7 of the Best Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Are you in Halifax, Nova Scotia and don’t know exactly what you want to do there? In this article, you’ll find some good suggestions for things to see and do in Halifax!

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Nova Scotia is the second smallest of all Canada’s provinces, but that does not mean it’s a boring place to be in. There you’ll find Halifax, its capital as well as the most important port city on the Atlantic coast. Given its historic importance as the economic and cultural hub of Nova Scotia, you can be sure you’ll find many interesting activities and fun things to do in Halifax. There are many historical places, as well as modern installations to explore, so keep reading for the best things to do during your trip to Halifax.

 

 

Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Walk through history at Halifax Citadel

As you can guess, Halifax has been an important port for some centuries now, and as with any port it needed protection. That’s how the Halifax Citadel was built, as the final version of a system of fortifications designed to protect the whole city and harbor. The structure you can see today atop Citadel Hill was completed in 1856, but it’s not the first, as the first version was made in 1749. Although it never was actually involved in any battle, you can watch reenactments of traditional 19th-century soldiers patrolling the grounds and assisting with the daily rifle and cannon firings.

Fun facts about Halifax Citadel:

• It’s built in the Vauban style, giving it an emblematic star shape that was quite effective against canons.

• Its design also included false walls and ditches to trick invaders, as well as underground tunnels that you can visit.

Photo by Woubishet Z. Taffese on Unsplash

 

Join a Ghost Tour at the Citadel

If you love the Citadel under the bright sun and clear skies, what about exploring it under the stars? It is said that the Citadel is haunted and that some souls haven’t found rest in the centuries since it was built and used. If you love ghost stories and history, don’t miss this opportunity to follow an old British soldier into the dark tunnels and dungeons during the Ghosrt Tour at the Citadel.

Some legends and haunted spots from the Citadel:

• The Phantom Soldier: Sometimes, late at night, shadowy figures can be seen patrolling the area, and some people hear marching footsteps when no one’s around.

• The Mysterious Crying Sounds: Be careful in the tunnels, stay with your group and listen carefully. Some people have heard old echoes of whispers and sobs, with no clear source.

• The Prison cell ghosts: If you’re a sensible person, you might feel a presence when you pass by the old jail cells.

 

Pay Respects at Fairview Lawn Cemetery

More history and ghosts, but this time in a quieter place, the Fairview Lawn Cemetery is one of the best things to do in Halifax. Aside from the usual charm of old cemeteries, there’s a reason so many people visit it. Given the closeness of the city to the site of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, many survivors and victims ended up in Halifax. In this cemetery, you’ll find the final resting place of 121 of these unfortunate people. Sadly, as many of the bodies were never identified, most gravestones are simple slabs of black granite marked with a number.

What to know about the cemetery:

• Is open year-round to visitors, and you can find informational plaques explaining the Titanic connection.

• It also contains the remains of the victims of the Halifax Explosion of 1917, the largest non-nuclear explosion in human history.

 

Sip Local Brews at Alexander Keith’s Brewery

The cemetery and Citadel were interesting to see, but it’s time to let the dead rest and enjoy the lively ambiance of Alexander Keith’s Brewery! This is one of the oldest breweries in all of Canada and was founded in 1820 by Scottish immigrant Alexander Keith. The best way to enjoy the experience is through a guided tour, where you’ll get to learn more about the place, watch the whole brewing process as it was made in the 19th Century and as it’s made today, and of course, taste a lot of Keith’s beers.

Expert tips for visiting the Alexander Keith’s Brewery:

• Try the small-batch brews that are only offered during tour on certain seasons, as you won’t be able to taste them anywhere else.

• Learn some traditional Maritime folk songs so you can sing them in the pub with a pint in your hand like an old-time sailor!

Photo by Jon Parry on Unsplash

 

Learn Immigration Stories at Pier 21

Nova Scotia has seen a lot of immigration in the last five centuries. Since at least the 1600s many communities have found a new start and a new life in Nova Scotia, especially in Halifax. French, Scottish, British, Caribbean, Irish, German, Italian, and even Asian and African people have had a part in making the city what is today with their hard work. If you want to learn more visit Pier 21, the entry point of over a million immigrants between 1928 to 1971. Today, aside from the historical pier, you can visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration.

What to see at the Canadian Museum of Immigration:

• Exhibits of Canada’s Immigration Policies: Learn more about how the policies have changed over the decades and how has this contributed to the development of the whole country.

• Personal Stories and artifacts: Read letters and diary entries of people who enter through Pier 21, see photographs of the life they had to leave behind and listen to the histories they’ll tell to future generations.

 

Savor Italian Dishes at Bicycle Thief

After learning a lot about the Italian immigration to Halifax, maybe you’ll like to try their most delicious contribution, the Italian cuisine. If you’re searching for a nice place to have lunch then go to The Bicycle Thief. If you’re curious about such a unique name, it comes from a 1938 Vittorio de Sica film that centers on the resilience of the Italian people against hardships, so maybe add it to your watch list.

But back to the restaurant, it opened in 2005 and is located in the waterfront area, offering great views of the Atlantic Sea. They’re famous for the way they adapted the rich Italian flavors with the local ingredients, creating a unique and modern mix. Try their Pasta alla Vodka or their Tagliatelle Bolognese. For a classical Italian dish, try their wood-fired pizzas, and don’t forget to try their Tiramisu as dessert.

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Hike Through Point Pleasant Park

If you want to see a bit more of Halifax’s natural beauty you should visit Point Pleasant Park. In the past, this was another part of the military defenses of the city, and you can still see traces of this. Between the military structures, you can still find there’s the Prince of Wales Tower, built in 1790. But if you prefer to see more, there are many trails you can follow. Don’t forget to keep an eye open for wildlife. Although you probably won’t see any big species, many birds and small animals are enjoying the 75 acres of the park.

Interesting trails to follow in Point Pleasant Park:

• Seawall Trail: It takes you 2 km around the coastline of Halifax Harbor, offering wonderful views of the water and the Halifax skyline in the distance. Since the path is pretty flat is perfect for cycling, or even strollers.

• Red Trail: Perfect for those who want to see more diversity in terrain and environment. This path will take you to some secluded areas, offering a more intimate experience than more popular trails.

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Expert tips for visitors in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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The best time to visit Halifax

Since Halifax is quite high in the North, the best time to visit is in the Summer month. From June to August, you’ll have the perfect mix of great weather and pleasantly warm temperatures and a lot of Festivals and special events.

If you don’t mind the cold, Autumn can be astoundingly beautiful with the full display of fall foliage in the city. It’s also harvest season, so you can eat many seasonal dishes, go apple picking, or visit the farmers’ market.

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