From historic landmarks and a beautiful waterfront to great places to eat and drink, there are plenty of things to see in Halifax.
One of our favourites is the Citadel, a military fort that’s also home to a number of museums. It packs in a lot of history and offers sweeping views of the city. You can also catch a daily demonstration of cannons firing at noon!
St. Paul’s Church
The oldest Protestant church in Canada, St. Paul’s is also a National Historic Site.
This Georgian-style church was built in 1750. It is modeled after London’s St. Peter’s Church, and was crafted from timbers imported from Maine.
There are many interesting plaques in the church, and a cemetery that contains the graves of colonial notables and other prominent people from Nova Scotia.
It was also used as a makeshift hospital during the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The Explosion Window and debris embedded in the Memorial Doors still show evidence of that disaster.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is Canada’s largest and oldest maritime museum. It houses over 30,000 artifacts, including 70 small craft and the steamship CSS Acadia.
It also has a huge collection of ship portraits and models. It’s also a great place to learn about the Halifax explosion and the Titanic disaster.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is one of the most popular museums in Halifax and is worth a visit for anyone interested in history. There are many permanent exhibits and changing shows.
Harbourwalk
The Halifax Harbourwalk is a four-kilometre boardwalk along the waterfront that offers views of the harbour and seawall. It’s also an opportunity to slip into waterfront cafes, shops and museums.
The walk is a great way to see some of the top sights in Halifax as well as to learn more about the city’s history. You can find active warships, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, historic markers and memorials, and more.
There are a few different things to do on the waterfront, including harbor tours and whale watching. You can also visit Fisherman’s Cove if you want to go for a scenic stroll in the water while looking at fish and other marine life.
Harbour Watercraft
Halifax Harbour is one of the largest and deepest ice-free natural harbours in the world. It is home to commercial wharves, a Canadian Navy base, Irving Shipbuilding and public marina docks.
The harbour is also home to the longest-running saltwater ferry in North America, the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry. It is a great way to see the city and get a taste of its maritime heritage and culture.
Several companies provide tours and rental options of the Harbour Watercraft, including sea-doos, kayaks and jet-boats. These unique and fun activities offer a different view of the city.
Spring Garden Road
The trendy Spring Garden Road neighbourhood is home to some of Halifax’s hottest bars and restaurants. It’s also a major shopping hub and the location of the new Halifax Central Library.
One of the most impressive areas in the city, this area is surrounded by beautiful public gardens and has several notable landmarks.
You’ll find several museums and galleries in this neighbourhood, including Canada’s oldest Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which celebrates Nova Scotia’s marine history. Another popular place to visit is the Halifax Citadel, a fort that dates back to the founding of the city in 1749. It’s a national historic site that gives you a good look at how the city developed.
Public Gardens
One of the oldest and most iconic surviving Victorian gardens in North America, Halifax Public Gardens are an oasis in the heart of downtown. Established in 1867, the park is spread over 16 acres of lush greenery and oozes Victorian charm.
The garden is a great place to relax and take in the cityscape. The ornate wrought iron gates, beautiful fountains, statues and pretty bridges all add to the beauty of these gardens.
The gardens have a wide variety of flowers, trees, shrubs and elaborate carpet bedding displays. Visitors can also take a stroll down the beautiful paths and enjoy the quiet serenity of these gardens.
