Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
30/07/2025
Bogdan Krupin, Pexels
Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a vibrant port city renowned for its rich maritime history, diverse cultural experiences, and access to stunning natural landscapes. It offers a blend of urban exploration with historical sites, lively waterfront activities, and nearby outdoor adventures.
The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a popular area for socializing, featuring various shops, restaurants, and public spaces for entertainment. Argyle Street in downtown Halifax is known as an entertainment hub with patios, pubs, and live theatre, fostering a lively atmosphere. The North End, particularly around Hydrostone Market, provides a more local social scene with craft breweries, cafes, and music venues. Additionally, hostels in Halifax actively facilitate social connections among tourists and backpackers through common areas and organized events like bar crawls, trivia nights, and BBQs.
Top 6 Things to do in Halifax
Halifax offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring historical sites and maritime heritage to enjoying vibrant waterfront experiences and scenic coastal excursions.
1. Explore the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Stroll along one of the world's longest urban boardwalks, stretching over 4 kilometers. This lively area features shops, restaurants, and public spaces. It is ideal for enjoying views, dining on fresh seafood, and experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere. Public art installations and various vendors add to the charm.
Cost: Free to walk and explore. Costs apply for shopping, dining, or specific activities like rentals or tours.
Transport: The boardwalk is in the city center and is easily walkable from many downtown accommodations. Several bus routes stop near the Halifax Ferry Terminal, located along the northern part of the boardwalk.
2. Visit Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Step back in time at this star-shaped fort, completed in the 1850s, which overlooks the city. Explore the historic grounds, learn about its military past, and observe historical reenactments and the firing of the noon gun. The Citadel provides panoramic views of Halifax.
Cost: Admission applies. Specific prices were not found in recent searches, but it's generally considered an accessible attraction. Guided tours may incur additional costs. Self-guided exploration is an option.
Transport: The Citadel is located on a hilltop, a walk from the downtown area. Public buses can reach the vicinity, or a short taxi ride would be suitable.
3. Day Trip to Peggy's Cove
Journey to the picturesque fishing village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its iconic Peggy's Point Lighthouse and dramatic granite coastline. This is Nova Scotia's most visited attraction, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to explore quaint shops and art galleries. Visitors should stay off the wet, dark rocks as rogue waves are common.
Cost: Free to visit the village and lighthouse. Tours are available: small group tours typically cost around $79-130 USD (as of July 2025) and include transport. A taxi for a round trip with an hour's wait can cost approximately $150 CAD.
Transport: Peggy's Cove is about a 45-50 minute drive from downtown Halifax. Public transport is impractical, requiring a bus and then a taxi, which can take over an hour and be costly. Organized tours from Halifax are a popular and convenient option, often including hotel pickup.
4. Discover the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Explore Canada's oldest and largest maritime museum, situated on the Halifax waterfront. The museum offers extensive collections on Nova Scotia's seafaring history, including exhibits on the Titanic disaster and the Halifax Explosion. Visitors can also board the historic CSS Acadia, a research ship that survived both World Wars.
Cost: Admission is approximately $9.45 CAD for adults. Youth (6-17) are free, and young adults (18-24) receive a 50% discount from June 20 to September 2, 2025. Free admission is available on Tuesday evenings after 5 PM.
Transport: The museum is located directly on the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, easily accessible by walking or public transit. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from the Halifax Ferry Terminal.
5. Stroll Through the Halifax Public Gardens
Wander through this beautiful 16-acre Victorian-era public garden, formally established in 1867. It features meticulously manicured lawns, colorful floral displays, mature trees, a historic bandstand, and a duck pond. It is considered one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden in North America.
Cost: Entry is free. Free one-hour guided horticultural and historical tours are offered daily during summer and fall.
Transport: The gardens are centrally located in Halifax, easily accessible by walking from downtown areas.
6. Ride the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry
Take a 15-minute ferry ride across the harbor from Halifax to Dartmouth's Alderney Landing. This offers excellent views of the harbor and the Halifax skyline. Dartmouth provides an emerging craft beverage and food scene, along with boutiques and urban art.
Cost: The cash fare for an adult single ride is $3 CAD (as of September 1, 2024). Exact change is required for cash fares. Tickets can also be purchased via the HFXGO mobile app.
Transport: The ferry departs from the Halifax Ferry Terminal on the waterfront and arrives at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. Both terminals are accessible by public transit. Transfers are valid for 90 minutes.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
