best places to visit near halifax nova scotia

Halifax   Travel Guide

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19 Best Things To Do in Halifax

Updated Apr. 24, 2024

Halifax is steeped in history, much of which centers around the sea. For an in-depth look at the city's watery past, reserve a few hours for the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic . Another must-see historic site is the towering Citadel , a fortress

• All Things To Do

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Halifax Citadel National Historic Site free

Towering over downtown Halifax, the Citadel is a testament to the city's military past. Four forts have occupied this hilltop since 1749, when Edward Cornwallis, a career British military officer, governed the region; the fort that stands today dates back to 1856. Visitors can wander the Citadel's corridors and learn about Halifax's involvement in major wars, such as the American Revolution, the American Civil War and both World Wars. The on-site Army Museum offers a closer look at the fortress's history. And to truly feel what it was like to be on the hill back in its heyday, make sure to come at lunchtime, when reenactors of the Royal Artillery fire the traditional noon gun.

You can also interact with members of the 78th Highland Regiment. From May through October, these kilted reenactors offer free guided tours of the fort and provide insight on what it was like to be a soldier there. You can even learn to shoot a 19th-century rifle from one of these reenactors (for an extra fee and age restrictions apply).  

Halifax Public Gardens Halifax Public Gardens free

The Public Gardens are a living testament to the Victorian era. And visitors welcome the respite from the urban atmosphere. Opened in 1867, this 16-acre public space – marked by an ornate metal entryway – houses manicured flower beds, quiet walkways, a picturesque gazebo and plenty of perfect picnic spots. Locals and visitors alike praise the beauty of the park and love the peace and quiet it affords in the center of the city. The Friends of the Public Gardens runs tours of the grounds during the summer. You can request a tour and check out the latest tour schedule on the organization's website .

The Halifax Public Gardens are open every day from 7 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Admission is free. The gardens are located kitty-corner to the Citadel . You can learn more about the Public Gardens by perusing the park's website .

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market Halifax Seaport Farmers Market free

The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market was established by royal decree in 1750, a year after the establishment of Halifax itself. Since opening nearly 300 years ago, travelers and locals alike visit the market to purchase a range of goods. On any given day, you'll be able to buy soaps, baked treats, fresh produce, fish, jewelry and more from nearly 100 vendors. Recent visitors praised the variety of wares (both food and craft) sold by dealers and say it is a great place to browse.

The market, located on the waterfront, is about a 5-minute walk from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 . It's is free to peruse the market. Hours vary slightly by season, but you can expect to visit the market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The market is open on Mondays in the summer only. For more information, visit the market’s website .

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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

It makes sense that Canada's oldest and most substantial maritime museum is located in Halifax: The city's history drips with stories from the sea. By displaying artifacts and providing interactive exhibits, this specialty museum recounts the numerous shipwrecks off Nova Scotia's shores, the city's days as a commercial shipping hub and its role as a military player in World Wars I and II. But the exhibit detailing Halifax's response to the 1912 sinking of the Titanic is, for many, the highlight of the museum. The display includes artifacts from the "unsinkable ship" and recounts local efforts to recover lost passengers and remaining parts of the ship. In fact, it was at this museum that director James Cameron saw the carved panel that inspired Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet's raft in the 1997 film, "Titanic." (You can also find many Titanic victims buried in Halifax's cemeteries. )

While examining the Titanic artifacts is the biggest draw, previous visitors say that you should make time for the other displays. Recent museumgoers say you should budget about two hours to take in all the maritime history.

Dartmouth Dartmouth free

Sitting across the harbor from Halifax is Dartmouth, a small town that has been around since 1750. There are two primary reasons to visit this Nova Scotia town (aside from the scenic ferry ride across the harbor): First, to enjoy its natural landscape; and second, to take in its history. Known as "The City of Lakes," Dartmouth is peppered with 23 individual ponds, many of which are surrounded by public parkland and ideal for a picnic. Another scenic stomping ground is the Shubenacadie Canal, which was created in the early 1800s to connect Halifax Harbor to Shubenacadie Grand Lake and ultimately the Bay of Fundy near Nova Scotia's interior. Walking on the trails at Shubenacadie is a favorite activity for many recent visitors.

You should spend an hour or two exploring Dartmouth's harbor, where you'll find a cluster of historic buildings that now house cute shops and cozy restaurants. The area is also adorned with different street art, making the walk between boutiques and eateries entertaining.

Halifax Waterfront Halifax Waterfront free

The Halifax Waterfront is a fun-filled spot packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, historic ships, boat tours and ferries, not to mention buskers and other street performers. It's here that you'll find many of the area's top attractions that detail the city's maritime heritage and its history as an immigration port . It's also a premier photo stop for tourists, as the harbor views, art installations and bright orange hammocks (ideal for relaxing) provide the perfect backdrop. Recent visitors say the lively area is fun to explore, with lots of options for eating, drinking and shopping, in addition to simply enjoying the views.

The waterfront is located downtown. It has a 2-mile boardwalk that can be accessed at various points. The boardwalk is accessible 24/7, but individual shops and restaurants have their own hours of operation. Visit the Discover Halifax website for more information.

St. Paul's Church St. Paul's Church free

Founded in 1749 by Britain's King George II, St. Paul's is Canada's oldest Anglican Church. The building may look simple at first, but architecture buffs and historians alike will appreciate its construction. The church was modeled after London 's St. Peter's Church (designed in 1722). Its timbers were imported from Maine and other building materials, like the church's bricks, were made near Halifax.

If you want an in-depth explanation of the church's history, attend one of its tours. Guided tours operate from mid-June through October and self-guided tours run from November through June. Tour times vary by season, so call ahead to determine times. Recent visitors expressed that the church offers an interesting piece of history and say the church staff are friendly and informative.

HMCS Sackville HMCS Sackville

HMCS Sackville, now a National Historic Site, is Canada’s oldest warship. The warship is also the last of Canada's 123 corvettes, one of many convoy escort vessels built in Canada during World War II. Following the ship's war service during the Battle of the Atlantic (1939-1945), the Sackville was used as a research vessel until 1982. The ship was then restored to its wartime glory in 1983 and has since served as a naval memorial. As visitors travel through the preserved areas of the ship, which include a mess hall, a gun deck and boiler rooms, they'll learn about the daily routine and challenge sailors faced during the battle.

For many recent patrons, this site was a highlight of their trip. They say the ship has a fascinating history and is in pristine condition. Though many remark it's a small ship, they confirm there is plenty to see.

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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Between 1928 and 1971, 1 million immigrants passed through the doors of Pier 21 and became full-fledged members of the Canadian community. This large ocean liner terminal – sometimes referred to as the Ellis Island of Canada – has since become a National Historic Site of Canada and the country's National Museum of Immigration. Visitors can wander the halls that once led immigrants to a new life. And they'll also learn the stories of some of the immigrants who passed through. And who knows: You might learn a little more about yourself while here. Recent visitors who looked up their ancestors' journeys found it rewarding and fascinating.

Pier 21 overlooks Halifax Harbor from its seat just a few blocks south of Alexander Keith's Brewery . During the summer, the museum is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; hours are more limited between December and April. Admission is roughly CA$13 for adults (about $9.25) and CA$8 (about $5.50) for children ages 6 to 16. To learn more about the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, visit its website .

Alexander Keith's Brewery Alexander Keith's Brewery

Founded in 1820, Alexander Keith's Brewery is one of the oldest commercial breweries in North America. The brewery is named for a Scottish immigrant who devoted his life to brewing his beer. Today, the institution still runs on Keith's values, creating flavorful ales and generously providing visitors with a relaxed, social experience.

The brewery offers booze enthusiasts hourlong guided tours of the facility (even kids will be entertained). Once the tour is over, you're welcome to sample some of Keith's most popular brews, such as the India pale ale at the on-site tavern. Recent visitors loved the interactive aspect to the tour and the friendly, entertaining guides.

Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park free

Less than an hour by car from downtown Halifax, Crystal Crescent Beach offers an outdoor respite from the busy city. Here, you'll find three white sand beaches, a 6-mile hiking trail and ample opportunities to view wildlife. In the distance, you can see the Sambro Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1759.

Recent visitors praised the beauty of the beach and the clear waters. They also noted that one of the beaches welcomes nude bathing.  

Province House Province House free

This three-story Palladian building in the heart of Halifax has provided a meeting ground for the Nova Scotia House of Assembly since 1819, making it the oldest house of government in Canada and a National Historic Site. Although it still functions as a legislative building, visitors are welcome to a self-guided tour of the building year-round or to partake in a guided tour in July or August. You can also sit in on assembly gatherings (when they're in session).

Recent visitors recommended taking the guided tour, which they say are informative and comprehensive.

Fairview Lawn Cemetery Fairview Lawn Cemetery free

After learning about the tragic sinking of the Titanic at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , visit this cemetery for another sobering experience. The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 100 victims of the Titanic disaster and visitors regularly come to pay their respects. In addition to the Titanic victims, you can also visit the graves of fallen soldiers from both World War I and II. Recent travelers said visiting the graveyard is a must-do for those interested in the Titanic. They also remark it is a somber, albeit interesting experience, and that there are plenty of signs to find the Titanic victims' graves.

The cemetery is located about 3 miles northwest of downtown Halifax. You can get to the cemetery by car or taking the Nos. 2, 4, 29 or 90 bus routes. Grounds are open daily for free visitation from sunrise to sunset. Check out the cemetery's official website for more details.

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Halifax Central Library Halifax Central Library free

Visiting a library while on vacation may not be at the top of your list, but hear us out about this branch. In addition to its enormous collection of books and other materials, the Halifax Central Library has a sunroom gallery space, two cafes, a rooftop patio, video game systems and a 300-seat auditorium that hosts shows, author talks and lectures.

Visitors can explore several exhibits at the library. Informative installations detail the First Nations culture, African Nova Scotians and the region's Acadian and French heritage. There's also a room with books solely about Nova Scotia history as well as a display that honors Halifax County's military men and women who have lost their lives since World War I. Many past visitors were in awe of the contemporary space and especially enjoyed the on-site cafes.

Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History

Tackling everything from geology to marine life to weather, the Museum of Natural History is a place for the curious. With a visit here, you can learn all about Nova Scotia's forests, see live animals like frogs, snakes and salamanders, and admire artifacts from bands of the Mi'kmaq First Nation. 

The museum also hosts traveling exhibits (which may cost extra), which have explored everything from Egyptian mummies to art. There are also nature talks, walks and children's programs. It's a great place for families to spend time, but recent visitors say all ages will most likely enjoy it.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

This provincial art gallery, housed in an Italianate building downtown, has a permanent collection of more than 17,000 works. It emphasizes the creations of Canadian visual artists as well as those who work on the Atlantic Coast. The collection and its exhibits feature everything from sculpture to painting to handicrafts to prints. Next door in the Provincial Building (an annex of the gallery), you’ll find the actual home of the late painter Maud Lewis, a wildly popular and beloved Canadian folk artist. The small home, which is adorned with whimsical and colorful paintings created by Maud and her husband, has been lovingly preserved by the museum since 1984. Many reviewers said Lewis' home was a highlight of their visit.

Admission for adults is CA$12 (about $8.50) and CA$5 (around $3.50) for children ages 6 to 17. A guided tour of the collection is given Tuesday through Sunday at 2 p.m., with an extra one on Thursday at 7 p.m. Tours are included in the admission price. Operating hours vary, be sure to check the museum's website before your trip.

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11 top places to experience Nova Scotia

May 23, 2024 • 8 min read

From epic coastal drives to historic maritime villages to whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, read all about the best places to go in Nova Scotia © NetaDegany / Getty Images

On a map, Nova Scotia resembles a duck or a lobster – both fitting references for a province defined by its proximity to the North Atlantic.

Yet the landscapes, seascapes and, um, people-scapes in Canada ’s second-smallest province are as varied as anywhere in the country . Take an hour’s drive in almost any direction, and you’ll get a full switch-up of both scenery and cultural heritage.

A stretch of one coastline washed by the world’s highest tides is dotted with French Acadian villages and their tall stone and wooden churches. The opposite coast of rocky headlines is interrupted by great crescents of silver sand and fishing villages founded by European and Black Loyalist settlers. Between the two, the fertile Annapolis Valley plays home to an upstart wine region. In the north, undulating highlands attracted Gaelic Scottish settlers who recognized Cape Breton Island as a Scotland look-alike. And everywhere in Nova Scotia, the Indigenous Mi’kmaq have roamed for thousands of years, using the rivers as highways and the seashore as their pantry.

The hardest question? Where to focus your visit. Let us help you build a Nova Scotia itinerary filled with all the best places to visit along the province’s 7500km (4660 miles) of seabound coast.

Let us help you build your itinerary with the best things to do in Nova Scotia

Best for a day on the waterfront

A stroll along the Halifax harborside boardwalk is the best way to get to know Nova Scotia’s capital city and its rich history. Begin at the  Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 , where waves of immigrants entered Canada. Then, learn about Halifax’s grim role in the Titanic disaster at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic .

Queen’s Marque is the city’s flashy new waterfront development, complete with high-end accommodations, the city’s best restaurants and a stairway into the sea. Come evening, bar hop up the hill for live music at venues like The Carlton and the Split Crow .

Detour: Cross Halifax harbor aboard one of the bathtub-like ferries that chugs every 15 to 30 minutes to Dartmouth, whose 10-block downtown is like an urban village with a throwback feel. Chuck axes at the Timber Lounge , shop for vinyl at Taz or Renegade Records , or sip a Negroni at Dear Friend Bar .

2. Sou’West Nova

Best for exploring the province’s multicultural roots

Several culturally distinct peoples share the southern tip of Nova Scotia (known locally as Sou’West Nova). The French Shore is where Acadians resettled in 1763 following a forced exile hugs the Bay of Fundy coastline. Other Acadians settled in the Pubnico area – where today fishing boats are docked two and three abreast, seafood is served in heaping platters and the Historic Acadian Village brings their past alive. In Shelburne and neighboring Birchtown, the story of enslaved Africans who were freed and escaped themselves is told at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre . The month-long Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl  every February animates this region with delicious events, making it a wonderful place to visit in winter.

3. Digby Neck

Best place for whale watching

A long, finger-like peninsula points from the scallop fishing port of Digby into the Bay of Fundy, which leads to ferry-linked Long and Brier Islands. From these rocky, remote knuckles of land, whale-watching tours depart all day long in search of humpback, minke, gray and rare northern right whales. Seabirds, dolphins and seals add vivacious variety to every trip.

Local tip: If speed is your thing, book a whale-watching tour aboard a Zodiac; if you want slow and steady, opt for a converted fishing boat. Either way, know your tolerance for motion sickness – and prepare accordingly.

4. Kejimkujik National Park

Best for unspoiled wilderness

There is no place further from the madding crowds (if crowds are even possible in Nova Scotia) than the lakes, rivers and trails sprawling across the swath of wilderness fondly known as Keji , where the haunting call of the loon is often the only sound.

Renting a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways is the best way to take in the park’s majesty. And don’t miss a tour of Canada’s second-largest collection of petroglyphs, led by a Mi’kmaw guide who will describe how their Indigenous ancestors etched their observations in stone.  

Detour: Book a frontcountry site for comfortable (if moderately crowded) camping. Book a backcountry site for wilderness adventure.

5. Annapolis Valley

Best for winery tours and “u-picks”

The breadbasket of Nova Scotia and home to many “u-picks” (pick-your-own farm stands), the Annapolis Valley is nestled between time-worn mountains and forested ridges. In May, the air fills with the heady perfume of apple blossoms; in the fall, the grapes get harvested and find their way into Annapolis Valley specialties like Tidal Bay , a crisp white that pairs perfectly with Nova Scotia seafood.

Detour: If you’d rather not drive, book a winery tour aboard the Magic Winery Bus or Grape Escapes .

6. Cliffs of Fundy Geopark

Best for natural history

Recently designated the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark , the Parrsboro Shore is one of the world’s richest natural history sites. Worn by the world’s highest tides, the coastal cliffs give up prehistoric ghosts in the form of fossils from the pre-dinosaur Carboniferous era. Stop at the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro to experience a time when Nova Scotia was a humid swamp crawling with giant amphibians. Then head to the Joggins Fossil Centre for a guided tour of the eroding cliffs to see fossils of prehistoric trees.

Local tip: Make a stop for lunch in Advocate Harbour’s Wild Caraway restaurant, where most dishes feature locally foraged and restaurant-grown ingredients.

7. 100 Wild Islands

Best for sea kayaking

The elegant name 100 Wild Islands trips off the tongue – though this coastal wilderness is in reality a seascape of 282 tiny polka-dot specks, some forested, some beach-framed. Facing 32km (20 miles) of coastline, the seemingly endless collection of bumps above the waves is best explored via guided kayak tour with outfitters like Coastal Adventures and the Norse Cove Camping and Kayak Centre . Those who book at Murphy’s Camping can hitch a ride with the owner out to an island to gather wild mussels.

8. Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg

Best seaside towns

Begin in Chester, a summer sailing destination for two centuries, by shooting a game of pool and tucking into fish and chips at the Fo’c’sle (Nova Scotia’s oldest tavern, it goes by the nickname “Chester’s living room”). In Mahone Bay, stroll by the three shoulder-to-shoulder churches and numerous artisan shops to discover why many consider this Nova Scotia’s most picture-perfect town.

The UNESCO-listed heritage town of Lunenburg is home to the Bluenose II , a replica of the famous schooner that graces Canada’s dime. This seafaring place is chock full of seafood restaurants, historic inns and ocean-themed sites like the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic .   

Detours: From these towns, excursion options abound. Head to Peggy’s Cove to see the white lighthouse perched on ocean-sculpted rocks. Take the ferry to Big Tancook for an island day trip. Set off on a boat tour to the island that gave the TV show The Curse of Oak Island its name. Or drive to Blue Rocks, a checkerboard of coves, islands and tiny fishermen’s homes and sheds. 

9. Tatamagouche

Best for experiencing small-town Nova Scotia

For such a tiny town, Tatamagouche is both a destination in itself and a great base for exploring Nova Scotia’s north shore. Once a locale for the reality TV show The Week the Women Went , the town has re-imagined itself after a long downturn. Today, stops like Tatamagouche Brewing , Appleton Chocolates and Creamery Square – named for the town’s agrarian roots – are the rewards for a stroll down Main St.

Drive south to see the water-powered Balmoral Grist Mill (the oatcakes are delicious). Then head east to Seafoam Lavender to walk among the fragrant flowers. In Pictou, see a replica of the Hector , the ship that deposited the first Scots here.

Local tip: Stay and dine at the Train Station Inn – which occupies (yes) a former train station and railway cars, including a refurbished 1928 dining car.

10. Fortress Louisbourg

Best for immersing yourself in history

The largest historic reconstruction project in North America sits on a remote, often fog-bound point at the eastern extremes of Cape Breton Island . Entering Fortress Louisbourg evokes the French fortified outpost and town as it might have looked in the early 18th century. Inside the fortified walls, visitors encounter costumed interpreters and farm animals as they roam among 80 rebuilt structures. Dine on period-accurate meals at Hôtel de la Marine or Grandchamps Restaurant , and book an overnight stay in the comfortable Lartigue House , the barely adequate guardhouse or the downright scary prison.  

11. The Cabot Trail

Best for a scenic drive

It’s impossible to overstate the beauty of the drive around northwestern Cape Breton known as the Cabot Trail . Much of the route winds through mountaintop wilderness and coastal villages. Along the way, you’ll experience 200 years of Scottish heritage at the Gaelic College in St Ann’s, 300 years of French Acadian culture at Les Trois Pignons museum and gallery in Cheticamp, and 10,000 years of Indigenous Mi’kmaw traditions at Kluskap Ridge RV & Campground near Englishtown. In fall, the mountainsides run riot with color, making the Cabot Trail a fantasy road trip for leaf peepers.

Local tip: Begin and end a Cabot Trail drive on the saltwater Bras d’Or Lake in Baddeck. Drive north so views are on your side of the road. Take advantage of the many lookouts, where interpretive signs supplement the sheer beauty of the views.

Keep planning your trip to Nova Scotia:

• Explore the varied terrain of the province on these top road trips
• Here’s how to get around Nova Scotia
• Traveling on a budget? Here are ways to save money on your trip

This article was first published Sep 29, 2021 and updated May 23, 2024.

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