Things To Do
in Halifax

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant port city known for its rich maritime history and stunning waterfront. It's a cultural hub with a blend of historic sites, modern attractions, and a lively arts scene. The city is famous for its seafood, particularly lobster and scallops, and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, festivals, and scenic views, making Halifax a must-visit destination in Canada.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historic Halifax
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Halifax Citadel, a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.

afternoon
:

Head to the waterfront and enjoy lunch at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, where you can sample local delicacies. Afterward, visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to explore the stories of immigrants.

evening
:

Dine at The Press Gang, a renowned seafood restaurant, and then take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the views of the harbor.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin your day at Point Pleasant Park, where you can walk or bike along scenic trails surrounded by nature and ocean views.

afternoon
:

Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to view local and international art collections. Spend some time in the nearby downtown area, exploring boutiques and shops.

evening
:

Experience Halifax's nightlife at the historic Alexander Keith's Brewery for a tour and tasting, followed by a visit to a local pub for live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Fast Food Meal$10-15
🍕Pizza Slice$3-5
Coffee$3-5
🍺Craft Beer$6-8
🚌Public Transport Ticket$2.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich maritime history and culture.
  • Beautiful coastal scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Friendly locals and a vibrant community.
  • Can be crowded during the summer tourist season.
  • Winter weather can be harsh.
  • Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.

Places to Visit in Halifax

Visit one of these nice places.

Halifax Waterfront

A picturesque area with colorful boardwalks, historic buildings, and stunning views of the harbor.

Peggy's Cove

Famous for its iconic lighthouse and rugged coastline, offering breathtaking photo opportunities.

Citadel Hill

Provides a panoramic view of the city and harbor, perfect for capturing sunset shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Halifax

Halifax is a culinary delight, offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors that reflect its maritime heritage.

Halifax Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lobster Roll

A classic East Coast dish featuring fresh lobster meat served in a buttered roll.

Must-Try!

Donair

A local favorite, this is a pita filled with spiced beef, tomatoes, onions, and a sweet sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market

One of the oldest farmers' markets in North America, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious street food.

Climate Guide

Weather

Halifax experiences a temperate maritime climate with four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) can be cold with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 0°C, often with snowfall. Summers (June to August) are warm, averaging 20°C to 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C, offering beautiful landscapes, especially in fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Canadians are known for their politeness; saying 'please' and 'thank you' is expected.

Queueing

Always respect the queue when waiting in line; jumping ahead is considered rude.

Punctuality

Being on time is important in Halifax, especially for business meetings and social gatherings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Halifax is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, so keep your belongings secure. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit areas at night and to use reputable transportation services. Emergency services can be reached by calling 911.

Tipping in Halifax

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to tip around 15-20% in restaurants and cafes for good service.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small vendors and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Temperatures start to rise, with blooming flowers and outdoor festivals. Ideal for exploring parks and gardens.

Summer

Warm weather makes it perfect for beach outings and outdoor events. Be prepared for tourists, especially in July and August.

Fall

Stunning autumn foliage creates beautiful landscapes. A great time for hiking and enjoying harvest festivals.

Winter

Cold temperatures and potential snowfall. Winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing are popular, especially in nearby areas.

Nightlife Guide

Halifax at Night

Halifax boasts a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, pubs, and live music venues. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere, where local musicians often perform in pubs, offering a taste of East Coast culture. Popular areas include Argyle Street and the waterfront, where you can find everything from casual pubs to upscale lounges. Don't miss out on the local craft beer scene, as many breweries host tastings and events.

Hiking in Halifax

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Duncan's Cove Coastal Trail

A scenic coastal trail offering stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.

Bluff Trail

Located in the nearby Shubie Park, this trail features beautiful forest landscapes and is suitable for hikers of all levels.

Airports

How to reach Halifax by plane.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Located about 35 minutes from downtown Halifax, this airport offers domestic and international flights and is the main gateway to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Halifax is highly walkable, especially in the downtown area and along the waterfront. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot. The city has well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones, although some hilly areas may require more effort to navigate.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Acadian Community

A significant cultural group in Nova Scotia, descendants of French settlers, known for their rich cultural heritage and contributions to local traditions.

Indigenous Peoples

The Mi'kmaq are the primary Indigenous group in the region, with a deep historical connection to the land and ongoing cultural revitalization efforts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

A beloved sport in Halifax, with local teams and junior leagues drawing enthusiastic crowds, especially during the winter.

Lacrosse

Known as Canada's national summer sport, lacrosse has a strong following in Halifax, with local teams competing in various leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Halifax is generally manageable, although rush hour can lead to congestion in certain areas. Public transportation includes buses operated by Halifax Transit, which offer convenient routes throughout the city. For locals and visitors alike, cycling is also a popular option, with designated bike lanes available in many areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Halifax.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, and some markets have dedicated stalls for plant-based foods.

Gluten-Free

Several cafes and restaurants provide gluten-free options, but it's recommended to ask staff for specific dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Canada offers universal healthcare, and Halifax has several hospitals and clinics providing a range of medical services. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as healthcare is not free for tourists. In case of emergencies, hospitals like the QEII Health Sciences Centre are equipped to handle various medical needs.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide