Looking up at the Clock Tower on a sunny day in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Updated: September 10, 2026

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Halifax, Nova Scotia: 3-Day Itinerary

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Looking for the perfect three-day Halifax itinerary? You’re in the right place!

Halifax is a lovely coastal city with a huge amount of maritime history, but it also has a fun urban feel, fresh seafood, and a ton of pubs with live music. There are also lots of cool places nearby, including Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley.

Three days gives you enough time to explore the waterfront and Halifax’s main sights, hop on the ferry to Dartmouth, and get out of town for a day to see more of Nova Scotia. And with the itinerary we’ve put together, you can fit all of that in without having to figure out what to do next. Ready? Let’s get into it! 

Don’t miss out!

Our Top Choice

Historic Halifax Old Town Clock seen on a tour in Halifax Nova Scotia 2

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our FAVORITE thing we did in Halifax was this Harbour Hopper tour! We explored the city by land and water, cruising past historic sights before splashing into Halifax Harbour. It’s such a fun way to see the city and get your bearings!

Check the 1,400+ reviews and book this tour here.

Table Of Contents
  1. Our Top Choice
  2. Itinerary Overview
  3. Day 1 
  4. Day 2 
  5. Day 3 
  6. Where to Stay in Halifax
  7. Thanks for reading!
  8. Why We Book Tours with Viator
  9. Book your Airport Taxi in advance
  10. AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
  11. What’s an eSIM?
  12. The Services We Recommend

Itinerary Overview

Bailey-enjoys-a-glass-of-wine-on a tour from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Enjoying a wine tour through Annapolis Valley
Colorful chairs seen at Peggy's Cove on a tour from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Exploring the colorful Peggy’s Cove

Halifax is such a fun city to explore, with a fascinating maritime history, a lively food and drink scene, plenty of sights, and beautiful coastal scenery nearby. This three-day itinerary combines the best of the city with a few easy day trips and some fun experiences along the way.

Getting around is pretty straightforward, especially downtown, which is very walkable. We recommend staying downtown to make things easier, but bring comfortable shoes since some areas around the Halifax Citadel are quite steep! Taxis and rideshares are also readily available if you’d rather skip the hills.

For getting beyond downtown, Halifax Transit buses and the passenger ferry make it easy and inexpensive to get around, with fares payable using exact cash or the HFXGO app.

Here’s what we have planned for each day: 

🚌 Day 1: Harbour Hopper & Halifax Highlights
See Halifax from both land and water, wander through the Halifax Public Gardens, then visit the Halifax Citadel before finishing the day with live music at The Lower Deck. 

🌊 Day 2: Nova Scotia Day Trip
Today, we’ll explore some of Nova Scotia’s top destinations or eat our way through the Annapolis Valley, then wrap up the day with dessert or a few laughs at a stand-up comedy show. 

⛴️ Day 3: Dartmouth & Sunset Sailing
Ride the ferry and explore downtown Dartmouth before ending the day with a sunset cruise or a show at Neptune Theatre. 

Day 1 

Breakfast – Bluenose II Restaurant

Eggs-benedict-breakfast in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Start the day with an amazing breakfast!

Day one starts nice and early at Bluenose II Restaurant. This long-standing Halifax diner has a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere and serves breakfast all day. It opens at 8 am daily, so get there around then and finish by 9:30 am at the latest.

Grab the fish cakes and eggs for a true Halifax-style Maritime breakfast, or go for the eggs Benedict (you can get it with lobster!) if you’re feeling a little more indulgent. If you’re not big on breakfast, there are lighter options too, like pancakes or Greek yogurt with granola and berries.

From here, it’s only around a 10-minute walk to the Harbour Hopper departure point, so there’s plenty of time to eat without rushing. Aim to reach the Salter Street Parking Lot around 9:50 am for the 10:15 am departure.

Morning – See Halifax from land and water on the Harbour Hopper 

The Halifax harbor seen on a tour of Halifax Nova Scotia
The Halifax Harbor seen from the amphibious vehicle
Historic Halifax Old Town Clock seen on a tour in Halifax Nova Scotia (2)
Historic Halifax Old Town Clock

After you’ve filled up on breakfast, it’s time for some proper sightseeing with the Harbour Hopper tour. And not on a regular bus, but in an amphibious vehicle that’s so much fun, you might want to do it again!  

You’ll meet your guide at the Salter Street Parking Lot around 9:50 am to check in for the 10:15 am departure. From there, you’ll board the Harbour Hopper, grab a seat on the covered open deck, and set off to explore the city for the next hour.

First, you’ll drive through historic downtown, passing St. Paul’s Church, the city’s oldest building, while also getting a look at Citadel Hill and the Halifax Public Gardens. Along the way, you’ll listen to live commentary covering the city’s history and naval heritage.

Then comes the exciting part! The Harbour Hopper takes a plunge into Halifax Harbour, where you can see the Halifax waterfront, Georges Island, and the naval dockyard from a completely different perspective. 

We think this is such a fun introduction to Halifax on your first morning and helps you get your bearings before exploring downtown in more detail that afternoon. Keep in mind that the Harbour Hopper currently operates from mid-April to late October, so if you’re visiting outside this period, we recommend exploring the Maritime Museum instead.

One more thing to know: the Harbour Hopper doesn’t allow food or drinks onboard, and there’s no washroom, so it’s best to go beforehand!

Lunch – The Bicycle Thief

The Bicycle Thief in Halifax, Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: The Bicycle Thief
The Bicycle Thief in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2)
Photo credit: The Bicycle Thief

Once you hop off the Harbour Hopper, wander over to The Bicycle Thief for lunch. It’s at Bishop’s Landing, just a 5-minute walk along the waterfront from where the Harbour Hopper departs. Since it opens at 11:30 am and the tour wraps up around 11:10 am, you should be among the first ones there!

The restaurant combines Italian-inspired cooking with Nova Scotian ingredients in a stylish but relaxed waterfront setting. We recommend grabbing a table on the patio if the weather is warm, although the atmospheric dining room makes it a good choice year-round.

Go for the Downeast lobster roll with chili-lime mayonnaise for a Maritime classic, or try the housemade fish cakes prepared with halibut, haddock, and Atlantic salmon. It’s definitely seafood-heavy, but if you’re not in the mood for it, there are lots of other options, including salads, truffle gnocchi, ricotta ravioli, or slow-roasted pork ribs. Honestly, every time a plate passed by, we were like, “Ooh, that looks good too!” 

The Bicycle Thief is super popular, so we recommend reserving a table, especially during summer and on weekends. Aim to finish lunch around 1 pm before continuing to Halifax Citadel and the Public Gardens.

Afternoon – Stroll through the Public Gardens and explore Halifax Citadel 

Bailey-sits-on-a-bench-surounded-by-greenery-at-the-gardens-in Halifax, Nova Scotia
At the Halifax Gardens
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

We’ll be spending the afternoon exploring two of Halifax’s best-known green and historic landmarks, both within easy walking distance of downtown. This fun little journey begins with a relaxed stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens before continuing uphill to Halifax Citadel for military history and panoramic views over the city – so put your comfy shoes on!

Wander through the Halifax Public Gardens 

Halifax Public Gardens in Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Halifax Public Gardens

Walk approximately 20 minutes (or grab a 7-minute taxi) from The Bicycle Thief to the Halifax Public Gardens, taking Spring Garden Road for the final stretch. You’ve got a good hour here to explore this free Victorian garden, which offers a peaceful change of pace after a busy morning.

This is Halifax’s most cherished Victorian-era garden, dating back to 1836 and a National Historic Site since 1984. Wander through the colorful flower beds, mature trees, and statues, and definitely check out the ducks at Griffin’s Pond.

From May 15 through October, you might be able to join a free one-hour guided tour starting at 1:30 pm. It covers the gardens’ history, horticulture, and Victorian Gardenesque design, so basically everything you need to know! If you’re visiting outside the tour season, just follow one of the free audio tours or explore on your own.

Keep in mind that the gardens open daily at 8 am and close 30 minutes before sunset.

Explore Halifax’s military history at the Citadel 

Halifax Citadel - Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Halifax Citadel

After wandering around the Public Gardens, it’s time to head to the Halifax Citadel. It’s only about a 10 to 15-minute walk, although fair warning, there’s a bit of an uphill climb to get there!

Once you make it to the top, you’ll find the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a huge star-shaped fortress that was home to the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery back in 1869. Have a look around the ramparts, restored period rooms, military exhibits, and the Army Museum, then take in the views over downtown and Halifax Harbour.

Living-history demonstrations also take place throughout the day, including Highlander drills, pipes and drums, and artillery displays. Admission also includes a guided walking tour.

The Citadel is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm during the main visitor season. Regular admission is currently $22 CAD for adults, while visitors aged 17 and under get in free. The fort grounds stay open year-round, but if you’re visiting during winter, keep in mind that the interior exhibits, ramparts, and regular programming aren’t available.

Time-wise, plan to spend around two hours here, from 2:45 pm until about 5 pm. 

Dinner – The Five Fishermen 

5 Fishermen Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2)
Photo credit: 5 Fishermen Restaurant
5 Fishermen Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: 5 Fishermen Restaurant

You’ve been walking around for a while now, so it’s time for a well-deserved dinner! The Five Fishermen is around a 10-minute downhill walk from Halifax Citadel and is set inside a historic building on Argyle Street. We liked the atmosphere here! It feels a little upscale but still relaxed, and the menu has a ton of seafood to choose from. 

Start with the seafood chowder, made with Nova Scotian halibut and scallops, or try the Maritime mussels with chorizo jam, shallots, leeks, and sourdough. We went for the signature Five Fish Experience, which comes with shrimp, Digby scallops, halibut, mussels, and lobster tail over tomato risotto.

It’s really filling, so you might want to share if you’re not that hungry. Not a seafood fan? Go for the braised beef pappardelle and thank us later!

The restaurant is open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm. Even though you’ll be arriving right when it opens, this is one of Halifax’s best-known seafood restaurants, so it’s best to reserve a table in advance, especially during summer and on weekends. Try to wrap up dinner around 7 pm, leaving plenty of time for the evening activity.

Evening – Listen to live music at The Lower Deck  

With an early dinner, you’ve got the whole evening ahead of you, so some live music at a pub is a fun way to end your first night in Halifax. The Lower Deck is about a 10-minute walk from The Five Fishermen, right in Halifax’s Historic Properties.

There’s live music here most nights, from acoustic singers to bands that get the whole place going. Grab a Nova Scotian craft beer, find a seat near the stage, and stay for as long as you feel like. Things usually get livelier later in the evening, but coming straight from dinner should give you a better chance of finding a table.

The performers and start times change throughout the week, so it’s worth checking the entertainment schedule before you go. The pub is open until 12:30 am, so there’s no need to rush.

Day 2 

Breakfast – Weird Harbour Espresso Bar 

Two-coffees-on-a-table-in-Halifax, Nova Scotia
Good coffee is the best way to start the day!

With an early tour, your second day ideally starts with breakfast at your hotel since the tour includes pickup, and it’s the easiest option time-wise. Still, if you’d rather eat out, Weird Harbour Espresso Bar is a great little spot downtown and easy to get to.

You’ve got old blues music playing in the background, really good coffee, and baked goods that are dangerously good. It was just what we needed to wake up properly! They open at 7 am Monday through Friday and 8 am on weekends, so it’s an easy spot to grab a quick coffee and pastry.

Try to leave by 8:30 am so you have enough time to get back to your hotel before the 9 am South Shore tour pickup.

Option 1 – Full-day – See Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley 

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse seen on a tour from Halifax Nova Scotia
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Historic wooden house in the old town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on a tour from Halifax
The historic houses of Lunenburg

After breakfast, head outside your accommodation by 9 am for pickup. Trust us, you’ll be glad you didn’t have to worry about driving today! This full-day small-group tour packs in a lot of Nova Scotia’s most memorable spots in just under nine hours! 

Your first stop is Peggy’s Cove, a small fishing village where 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 world’s most photographed lighthouses.

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.

Peggy's Cove seen on a tour from Halifax Nova Scotia
Peggy’s Cove

A short drive later, you’re in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an hour and a half to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around, grab fresh-baked molasses cookies, or stop for seafood chowder or the town’s traditional pork sausage. Don’t overthink it, just do it. You can thank us later! 

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, opt for the Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards and soak in the views of Cape Blomidon and the Minas Basin. 

For us, this was such 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.

Option 2 – Full-day – Taste your way through the Annapolis Valley 

Daniel-and-Bailey-drink-wine-on-a-tour-from-Halifax Nova Scotia
Go wine tasting!
Grape-vine-near-Halifax Nova Scotia
If you love wine tasting, don’t miss this

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, with good wine, food, and absolutely amazing landscapes along the way, this 6.5-hour tour through the Annapolis Valley is a great pick! Meet outside the main entrance of the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel at 9:30 am. Make sure you go to the Upper Water Street location, as Halifax has several Marriott hotels.

Once you’re on the road, sit back and enjoy the scenery as you make your way through the Annapolis Valley. You’ll visit three wineries 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, our favorite time of the day! 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 if that’s more your thing.

According to the AMAZING five-star reviews, the tour doesn’t feel rushed, and you have plenty of time to enjoy each stop. Better yet, all tasting and winery fees are included. And the small group size, with no more than 20 people, makes the experience a lot better. At around 4 pm, the tour ends where it began, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Dinner – Black Sheep 

Black Sheep Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: Black Sheep Restaurant
Black Sheep Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2)
Photo credit: Black Sheep Restaurant

You’ve already packed a lot into today, so it’s time for a relaxing evening. For dinner, we’re sending you to Black Sheep, inside the Brewery Market on Lower Water Street, so you’re close to the waterfront. The menu is creative, with a variety of international dishes, which makes a nice change after a full day of Nova Scotian sightseeing or wine tasting.

Try to make a 6:30 pm reservation, giving you time to freshen up if you picked the South Shore tour, which ends at around 5:45 pm. Start with the seafood chowder or mushrooms on sourdough, both of which work well as shared appetizers. For your main course, choose from lobster ravioli, spaghetti with scallops, or bouillabaisse. The steak frites or pork chop are also good choices if you’re ready for a break from seafood!

The menu changes periodically to showcase seasonal ingredients, so it’s best to check the website for the latest offerings. It’s open until 10 pm daily, and reservations are recommended for dinner.

Evening – Sate your sweet tooth or go for some laughs

Dessert eaten at The Middle Spoon in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Enjoying dessert at The Middle Spoon

After a full day exploring Nova Scotia, you can choose between ending the night with dessert and drinks or catching some stand-up comedy. We went for the laughs, but if you’re already feeling tired and just want a little comfort treat, go for dessert instead.

The Middle Spoon is a cozy dessert and cocktail bar on Barrington Street, around a 10-minute walk from Black Sheep. Try the warm chocolate lava cake, sticky toffee pudding, or cardamom carrot cake, and pair it with an espresso martini or one of their cocktails. Yum!

There’s no fixed time here, so you can just pop in for dessert or stay for a few drinks. The Middle Spoon is currently open Monday through Saturday and stays open until 11 pm or later, depending on the night. Just keep in mind that it’s closed on Sundays.

If you’d rather do something a little more lively, Halifax Live Comedy Club on Argyle Street is another option, also around a 10-minute walk from Black Sheep. They host local comedians and touring acts, with most shows lasting around 90 minutes.

They only run on certain evenings, though, so check the calendar and book your tickets ahead of time. Many shows start at 8 pm, with doors opening at 7 pm. If you’re planning to go, move dinner at Black Sheep to around 6 pm so you’ve got enough time to eat and be there on time for the opening act. 

Related Read: Before you start packing for Halifax, check out our Canada packing list for the essentials you’ll want for your trip.

Day 3 

Breakfast – Café Lunette  

Cappuccino-with-croissant-for-breakfast-in-Halifax, Nova Scotia
Breakfast time!

It’s your last day in Halifax, and we’re kicking it off with breakfast at Café Lunette. This Parisian-inspired café is in the Queen’s Marque district, just a short walk from the Halifax Ferry Terminal, making it a very convenient stop before crossing over to Dartmouth.

There are plenty of options, from lighter breakfast favorites like a butter croissant, pain au chocolat, almond amandine, or orange almond cake to full cooked breakfasts. We were pretty hungry, so we opted for a couple of croque-madames and grabbed a chocolate crepe to go.

For coffee, there are cappuccinos, lattes, London fogs, and the usual espresso-based drinks. Nothing too wild, but they definitely do the job of waking you up!

It opens at 7:30 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends, so aim to get there around 9 am. After breakfast, walk over to the ferry terminal and hop on the ferry to Alderney Landing. It only takes about 15 minutes. Easy peasy! 

Morning – Ride the ferry and explore downtown Dartmouth  

View of Nova Scotia from the ferry terminal in Dartmouth Nova Scotia
The view of Halifax from Dartmouth Harbor
Church in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia near Halifax
We love how quaint it is here

After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning discovering Dartmouth, a compact and creative community located directly across Halifax Harbour. The route combines harbor views, local markets, independent stores, colorful murals, and a peaceful walk around Sullivan’s Pond.

Cross Halifax Harbour by ferry  

After breakfast, walk a few minutes from Café Lunette to the Halifax Ferry Terminal and catch the next ferry to Alderney Landing. Aim to get there around 10 am. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and it’s a nice little sightseeing trip in itself, with great views of the Halifax skyline, Georges Island, and ships moving through the harbor.

There are two decks: a fully enclosed lower deck with large viewing windows and an open-air upper deck, which gives you the best harbor views and photo opportunities. Just keep in mind that strollers and bikes aren’t allowed on the upper deck.

A single adult fare currently costs $3 CAD and can be paid with exact cash or through the HFXGO app, which is super convenient. Ferries generally depart every 15 to 30 minutes, but best to check the current Alderney ferry schedule before setting out.

Browse Alderney Landing and Portland Street 

Silver-jewlery-in-Dartmouth near Halifax, Nova Scotia
Exploring the market at Alderney Landing
A bookstore in Dartmouth seen on a day trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Portland Street has all sorts of neat things like independent bookstores

The ferry arrives at Alderney Landing, a waterfront cultural center with a small art gallery, permanent food vendors, and regular community events. If you love markets as much as we do, keep an eye out for local produce and baked goods on Saturdays, handmade products on Sundays, and a smaller waterfront market selling all sorts of goodies on Wednesdays.

From here, continue onto Portland Street, the heart of downtown Dartmouth, where you can browse independent bookstores, record stores, gift shops, and small galleries. Keep an eye out for the colorful murals painted across storefronts, alleyways, and building walls throughout the neighborhood. They really are something!

Some independent stores don’t open until 11 am, particularly on Sundays, so if that’s a priority, you might want to switch up the order a bit. 

Walk around Sullivan’s Pond 

Sullivan’s Pond is around a 15-minute walk from Portland Street and is a nice little escape if you’re ready for a break from the city. It was created during the construction of the historic Shubenacadie Canal and once formed part of the route connecting Halifax Harbour with the Bay of Fundy.

Take a walk along the paved path around the water and keep an eye out for the geese, fountain, bandstand, and all the mature trees. Find a bench or a patch of grass under the trees, sit back for a bit, and watch local athletes training in canoes and kayaks. You might even spot remote-controlled miniature sailboats racing across the water, which is apparently a popular hobby around here!

Once you’ve had your little break, head back toward Portland Street for lunch at The Wooden Monkey around 12:30 pm.

Lunch – The Wooden Monkey  

The Wooden Monkey Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2)
Photo credit: The Wooden Monkey Restaurant
The Wooden Monkey Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: The Wooden Monkey Restaurant

Lunch isn’t far away either. The Wooden Monkey is around a 15-minute walk back from Sullivan’s Pond and sits on the upper level of the Alderney Ferry Terminal. The dining room overlooks Halifax Harbour, which is a pretty nice view to have while you eat and a good way to wrap up your time in Dartmouth.

They use locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients, and there’s a good mix of meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Go for the Korean pork tacos with kimchi, plum compote, and sesame crema, or the roast chicken and pesto sandwich served on an organic multigrain pita. 

And if you’re craving something else, the gourmet pizzas are worth a look too. There’s barbecue chicken, meat lovers, and a vegetable pizza topped with goat cheese. Super yummy!

It opens at 11:30 am every day, but it’s worth making reservations on weekends and during the busy summer season. And since you’re right above the ferry terminal, getting back to Halifax afterward couldn’t be easier.

Afternoon – Walk the Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail  

Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail in Dartmouth near Halifax, Nova Scotia (2)
Walking along the harbourfront trail
Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail in Dartmouth near Halifax, Nova Scotia (1)
There’s so much to see!

If you’re not ready to leave Dartmouth just yet, finish up with an easy waterfront walk before heading back to Halifax. You’ve got roughly from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, so there’s plenty of time to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

Follow the paved Dartmouth Harbourfront Trail south around Dartmouth Cove, looking back toward the Halifax skyline, Georges Island, and the busy waterfront. There are benches if you feel like stopping for a bit.

The full trail is around 3 kilometers (about 1.9 miles) each way, but there’s really no need to walk the whole thing. Wander for about 30 minutes, then turn around and make your way back toward Alderney Landing.

Try to catch a ferry back to Halifax around 3:30 pm. The ride takes about 15 minutes, giving you enough time to head back to the hotel, freshen up, and get ready for your sunset sail. Just check the ferry schedule before you set off, as departure times can vary depending on the day and time.

Dinner/Evening – Light bites and a sunset cruise 

For your last evening in Halifax, we’ve got something fun planned! Grab a few bites and drinks before heading out on a sunset cruise, or catch a show at Neptune Theatre. 

Grab a light bite at The Salt Yard 

Salt Yard Social Halifax in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2)
Photo credit: Salt Yard Social Halifax
Salt Yard Social Halifax in Halifax, Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: Salt Yard Social Halifax

Start the evening at The Salt Yard, a seasonal collection of food kiosks (open May through October) located right beside J Farwell Sailing Tours. Pretty convenient when you’re about to hop on a boat! If you’re visiting outside those months, Bar Sofia is another option, although it’s more of a sit-down restaurant.

At The Salt Yard, grab a couple of tacos or empanadas from Salt + Sol, enjoy some fresh seafood, or pick up a slice of pizza from Tony’s Donair & Pizza. Just don’t fill up too much because the sailing includes a local cheese and charcuterie board, along with four Nova Scotian wine samples.

Get here around 5 pm, giving you some time to eat and have a drink before the sunset cruise at 6 or 6:30 pm.

Sail through Halifax Harbour at sunset 

J Farwell Sailing Tours in Halifax Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: J Farwell Sailing Tours
J Farwell Sailing Tours in Halifax Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: J Farwell Sailing Tours

If you’re looking for something romantic and a little different to wrap up your stay in Halifax, this 2.5-hour sunset sailing tour is a pretty great way to end the trip. Starting at 6 or 6:30 pm, you’ll sail past Georges Island and McNabs Island before heading into the Northwest Arm, with lots of pretty waterfront homes to spot before the sun starts to set.

Over the 2.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a hosted tasting of four Nova Scotian wines, usually including sparkling, white, rosé, and red varieties. Each wine is paired with a board of local cheeses and charcuterie, while the crew shares a bit about the wineries and producers behind them. You might even pick up a few sailing tips and get to play sailor for a bit!

There’s no dress code, but we’d recommend wearing flat shoes. And don’t worry if you didn’t pack anything warm, as blankets are available on board to keep you comfortable. The experience takes place on a 45-foot (14-meter) sailing yacht with a maximum of 12 people, so it’s a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere than being on a big sightseeing cruise.

(Alternative) See a show at Neptune Theatre  

Neptune Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Photo credit: Neptune Theatre

If you’d rather stay on land, Neptune Theatre is a fun way to spend your last night in Halifax. You can catch anything from a musical or comedy to a drama or a smaller contemporary production, depending on what’s showing. Most evening performances start around 7:30 pm, but check the current program before you visit. 

The theater is centrally located on Argyle Street, around a 10-minute walk from the Halifax Ferry Terminal, so you won’t have to go far to get there. Performances usually last two to three hours, but make sure to book ahead if there’s a popular show you want to see. 

Related Read: Want to add a few more activities to your itinerary? Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Halifax for more ideas.

Where to Stay in Halifax

The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax in Halifax Nova Scotia (1)
Photo credit: The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax in Halifax Nova Scotia (2)
Photo credit: The Sutton Place Hotel 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. It’s also the most convenient area for this itinerary since several of our activities start or end downtown, meaning you won’t have to spend much time getting around. 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, luckily 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 with our favorite areas and hotels around the city!

Book your Airport Taxi in advance

Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!

AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.

In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.

We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.

💡 Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:

Thanks for reading!

Bailey-and-Daniel-taking-a-selfie-at-Halifax Gardens, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Thanks for reading!

It’s easy to fall in love with Halifax! Between the beautiful waterfront, fascinating maritime history, amazing seafood, lively pubs, and incredible places just outside the city, there’s a lot to pack into three days. We think this itinerary is the perfect mix of sightseeing, good food, and fun experiences, with enough time to slow down and enjoy the city along the way. We hope you love it here as much as we did!

Before you go, check out all of our Canada travel guides! As locals, we’ve explored so many incredible places across the country and have plenty of guides to help you plan your trip. Or here are a few related blogs you might enjoy next!

Where to Stay in Banff, Canada: 6 Areas & Hotels

15 Best Things to do in Quebec City, Quebec

Where to Stay in Montreal, Quebec: 6 Areas and Hotels

The Services We Recommend

From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.

Bailey and Daniel are the married couple who started this blog. They’re endlessly curious, always planning the next adventure, and happiest when they’re on the move. Travel isn’t something they do once or twice a year — it’s the way they’ve chosen to live their lives.

Learn more about Dan & Bailey

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