Top Things to do in Downtown Halifax
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Downtown Halifax, Halifax Region
Travelers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax's rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax's great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.
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1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
Experience an exciting part of Canada's history by visiting this 19th-century fort with a sweeping view of downtown Halifax. Between May and October, the Citadel is brought to life by two historic regiments of the British Army - the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery thrill visitors daily with live re-enactments. The skirl of the bagpipes mixes with the crack of a rifle and the assembly of recruits for the next foot drill. There's no shortage of authentic experiences to view and participate in! Kids will love the Xplorers Program - an activity book just for them. When the sun sets, it's time to experience the other side of the Citadel - join the Citadel Ghost Walk and experience the dark and errie lore from the early 1800's. Tours start mid-July and run every Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30pm until the end of October. Cash at the front gate.
Reviewed By SophiaIneson - Exeter, United Kingdom
I visited the Citadel as a solo traveller. I went on a free guided tour which was very informative and interesting, they have demonstrations throughout the day of shooting the rifles and the canon which goes off at noon. I would advise people to visit in the morning to make the most of it. They also have many exhibitions you can visit to warm up a bit of the weather is poor. The whole site is well maintained and all of the staff are in traditional costume which is really cool.
2. Province House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Oldest provincial Parliament building still in use in Canada; a visit to its legislative library is recommended.
Reviewed By beaucaboo - Montreal, Canada
We were two adults that visited this site on August 23, 2019. We had the choice of doing the tour on our own or doing a guided tour. We opted for the guided tour . We only had to wait 5 minutes. Our tour guide was Binta. She was excellent, informative & told us interesting facts, stories & tidbits!! This place is crawling with history. It is also full of many original paintings. Our favourite was visiting the legislature, where laws are proposed, debated and either passed or defeated. Excellent. The library was also fascinating. After the tour, you are free to visit on your own, which we did. We saw two beautiful rooms on the ground floor. One room is called the Veterans' Room and the other room is directly opposite. Province House is well worth a visit!! Please note that you need a photo ID to enter. Also you need to go through a security check, similar to what happens at airports.
3. St. Paul's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Built from timbers brought by sea from Boston in 1749, this historic site was the cathedral of the first Anglican bishop of Nova Scotia.
Reviewed By yankeefan730 - Burlington, Canada
We just happened to be in Halifax during that city's Doors Open program, and so took advantage of the opportunity to visit St. Paul's Church which dates back to 1749. As a church with so much history, including a constant reminder of the Halifax Explosion, this church blends that history with a testament to its roots with numerous tablets situated around the walls. A colourful brochure helps guides visitors through the sanctuary while providing interesting details including the fact that it is the oldest building in Halifax..
4. HMCS Sackville - Canada's Naval Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
HMCS Sackville, the last remaining Flower Class corvette in the world, symbolizes the extraordinary effort of Canadians seventy years ago during the Second World War. Restored to her wartime configuration she serves as a museum and memorial to those lost during the Battle of the Atlantic and to honour those who serve and continue to serve in the Naval Service of Canada. HMCS Sackville is currently undergoing a major refit and unfortunately will not be open to visitors until the summer of 2019.
Reviewed By bcdrader - Drayton Valley, Canada
This ship museum provides a wonderful opportunity to explore one of Canada's WWII Corvette class ships and its war-time importance. It operated by donations only.
5. Old Burying Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Established in 1749, this is Halifax's first cemetery.
Reviewed By cheryljenn - Red Deer, Canada
I remembered going to this graveyard when I was a kid doing a school field trip and on this visit to Halifax we visited it again. This will be on our “must do” while in Halifax list for years to come. We visited on a mild December day and spent a good 40 minutes just walking around looking at all the headstones. You could definitely spend more or less time here depending on how interested you are/how much time you have to spend. It is free entry but you may have to pay for street parking pending when you visit. There are a lot of very very old graves and they are interesting to check out. Some of them are so old you can’t even read what they say anymore. This would be a great outing for any age as long as you have good mobility. If you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller you will most likely have to stay on the gravel paths. Can not wait to visit again.
6. St. Mary's Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By 476jael - Long Island, United States
During our “10-Day Canada and New England” cruise aboard Caribbean Princess ship, we visited St. Mary’s Basilica in Halifax, a National Historic Site of Canada. From outside the basilica, its Gothic façade and tall spire looked somewhat unusual, because they were all built with white granite. When we entered the basilica, we were pleasantly surprised by so elegant nave, which gave us such a warm feel, unlike typical Gothic cathedrals’s oppressive feel. Simplistic and, yet, very elegant nave had pristine decors with white columns and beautiful stained glass windows. In spite of high Gothic style vaulted ceiling and tall columns, we felt as if we were inside a warm Renaissance style nave. The pipe organ was also placed in an elegant way. We were so fortunate to witness a wedding ceremony for a lovely couple taking place during our visit. We quietly sat down in the back of the nave, and watched the ceremony in a beautiful setting for a while before quietly leaving the nave. We had such a memorable and pleasant time visiting this basilica. We highly recommend visiting this basilica during your visit to Halifax.
7. Government House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant invites you to explore the beauty and history of Government House this summer. This Georgian style manor house has been the working residence of the Sovereign's representative in Nova Scotia since 1805 and the site of many important events in Canada's history. Free tours are available during the summer on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays 10am-4pm from July 1 - August 31.
Reviewed By cneuhold - Toronto, Canada
I visited Government House during Doors Open Halifax 2017 and enjoyed a wonderful tour. Our tour guide did a fantastic job sharing what he knew of the building history, his experience with the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and about what happens when the Queen and other members of the royal family visit. As part of the Doors Open Halifax event, we had the special opportunity to go to the second floor which is not normally open to the public. So glad I took this tour!
8. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,232 reviews
Reviewed By amydM1197HO - Halifax, Canada
Such a great way to just relax and go for a nice walk along the water, watch the ships and ferries, cruise ship watch over by pier 21 or wander to the maritime museum and learn about the titanic, and Theodore tugboat, listen to the water in the hammocks on the floating docks, head down further for cows ice cream and over to the casino
9. Sailor's Salute statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By MarlaToronto
More than 65 years ago my father, a WWII vet, was stationed in Halifax. He not returned since but remembered this statue and asked me to see if it is still standing ...... a proud Canadian sailor!
10. Historic Properties
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 254 reviews
This charming site is filled with restaurants, pubs, clothing and specialty shops in restored 18th-century buildings on the waterfront.
Reviewed By 908lanaj
A beautiful historic area at the harbourfront. Its buildings are antique-type and beautiful. Has lots of options for souvenirs and gifts and surrounded by restaurants of all kinds; from junk food to fancy restaurants. Yet, I didn't like that they close very early in the evening at 6:00, so one can't visit after having a nighttime walk by the harbourfront.
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