Halifax Guidebook
Sightseeing
The main attraction for the city and why we were built here, a busy harbor and one of the world's longest waterfront boardwalks. Lots of shops, events, and places to eat on the Halifax boardwalk.
173 locals recommend
Halifax Waterfront
Lower Water StreetThe main attraction for the city and why we were built here, a busy harbor and one of the world's longest waterfront boardwalks. Lots of shops, events, and places to eat on the Halifax boardwalk.
These are the oldest Public Gardens in North America. Many famous people have walked through and in the early summer, it is popular for high school students to take prom and graduation photos. If you have a camera, a nice book, or just want a place to collect your thoughts I recommend a walk through the gardens
234 locals recommend
Halifax Public Gardens
Summer StreetThese are the oldest Public Gardens in North America. Many famous people have walked through and in the early summer, it is popular for high school students to take prom and graduation photos. If you have a camera, a nice book, or just want a place to collect your thoughts I recommend a walk through the gardens
Iconic site in Nova Scotia. Google Peggy of the Cove to hear the story of the small village. STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS.
349 locals recommend
Peggys Cove
Iconic site in Nova Scotia. Google Peggy of the Cove to hear the story of the small village. STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS, STAY OFF THE BLACK ROCKS.
Home to many former military sites that are still standing. Now a large public park for the people. There is also a theatre company called Shakesphere by the Sea that operates here, google their name for tickets and times. Dog friendly and biking is allowed on the weekend,
295 locals recommend
Point Pleasant Park
5530 Point Pleasant DrHome to many former military sites that are still standing. Now a large public park for the people. There is also a theatre company called Shakesphere by the Sea that operates here, google their name for tickets and times. Dog friendly and biking is allowed on the weekend,
One of the smaller towns that really encaptures the culture and spirit of what it means to live and be Nova Scotian. This is more of a day trip from the city, so please plan accordingly.
174 locals recommend
Mahone Bay
One of the smaller towns that really encaptures the culture and spirit of what it means to live and be Nova Scotian. This is more of a day trip from the city, so please plan accordingly.
Home to the Bluenose the vessel you see on the Canadian 10cent dime, and the Bluenose II, the recreation of that vessel. Lunenburg is classified as a UNESCO heritage site due to it being the most solid remaining example of a planned British colonial settlement
247 locals recommend
Lunenburg
Home to the Bluenose the vessel you see on the Canadian 10cent dime, and the Bluenose II, the recreation of that vessel. Lunenburg is classified as a UNESCO heritage site due to it being the most solid remaining example of a planned British colonial settlement
Craft Beer
The oldest operational brewery in Nova Scotia. They don't make their popular IPA beer here but they do make craft beers and ales. There is also a very popular tour here that provides a tour, music, and some sampling. I would recommend calling or emailing them for a place on their tour in advance.
46 locals recommend
Alexander Keith's Brewery
1496 Lower Water StThe oldest operational brewery in Nova Scotia. They don't make their popular IPA beer here but they do make craft beers and ales. There is also a very popular tour here that provides a tour, music, and some sampling. I would recommend calling or emailing them for a place on their tour in advance.
Another great craft brewery. Located near Pier 21 this location is great if you're down on the waterfront, they also have a shop that sells products to take home.
25 locals recommend
Garrison Brewing Co.
1149 Marginal RdAnother great craft brewery. Located near Pier 21 this location is great if you're down on the waterfront, they also have a shop that sells products to take home.
A very popular craft beer spot for university students. They do a lot of fun activity nights and you can normally find information about those events on their Facebook page. Lots of great options and the food is also good for a pub.
88 locals recommend
Good Robot Brewing Co.
2736 Robie StA very popular craft beer spot for university students. They do a lot of fun activity nights and you can normally find information about those events on their Facebook page. Lots of great options and the food is also good for a pub.
Beaches
Most popular beach in the HRM. Will be lots of people here on hot summer days. Located outside the main city, about 45 minutes to an hour with traffic.
74 locals recommend
Queensland Beach Provincial Park
Nova Scotia Trunk 3Most popular beach in the HRM. Will be lots of people here on hot summer days. Located outside the main city, about 45 minutes to an hour with traffic.
Beautiful beach with a long wooden boardwalk around it. Great for walks as well as relaxing. Small walk from parking to the actual beach.
122 locals recommend
Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
220 Sambro Creek RdBeautiful beach with a long wooden boardwalk around it. Great for walks as well as relaxing. Small walk from parking to the actual beach.
Great beach for surfers and families. Located further from the actual city but the drive there is beautiful.
139 locals recommend
Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park
Nova Scotia 207Great beach for surfers and families. Located further from the actual city but the drive there is beautiful.
Beautiful long beach, further from the city so perfect for day trips.
91 locals recommend
Martinique Beach
Martinique Beach RdBeautiful long beach, further from the city so perfect for day trips.
Awesome facilities in terms of bathrooms and change rooms. They also host a sandcastle building contest here in the summer
8 locals recommend
Clam Harbour
Awesome facilities in terms of bathrooms and change rooms. They also host a sandcastle building contest here in the summer
Further from the city and definitely a day trip. Lots of parking available, in a great area.
32 locals recommend
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park
6280 Little Harbour RdFurther from the city and definitely a day trip. Lots of parking available, in a great area.
Beautiful boardwalk and small shopping and eating area behind this location. Not too far from the city for a beach
MacCormacks Beach Provincial Park
1641 Shore RdBeautiful boardwalk and small shopping and eating area behind this location. Not too far from the city for a beach
Hiking options
Beautiful hike, nice views, and only about 45 minutes away from Halifax. Bike and stroller friendly
28 locals recommend
Musquodoboit Trailway trailhead
90 Park RdBeautiful hike, nice views, and only about 45 minutes away from Halifax. Bike and stroller friendly
This hike is located at Crystal Cresent beach if you're looking to get there. This is a mix of boardwalk and nature trails, so make sure you are dressed suitability
Pennant Point Cove
This hike is located at Crystal Cresent beach if you're looking to get there. This is a mix of boardwalk and nature trails, so make sure you are dressed suitability
Over 30 km in trails that are well maintained. 4 different options all with great views. Not that well known for such a spot
14 locals recommend
The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail (parking lot)
2890 St Margarets Bay RdOver 30 km in trails that are well maintained. 4 different options all with great views. Not that well known for such a spot
Salt Marsh Trail
Trans Canada TrailA very popular hike but easy to do and has some great views.
A historic hike through a park not that far from downtown Halifax. Great for all types
30 locals recommend
Hemlock Ravine
40 Kent AvenueA historic hike through a park not that far from downtown Halifax. Great for all types
Beautiful loop around a lake. Also great for picnics and swimming with proper knowledge and supervision by your own party.
55 locals recommend
Long Lake Provincial Park
Beautiful loop around a lake. Also great for picnics and swimming with proper knowledge and supervision by your own party.
A little further from Halifax but this trail has some really nice views.
12 locals recommend
Crowbar Lake Trail
1800 Myra RdA little further from Halifax but this trail has some really nice views.
This island is located at the mouth of the Halifax harbor. It's not hard to get there, you need to find a water taxi that will bring you over though. Google is your best bet to find one.
23 locals recommend
McNabs Island
This island is located at the mouth of the Halifax harbor. It's not hard to get there, you need to find a water taxi that will bring you over though. Google is your best bet to find one.
I love the coastline of this hike. If you're looking to visit a true untouched coastline I recommend this hike highly.
30 locals recommend
Taylor Head Beach
20140 Hwy 7I love the coastline of this hike. If you're looking to visit a true untouched coastline I recommend this hike highly.
Irish Pubs
tons of beer on tap, music most if not every single night. Great menu and highly recommended. Kids can go in during the day
49 locals recommend
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
5136 Prince Sttons of beer on tap, music most if not every single night. Great menu and highly recommended. Kids can go in during the day
Great menu and a wicked atmosphere. I don't recommend the place if you're looking for low volume. Lots of live music and tons of traditional pub food.
51 locals recommend
Durty Nelly's Irish Pub
1645 Argyle StGreat menu and a wicked atmosphere. I don't recommend the place if you're looking for low volume. Lots of live music and tons of traditional pub food.
The Loose Cannon
1566 Argyle StGreat pub, vibrant atmosphere.
Very old building. Nice interior, would recommend this for people who may be looking for a quieter night out while still getting great food and a wide selection of beverages
37 locals recommend
Henry House
1222 Barrington StVery old building. Nice interior, would recommend this for people who may be looking for a quieter night out while still getting great food and a wide selection of beverages
Located across the harbor but only across the street from the ferry terminal. If you go here later make sure you know the time of the last ferry run back to Halifax.
50 locals recommend
Celtic Corner Public House
69 Alderney DrLocated across the harbor but only across the street from the ferry terminal. If you go here later make sure you know the time of the last ferry run back to Halifax.
Cafes
Great menu of drinks, sandwiches, bagels, sweets, etc. Located downtown, great atmosphere. Awesome outdoor seating
8 locals recommend
Cabin Coffee
1554 Hollis StGreat menu of drinks, sandwiches, bagels, sweets, etc. Located downtown, great atmosphere. Awesome outdoor seating
The Coastal Cafe
2731 Robie StAwesome menu, great for breakfast and brunch.
Uncommon Grounds
1030 South Park StAwesome selection of baked goods, quality coffee