This is one of the great cities of Canada; a vibrant but super-friendly spot where people aren’t in a rush and where drivers stop to let crazed Torontonians jaywalk across a busy street at rush hour. You’ll also find a wonderful waterfront, terrific food and trendy neighbourhoods to explore. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Halifax, and also some suggested places to stay and side trips to take.
WHAT TO SEE
The Citadel in Halifax. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a former British and Canadian fort that sits on a high hill overlooking the city. A tour is a fabulous way to learn about the city ‘s history. You’ll see soldiers in old-time costumes, and maybe see a military re-enactment. They also fire off a cannon every day at noon. The Citadel also offers fine views of the city. The Citadel also offers ghost tours.
Take a boat ride around the waterfront and the city harbour. Ambassatours offers a wide variety of options, including a wonderful sailing expedition on a majestic tall ship.
Halifax Public Gardens is one of the finest public spaces in the country, with pretty ponds, towering trees and luscious flower displays in season.
A walk along the Halifax waterfront is a definite highlight. You’ll pass beautiful ships and boutique shops, as well as oceanfront restaurants. One great way to enjoy the waterfront is a Segway tour with Segway Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 tells marvellous stories about how future Canadians arrived in the country under trying conditions.
Take the short ferry boat ride from downtown Halifax to the town of Dartmouth, where you’ll tremendous shopping and fine restaurants.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
The Canteen in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia serves up excellent local fare in a bright, shiny environment. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Across the bay in Dartmouth, The Canteen has brilliant white and yellow décor that’s as bright and shiny as a fresh Bluenose dime. Try the “crobster” roll, with lobster and crab on a toasted bun.
In the trendy North End, Agricola Street Brasserie has exposed wood ceilings in what feels like an old warehouse.
2 Doors Down is a bright and airy downtown restaurant I’ve always enjoyed. Try the Harvest Salad with grilled sweet potato & red onion, apple, scallion,
feta, red leaf lettuce, pecan & craisin granola, and spiced maple dressing.
Gahan House Harbourfront has one of Canada’s top patios, with excellent harbour views.
WHERE TO STAY
Little Wing, The Muir Hotels’ 36-foot Morris yacht. Photo courtesy The Muir Hotel
The Muir Hotel, part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, has stunning design that reflects the city’s maritime history, as well as top restaurants such as Drift, which offers modern takes on local classics, as well as BKS, a private spot for guests and Muir clients with curated cocktails and small, savoury plates. The hotel is part of the Queen’s Marque complex on the Halifax waterfront.
The Westin Nova Scotian is a classic down near the harbour, with nice, modern rooms, good food and a comedy club on the main floor. \
The Halliburton is a beautiful boutique hotel that used to house the law school for Dalhousie University. Look for unique rooms and a lovely breakfast.
TOP DAY TRIPS
Blue Rocks is a quintessential Nova Scotia fishing village, located just a few minutes from Lunenburg. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Halifax is only40-45 minutes from the craggy coast and famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, one of the most beautiful sights in Canada.
In better weather, locals head out to Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park for great surfing and beach picnics. It’s roughly 30 minutes from downtown Halifax. Bonus: The main route from Halifax to Lawrencetown takes you through Cole Harbour, the birthplace and childhood home of the great Sidney Crosby.
It’s only an hour or so from Halifax to the Nova Scotia wine region near Wolfville. The province’s wines are vastly improved in the past few years and consistently win major awards. Wolfville is a small but enjoyable town to explore.
Just a few minutes from Wolfville, Grand Pre National Historic Site tells the story of the Acadian people who were cast out of Nova Scotia by the British. There are exhibits about Acadian history, lovely gardens, and a statue of Longfellow heroine Evangeline.
The tranquil and lovely village of Lunenburg is just an hour and a bit from Halifax. With its multi-coloured buildings, boutiques and seafood restaurants, it’s one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia. Don’t miss the short drive to Blue Rocks, an eminently Instagrammable fishing village a few minutes outside of town. On your way back, stop in other seaside towns such as Chester and Mahone Bay.
GETTING HERE
There are flights to Halifax from cities across Canada, as well as some direct flights from the U.S. and Europe, including England, Ireland, Scotland and even Barcelona.
