Top 14 Attractions to See and Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

August 10, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 1930 Views

Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia province of Canada. Some of the best things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia include exploring the history of Atlantic Canada, Maritime History, the Battle of the Atlantic History, British Colonial buildings, and natural landscapes. Being a coastal city, you get to enjoy wonderful beaches, coastal landscapes, and islands. Even some of the best places to visit in Halifax are situated along the coast. These are the historical district, maritime museum, war museum, fortress, lighthouse, aquarium, shopping district, and waterfront promenade.

The port of Halifax played an important role during both world wars. It was a collection point for convoys while crossing the Atlantic. This history is a major aspect of Halifax sightseeing. The port also played a major part in the Battle of the Atlantic during the second world war. The HMCS Sackville battleship museum is one of the best Halifax tourist attractions to learn about this war. These museums also shed light on the biggest explosion in the world before Hiroshima nuclear blast. The event took place in 1917 when the French Mont-Blanc munitions ship crashed with a Belgian ship named Imo. The explosion resulted in a great disaster in the ocean as well on land. Buildings were demolished, windows were shattered and more than 1400 people lost their lives. When you visit Halifax, you will learn more about this tragedy when exploring historical areas.

The biggest historical Halifax attraction is the star-shaped citadel. It is a fortress built by the British as they began developing the region. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Halifax for its size, architecture, defensive facilities, and historical significance.

As for outdoor activities to do in Halifax, you get to explore lakes, canals, marshlands, mountains, forests, and islands close to the city. Boat cruises and ferry rides are a fun experience for sightseeing as well as leisure. The coastal area is also popular for its forests and beaches. These are also popular Halifax tourist spots for seafood restaurants.

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Table of Contents

The Best 14 Tourist Places to Visit in Halifax in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

The history of this fort dates back to 1749 when the site was first established by the British. Later it was developed into a stronghold by 1856. It is one of the best places to visit in Halifax, Nova Scotia to learn about the military history of the region. The Citadel has an army museum and you can also see reenactments of historical events at this site. You will need about 2 hours to tour this place.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

2. Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History

This museum covers a variety of subjects including ethnology, geology, archeology, cosmology, and so on. It is among the most fun things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia for family tourists. The museum also has an aquarium with several marine animals. It is also home to a 94-year-old tortoise named Gus, who is a local celebrity. You will need 2 hours from Halifax sightseeing to explore this museum and its other facilities.

3. Halifax Public Gardens

This Victorian-style garden is spread over 17 acres. It is part of the Nova Scotia Horticulture Society Garden and is home to several species of flora. The garden is popular among locals and tourists for outdoor activities to do in Halifax. You can easily spend an hour exploring this place.

4. Point Pleasant Park

This wooded park is spread over 75 hectares and is home to several historical things to see in Halifax. This includes 17th century Chapel of St. Aspinquid and 18th-century forts. You will need about 2 hours to explore this park.

Day 2

1. Halifax Waterfront

This riverside waterfront is great for a leisurely walk and fun activities in Halifax. The waterfront has farmers’ market, shops, cafes, restaurants, playground, casino and more. You can also take a boat ride to spot Halifax tourist attractions while cruising the river. You can easily spend an hour or two at this place.

At Halifax Waterfront, there are so many activities to do. Here below I have listed a couple of activities that you should try at Halifax Waterfront.

2. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

This museum focused on the maritime heritage of Nova Scotia. It is the oldest and the biggest maritime museum in Canada. It is one of the most important historical Halifax attractions. You will see artifacts, scale models of ships, documents, photographs, and so on. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

3. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

This gallery has the biggest art museum in Atlantic Canada. The gallery has more than 17,000 pieces of art including paintings, art installations, sculptures, and more. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Halifax. You will need an hour or so to tour this gallery.

4. Province House

This building is the seat of the government of Nova Scotia. It is included among tourist places in Halifax for its historical significance and its Gregorian architecture. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to tour this building.

5. Historic Properties

Also known as Privateers Wharf, this shopping district is built in a series of warehouses that were built by a prominent businessman during the Napoleonic Wars. It is one of the most fun places to go in Halifax for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You will need an hour for this area.

Day 3

1. McNabs Island

This island has an area of 1000 acres and is known for its unspoiled natural expanse, a historic fort, and a lighthouse. It is one of the best things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You will need to get a ferry to get here and enjoy picnics, nature tours, history tours, beach activities, and so on. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours on this island.

2. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

This museum focuses on the contributions and achievements of immigrants to the nation of Canada. The museum covers social, political, arts and cultural realms. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Halifax.

I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in advance.

3. Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery

This craft beer brewery offers tours and beer tasting. This is the second oldest commercial brewery in the country. The pub attached to the brewery is especially popular for several pub games hailing from the 1800s. You will need an hour from Halifax travel to tour this brewery.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Alexander Keith’s Brewery.

4. HMCS Sackville (K181)

This battleship serves as a museum dedicated to the Battle of the Atlantic and the heroes of that war. The museum gives you an insight into the workings of a battleship during the World War II period. You will need an hour to tour this ship.

5. Discovery Centre

This centre is dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The center has several exhibits and interactive experiments for different fields of science. There are special segments of the center designed for educating children in a fun and innovative ways. You will need an hour to explore this center.

If you are looking for more top things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in Halifax

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Halifax

Halifax Citadel National historic Site
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Museum of Natural History
McNabs Island Lighhouse
Fairview Lawn Cemetery
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
York Rebout National Historic Site
Dalhousie Art Gallery
Anna Leonowens Gallery
Africville Museum
HMCS Sackville
Georges Island National Historic Site
Prince of Wales National Historic Site
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
Old Town Clock
Naval Museum of Halifax
Fort Needham
Dartmouth Heritage Museum
Halifax City Hall
Old Government House
Studio 21 Fine Art
Khyber Center for the Arts
CSS Acadia
Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
Saint George’s Round Church
Army Museum Halifax Citadel
Little Dutch Church
Deadman’s Island
Quaker House
Mont Blanc Anchor Site
Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower
Cathedral Church of All Saints

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Halifax

McNabs Island
Shubie Park
Long Lake
George Island
Chocolate Lake
Blue Mountain Birch Coves Lake Wilderness Area
Shubenacadie Canal
Shaw Wilderness Park
Susies Lake
Admiral Cove
Birch Cove Lakes
Charlies Lake
Morris Lake
Purcells Cove Backlands
Long Lake
Horseshoe Island
Lake Micmac
Geizer Hill
Lawlor Island
Colpitt Lake
Williams Lake
Sable Island

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Halifax

Halifax Public Garden
Point Pleasure Park
Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery
Discovery Center
Casino Nova Scotia
Sir Sandford Fleming Park
Long Lake Provincial Park
Hemlock Ravine Park
Alderney Landings
Halifax Common
DeWolf Park
Fort Needham Memorial Park
Mainland Common Park
Conrose Park
Victoria Park
Canada Games Center
Leighton Dillman Park
Merv Sullivan Park
Captured Escape Rooms
Kidston Lake
Red Bridge Pond
Scott Saunders Memorial Park
Peace and Friendship Park

Shopping in Halifax

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
Historic Properties
Waterfront Broadwalk
Halifax Brewery Market
Halifax Shopping Center

Beaches & Islands in Halifax

Black Rock beach
Kearney Lake Beach
Lawlor Island
Horseshoe Island
Rainbow Haven Beach
Craters Beach
Psyche Cove Beach
White Point Beach
Crystal Crescent Beach
Hirtle’s Beach
Martinique Beach
Lawrencetown Beach
Queensland Beach
Clam Harbour Beach
Conrads Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in in Halifax

Hiking
Trekking
Camping
Kayaking

Sightseeing in Halifax

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
Spring Garden Road
Grand Parade War Memorial
Halifax Waterfront
Belchers Marsh Park
The Emigrant Statue
Halifax Harbour
Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail
Samuel Cunard Statue

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Halifax

Waterfront Warehouse
Willy’s
The Bicycle Thief
Cafe Lunette
Salty’s
Bar Kismet
The Canteen
Hali Deli
Brightwood Brewery
The Ostrich Club
Sea Smoke
The Stillwell Freehouse
Wines on the Water
The Split Crow Pub
Red Stag Tavern
King of Donair
Garrison Brewing Co.
Durty Nelly’s
Piatto Pizzeria
Stillwell
The Stuborn Goat
Drift

Where to Stay in Halifax?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Halifax. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Halifax.

Custom Tours Package in Halifax, Nova Scotia

How to Reach Halifax?

By Air

The city is served by Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport. It is situated 35 km outside the city. You can get direct flights to visit Halifax from Calgary, London, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Boston, Ottawa, Tampa, Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Washington DC, Sydney, Dublin, New York City, Chicago, and many more. You can get buses and cabs from the airport to get to the city.

By Road

VIA Rail connects Halifax to several cities in Canada including Montreal, Quebec, Moncton, and many more. The bus network for Halifax travel is a little more widespread. You can get direct or connecting buses to reach Halifax from many places in Nova Scotia province and nearby provinces.

If you are planning to visit Halifax by road, you should head for highway routes 101, 102, 103 or 104.

By Water

You can get a passenger ferry to reach Halifax from Dartmouth. This town is part of the Halifax municipality.

Image Reference

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History – Paulo O / Flickr
Halifax Public Gardens – David Kirsch / Flickr
Point Pleasant Park – clare_and_ben / Flickr
Halifax Waterfront – Graham Hobster / PixaBay
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Phobophile~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia – Tom Flemming / Flickr
Province House – CP Hoffman / Flickr
Historic Properties – Stewx / Wikimedia Commons
McNabs Island – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – Skeezix1000 / Wikimedia Commons
Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery – Joe Ross / Flickr
HMCS Sackville (K181) – Steve Knight / Flickr
Discovery Centre – aa440 / Flickr