10 Best Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2023)

FAQs

10 Best Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia? ›

With the world's second-largest natural harbor and being the lively hub of Atlantic Canada, Halifax is best known for its historical charm, community spirit, fresh seafood and incredible natural landscapes.

With amazing outdoor adventures on land and sea, the city of Halifax is jam-packed with some of the best restaurants, pubs and vibrant live music venues on Canada's east coast. Whatever you do, you'll soon understand why Halifax occupies several of the slots on our list of the best things to do in Nova Scotia.

A long weekend (3 days) in Halifax will give you enough time to see the city's main sites, learn a bit of Halifax's history, enjoy some great meals, and fit in a day trip to nearby attractions like Peggy's Cove.

Walking in Halifax

Downtown Halifax is a very walkable city, and while there are many hills, it's very compact, making it easy to get around. We recommended walking the length of the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world, coming in at more than 4km.

The average cost of living in Halifax is $3,252/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

The best time to visit Halifax is May through October. Summer and fall experience pleasant weather and usher in numerous festivals. However, these months also attract lots of tourists, so be prepared for steep hotel rates. If you're looking to avoid the crowds and the high prices, visit between November and February.

What time of year is best to go to Nova Scotia? ›

Nova Scotia's summers are warm and make the perfect time to see and do everything on your list. Visit Nova Scotia between May and October for the best weather. If you want to avoid the peak season as much as possible, choose the very beginning and end of summer and visit in either May or October.

Because Halifax was built before cars dominated cities, the downtown area is surprisingly walkable. (Get ready for some steep hills, though!) While downtown, you can visit the Seaport Farmer's Market, check out museums like the Maritime Museum of Natural History and take a tour of Citadel Hill.

Despite its hilly terrain, central Halifax is extremely compact and walkable, but you'll need stamina and sturdy walking shoes. You can also rely on Metro Transit, which operates buses throughout the city and ferries to nearby Dartmouth. However, if you're planning on venturing outside Halifax, you will need a car.

And Canada's friendliest city? Halifax, says a recent poll, which placed the Nova Scotian capital among the fifteen friendliest on the planet. Another confirms it's one of the world's least snobby. It's certainly true that in Halifax, whoever you are, it won't take long for a stranger to strike up a conversation.

A native or resident of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is called a Haligonian. While the demonym Haligonian is encountered in newspapers and magazines, it is often replaced in more formal writing by native, resident or inhabitant of Halifax, or some similar phrase.

Everyone knows that Nova Scotia is world-famous for our lobster and that it is a must-try while visiting. From a traditional lobster dinner to a beach side lobster boil to lobster rolls, creamed lobster, lobster poutine and even lobster beer, Nova Scotia can quell your lobster cravings.

You'll need at least a week to road trip Nova Scotia, but longer is better. You should set aside another few days (at least three or four) to explore Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail (click that link to see our epic guide to the Cabot Trail!).

How long does it take to drive all the way around Nova Scotia? ›

Although Nova Scotia is small (it would take roughly 8 hours to drive the entire length of the province,) this doesn't mean you should rush through. Instead, roll down the driver's side window and plan for relaxed, easy days exploring small friendly towns, beautiful white-sand beaches, and stunning coastal scenery.

A former rum running and ship building port town, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, postcard-perfect Lunenburg is a fishing village of brightly painted British Colonial buildings built in the 1750s, about 60 kilometres from Halifax. Lunenburg is now a charming, walkable town, and a must-stop on any trip to Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia can be an affordable destination if you budget properly. It gets more expensive during peak summer season and early fall (everyone comes to see the leaves change color).

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Known for its beautifully coloured homes and shops, the historic Nova Scotian town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was an important port and shipbuilding centre in the early days of settlement.

Since geomagnetic activity is usually on the rise during fall and spring equinoxes, the months of September, October as well as March are considered to be the best time to see the phenomenon.

February is the coldest month in Nova Scotia with an average daily high of -6 C and a night time low of -15 C.

Kejimkijik National Park and Historic Site is one of Canada's Dark Sky Preserves – the only one in Nova Scotia – so you can expect dark skies and a good chance to see the northern lights when they are active.

One of Canada's four Maritime provinces, Nova Scotia is almost entirely surrounded by water and is home to over 13,000km of coastline, thousands of lakes, lush valleys, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the world's highest tides and whales!

Discover Nova Scotia's must-see signature attractions including the iconic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the scenic Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. Come enjoy our warm East Coast Hospitality, and sample our fresh Atlantic Canada Seafood!

What is the tourist season in Nova Scotia? ›

High season: July and August

You won't be alone in selecting summer as the ideal season for a sojourn to Nova Scotia. July and August welcome around 750,000 visitors. This is also when 80% of the annual festivals and events are crammed into two hyperactive months.

Car or Motorcycle

An extensive highway system links most towns and cities in Nova Scotia, making cars and motorcycles the most convenient way of getting around the province. Larger Nova Scotia highways are referred to as “100-series” highways (101, 103, etc.), circumnavigating, and at times crossing, the province.

The Halifax Waterfront is a bustling hotspot in the city. With one of the world's longest urban boardwalks spanning the length of the waterfront - 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from Pier 21 at the Halifax Seaport to Casino Nova Scotia - it is easy to spend a day exploring here.

Just a 25 minute drive from downtown Halifax, Conrads Beach is a great spot to take off your shoes and walk in the sand. Located just a few minutes before Lawrencetown Beach, Conrads is one of the nicest sandy beaches around.

2a – Taxi to Peggy's Cove

A taxi ride to Peggy's Cove will run you $80–$100 each way, however, Halifax taxi company Casino Taxi offers Peggy's Cove tours if you're looking for a flexible way to explore the region.

Hurricane season officially runs from June through November when the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are warm enough to form tropical cyclones.

Scenic hiking trails, relaxing beaches, cool craft breweries and lots of lobster—there are definitely so many fun things to do in the Nova Scotia, and sometimes driving yourself is the best way to experience all the attractions.

There is no direct ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia, but it is possible to drive from Boston to a nearby port in the US and take a ferry to Nova Scotia. The closest ferry port to Boston for traveling to Nova Scotia is Bar Harbor, Maine, and the ferry journey will take you to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

With the world's second-largest natural harbor and being the lively hub of Atlantic Canada, Halifax is best known for its historical charm, community spirit, fresh seafood and incredible natural landscapes.

What should a 57 year old wear? ›

The Port of Halifax is a major Canadian port for fishing, but Halifax is also well known for its agriculture, mining, forestry, and natural gas extraction sectors. The iconic Citadel Hill with the Halifax Town Clock overlooks downtown office buildings. Halifax is known for its relatively mild weather (for Canada!)

Halifax, the booming capital of Nova Scotia, hosts an English-speaking community from around the world and English is very much the common language which brings people together and connects the city's diverse cultures.

Argyle Street is located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is approximately 460 metres long and stretches four city blocks to the west of, and parallel to, Barrington Street from Duke Street to Blowers Street. The street is a popular centre for live music, nightlife, theatre, and al fresco dining.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Halifax

There's a lot going on and it's a great place to kick-off your Halifax itinerary. There are museums, shops, and lots of restaurants if you want to grab a bite—Bicycle Thief is a popular choice. There are also a couple of beer gardens, which is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon!

Halifax has a thriving financial sector. In fact, it is the regional headquarters for some of the largest banks in Canada. Over 2,600 firms in the finance, insurance, and real estate sectors call Halifax home. Those firms employ more than 14,000 people, and jobs are available from entry level to upper management.

Halifax Regional Municipality occupies a strategic and central location on the province's east coast and is one of the world's largest harbours. Sometimes called "Warden of the North" for its historic military role, today it is a major regional centre for Atlantic Canada's economy.

The ship was 700 nautical miles east of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a permanent display devoted to the Titanic. April 14, 2022 marked the 110th anniversary of this tragic event. Did you know that this was the world's worst ocean disaster?

Three actors from Halifax were the film star Eric Portman, who may be remembered from the film 'The 49th Parallel,' Wilfred Pickles, actor of stage and screen and compere of 'Have a Go,' and Barrie Ingham, who after acting in repertory played in Shakespearean productions and later appeared in films and on television.

The Department of National Defence is the single largest employer and Halifax Harbour continues to serve a major military purpose as the Atlantic Ocean home port for the Royal Canadian Navy. CFB Halifax is Canada's largest naval base and the nation's largest military base in number of personnel.

Who is the largest employer in Nova Scotia? ›

Halifax is Home to One of the World's Longest Downtown Boardwalks. At just over 4km, the Halifax Waterfront features one of the world's longest continuous boardwalks. With non-stop harbour views, captivating port activity, and shops aplenty, you'll never run out of things to do on the waterfront.

Halifax is known for its natural beauty. People's favourite thing about living in Halifax is being surrounded by the ocean and beaches. We're not known as Canada's Ocean playground for nothing! No matter where you are in Halifax, you're never far from the ocean, nature parks, and protected wilderness areas.

150 Titanic victims are buried in Halifax. Of the 337 bodies recovered, 119 were buried at sea. 209 were brought back to Halifax. 59 were claimed by relatives and shipped to their home communities.

An artifact collected from the Titanic that is part of the exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax. Parts of the movie were also filmed in Nova Scotia. Darlene MacNevin worked as an extra in the film and says it's wild to be part of such an iconic movie.

The Titanic sank approximately 750 miles from Halifax and has had a significant influence on the city's history. Fairview Lawn Cemetery is where the bodies of 121 victims of the Titanic, which were recovered from the icy waters of the Atlantic, were laid to rest.

The Donair - Halifax's official food

The iconic donair has been infiltrating westward in Canada, but make no mistake its roots are deep in Nova Scotia, Halifax to be exact. In 2015 this saucy, meaty, messy wrap became the official food of Halifax.

Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

Some of the biggest celebrities to visit Halifax have stayed at this hotel, including rock royalty The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney. The hotel's luxurious interior is a mix of old-world glam and modern amenities.

A native or resident of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is called a Haligonian. While the demonym Haligonian is encountered in newspapers and magazines, it is often replaced in more formal writing by native, resident or inhabitant of Halifax, or some similar phrase.