Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia province of Canada. Some of the best things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia include exploring the history of Atlantic Canada, Maritime History, the Battle of the Atlantic History, British Colonial buildings, and natural landscapes. Being a coastal city, you get to enjoy wonderful beaches, coastal landscapes, and islands. Even some of the best places to visit in Halifax are situated along the coast. These are the historical district, maritime museum, war museum, fortress, lighthouse, aquarium, shopping district, and waterfront promenade.
The port of Halifax played an important role during both world wars. It was a collection point for convoys while crossing the Atlantic. This history is a major aspect of Halifax sightseeing. The port also played a major part in the Battle of the Atlantic during the second world war. The HMCS Sackville battleship museum is one of the best Halifax tourist attractions to learn about this war. These museums also shed light on the biggest explosion in the world before Hiroshima nuclear blast. The event took place in 1917 when the French Mont-Blanc munitions ship crashed with a Belgian ship named Imo. The explosion resulted in a great disaster in the ocean as well on land. Buildings were demolished, windows were shattered and more than 1400 people lost their lives. When you visit Halifax, you will learn more about this tragedy when exploring historical areas.
The biggest historical Halifax attraction is the star-shaped citadel. It is a fortress built by the British as they began developing the region. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Halifax for its size, architecture, defensive facilities, and historical significance.
As for outdoor activities to do in Halifax, you get to explore lakes, canals, marshlands, mountains, forests, and islands close to the city. Boat cruises and ferry rides are a fun experience for sightseeing as well as leisure. The coastal area is also popular for its forests and beaches. These are also popular Halifax tourist spots for seafood restaurants.
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The Best 14 Tourist Places to Visit in Halifax in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The history of this fort dates back to 1749 when the site was first established by the British. Later it was developed into a stronghold by 1856. It is one of the best places to visit in Halifax, Nova Scotia to learn about the military history of the region. The Citadel has an army museum and you can also see reenactments of historical events at this site. You will need about 2 hours to tour this place.
I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
2. Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
This museum covers a variety of subjects including ethnology, geology, archeology, cosmology, and so on. It is among the most fun things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia for family tourists. The museum also has an aquarium with several marine animals. It is also home to a 94-year-old tortoise named Gus, who is a local celebrity. You will need 2 hours from Halifax sightseeing to explore this museum and its other facilities.
3. Halifax Public Gardens
This Victorian-style garden is spread over 17 acres. It is part of the Nova Scotia Horticulture Society Garden and is home to several species of flora. The garden is popular among locals and tourists for outdoor activities to do in Halifax. You can easily spend an hour exploring this place.
4. Point Pleasant Park
This wooded park is spread over 75 hectares and is home to several historical things to see in Halifax. This includes 17th century Chapel of St. Aspinquid and 18th-century forts. You will need about 2 hours to explore this park.
Day 2
1. Halifax Waterfront
This riverside waterfront is great for a leisurely walk and fun activities in Halifax. The waterfront has farmers’ market, shops, cafes, restaurants, playground, casino and more. You can also take a boat ride to spot Halifax tourist attractions while cruising the river. You can easily spend an hour or two at this place.
At Halifax Waterfront, there are so many activities to do. Here below I have listed a couple of activities that you should try at Halifax Waterfront.
- Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour
- Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise Tour
- Pedal Pub Crawl through Solar-Powered Pedal Bus
- Sunset Cheese and Wine Yacht Sailing
2. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
This museum focused on the maritime heritage of Nova Scotia. It is the oldest and the biggest maritime museum in Canada. It is one of the most important historical Halifax attractions. You will see artifacts, scale models of ships, documents, photographs, and so on. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.
3. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
This gallery has the biggest art museum in Atlantic Canada. The gallery has more than 17,000 pieces of art including paintings, art installations, sculptures, and more. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Halifax. You will need an hour or so to tour this gallery.
4. Province House
This building is the seat of the government of Nova Scotia. It is included among tourist places in Halifax for its historical significance and its Gregorian architecture. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to tour this building.
5. Historic Properties
Also known as Privateers Wharf, this shopping district is built in a series of warehouses that were built by a prominent businessman during the Napoleonic Wars. It is one of the most fun places to go in Halifax for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You will need an hour for this area.
Day 3
1. McNabs Island
This island has an area of 1000 acres and is known for its unspoiled natural expanse, a historic fort, and a lighthouse. It is one of the best things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You will need to get a ferry to get here and enjoy picnics, nature tours, history tours, beach activities, and so on. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours on this island.
2. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
This museum focuses on the contributions and achievements of immigrants to the nation of Canada. The museum covers social, political, arts and cultural realms. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Halifax.
I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in advance.
3. Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery
This craft beer brewery offers tours and beer tasting. This is the second oldest commercial brewery in the country. The pub attached to the brewery is especially popular for several pub games hailing from the 1800s. You will need an hour from Halifax travel to tour this brewery.
I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Alexander Keith’s Brewery.
4. HMCS Sackville (K181)
This battleship serves as a museum dedicated to the Battle of the Atlantic and the heroes of that war. The museum gives you an insight into the workings of a battleship during the World War II period. You will need an hour to tour this ship.
5. Discovery Centre
This centre is dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The center has several exhibits and interactive experiments for different fields of science. There are special segments of the center designed for educating children in a fun and innovative ways. You will need an hour to explore this center.
If you are looking for more top things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to enjoy in and around the city.
Things to do in Halifax
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Halifax
- Halifax Citadel National historic Site
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
- Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
- Museum of Natural History
- McNabs Island Lighhouse
- Fairview Lawn Cemetery
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church
- York Rebout National Historic Site
- Dalhousie Art Gallery
- Anna Leonowens Gallery
- Africville Museum
- HMCS Sackville
- Georges Island National Historic Site
- Prince of Wales National Historic Site
- St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
- Old Town Clock
- Naval Museum of Halifax
- Fort Needham
- Dartmouth Heritage Museum
- Halifax City Hall
- Old Government House
- Studio 21 Fine Art
- Khyber Center for the Arts
- CSS Acadia
- Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery
- Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
- Saint George’s Round Church
- Army Museum Halifax Citadel
- Little Dutch Church
- Deadman’s Island
- Quaker House
- Mont Blanc Anchor Site
- Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower
- Cathedral Church of All Saints
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Halifax
- McNabs Island
- Shubie Park
- Long Lake
- George Island
- Chocolate Lake
- Blue Mountain Birch Coves Lake Wilderness Area
- Shubenacadie Canal
- Shaw Wilderness Park
- Susies Lake
- Admiral Cove
- Birch Cove Lakes
- Charlies Lake
- Morris Lake
- Purcells Cove Backlands
- Long Lake
- Horseshoe Island
- Lake Micmac
- Geizer Hill
- Lawlor Island
- Colpitt Lake
- Williams Lake
- Sable Island
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Halifax
- Halifax Public Garden
- Point Pleasure Park
- Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery
- Discovery Center
- Casino Nova Scotia
- Sir Sandford Fleming Park
- Long Lake Provincial Park
- Hemlock Ravine Park
- Alderney Landings
- Halifax Common
- DeWolf Park
- Fort Needham Memorial Park
- Mainland Common Park
- Conrose Park
- Victoria Park
- Canada Games Center
- Leighton Dillman Park
- Merv Sullivan Park
- Captured Escape Rooms
- Kidston Lake
- Red Bridge Pond
- Scott Saunders Memorial Park
- Peace and Friendship Park
Shopping in Halifax
- Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
- Historic Properties
- Waterfront Broadwalk
- Halifax Brewery Market
- Halifax Shopping Center
Beaches & Islands in Halifax
- Black Rock beach
- Kearney Lake Beach
- Lawlor Island
- Horseshoe Island
- Rainbow Haven Beach
- Craters Beach
- Psyche Cove Beach
- White Point Beach
- Crystal Crescent Beach
- Hirtle’s Beach
- Martinique Beach
- Lawrencetown Beach
- Queensland Beach
- Clam Harbour Beach
- Conrads Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in in Halifax
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Kayaking
Sightseeing in Halifax
- Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
- Spring Garden Road
- Grand Parade War Memorial
- Halifax Waterfront
- Belchers Marsh Park
- The Emigrant Statue
- Halifax Harbour
- Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail
- Samuel Cunard Statue
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Halifax
- Waterfront Warehouse
- Willy’s
- The Bicycle Thief
- Cafe Lunette
- Salty’s
- Bar Kismet
- The Canteen
- Hali Deli
- Brightwood Brewery
- The Ostrich Club
- Sea Smoke
- The Stillwell Freehouse
- Wines on the Water
- The Split Crow Pub
- Red Stag Tavern
- King of Donair
- Garrison Brewing Co.
- Durty Nelly’s
- Piatto Pizzeria
- Stillwell
- The Stuborn Goat
- Drift
Where to Stay in Halifax?
Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Halifax. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Halifax.
- Comfort Hotel Bayer’s Lake
- Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
- Prince George Hotel
- Muir, Autograph Collection
- Chateau Bedford, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown
- The Westin Nova Scotian
- Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown
- Comfort Inn Halifax
- Four Points by Sheraton Halifax
- The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Hotel Halifax
- Future Inns Halifax
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Halifax – Bedford, an IHG Hotel
- Coastal Inn Halifax
- Atlantica Hotel Halifax
- Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, Ascend Hotel Collection
- Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown
Custom Tours Package in Halifax, Nova Scotia
How to Reach Halifax?
By Air
The city is served by Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport. It is situated 35 km outside the city. You can get direct flights to visit Halifax from Calgary, London, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Boston, Ottawa, Tampa, Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Washington, Sydney, Dublin, New York, Chicago, and many more. You can get buses and cabs from the airport to get to the city.
By Road
VIA Rail connects Halifax to several cities in Canada including Montreal, Quebec, Moncton, and many more. The bus network for Halifax travel is a little more widespread. You can get direct or connecting buses to reach Halifax from many places in Nova Scotia province and nearby provinces.
If you are planning to visit Halifax by road, you should head for highway routes 101, 102, 103 or 104.
By Water
You can get a passenger ferry to reach Halifax from Dartmouth. This town is part of the Halifax municipality.
Image Reference
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
- Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History – Paulo O / Flickr
- Halifax Public Gardens – David Kirsch / Flickr
- Point Pleasant Park – clare_and_ben / Flickr
- Halifax Waterfront – Graham Hobster / PixaBay
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Phobophile~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia – Tom Flemming / Flickr
- Province House – CP Hoffman / Flickr
- Historic Properties – Stewx / Wikimedia Commons
- McNabs Island – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
- Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – Skeezix1000 / Wikimedia Commons
- Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery – Joe Ross / Flickr
- HMCS Sackville (K181) – Steve Knight / Flickr
- Discovery Centre – aa440 / Flickr
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