Halifax is a surprise: an oasis in the middle of the city, history you can touch and really good food. Find out how to spend the perfect day in Nova Scotia's capital here!
If I had known what to expect beforehand, I would have planned a little more time for Halifax on our road trip through Nova Scotia. with its relaxed mix of maritime vibes and lots of street art.
In my guide, I’ll show you what you can experience on a short trip to Halifax and which sights and hotspots in the capital of Nova Scotia you shouldn’t miss out on.
Halifax: The most important facts in brief
- is located on the east coast of Canada and is known for its natural harbor, which is one of the largest in the world
- is the largest city in Canada’s Atlantic provinces with around 440,000 inhabitants
- has historical sights such as the Halifax Citadel, interesting museums and a great harbor promenade, but also lots of street art and an exciting gastronomic scene
- Best time to visit: between May and October
The best sights in Halifax
We only had a short time for our sightseeing tour of Halifax. Nevertheless, we were able to see a lot, as Halifax is also great to explore on foot.
Waterfront Boardwalk
The Waterfront Boardwalk stretches for several kilometers along the Halifax harbour. You can stroll along the promenade, explore gastronomic highlights or simply enjoy the view of the water.
Hey, I’m Tatiana and I’m the blogger behind The Happy Jetlagger. Since 2014, I’ve been sharing my personal travel stories on this blog. I don’t have a big team behind me, so I’m pretty much a one-person show: All recommendations are fully researched by just me!
From here, you can also quickly reach many of Halifax’s other attractions, such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic or the Pier 21 Museum of Immigration, which are also located on the waterfront.
If you want to see the Halifax skyline from a distance, you can also take a sunset boat tour from the harbor or go on a short sightseeing tour through the city and on the water in one of the popular amphibious vehicles.
Book the sunset boat tour with a view of the Halifax skyline* here
Budget tip if you’re on a budget: you can also take the regular ferry to Dartmouth or Alderney for just a few dollars. This is part of Halifax’s public transportation system and runs every 15 to 30 minutes between the two ferry terminals.
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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is not only worth a visit if you are interested in seafaring. The port of Halifax is one of the largest ports in North America and is not only quite busy, but also very historically significant.
In 1912, the survivors of the sunken Titanic came ashore in Halifax, having been rescued by other ships. Part of the exhibition therefore also deals with the sinking of the Titanic and displays original objects from the ship as well as eyewitness accounts.
Another part of the museum deals with the great explosion in 1917 in the port of Halifax, which completely destroyed part of the city and killed or injured thousands of people. This catastrophe is still deeply rooted in the city’s history and remains one of the deadliest disasters on North American soil.
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Pier 21 Museum of Immigration
The Pier 21 Museum of Immigration deals with the maritime history of Halifax in a different way and is one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. Like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the exhibition is rich in detail, but is also very interactive.
On the one hand, the history of Canada as a classic country of immigration is shown here and examined in more detail using family stories from a wide variety of countries of origin. Thanks to its large harbor, Halifax has always been one of the places where countless immigrants came to the country in search of great fortune. On the other hand, interactive elements invite visitors to share their own family immigration history – and it is so beautifully designed that there really isn’t a dry eye in the house.
I could really have spent hours browsing through the many moving snapshots and souvenirs that individual museum visitors have left behind. If, like me, migration has shaped your family history, you will certainly find yourself here and perhaps remember your roots.
I was also very impressed by how much Canada values its tradition as a destination for many immigrants and, contrary to what I see as a sad development in many other Western countries, very much cultivates its open welcoming culture. No wonder Canada is still a place of longing for many people.
Book your ticket for the Pier 21 Museum of Immigration here*
Queen’s Marque
Queen’s Marque is the latest trendy district on the waterfront, and the large building complex in the middle of it is a sight in itself. The combination of contemporary architecture, art and gastronomy is really very successful. We stayed at the Muir Hotel*, which is integrated into the complex, and were able to really enjoy the vibe here.
During the day, you can store in the small boutiques or sit down in a café. In the evening, you’ll find some of the best restaurants and bars in the city, and in summer it’s really lively outside with street music.
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Halifax Central Public Library
If you like modern architecture, you shouldn’t miss the Halifax Central Public Library on your sightseeing tour of the city center. The modern building with its striking design is a real eye-catcher and is located directly on one of Halifax’s main shopping streets, Spring Garden Road.
You can simply go inside and walk through the library. The long staircases between the floors inside the library are a great photo spot. At the top of the last floor there is a small café with a terrace: a great tip in summer for a quick coffee stop with a view over the rooftops of Halifax!
Halifax Public Gardens
On Spring Garden Road, you will find another of Halifax’s not-so-little treasures. The Halifax Public Gardens are one of the oldest Victorian gardens in North America.
In this green oasis, you can recharge your batteries, go for a walk or simply enjoy the idyllic atmosphere in the middle of the busy city.
Street art in Halifax
Halifax is extremely colorful: we kept coming across the most beautiful murals in the city. There really are so many that you can just walk around downtown and automatically come across street art somewhere. You’ll find a lot of street art around Gottingen Street in the North End in particular.
If you are looking for specific murals, you can find a map with the most famous works of art in Downtown Halifax here.
Other highlights in Halifax & what else you can do
36 hours is really not much time to explore Halifax, and even with our power program we didn’t manage to do everything we had planned. But if you have more time, I have another suggestion for you on what to see in Halifax.
Halifax Citadel
The Citadel is one of Halifax’s most famous sights, but unfortunately the recent rainy weather put paid to our visit and we preferred to head to the equally interesting museum on Pier 21.
In good weather, however, you have a great view of Halifax and the surrounding landscape from the higher citadel. The fortress dates back to the 18th century and was built by the English to defend themselves against the French, who were also present in Nova Scotia.
Especially if you are interested in history, the star-shaped complex with the Army Museum and a wide range of themed tours is a must-see. Tour guides in historical costumes can explain the entire background and at lunchtime you can watch the daily (!) cannon firing.
Food & drink in Halifax
My personal tips for restaurants in Halifax
The Bicycle Thief was repeatedly mentioned to us as a tip, and the restaurant on the waterfront is indeed very popular. Even during the week and in the low season, it was so full that it was impossible to get a table without a reservation. They serve Italian cuisine with a Canadian twist (lots of fish and lobster) and it’s certainly very good – but I didn’t think it was spectacular enough to justify the expense.
Bar Sofia in the Queen’s Marquee was ultimately our alternative, and it couldn’t have suited us better. Here we were able to sample the wildest Latin American fusion dishes and enjoy really good cocktails. The colorful interior and the super attentive service put you in such a good mood that I highly recommend a visit here when you’re in Halifax.
The Drift is suitable for all times of day. It actually belongs to the Muir Hotel, but like Bar Sofia, it is also part of the large Queen’s Marquee complex. We had breakfast here as part of our hotel stay, and contrary to what is on offer in many other (even more expensive) hotels, I would recommend the Drift to non-hotel guests at any time.
Breakfast is à la carte anyway, so you won’t find an uninspired hotel buffet here, but only what you actually order. So if you’re looking for a location for a relaxed breakfast or brunch in a great atmosphere, this is the place for you!
Typical specialties from Halifax
It is impossible to imagine Halifax without the donair, a snack specialty that is now known beyond the borders of Halifax. However, the donair has little to do with the doner kebab invented in Germany: For a real donair, pita bread is served with meat, diced tomatoes, onions and a sweet garlic sauce.
The most authentic donair is served at King of Donair on Quinpool Road (but there are other outlets in Halifax), which boasts of having introduced the donair to Halifax in the 1970s. Others prefer the donair from Tony’s Famous Donairs on Robie Street.
For the meat-free option, we went to Real Fake Meats, just outside the city center. The meat substitute tastes super delicious here, but I found the combination with the sweet sauce took some getting used to. The store is definitely interesting: all meat substitutes are produced on site and you can also take a look at the production process.
Staying overnight in Halifax
In Halifax, you’ll find a good selection of hotels for every budget, but it’s worth spending a little more! The Muir* is a five-star hotel and is centrally located in the newly redeveloped Queen’s Marque District, right on the promenade – the location couldn’t be better! From here, you can reach the most important places in Halifax on foot.
The best thing, however, is the exceptionally pleasant atmosphere, from the consistently attentive and cordial staff to the detailed room furnishings: everything has been thought of here to make your stay as relaxing as possible.
If you need a bit of relaxation, the Muir also has a first-class spa with pool, sauna and steam room. After our eventful road trip and the short sightseeing tour through Halifax, this was simply the crowning glory of a great trip.
Getting around Halifax
Although Halifax is a big city, driving into the city in a rental car was no problem. There can be traffic jams during rush hour, but all in all driving is very relaxed, as it is elsewhere in Canada and the USA (at least in my experience).
Halifax Airport is relatively far away. You should therefore consider renting a car if you are planning a road trip through Nova Scotia. Even if you use the rental car less in the city, it is much more practical this way. It is best to check with your accommodation beforehand whether parking is available so that you can park your rental car safely.
Here you can compare prices for car rental from Halifax (YHZ)*
If you are traveling without a rental car and simply want to go to the hotel in the city before or after the flight, you can also organize a private transfer .
If you are staying in the city center, you can also reach many locations on foot. The public transport network in the city only consists of buses, but is easy to use. Alternatively, you can also get around by Uber, which is relatively cheap.
If you don’t want to bother with timetables or finding a parking space and are a little lazy when it comes to walking, you can also opt for a hop-on hop-off tour* for sightseeing.
Map with all the highlights
To help you find your way around Halifax, I have summarized all the locations from the article on a map. You can also save them. That way you’ll have everything to hand when you’re out and about.
Excursions around Halifax
Halifax is an excellent starting point for an exploration tour through Nova Scotia. However, if you don’t have much time, here are the best places to visit that you can reach within a day.
Peggy’s Cove
The picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove is just 45 minutes from Halifax. Famous for its impressive lighthouse, it is a popular destination for day trips. The most beautiful photo opportunities can be found here, especially at sunrise and sunset. But Peggy’s Cove is also worth a detour during the day.
In addition to the lighthouse, there are small galleries and souvenir stores in the small fishing village next door where you can stock up on handmade products and local art. Very cute indeed!
Lunenburg
The historic town of Lunenburg is about an hour’s drive from Halifax and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunenburg is very touristy, but with its colorful wooden houses, cute cafés and pretty stores, it’s no wonder. If you haven’t already planned Lunenburg as a stop on a road trip through Nova Scotia, you can also book day trips to Lunenburg from Halifax.
Mahone Bay
Another worthwhile detour is Mahone Bay, which is actually known for its three churches that stand picturesquely on the shore. However, I personally found the special flair of this small town with its pretty cafés, antique stores and small craft stores much nicer.
Wineries in the Annapolis Valley
If you like drinking wine, you shouldn’t miss the Annapolis Valley. This region is known for its wineries and large-scale fruit cultivation.
I can highly recommend Luckett Vineyards, for example: Not only is the winery itself worth a visit (where else can you see an original British red telephone box in the middle of the vines?), but also the adjoining restaurant with a great view of the countryside: I had the most divine chicken pie of my life here with a glass of chilled rosé! Highly recommended!
You can book a day tour with wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley here*
The Annapolis Valley is particularly beautiful in autumn, when the leaves on the trees slowly turn their brightest colors and the harvest season begins. In many places you will find stalls with fresh apples, pumpkins and everything else that nature has to offer.
Have you acquired a taste for the region and want to explore it for longer?
You can find my complete route for a road trip through Nova Scotia here
My trip to Halifax and Nova Scotia was organized in collaboration with Tourism Nova Scotia.
