technology through innovative, exciting, hands-on experiences. Great for children.
Government House - the residence of Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor, it is the oldest official government residence in Canada (not open to the public).
SS Atlantic Heritage Park -- a burial site and a memorial to those who perished in the sinking of the SS Atlantic off the shores of Mar's Head, Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia on April 1, 1873.
Memory Lane Heritage Village -- You’ll hear tales of survival and triumph, of land and sea, of real lives and real people as told by their descendants. Discover this era of change, when modern conveniences changed lives.
Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame -- Honours athletes, teams, and builders who have contributed to Nova Scotia's sport heritage and culture.
William E. deGarthe Memorial Park (Peggy’s Cove, NS) -- Sculptor and painter William E. deGarthe lived in Peggy’s Cove. A gallery exhibiting his work is open to the public between May 1 and October 31 each year.
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MUSEUMS AND THE ARTS
Experience Halifax’s Past and Present
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
With a history dating to 1908, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia acts as a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by bringing the art of the world to Nova Scotia and the art of Nova Scotia to the world.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada. The collection includes artifacts, images, charts and plans relating to the marine history of Nova Scotia. The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian merchant marine, Nova Scotia small craft and local shipwrecks are particular strengths of the collection much of which represents the period 1850 to the present.
Other Galleries and Museums to visit include:
Acadian House Museum
Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
Anna Leonowens Gallery
Army Museum
Black Cultural Centre
Dalhousie Art Gallery
Dartmouth Heritage Museum
Fisherman’s Life Museum
Khyber Centre for the Arts
Maritime Command Museum
Mary E. Black Gallery
Museum of Natural History
Musquodoboit Railway Museum
Quaker House
Shearwater Aviation Museum
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ENTERTAINMENT
Listen, Laugh and Experience Halifax
Casino Nova Scotia
One visit and you'll know why Casino Nova Scotia is the only destination of its kind in Atlantic Canada, offering guests world-class gaming, great entertainment and fabulous food in a first-class atmosphere. This harbourside location is just steps away from the boardwalk that connects historical downtown Halifax.
Grafton Street Dinner Theatre
A unique dining experience. Enjoy the sights and sounds of your favourite musical while being served by characters from that era.
Neptune Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Halifax’s business community, Neptune Theatre’s season includes five Fountain Hall productions including world-class musicals such as Beauty and the Beast; three productions in the more intimate Studio Theatre and a family focused Holiday Season show. This season’s line-up includes: The Producers, White Christmas and The Retreat from Moscow.
Symphony Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada's only professional orchestra, performing over 50 concerts annually with repertoire ranges from Classical and Baroque to Traditional and Maritime Pops.
St. Cecilia’s Music Concert Series
The premiere presenter of classical music in Atlantic Canada featuring an eclectic mix of vocal and instrumental performances, highlighted by artists from the local, national and international concert stage.
Opera Nova Scotia
Imax Theatre
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy at the Westin
Dartmouth Players
Check our Festivals and Events Listings for other unique opportunities.
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SPA SERVICES
Relax and unwind in some of our cities finest spas
Bellezza Spa and Studio, Westin Nova Scotia
Embrace Spa, Quality Inn Halifax
Interlude Spa, Marriott Harbourfront
Oak Island Resort, Spa and Convention Centre
Spirit Spa
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Enjoy our beautiful outdoors, here are some suggestions
Sea Kayaking/Rafting:
East Coast Outfitters
Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park
Walking Tours:
Scott Walking Adventures
Golf:
Fox Harb’r Golf Resort
Glen Arbour Golf Club
Granite Springs Golf Club
Hiking:
Taylor Head
Musquodoboit Trail
Pennant Point/Crystal Crescent
Trans Canada Trails from Hubbards to Lawrencetown
Explore:
McNab’s Island Provincial Park
Pennant Point Coastal Heritage Park
Sir Sanford Fleming Park
South Shore Lighthouse Route
York Redoubt National Historic Site of Canada
Annapolis Valley Evangaline Trail
Boating/Boat Tours:
Canadian Sailing Expeditions - seven day coastal cruising expeditions from Halifax in 2008
Deep Sea Fishing, Nature & Whale Watching Cruises
Harbour Hopper
Harbour Queen
Mar II
Tall Ship Silva
Theodore Tugboat
Wine Tours:
Grand Pre Winery
Tours:
Ambassatours Gray Line
Blue Diamond Tours
Molega Tours
TayMac Tours
Beaches:
Bayswater
Clam Harbour Beach Park
Crystal Crescent Beach
Dollar Lake
Lawrencetown Beach
Oakfield Provincial Park
Queensland Beach
Rainbow Haven Provincial Beach
Martinique Beach
