What to do and see in Halifax, Canada: The Best Places and Tips

September 9, 2017 Concepcion Newsome

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

5540 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1E9, Canada +1 902-490-5700
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 843 reviews

Halifax Central Library

Reviewed By Mort S - Halifax, Canada

Nice modern design of the physical plant. The interior is open and airy and most unlike Libraries of yesteryear. The upstairs area has a great spot for kids to play and is a destination in and of itself if one needs a break in other activities while in the downtown core. Well thought out and very engaging space.

2. Halifax Public Gardens

Spring Garden Road and South Park St, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3T 2M3, Canada +1 902-440-3621
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Halifax Public Gardens

This beautiful Victorian-inspired garden has been open to the public since 1875 and remains as one of Halifax's most beautiful and cherished sites.

Reviewed By deborahburke4 - Orpington, United Kingdom

Went to Canada on holiday,last stop was Halifax. It's a treasure of a find,the Gardens were so tranquil and we were there in October so the Autumn colours were just appearing the golden and red hues were so beautiful. Very peaceful Gardens with a reminder of the part played by Halifax attempting to rescue Titanic victims .

3. Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

1800 Argyle St | Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N8, Canada +1 902-451-1221
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 311 reviews

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a week-long event held every year in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces.Take part in educational workshops, exciting festival events and of course, our daily two-and-a-half hour show jam-packed with world-class entertainment, sure to delight the whole family.This show is fast-paced – every scene only lasts about 3-6 minutes, so there is always something new to see and experience.Looking for a taste of true Nova Scotia? There’s bagpipes, highland dancers, la culture de l’acadie and military traditions.Hoping for something more modern? The Tattoo also features innovative acrobatic acts, modern music, contemporary dancing, trampoline routines and cutting-edge videos.Don't miss the world’s largest annual indoor show. Only in Nova Scotia.

Reviewed By travelgolly - St. John's, Canada

First rate entertainment! We were only expecting military and pipe bands but were entertained with so much more. There was a group of kids on motorcycles from the UK, an aerial artist, first rate singers, and an amazing German group playing music on garbage cans. The number of pipers from Nova Scotia and Australia were amazing. The tributes to the 10th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion and the Battle of Vimy Ridge were very moving. The Navy Band with the Advanced Boarding Party demonstration were the best. Will definitely go see it again in future years.

4. Point Pleasant Park

5718 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1B5, Canada
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 718 reviews

Point Pleasant Park

Have a picnic with sweeping ocean views or hike through 186 acres of forest in one of Halifax's most cherished parks.

Reviewed By Gaetano A - Malton, United Kingdom

While we were at Halifax during our one day stay during a cruise holiday we decided to go to Point Pleasant Park. We were not disappointed because the Park could offer visitors access to trails and outdoor activities with many wide paths and trails for a nice walk in the open. This park is partially forested, covers an area of 75 hectares and is owned by the British Government but administered by the Department of Canadian heritage. In the Park one could find attractions, such as, the ruins of several fortifications and the oldest Martello Tower which was built in 1796. The Park is also home to a host of military monuments and one of the largest and most significant is massive Sailors' Memorial or Halifax Monument. This memorial features names of more than 2300 persons who lost their lives during both world wars.

5. Neptune Theatre

1593 Argyle St, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2B2, Canada +1 902-429-7070
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Neptune Theatre

Reviewed By dickanddoug - seattle

We attended Seeds here, a traveling production from a Montreal company. The story was compelling, the cast marvelous and the staging with extensive use of video and slides worked well. We attend theatre whenever we can, and were impressed by the space and the work. Highly recommended.
Suggestion: they could add coffee to the drink selection at the bar.

6. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada

5425 Sackville St, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3Y3, Canada +1 902-426-5080
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada

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 Wanda K - Kelowna, Canada

We really enjoyed our time at the Halifax Citadel. It was a delight reliving history in an authentic fort with costumed performers. It was a full half day experience. We went to many forts and this one I believe had a World War tunnel and bunkers which made our experience very realistic and we came out really appreciating our Canadian War veterans. Thank you vets!

7. Halifax Harbour Ferry

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 490-4000
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 874 reviews

Halifax Harbour Ferry

Reviewed By John P

If your drunk and would like to drink more on the other side of the harbour, the ferry is your best and cheapest bet. It takes you strait to where the action is and if you need to heave just aim it over the railing in to the water. I’m sure there are other reasons to ride the ferry as well, but I have never encountered them.

8. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P7, Canada +1 902-425-7770
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Plan a visit to this national testament to the Canadian immigration experience, which pays tribute to the citizens of Canada who have enriched this culturally diverse country. The Museum showcases the vast contributions of newcomers to Canada's culture, economy and way of life, from past to present day, see how Canada is shaped by the world in experiential ways.

Reviewed By Miles T - Alberta, Canada

Great place to come to learn about Canadian immigration during a critical point in Canadian (and world) history. Not much in the way of artifacts or exhibits. I'd recommend taking the free guided tour.

9. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +1 902-490-8687
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Reviewed By westjetjoe - Toronto, Canada

Right now not a good time to be on the waterfront due to lots of construction. (Check out queens marque.ca for reasons why). Have been there many time for before during the summer and it's a nice place to walk and take in the sights. Avoid festivals and weekends as it's just plain nuts and parking is ridiculous . The boardwalk starts at the Halifax casino right up to pier 21 which is pretty cool thing to take it.

10. Emera Oval

North Park Stree, Halifax North Common, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 490-2347
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Emera Oval

Reviewed By MFamilyTraveller - Edmonton, Canada

We really liked this place for one reason - that you can borrow skates/bikes/scooters at no cost (except in providing your gov't issued ID).
For someone coming out of town, this was a fantastic opportunity that we just weren't going to pass on. There were plenty of bikes to choose from and even a couple of bikes with trailers for the little infant/toddler to ride in.
Although going round and round an oval may seem boring to some, the kids loved the opportunity to ride and we did too.

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