10 Places to Visit in Halifax

Please note that due to the COVID-19 health crisis, most of these places are currently closed to the public. We will update this post as things begin to re-open.

Atlantic Canada is rich in beauty and personality. With picturesque views, both natural and manmade, in addition to the friendly people who populate the area, it makes for a trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

More importantly, Halifax is a destination you don’t want to miss as its history and character come together with its beautiful attractions to provide a more than memorable experience.

Once you visit Halifax, as soon as you leave, you’ll feel like you’re missing out on more new adventures. Here is a list of 10 exciting and interesting places to visit on your trip to Halifax.

Halifax Discovery Centre (Kids)

The Halifax Discovery Centre makes for a great day with the family. An interactive museum designed to get kids excited about science, this memorable trip will bring out the inner scientist in anyone – even the parents. Regular galleries include focuses on the energy, health, flight, the ocean, and fun stuff for kids.

There are also traveling galleries that pass through, so make sure to call ahead and find out what is happening when you’re in town.

 Photo provided by Halifax Discovery Centre

Halifax Waterfront

The Halifax Waterfront is a charming place to take in on foot. With exciting events and performances happening all the time, in addition to the shops, stalls, restaurants, bars, and plenty of boats, going for a walk through the waterfront is a must for anyone visiting the city.

Halifax Seaport Market

A great place to visit as a tourist or a local, the market is open seven days a week – with all stalls open Saturdays. This space is an excellent place to stock up on local food, snacks, and gifts while offering a beautiful view of the harbor from its rooftop patio.

Grab a coffee, something savory or sweet (whatever you prefer), and head up top to watch the world go by, both on land and the sea.

Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

For anyone interested in all things naval, this is the place to be. Exhibits include the restored Flower-class Corvette HMCS Sackville, the Halifax Explosion, Halifax’s role after the sinking of the Titanic, and more. You get an in-depth look at how Halifax has ruled Canada’s Atlantic fisheries, naval operations, and tourist industry in the last 100+ years.

A bonus for ship enthusiasts, but not part of the museum, is the CSS Acadia, a restored Canadian hydrographic service vessel laid down in 1913. The ship is berthed alongside the museum and an up-close look is well worth taking.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Looming above the Halifax downtown is the Citadel. Built-in 1856, this British-built fort has never seen battle and presents a well-preserved example of this type of structure.

Summertime sees interpreters don red uniforms to emulate the experiences of the original 78th Highlanders and 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery squadrons. There’s even something for the kids, with Citadel Adventures.

The program lets kids use the marching drums, march in a drill, and spy on the enemy!

Peggy’s Cove

Also known as a photographers' paradise, Peggy’s Cove is a brilliant little fishing village perched up on a rocky bay with its iconic lighthouse and rolling granite. It’s one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.

Things to do include exploring the village, visiting the lighthouse, enjoying a meal made with freshly caught seafood, and going for a walk along the rocks - be sure to stay off the black rocks though so you don’t get swept away!

Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale is a Canadian staple and its origins can be found in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. If you are a beer fan, Keith’s fan, or even enjoy seeing local history, make sure you go for a tour of the brewery – originally established in 1820.

In 2000 the site was re-opened to the public as a premier tourism attraction of Halifax. In addition to the brewery tour, the final half hour of the tour is spent in The Stags Head Inn, a historical pub in, what used to be, the original aging cavern for Mr. Keith’s beers.

Great music, incredible beers, and a real Nova Scotia Good Time – a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other in the world!

 Photos provided by Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Halifax Public Gardens

Making use of Victorian-esque garden styles, the Halifax Public Gardens are not only beautiful but like a walk through time.

Established by The Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836, the structures, natural elements, and history all come together to provide a serene environment for you to stroll through. Tours are available in multiple languages as well.

Harbour Cruise

There is a multitude of boat tours available in Halifax. From sailing boats to ferries, and more, you can choose your preferred method of getting around in the water.

Features on the tours include things like The Citadel, City Hall, the naval docks, and a focus on local wines, and it doesn’t stop there. Going for a harbor cruise is worth the time.

Point Pleasant Park

Point Pleasant Park is a beautiful forested park located right at the Southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula. As early as the 1700s, this site saw interest from warring parties during events such as The French and Indian War, the French Revolutionary Wars, and even some interest during the Second World War.

Come visit the history of this site, in addition to its natural beauty. This makes for a great day visit for someone traveling solo to families.