Top Things to do in Halifax
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The 10 Best Things to do in 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.
Restaurants in Halifax
1. Halifax Central Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,108 reviews
Reviewed By RDHiscott - Lion's Head, Canada
This modern new building replaces the old Halifax Memorial Library on Spring Garden Road – it is a large building with open glass walls with great views of the city, along with a rooftop terrace with some spectacular paroramic vistas of the Halifax waterfront. Check out the modern art design of an entire wall devoted to cards from the library card catalogue of another era … some of us still remember doing library searches that way! Very impressive architecture, beautiful building!
2. 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.
3. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,164 reviews
Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.
Reviewed By B1698RKmichaelh - Burke, United States
This museum has some of the most beautiful ship models, sailboats of unique designs from the Maritime region and artifacts of the wrecks so abundant on the shoreline of Nova Scotia. And to add to this is actual artifacts from the Titanic! Including an actual deck chair. Great displays and fund for the whole family
4. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,880 reviews
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.
Reviewed By rayp775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Visited here on our first full day in Halifax and a short walk from our stay. Would certainly recommend the guided tour and our guide George, an immigrant who passed through Pier 21 added immensely to our enjoyment, being able to bring to life the process and hopes and fears of all those who journeyed to a new world. With many artefacts donated by families this offers a great insight into the development of both Halifax and wider Canada and its multi-cultural make-up today. Great visit.
5. Point Pleasant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 830 reviews
Have a picnic with sweeping ocean views or hike through 186 acres of forest in one of Halifax's most cherished parks.
Reviewed By nroe - Brackley Beach, Canada
Halifax residents should be very proud of this gem of a green space at the tip of the city. Wonderful walks, great vistas, lots of parking, Dog friendly and lots of off leash areas for the furry pals. Bouncing back nicely from the hurricane damage of Juan.
6. Fairview Lawn Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
The final and noteworthy resting place for many of the victims of the Titanic.
Reviewed By championam - Paducah, United States
I have wanted to visit this cemetery since I was a small child and learned of its existence. I am not 47 years old and I will tell you that young kids that don't LOVE the Titanic won't have much fun here. It is nothing but 4 rows of 121 passengers of the RMS Titanic. There is not much to give you a clue as to whom the folks are so you may want to brush up on the names before you go. Buried here is a trimmer by the name of J Dawson (Joseph), a member of the band (John Hume), Sidney Goodwin who was the unknown child and James McGrady (the last body pulled from the Atlantic).
7. Halifax Public Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,989 reviews
Welcome to Halifax’s greatest natural and national treasure and most visited site in Halifax, Nova Scotia– a timeless oasis in an ever changing world. A beautiful Victorian-inspired garden open to the public since 1867. 16 acres in the Victorian Gardenesque style; Scroll beds shaped in an E for the reigning monarch, Serpentine beds, raised carpet beds and a profusion of colour through the artistry of our Gardeners. The Victorian Gardens were all about symmetry and there is grand harmony throughout. The majestic trees, 240 varieties, nurture and shelter and many are original. The Victorians were all about education and introduced many new species to Nova Scotia. Check our What's Blooming on our website to discover the highlights of each month. Horticultural Hall, circa 1837, the original meeting place of the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society houses a coffee shop Due to COVID-19, events are limited, our Information Desk and daily tours are not operating. Please Social Distance.
Reviewed By thevellas2019
relaxing place to walk and or sit on a bench, quiet and beautiful, ponds and ducks galore with the flowers in full bloom, so pleasant and totally unexpected in the heart of the city, across from Lord Nelson hotel which made things very convenient for me, also only a 15 min walk to the harbour front,
8. Halifax Harbour Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,100 reviews
Reviewed By ENFPalex
If you've been to Halifax in the summer and haven't taken the ferry to downtown Dartmouth, you're doing it wrong! Sit on the top deck and enjoy the view of the Halifax city scape while on your way to a terminal near great restaurants and craft breweries in Dartmouth.
9. 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
10. Alexander Keith's Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,034 reviews
In 1820, Alexander Keith established his brewery in the heart of Halifax. Now, over 200 years later, we’re proud to welcome you back into our home on Lower Water Street, the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery. We invite you to come and visit us at our beautifully restored and renovated brewery, and to try our exciting new beers crafted by our brewmaster. Cheers to all things raised in Nova Scotia.
Reviewed By tshep42 - Halifax, Canada
I did the tour years ago. It was my first brewery tour. Since then, I’ve done brewery tours all over North America. The problem is, this tour is so good that it sets an impossible standard. Even if you’re not a dedicated beer drinker, the tour is fun and interesting. The history of AK is so uniquely Nova Scotia its a great way for a tourist to experience our history and culture. AK is one of the major breweries in Nova Scotia, and Canada for that matter, but if you’re a craft beer snob, you’ll still enjoy yourself here.
