10 Things to Do in Halifax

Halifax is a port city in Canada, located in the province of Nova Scotia. Here, time seems to have stood still in the Victorian era, especially in places like the Citadel, where you can experience Scottish traditions and discover military history.

Among its fortresses, a relaxing getaway awaits you with endless activities such as sailing on a historic ship, riding in an amphibious vehicle or exploring its picturesque streets on a Segway. Many people miss out on this gem because they don't know everything it has to offer. It's a shame because Halifax has a close connection to the Titanic. Eager to find out more? Here's a list of the city's must-see attractions.

The first thing you should do is visit the Halifax Citadel, also known as Citadel National Historic Site. It is a must-see historical site due to its role in Canadian history. It is located on Georges Island, and as soon as you cross its walls, you will be transported back to the time when the British founded the city.

In addition, its peculiar star shape does not go unnoticed, and its military history can be seen at every corner. That is why it has Fort George and other fortresses that protect the seaport. Many people miss the best part because they do not know that interactive activities are held here, such as:

• Experience the distillation and tasting of Halifax's most important aged spirits.
• Enjoy the changing of the guard every day from May to November. It is a ceremonial parade that includes Scottish costumes and traditional music.
• Take advantage of the noon cannon firing, a Scottish tradition with over 200 years of history.
• Visiting the Citadel's historical exhibition, divided into several sections covering different periods in the city's history.
• Go on a ghost hunt and explore the Citadel at night.
• Become a soldier for a day and wear your own kilt, learn the traditional parade march, fire your rifle or play the drum.
• Experience a Victorian Christmas with music, dancing and the joy of Father Christmas.

If you don't want to worry about logistics, you could book a guided tour of Halifax, as these types of experiences usually include transportation and visits to the main attractions. Below are some other usual stops on these types of tours.

Pier 21

At Pier 21, also known as the Canadian Museum of Immigration, you can discover the history of millions of immigrants who arrived in Canada between 1928 and 1971. At that time, travel had not evolved as much and it was quite an ordeal.

Is it hard to imagine? It has interactive exhibits such as a ship cabin simulator, which allows you to experience what the journey was like from start to finish. Its corridors feature testimonials and personal belongings of travellers, as the challenge did not end when they set foot on Canadian soil; they had to navigate immigration controls in order to stay in the country.

Alexander Keith's Brewery

Welcome to one of Halifax's most popular breweries! Alexander Keith's Brewery is an old gem on the coast, having been established in 1820. A cheerful atmosphere awaits you at this brewery , where Scots maintain the traditions of its founder. You'll see people dancing, singing and enjoying entertaining shows that will make your visit truly special.

Overall, it is a great pillar of local beer, and you can join a guided tour wearing period costumes. You will have a great time and learn about the history of the brewery, as well as taste the delicious India Pale Ale.

Dartmouth

The advantage of signing up for guided tours is the opportunity to get to know the nearby towns. Dartmouth is a picturesque place famous for its markets and legends linked to Celtic and Saxon settlements. It was also a refuge for pirates and privateers, and if I were you, I wouldn't miss a historical tour of its narrow streets.

Fisherman's Cove

When thinking of Halifax, many people picture colourful houses, but in reality, these are located in Fisherman's Cove. It is a fishing village with over 200 years of history, just twenty minutes away. It is famous for its boardwalk, coastal trails and seafood restaurants, which receive five-star ratings from those lucky enough to visit them.

Halifax is an ideal city to relax in, as many of its activities allow you to unwind. Among them, there is nothing better than booking a sailing trip in Halifax to discover another side of Nova Scotia. There are different themed cruises that cover the history of the Titanic and anecdotes from the wars. However, the most popular one allows you to board the Tall Ship Silva, a historic ship that sailed Scandinavian waters.

This experience usually lasts two hours and allows you to learn about the history of the ship while touring the coast of Halifax. You can purchase drinks on board to sit back and enjoy the views of the harbour, the Harbour Bridge and Point Pleasant Forest Park.

During the tour, you can interact with the crew, learn how to tie knots, hoist the sails or take the helm for a few seconds.

When walking around Halifax, it's impossible not to notice the large pink bus that runs through its streets. It's a practical way to get to know the city at your own pace, as it offers 10 free stops where you can hop on and off whenever you want.

You can choose to travel on the lower deck and enjoy the air conditioning or take advantage of the open-top deck and enjoy the panoramic views. In both cases, a tour guide will be waiting for you to share fascinating stories about each monument, and you can hop on and off whenever and as often as you like.

Bear in mind that buses usually run every 20 to 45 minutes, although they may take a little longer in high season. Alternatively, there is the Pedal Bus, which is a kind of tuk tuk with a bar on board, and the Halifax Beer Bus, which combines a tour of the city with stops at local breweries.

If you decide to buy tickets for the Halifax tourist bus, you will have 24 hours to enjoy this attraction with complete freedom and flexibility. Here are some stops you can take advantage of.

Historic Centre

Of course, the Historic Centre of Halifax is well worth a visit. Here you will find 18th-century monuments and narrow streets, such as St. George's Round Church and the Town Hall. What's more, this area is connected to the seaport in a matter of minutes, which shows just how friendly this city is. During your walk, you will come across the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the largest and oldest in Canada.

Halifax Cathedral and Gallery

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica is one of the oldest churches in Canada and its neo-Gothic architecture is well worth a look. It is a window into the 19th century with its high ceilings and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes.

Of course, in such a picturesque city, you will find art spaces. Hence, another stop of interest is the Nova Scotia Art Gallery, which offers a wide collection of historical and artistic pieces. If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with its special activities, which include night tours, realism exhibitions, and painting workshops.

There are endless options for experiencing Nova Scotia, and among my favourites is the Harbour Hopper, an attraction that combines a tour by land and water. To begin the journey, you will conquer the main streets, which are a window into its history, monuments and architecture.

Of course, there will be commentary on board to immerse you in every detail of the city. Later, the amphibious vehicle will transform into an open-top boat, and you'll be ready to admire the coastline as you pass by other sailboats.

I suggest buying tickets for Harbour Hopper in Halifax in advance to save time at the ticket office.

From Halifax, it's easy to reach other spectacular spots such as Peggy's Cove, a fishing village forty-five minutes away. You can't be so close to one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations and miss the opportunity to visit it.

When you arrive, the first thing you'll see is the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, which stands on huge granite rocks where the sea gently laps against them. It is a very popular spot for taking photographs, so don't forget to pose next to this monument. Don't miss the colourful houses on the pier and the markets offering local products.

Some people often visit the memorial to the victims of Swissair Flight 111, which crashed in the village with no survivors.

The easiest way is to book a tour to Peggy's Cove from Halifax. That way, you won't have to worry about logistics and can relax while enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean. But don't worry! These experiences usually offer free time for you to explore the village at your own pace.

Halifax has a close connection to the history of the Titanic, as it was one of the closest ports and the arrival point for rescue ships.

Hence, Fairview Lawn Cemetery became the final resting place for around 120 victims. The story is quite tragic because most of them were not identified, so you will see graves with names and others that only indicate the date and a number.

You are free to visit, but remember to maintain a respectful attitude. In general, the island is full of stories about the Titanic, and there are routes that allow you to learn about the rescue. There are dark stories, such as the skating rink that became a morgue, where bodies were piled up while attempts were made to identify them. There is also the funeral home, which now operates as a restaurant.

To enjoy the city outdoors, there's nothing better than visiting Halifax Public Gardens, the famous public gardens. They are a remnant of the Victorian era and I think they are ideal for enjoying the city as a local would.

They often offer outdoor concerts, flower shows, violin performances, and guided tours from June to October that focus on horticulture and the history of the gardens. Keep in mind that most activities are seasonal and may vary.

If you enjoy sports, don't miss a visit to the Scotiabank Centre. Located in the heart of the city, it is home to the Halifax Mooseheads, the local ice hockey team. Here you can discover the passion for ice hockey and why this sport is so important in Canada.

Of course, you can't miss a game and the opportunity to experience one of Canada's traditions. In addition, the Halifax Sports Hall of Fame is located here, offering interactive exhibits, collections from the local team, and even simulators so you can experience the sport for yourself.

If you would like to continue enjoying the unusual beauty of Halifax, you can head to one of the locals' favourite spots: Rainbow Haven in Cow Bay. This beach will surprise you as it is considered a little-known gem of Nova Scotia, perfect for getting away from the tourist areas. It is also popular for its variety of activities for the whole family, including:

• Swimming: lifeguards are on duty from July to August; the rest of the year, it is advisable to stay close to the shore.
• Surfing and kayaking
• Beachcombing: you can hire guided tours on the beach to discover hidden places.
• Beach volleyball.

The beach can be visited all year round, but it is best to go from May to October, when bathing facilities and currency exchange services are available. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or hire car, as it is thirty minutes from Halifax. You can also take the Halifax Transit bus to Cow Bay and walk to the beach from there, or hire a taxi at a more affordable price.

Halifax is a fusion of Canadian cuisine and Scottish traditions, so you can find a wide variety of dishes. Most restaurants offer seafood such as fresh shellfish, mussels and the famous lobster hot dogs.

Craft beer is the best companion for sitting by the sea and enjoying the views. It is also common to find Donairs, a version of the Turkish kebab that originated in Nova Scotia. It is made with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, sweet garlic sauce and meat.

Donair pizza is another star of Halifax cuisine and stands out for its blend of bold flavours. It is usually made with lamb, beef, cheese, sweet sauce, vinegar-based sauce and spices.

Of course, dessert is a must, and in Nova Scotia there is plenty to choose from. The most popular are:

• Beaver Tail, a dessert originally from Quebec that has conquered Halifax. It is a fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon, sugar or chocolate. It is said that the authentic tail must be shaped like a beaver, otherwise it does not live up to the Canadian recipe.
• Butter cake: enjoy the crispy dough and its sugary butter filling that melts easily in your mouth. The highlight of this dessert is the delicious maple syrup.

• Appropriate clothing: Halifax's weather is quite unstable, so it is important to wear seasonal clothing and bring some layers in case of last-minute changes.
• Opening hours: if you go in the low season, you should know that Halifax is usually a very quiet city, so some monuments and shops close early.
• Excursions: Halifax is a city that is easily connected by public transport. However, to visit places such as the Citadel or Peggy's Cove, it is more convenient to look for experiences that facilitate transfers.