12 Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Heading to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

Halifax is a beautiful city built around a massive harbor, with a rich history and some pretty interesting firsts. It was home to Canada’s first democratic government and public school, North America’s first all-electric streetlights, and even the first official rulebook for ice hockey. Pretty cool, right? And that’s only the beginning!

Here you can hop on a Zodiac to spot wildlife, spend the day at a winery, wander through a Victorian-era garden, or simply eat your way through all that fresh seafood. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up our top 12 things to do in Halifax, plus a few hotel recommendations if you still need a place to stay.

Let’s get started!

Halifax at a Glance 

Halifax is pretty spread out, with a huge harbor right in the middle of it all. But with a little planning, getting around is pretty hassle-free, and it’s easy to fit everything in. 

Here are a few things we wish we’d known before our first visit:

Important Tip: Halifax is hilly, so wear comfortable walking shoes!

Download HFXGO before you arrive: We found Halifax Transit’s app really handy for buying tickets for buses and harbor ferries right from our phones. It’s much easier than worrying about having exact change!

Uber and Lyft both work, but budget extra wait time: Uber has operated in Halifax since December 2020, but Lyft is just efficient. Pickup times can run longer than in bigger cities, so building in a buffer (or booking a ride in advance through the app) helps for anything time-sensitive like a tour pickup or flight. Taxis are still widely available too and are metered.

Pack for changing weather: Halifax weather can change quickly, especially around the harbor. We were glad to have layers and a light waterproof jacket with us, particularly for activities out on the water.

How we would spend 3 days in Halifax 

There’s plenty to see in Halifax, but you’ll also want time to explore more of Nova Scotia! That’s why we designed a three-day itinerary to give you a taste of both. Here’s a quick look at what your three days in Halifax could look like:

🚌 Day 1: Harbour Hopper & Halifax Highlights
Kick off your trip on this Halifax Harbour Hopper tour, seeing the city’s top landmarks from both land and water. Then explore the Public Gardens and Halifax Citadel before ending the day with seafood and live music downtown.

🌊 Day 2: Nova Scotia Day Trip
Get beyond Halifax on a full-day guided tour, choosing between Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley or this wine-focused tour through the valley’s vineyards. Return to Halifax for dinner and either cocktails and dessert or a night of live comedy.

⛴️ Day 3: Dartmouth & Sunset Sailing
Ride the ferry across Halifax Harbour and spend the day exploring downtown Dartmouth and its waterfront. Back in Halifax, wrap up your trip on this sunset wine and cheese sailing tour, cruising the harbor aboard a 45-foot (14-meter) yacht.

Things to do in Halifax 

1. Drive the South Shore to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg

If you’ve had your fill of Halifax, this full-day tour takes you along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, where you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and let someone else worry about the driving.

Your first stop is Peggy’s Cove, a small fishing village and quite possibly the best spot to start your adventure. You’ll have about 45 minutes to explore, climb over the rocks, grab a coffee, or snap a photo in front of Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

From there, it’s around a 40-minute scenic drive along the Lighthouse Route to Queensland Beach, where you can dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the views. Once you’ve had enough vitamin sea, it’s back in the vehicle for a quick stop at Mahone Bay to photograph the town’s famous Three Churches.

A short drive later, you’re in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll be able to admire its colorful buildings and ocean views from every street corner. With an hour and a half to explore, there’s plenty of time to wander around, grab some fresh-baked molasses cookies, or stop for seafood chowder or the town’s traditional pork sausage. You can also hop aboard the famous Bluenose schooner for a harbor cruise or sit by the waterfront and listen to the foghorns.

The tour ends at Wolfville Waterfront Park, where you can see the famous Bay of Fundy tides and maybe spot a bald eagle. If you want to finish the day with a glass of wine, you can stop at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards and soak in the views of Cape Blomidon and the Minas Basin. 

For us, this is an easy way to escape Halifax for the day. With transport included and a maximum of seven people, you can enjoy the South Shore without worrying about driving or a huge tour group.

2. Explore Halifax from land and water

If there’s one sightseeing tour that screams Halifax, it’s the Harbour Hopper! This amphibious vehicle ride takes you through downtown before making a splash right into Halifax Harbour, so you get to see the city from both land and water. We did this tour ourselves, and it’s every bit as fun as it sounds!

First, we cruised through historic downtown, passing St. Paul’s Church, Citadel Hill, and the flower-filled Halifax Public Gardens. Our guide kept things lively with stories about the city, so there was plenty to see and learn along the way.

But the best part is when the Harbour Hopper heads straight for the water! It feels a little crazy watching this huge vehicle roll down the ramp and splash into Halifax Harbour, and we couldn’t help but laugh as we suddenly went from driving to floating. Once on the water, you’ll cruise around the harbor, learn about Halifax’s naval history, and get a completely different view of the waterfront, including navy ships and submarines.

Less than an hour later, you’re back where you started, so you still have plenty of time to explore on your own and check out some of your guide’s recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and other things to do.

We think this is a great option if you’re short on time or want a fun introduction to Halifax before exploring on your own. It’s quick, you see a surprising amount of the city, and with multiple departure times, it’s super easy to fit into your day.

3. Coast past the city’s best sights on an e-bike

To see the best of Halifax in less time and get a little workout along the way, this 3-hour e-bike tour is well worth checking out! You’ll visit Point Pleasant Park, the Halifax Public Gardens, the Central Library, and other major sights, all while exploring with a small group. On the morning tour, there’s also a timely arrival at the Citadel for the noon cannon shot and changing of the guard, which is pretty cool to witness!

Along the way, you’ll hear plenty of history and stories from your guide about each sight, but you’re not stuck listening to commentary the entire time, as there’s a good amount of riding between each stop. Even if you’ve been to Halifax before, there’s a good chance you’ll hear something you didn’t know. 

As for the ride itself, most of it takes place on park gravel paths or bike lanes, with an easy-to-follow pace and e-bike instructions. You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist either! Beginners are welcome, and the bikes are easy to get the hang of, even if you haven’t ridden an e-bike before. 

To make the most of it, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. While water is supplied, it’s always a good idea to bring a few snacks with you. The tour also has fantastic reviews, so you can see for yourself what other travelers thought.

4. Slow down in the Public Gardens 

If you haven’t already checked out the Halifax Public Gardens, this is your chance, especially if you’re walking over to Citadel Hill. The main entrance is at the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street, right in the downtown core, so you can’t really miss it.

This is Halifax’s most cherished Victorian-era garden, dating back to 1836 and a National Historic Site since 1984. With 16 acres (about 6.5 hectares) of absolutely amazing landscape, it’s an easy place to escape the city noise and slow down for a bit. People usually come here for picnics, relaxing, exploring, or simply to fill some time between lunch and dinner. 

The gardens are also a popular spot for summer concerts, so you might want to plan your visit around one and catch a good show. You can also take advantage of the free guided horticultural and historical tours, which run from May 15 to October, daily at 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm. No booking is required, so you can just show up anytime. 

There’s a café on site where you can grab a coffee or light lunch, or you can pack a picnic and spread a blanket on the Family Lawn near the Summer Street gate. Just keep in mind that picnics aren’t allowed on the wider lawns. Bikes, scooters, and jogging are also not allowed inside the gates.

The best part? Admission is free, and you don’t need tickets or reservations, so you can simply pop in whenever it fits into your schedule. The gardens are open daily, with the gates opening at 8 am and closing 30 minutes before dusk year-round.

5. Toast aboard a sunset cruise

Planning a romantic night out or just looking for a unique way to unwind after a long day? This 2.5-hour sunset cruise makes for a pretty fun night out with your special someone, with plenty of time to enjoy a guided tasting of Nova Scotia wines while soaking in some incredible views. The charcuterie won’t disappoint either, with a variety of cheeses, crackers, chocolate, and meat. 

And don’t worry! If wine isn’t your thing, you can always have another drink instead.

Along the way, your captain and first mate will tell you all about the wineries and grapes, and you might even get some sailing tips while playing sailor for a bit. The cruise takes you past George’s Island and McNabs Island before heading into the Northwest Arm, with lots of pretty waterfront homes to spot and snap photos of.

One thing to remember, though: there’s no dress code, but we’d recommend wearing flat shoes. And don’t worry if you didn’t pack something warmer, as blankets are available on board to keep you comfortable. With a maximum of 10-12 people, it’s a small group, which makes the whole experience feel even more intimate.

6. Spend the day among Nova Scotia’s iconic vineyards

We love a good sightseeing tour, but sometimes you just want to slow down, sip some wine, and enjoy the scenery! This wine tasting and lunch tour is a fun change of pace and a chance to explore the Annapolis Valley. You will meet your group in front of the Marriott Harbourfront; just make sure you head to the right Marriott, as there are a few in Halifax.

Once you’re on the road, you’ll take in the scenery as you make your way through the Annapolis Valley. You’ll visit three wine estates for guided tastings, learn about the grapes, terroir, and winemaking, and get a peek behind the scenes.

When you get to the second winery, it’s time for lunch—and honestly, wine and lunch with vineyard views sounds pretty perfect to us! Depending on your preference, you might get anything from a chicken or brisket panini to tomato, mozzarella, and avocado, with vegan options available too. You’ll also get to taste a selection of award-winning wines, or pair your food with beer or cider. 

Oh, and gorgeous views are pretty much guaranteed in all of the wineries!

One thing we love about this tour is that there’s no need to rush from winery to winery. The glowing reviews rave about the relaxed pace, and with no more than 20 people in the group, you can simply sit back, enjoy the views, and sip some fantastic Nova Scotia wine.

7. Browse North America’s oldest farmers market 

Did you know that in the early 1800s, local farmers walked up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) round-trip just to carry and sell their goods at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market? That’s how important it was, and it still is today! Dating back to 1750, just one year after Halifax itself was founded, it’s known as the longest continuously running farmers market in North America.

Stroll around the market and browse the 100 or so vendors selling produce, baked goods, prepared food, and all kinds of local crafts, including soaps, jewelry, souvenirs, and whatnot. We ate our way through the market, sampling all kinds of goodies, from smoked salmon, baguettes, and guacamole to Kuchen (German-style cake) and cheese pastries from a German bakery stall. 

You definitely won’t leave empty-handed, that’s for sure! You might even catch some live music while you shop, which makes the whole experience even more memorable. It’s just a short walk from the downtown waterfront boardwalk, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a stroll along the harbor.

Currently, it’s open on weekends only: Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. We recommend getting there earlier, especially if you want to grab some of the cooked food before it sells out! And if you’re driving, there are free parking spaces on site throughout the weekend, so you really have no excuse to skip it! 

8. Glide through downtown Halifax on a Segway 

There are so many fun ways to explore Halifax, but if you’ve got lots of things on your to-see list and only a short amount of time, this Segway tour is hard to beat! We think this is a fantastic way to learn about Halifax while effortlessly cruising through the city. The meeting point is near the Ferry Terminal, where the tour also ends, just in time to grab lunch at the pier.

Don’t worry if you’ve never even seen a Segway, let alone ridden one. You’ll get a quick lesson on how to safely step on, ride, and get off before heading out. Everyone wears a headset, so you can hear the guide clearly while riding and get safety tips along the way, like watching out for bumps. 

The itinerary is packed with some of the city’s most beautiful spots, including St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica and the Public Gardens. And unlike most short tours where you barely have time at each stop, this one gives you a nice balance of riding and getting off the Segway to walk around and stretch your legs. If you do the morning tour, you’ll even arrive at the Citadel in time for the noon cannon shot! 

We think this tour is a great fit for couples and anyone who wants to see Halifax in less time, but with a little more adventure than your usual sightseeing tour. It’s also a small group with a maximum of eight people, and the GLOWING reviews have plenty of good things to say about the guides. What more could you want? 

9. Spot seals and eagles on a Zodiac coastal tour

If you want to get out on the water and see Nova Scotia’s coastline up close, this 2-hour Zodiac tour is something to keep on your radar. It’s about an hour or so drive from Halifax, but after doing it ourselves, we think it’s well worth the trip!

You’ll meet your tour guide at Tanner Road in Stonehurst North. Once there, you’ll step down into the inflatable Zodiac and head out on a surprisingly fun adventure!

You’ll cruise through the narrow channels of Stonehurst, passing local fishing shacks and wooden docks before reaching the rocky islands and hidden coves. This is where things get pretty exciting, as your guide starts pointing out wildlife. We got right up close to the rock ledges and watched grey seals sunbathing and swimming. 

Our guides, Jason and Deb, were true nature lovers and naturalists. At the end of the tour, we had drinks, cheese and crackers, homemade cookies, and cake by the fire pit, and they took the time to sit around and chat with us. 

With a small group, the whole experience felt more like spending the day with friends than being on a typical tour. One thing to keep in mind, though: dress in layers! It can get pretty chilly out on the water.

10. Ride the ferry for a view that costs less than coffee 

For those looking for a more local experience, the Halifax Harbour Ferry is a great way to explore more of Halifax and the surrounding areas. It’s more than a commute, though. It’s a great little sightseeing trip in itself, especially for just about $3 CAD one way. You can pay with exact change or through the HFXGO app, which is super convenient! 

It departs from the downtown Halifax terminal near Historic Properties and docks at Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

The ferry has two decks, with the lower one fully enclosed with large viewing windows, while the open-air upper deck gives you the best harbor views and photo opportunities. Keep in mind that strollers and bikes aren’t allowed on the upper deck.

If you’re not ready to leave yet, stick around Alderney Landing for a bit. Take a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk or pop into one of the local spots for a craft beer and a bite before catching the ferry back. It’s a fun thing to do, won’t take up much of your time, and costs less than a coffee! 

11. Eat your way through Halifax

There’s also something for all you foodies out there! This walking food tour is a fun way to spend a few hours, eat your way around Halifax, and learn a little about the city as you go.

To start, you’ll meet your local guide at the Halifax Ferry Terminal and head to your first restaurant, set in a historic building, to try seafood chowder. We’re no strangers to fresh seafood, but we were blown away by how delicious everything was. It’s what Halifax is famous for, and this was a pretty great introduction!

From there, you’ll walk to one of the best oyster restaurants in Halifax, where you can try fresh oysters from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. If oysters aren’t your thing, don’t worry, you can get something else.

After those yummy oysters, you’ll head to another stop for a Halifax donair. If you’ve never had one, it’s basically a Canadian sandwich made with spiced ground beef, served in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and a sweet, tangy sauce. Super delicious!

Then it’s off to a lobster place to try a warm lobster roll before walking back to where you started for the final tasting: ice cream and sorbet! This is such a cute place, with a gift shop full of cow prints and other fun souvenirs.

Overall, we think this is a great option if you want to see and learn a bit more about Halifax while enjoying some of its must-try foods.

12. Hike the shoreline trails of Point Pleasant Park 

Exploring Point Pleasant Park could be the highlight of your trip (it was for us!). There’s so much to do here that it’s easy to spend an entire day and feel like you’ve escaped the city completely. Luckily, it’s open daily from 5 am to 10 pm, and admission is free, so there’s your free activity for the day right there!

The park stretches across 75 hectares (185 acres) at the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula, so just imagine how much space there is to wander around. You can enter from either Tower Road or Marginal Road, depending on what works best for you.

Inside, you’ll find 39 km (around 24 miles) of mostly flat, easy trails, with many of them wheelchair accessible. There’s something for the history buffs too, with historic sites scattered throughout the park, including the Prince of Wales Martello Tower, the oldest of its kind in North America, Cambridge Battery, Fort Ogilvie, and the Sailors Memorial.

If you brought your furry friend along, you’ll be happy to know that dogs can go off-leash in most of the park, with a few exceptions, including Sailors Memorial Way after 10 am and Cambridge Drive, where they must stay on-leash.

On warm days, you can also cool off with a swim at Black Rock Beach. How nice! For those who love exploring on two wheels, keep in mind that cycling is restricted to weekends and holidays on the main loop, although the main roads are open to bikes all week. Whatever you choose to do, you’re in for a fun day! 

Related Read: Before you pack your bags, check out our What to Pack for Canada guide for our personal packing list and favorite travel essentials.

Where to Stay in Halifax

Downtown Halifax is our favorite area to stay because it puts you right in the heart of the action! You’ll be close to the waterfront, top attractions, restaurants, and plenty of great bars, with lots within walking distance. There’s also a good mix of hotels for different budgets. Here are our top three recommendations:

The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – $$$

The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax is one of the newer hotels in downtown Halifax, which, lucky for you, still feels fresh and unspoiled. We love it because it’s right next to the Scotiabank Centre, so catching a concert or a match is super easy, plus it’s right by Citadel Hill, so the views can be pretty amazing. Most rooms can even see the iconic Clock Tower.

Standard rooms here are a decent size, with floor-to-ceiling windows and seating right next to them for you to enjoy those views with a coffee in the morning. There’s gold trim everywhere, even in the bathroom, where you’ll find your fancy soft bathrobes.

You can even order room service from your TV if you don’t feel like going out (though there’s a restaurant right in the lobby). Prices start at around $200 CAD, and it’s worth it if you want to be within a 5-minute walk of everything you need. See all the rooms available and lock in your dates here!

Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax – $$

Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax is one of our absolute favorite stays in downtown Halifax. We loved the apartment-style layout, which made us feel more at home (the complete opposite of a standard hotel room).

For those looking to save a bit, there’s a delicious free breakfast included with every booking (plus a fully equipped kitchen if you prefer cooking yourself). What stood out the most was probably the rooftop patio, where you’ll also find the spa and gym. But trust us, just sitting up there is good enough, soaking in some of the best views of Halifax Harbour.

Location-wise, we couldn’t have picked a better one! It’s super close to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and you can even watch the guards march right past the hotel. The waterfront boardwalk is also an easy walk down the hill. Prices typically start at around $180 CAD per night. Reserve your stay in Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax here!

Cameo Hotel and Suites – $ 

Cameo Hotel and Suites is one of the cheapest stays in downtown Halifax, but it definitely doesn’t look it. It’s comfortable, spacious, and makes a great base for exploring the city with your family or as a group of friends. 

You won’t find a standard compact room here. You get much more than that, including large, fully equipped apartments, which is why there’s no staff, as you’ve got everything you need. Even check-in, check-out, laundry, and luggage storage are self-service. How convenient!

What makes it stand out is that it’s housed in a historic building that was the very first permanent movie house in Halifax where you’re steps from the city’s landmarks and the waterfront. With prices starting at just $100 CAD, you’ve really found yourself a good one. Check your dates and book your apartment here!

Related Read: Want even more options? Check out our complete guide on where to stay in Halifax for our favorite areas and hotels around the city!

Thanks for reading!

Halifax is one of those cities that’s just plain fun to explore! Between cruising around the harbor, feasting on fresh seafood, wandering through beautiful gardens, and escaping to Nova Scotia’s wineries and rugged coastline, there’s certainly no shortage of adventures to fill your trip.

If Halifax is just one stop on your travels, we have lots more Canada travel guides to help you along the way. We love sharing our favorite experiences and travel tips to make planning your next adventure a little easier. And here are a few more guides that might come in handy!

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