ACTIVITIES

 

Halifax has a history you can feel, with a colonial past evident on every street corner. The culture is yours to savour, with food, music and art shared by people from all over the globe.

 

And how could a city by the sea not be incurably romantic? You can be wed at Pier 21 or walk the boardwalk under moonlight. You’ll also find shopping, museums, galleries and the natural outdoor wonder of Nova Scotia.  Here, you can fill your every waking moment with excitement.

 
HISTORIC SITES/SIGHTSEEING
MUSEUMS & THE ARTS
ENTERTAINMENT
SPA SERVICES
SHOPPING
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

 


HISTORIC SITES/SIGHTSEEING
Explore Historical Halifax

 

  • Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
    The present Citadel, completed in 1856, is the fourth in a series of forts since 1749 to occupy the hill overlooking the harbour. It is an excellent example of a 19th-century bastion fortification complete with defensive ditch, ramparts, musketry gallery, powder magazine and signal masts.

 

  • Pier 21 National Historic Site (Canada’s Immigration Museum)
    One of Canada’s seven wonders, this newly restored historic site and museum tells the stories of the 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, displaced people, evacuee children and Canadian military service personnel who passed through its doors between 1928 and 1971.

 

  • Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery
    For a true Nova Scotia good time, take an informative and interactive tour of the Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery. Actors in period costume will lead you back in time as you learn about the beer, the brewery and life in Halifax in 1863.


Also visit:

  • Peggy’s Cove – this picturesque original lighthouse was
    built in 1868 and is the center piece of the historical, artisan village.  The hypnotizing rhythm of the ocean and salty air make this a necessary stop on any excursion.

 

  • Public Gardens – the Halifax Public Gardens are more than an open space or park. They are a rare example of
    a formal Victorian public garden surviving intact and relatively unspoiled in the heart of a modern city.

 

  • Fisherman’s Cove - watch the fishermen come in with their daily catch; take a boat ride and explore McNab’s Island.

 

  • Old Town Clock - one of Halifax’s most famous landmarks officially began keeping time for the garrison and residents of Halifax in 1803.

 

  • Province House - this fine Georgian building is home to the first responsible government in the British Empire. Tours available.

  • St. Paul’s Church – Halifax’s oldest building (1750) and Canada’s First Protestant Church.

 

  • Bedford Institute of Oceanography -- Canada's largest center for ocean research and first major federal center devoted to oceanography. Guided tours available by appointment only.

 

  • Discovery Centre -- Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to stimulate interest, enjoyment and understanding of science and technology through innovative, exciting, hands-on experiences. Great for children.

 

  • Government House - the residence of Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor, it is the oldest official government residence in Canada (not open to the public).

 

  • SS Atlantic Heritage Park -- a burial site and a memorial to those who perished in the sinking of the SS Atlantic off the shores of Mar's Head, Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia on April 1, 1873.

 

  • Memory Lane Heritage Village -- You’ll hear tales of survival and triumph, of land and sea, of real lives and real people as told by their descendants. Discover this era of change, when modern conveniences changed lives.

 

  • Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame -- Honours athletes, teams, and builders who have contributed to Nova Scotia's sport heritage and culture.

 

  • William E. deGarthe Memorial Park (Peggy’s Cove, NS) -- Sculptor and painter William E. deGarthe lived in Peggy’s Cove. A gallery exhibiting his work is open to the public between May 1 and October 31 each year.

 

 

Back to top

 

  

 

MUSEUMS & THE ARTS
Experience Halifax’s Past and Present

 

  • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
    With a history dating to 1908, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia acts as a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by bringing the art of the world to Nova Scotia and the art of Nova Scotia to the world. 

 

  • Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
    The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada. The collection includes artifacts, images, charts and plans relating to the marine history of Nova Scotia. The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian merchant marine, Nova Scotia small craft and local shipwrecks are particular strengths of the collection much of which represents the period 1850 to the present.


Other Galleries and Museums to visit include:

  • Acadian House Museum
  • Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
  • Anna Leonowens Gallery
  • Army Museum
  • Black Cultural Centre
  • Dalhousie Art Gallery
  • Dartmouth Heritage Museum
  • Fisherman’s  Life Museum
  • Khyber Centre for the Arts
  • Maritime Command Museum
  • Mary E. Black Gallery
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Musquodoboit Railway Museum
  • Quaker House
  • Shearwater Aviation Museum


Back to top



ENTERTAINMENT
Listen, Laugh and Experience Halifax

 

  • Casino Nova Scotia
    One visit and you'll know why Casino Nova Scotia is the only destination of its kind in Atlantic Canada, offering guests world-class gaming, great entertainment and fabulous food in a first-class atmosphere. This harbourside location is just steps away from the boardwalk that connects historical downtown Halifax.

 

  • Grafton Street Dinner Theatre
    A unique dining experience. Enjoy the sights and sounds of your favourite musical while being served by characters from that era. 

 

  • Neptune Theatre
    Located in the heart of downtown Halifax’s business community, Neptune Theatre’s season includes five Fountain Hall productions including world-class musicals such as Beauty and the Beast; three productions in the more intimate Studio Theatre and a family focused Holiday Season show. This season’s line-up includes: The Producers, White Christmas and The Retreat from Moscow.

 

  • Symphony Nova Scotia
    Atlantic Canada's only professional orchestra, performing over 50 concerts annually with repertoire ranges from Classical and Baroque to Traditional and Maritime Pops. 

 

  • St. Cecilia’s Music Concert Series
    The premiere presenter of classical music in Atlantic Canada featuring an eclectic mix of vocal and instrumental performances, highlighted by artists from the local, national and international concert stage.

 

  • Opera Nova Scotia
  • Imax Theatre
  • Yuk Yuk’s Comedy at the Westin
  • Dartmouth Players



Check our Festivals and Events Listings for other unique opportunities.


Back to top



SPA SERVICES
Relax and unwind in some of our cities finest spas

 

 
Back to top

 

 

SHOPPING
Visit our specialty stores, vintage and antique shops and malls

Markets & Shopping Districts

 


Specialty Shops

 

  • NovaScotian Crystal
    On the scenic Halifax waterfront, NovaScotian Crystal follows a centuries-old tradition of mouthblowing and hand-cutting each and every piece.

 

  • Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory
    Located on the Halifax Boardwalk at Bishops Landing, Rum Runners produces their trademark Rum Cake using real rum or whiskey bottled at the beautiful Glenora Distilleries on Cape Breton Island.

 

  • Sweet Jane’s
    Specializing in sweet treats, this gift and confectionary shop has something for everyone. From retro candy to homemade cupcakes, you can even send a custom gift basket.

 

  • Del Sol
    Fun apparel and accessories that change colour in the sunlight.

 

  • Island Beach Company
    A unique shopping atmosphere reminiscent of the old boathouses or fishing stages that dot the Atlantic Coastline. A large variety of casual clothing, giftware and accessories reflective of the local area. 

 

  • Aiken’s Pewter
    Handspun pewter jewelry, giftware, maritime souvenirs and Celtic designs.

 

  • Beale’s Baliwick
    Fashions and art from Nova Scotia and across Canada available at Peggy’s Cove.

 

  • Murphy’s on the Water Company Store
    Specializing in unique maritime souvenirs and gifts. 

 

 

  • Clearwater Lobster and Seafood Shops
    Whether it’s an event with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Clearwater has the seafood solution for a delicious adventure. Bring a piece of Nova Scotia home with convenient airport pick-up and shipping services. 

 

  • Atlantic News
    Halifax’s original newsstand, all the world’s news comes to Atlantic News.

 

  • Venus Envy
    A lesbian owned and operated education-oriented sex shop and book store 


    Antique Stores/Markets
    Bellissimo Antiques
    Finer Things Antiques & Curios
    Geddes Furniture & Antiques
    Urban Cottage Antiques & Collectibles
    Interior Design Stores
    Attica
    Backyard and Veranda
    Hen House
    The Secret Garden
    Topiary

 

Back to top

 



OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Enjoy our beautiful outdoors, here are some suggestions

Sea Kayaking/Rafting

 

Walking Tours

 

Golf

 

Hiking

  • Taylor Head
  • Musquodoboit Trail
  • Pennant Point/Crystal Crescent
  • Trans Canada Trails from Hubbards to Lawrencetown

 

Camping

  • The Mermaid and the Cow -- This campground specializes in  providing a relaxing camping experience for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, and questioning communities; their families and queer-positive heterosexual friends

 

Explore

  • McNab’s Island Provincial Park
  • Pennant Point Coastal Heritage Park
  • Sir Sanford Fleming Park
  • South Shore Lighthouse Route
  • York Redoubt National Historic Site of Canada
  • Annapolis Valley Evangaline Trail


Boating/Boat Tours

 

Tours


Beaches

  • Bayswater
  • Clam Harbour Beach Park
  • Crystal Crescent Beach
  • Dollar Lake
  • Lawrencetown Beach
  • Oakfield Provincial Park
  • Queensland Beach
  • Rainbow Haven Provincial Beach
  • Martinique Beach

 

 

Back to top

Bluenose Marathon