Despite the skyscrapers of more recent times, Halifax is still dominated by a star-shaped hilltop citadel. The city is not only the capital of Nova Scotia, it is also the commercial center of Canada’s Maritime Provinces, but also an important research center with no fewer than six universities and colleges. The beautiful natural harbor cuts deep into the Atlantic coast, with docks, piers, parks and industry running its entire length. The harbor and its seafaring history still shape life in the city, and you’ll find many of the things to do in Halifax – from its riveting entertainment scene, infused with maritime music, to its museums and tourist attractions – on one or in another way to do with its close relationship with the sea.
During both World Wars, Halifax was a staging point for convoys – a strategy for ships to cross the Atlantic in greater safety and protect themselves from German U-boat attacks. In 1917, the French ammunition ship “Mont-Blanc”, which had arrived to join such a convoy, collided with the Belgian “Imo”, causing the world’s worst explosion prior to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. the entire north end of Halifax was razed, killing 1,400 people and injuring about 9,000. Windows were as far away as Truro, about 60 miles away.
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1 Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which was built in 1856, stands above the city’s downtown core. It never saw combat but is an excellent example of a 19th century British fort. In summer, interpreters wear red British uniforms and interact with visitors to show what life was like here for the 78th Highlanders and 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery and their families. Kids love Citadel Adventures , where they can try using the drums, get into a drill, and spy on the enemy. After dark tours tell of some of the Citadel’s various ghost legends.
A road cuts down the hill to the fort, with stops for stunning views of the town, harbour, Dartmouth, little Georges Island and the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge. The Old Town Clock , which has become the symbol of Halifax, also sits on the hill. Prince Edward originally commissioned it in 1803. It has four bells and bells and is a lasting memorial to the punctuality of a strict disciplinarian.
Address: 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax
Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/index
2 Halifax Harbourfront
Much of the downtown waterfront in Halifax has a boardwalk along its length, where heritage ships, small sailboats, tugboats and ferries come and go. The “Historic Buildings” area has been renovated as an attractive pedestrian area of 19th century stone warehouses and old quays, which now serve as bright shops, artists’ studios and restaurants with terraces overlooking the harbour. The roads are closed to normal traffic. The square between two warehouses has been covered to create an equally attractive shopping center. During the day there are boats to tour, shops to browse, and restaurants serving fresh seafood; on a summer evening the harbor becomes a romantic place to stroll, with outdoor cafes and lively sea music in the air.
3 Pier 21 National Historic Site
From 1928 to 1971, when it served as an immigration shelter, Pier 21 saw more than a million immigrants gain entry into Canada. The interpretive center has exhibits that explore the immigration experience, from leaving one’s homeland to assimilating into a new country. Interactive exhibits engage all ages in the personal stories of immigrants from around the world as they left their homes and came to make a new life in Canada. Children can dress in period clothing, imagine crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a replica ship’s cabin and sit in a railroad car that transports immigrants to new homes in the West. From the windows there are good views of the lighthouse on Georges Island.
Just a short walk away, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is full of local goodies. It is open daily and there is a picnic area on the roof.
Adres: 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax
Official site: https://www.pier21.ca/
4 Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is a particularly beautiful little cove on the rugged Atlantic coast, 43 kilometers southwest of Halifax. The area is generally considered a must see in this region, and in the summer this small community is largely overrun with tourists. Colorful houses, rolling granite rock walls and an old lighthouse give the beautiful place a special atmosphere. Peggy’s Cove achieved a sorry reputation in September 1998, when a Swissair plane crashed into the sea, killing 229 people. A commemoration marks the event.
5 Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and HMCS Sackville
Overlooking Halifax Harbour, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic brings the sea in with its collection of small craft, model ships, photographs and landmarks from maritime history. One of the most popular exhibits concerns the titanic disaster and Halifax’s role as the port where the survivors were brought. Exhibits are devoted to marine life and historic ships, small boat builders, the King’s War, the days of sail to the age of steam, plus historical events such as the monumental Halifax Explosion of 1917. The museum is not just on static display, with a number of hands-on activities, arts programs and performances.
The survey ship CSS Acadia , stranded at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, was built for the Canadian Hydrographic Service in 1913. Not part of the museum, but located just outside the harbor and attractive to anyone interested in ships or naval history is the HMCS Sackville , the last remaining Flower Class corvette in the world. Restored to her wartime configuration as a Canadian naval memorial, the Sackville is both a museum and a memorial to those lost during the Battle of the Atlantic. One of several convoy escort ships built in Canada and the United Kingdom during World War II, this is Canada’s oldest warship. Halifax is a suitable location as it was an important gathering point for the convoys.
Address: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax
Official site: https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/
6 Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens, set in seven hectares of parkland, opened to the public in 1867. It is a good example of Victorian horticulture, with a decorative bandstand, fountains, statues and formal flower beds. Ducks and other waterfowl make a home in the garden ponds. Weekly free guided tours explore the history of the garden and its plants, and on Sunday afternoons from mid-June to mid-September there are afternoon concerts in the bandstand. Heavy iron gates mark the entrance on Spring Garden Road.
Adres: 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Official site: https://www.halifax.ca/publicgardens/
7 Provincial House
Completed in 1819, this Georgian sandstone building known as the Province House is the seat of the Nova Scotia Parliament, which has existed since 1758. The tour includes the “Red Chamber” where the Council met, as well as the Parliamentary Chamber and the Library which, with its two grand staircases, was once the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This is where Joseph Howe defended himself against the charge of slander in 1835. His acquittal is considered the beginning of a free press in Nova Scotia. He later entered politics and led the campaign against Confederation, but eventually joined the Dominion government in Ottawa.
Address: 1726 Hollis Street, Halifax
Official site: https://nslegislature.ca/index.php/about/
8 Harbor Cruises
It would be a shame to visit Halifax and not see so many front-line views of people emerging from the sea, with the ramparts of the Citadel towering over the historic waterfront. There are several ways to enjoy these water views. You can take a harbor tour on the tugboat Theodore or take a cruise under sail, which you can help hoist, aboard the 40-meter Tall Ship Silva .
The oldest saltwater ferry in North America, the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry is also the second oldest in the world, after the Mersey Ferry in Liverpool, England. Once the only way to get between Halifax and the town of Dartmouth, on the other side of the harbour, it is still the fastest route. While in Dartmouth, you can visit Quaker House , the only remaining home of the Quaker whalers, who settled in Dartmouth in 1785, and the Shearwater Museum of Aviation , filled with beautifully restored vintage aircraft, flight memorabilia, and a flight simulator where you can try out your pilot skills.
If you prefer to take a harbor tour, the Halifax Dinner Cruise aboard a Mississippi-style sternwheeler offers two hours of live music along with commentary about the attractions you’ll pass. Or you can explore the harbor with an experienced guide on a Small-Group Morning Kayak Tour and Breakfast in Halifax. For a unique way to see the sights, consider the Halifax Harbor Hopper Tour, which takes you to the top attractions on land and sea in a Vietnam War amphibious vehicle.
9 Point Pleasant Park
One of the most beautiful places to walk in Halifax is Point Pleasant Park, at the southernmost point of the peninsula. This nature reserve has towering trees, winding walking trails and amazing views over Halifax Harbor and the North West arm. It is closed to vehicles.
The park contains many historical monuments and wartime remains. The Prince of Wales Tower is a round stone tower that was built by Prince Edward in 1796. It was the first of its kind in North America, the prototype “Martello Tower”. The basic idea was to combine accommodation for soldiers, a storehouse and gunners into a unit that could defend itself, surrounded by immensely thick stone walls, with access only by a retractable ladder to the first floor.
Adres: 5718 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax
Official site: https://www.pointpleasantpark.ca/en/home/default.aspx
10 Nova Scotia Art Gallery
In downtown Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in the Atlantic provinces. The museum offers a permanent collection of visual arts from the Maritimes and around the world, with more than 13,000 pieces. There is a particular emphasis on the work of Nova Scotian folk artist, Maud Lewis, and part of the gallery’s collection includes her barn-sized home which is decorated with vibrant paintings. The gallery also offers excellent temporary exhibitions.
Address: 1723 Hollis Street, Halifax
Official site: https://www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca
11 McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park
McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park are located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour. Ferries take visitors to this nature reserve to enjoy birdwatching, walking or a bit of history. Although Lawlor Island is not open to the public, McNab Island features 1,000 acres of forestland and Fort McNab, a national historic site. Other heritage buildings include summer houses, Maugers Beach Lighthouse and a long-closed teahouse.
Official site: https://www.novascotiaparks.ca/parks/mcnabs.asp
Where to Stay in Halifax for Sightseeing
The best place to stay in Halifax is right in the center of the beautiful harbor and historic district. The area is compact and within easy walking distance to major attractions including the Maritime Museum, Provincial Hall and Pier 21 National Historic Site. Just behind is the famous Citadel Hill. The following are some highly rated hotels in great locations:
- Luxury Hotels : Downtown, just steps from the stairs to Citadel Hill, the chic Prince George Hotel offers exceptional service and well-appointed rooms, some with harbor views. The only hotel directly on Halifax’s waterfront is the Marriott Hotel. This accommodation has rooms with beautiful views over the harbor and is located directly on the harbor. Next to the train station and close to the waterfront is the newly renovated, charming Westin Nova Scotian, originally built in the 1930s.
- Mid-range hotels : The Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown features suites with full kitchens, separate sitting areas, scenic views and free breakfast. Just steps from the water, The Hollis Halifax – a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton offers large suites and a large indoor pool. For a boutique hotel, the Halliburton is an excellent choice. The hotel consists of three historic mansions that have been converted into 29 charming rooms, some with fireplaces.
- Budget Hotels : The best budget options are located just outside the city center. The Coastal Inn is located about 10 minutes from the center, in the Bayer Lake District, with large, bright rooms and a good variety of restaurants in the nearby area. Also a short drive outside of downtown is the Comfort Inn. This hotel offers great views of Bedford Basin and an indoor pool. A walking trail leaves from the back of the hotel and winds its way through Hemlock Ravine Park.
More Must-See Destinations near Halifax
Its location near the center of the province makes it easy to reach other Nova Scotia highlights from Halifax. Along the south coast lie the historic towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, and to the north lies the beautiful agricultural region of the Annapolis Valley, home to the Acadians. At the far east of the province lies Cape Breton Island, home to the reconstructed French fortress of Louisbourg and the spectacular Cape Breton National Park. Nova Scotia joins the other maritime provinces to create one of Canada’s major routes. A short ferry ride from the north coast takes you to Prince Edward Island and the vibrant capital of Charlottetown. A ferry from Digby, on the west coast of Nova Scotia, crosses the Bay of Fundy to Saint John in New Brunswick. From here, a scenic drive along the Saint John River takes you to New Brunswick’s charming river capital of Fredericton.
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