Halifax, Nova Scotia, warms you like a hug on a chilly Canadian night. Home to some of the world’s friendliest people, its natural beauty and easygoing attitude draw travelers in and keep them coming back. This Nova Scotia capital, located on the Halifax Harbour, is a busy center of commerce and maritime history, including rumors of a secret hidden treasure and some remains of the Titanic.
But with the old comes the new, and Halifax has it in spades with its galleries full of local artwork, cozy coffee shops and award-winning restaurants. Just don’t forget your walking shoes; from one of the world’s longest boardwalks to beautifully designed parks, there’s just as much to do outdoors as indoors in this flourishing Canadian city.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore the Waterfront in Downtown Halifax
Start your day with a stroll by the water. Stretching nearly 2.5 miles, the boardwalk at the Halifax Waterfront takes you past historic buildings, local shops and restaurants. Stop in for breakfast at the Seaport Farmers’ Market, the longest continuously running local market in North America.
Here you can get your caffeine and carb hit at German Bakery Sachsen Café & Restaurant — opt for a danish, but also grab a cookie for later.
From there, walk to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia with more than 18,000 works of art created by Canadian artists in its permanent and study collections.
Then, walk less than 10 minutes to the iconic Halifax Town Clock and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The impressive stone structure was built in 1749 as a hilltop fort to protect the city from invaders and pirates. Today, you can do a guided tour through the star-shaped fortress and take in the sweeping views of downtown Halifax.
For lunch, stick with the history theme and try the nearby and much-loved Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Housed inside a historic stone building from 1759, it’s full of both stories and freshly shucked local oysters.
For dessert, walk back to the waterfront for a lick of COWS ice cream. Founded in the 1980s on Prince Edward Island, it’s been voted the country’s best ice cream. Order a cone of the “Cownadian Maple” or the “PEI Apple Crisp” and you’ll see why.
A short walk down the waterfront is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Between 1928 and 1971, this spot welcomed more than 1 million immigrants to Canadian shores. Today, it’s a national historic site with interactive exhibits tailored to kids.
On buzzing Argyle Street, the Economy Shoe Shop — or “The Shoe,” as locals call it — is a Halifax institution with its uniquely designed pub space. Grab a stool for a pre-dinner drink and end the evening at Obladee for wine, cheese and charcuterie.
Saturday: Find Craft Beer, Live Music and Architecture in the North End
The North End is one of Halifax’s coolest neighborhoods. Known for its colorful buildings, artistic community and trendy restaurants, it often attracts a younger crowd. For breakfast, try Waffle Love, where you can get steaming-hot waffles piled high with fresh fruit or ice cream. For a savory complement, order a plate of the house-made pierogi.
Try your luck at finding the perfect fit at any number of local boutiques, including Lost & Found, arguably the city’s best vintage store. Here you can peruse the huge variety of vintage clothes for a night out in Halifax. For more contemporary pieces and trendy accessories, visit 11 Street Boutique.
Hydrostone Market & Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. In 1917, the Halifax Explosion leveled this street, but it was rebuilt three years later using hydrostone blocks, hence the name. Today it is a hot spot for restaurants and boutiques as well as green space. Stop in for lunchtime pizza at Salvatore’s Pizzaiolo Trattoria or some nigiri at Hamachi Kita.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Halifax Common or try your hand at indoor rock climbing at Seven Bays Bouldering. Afterward, grab a smoothie at the café. If you require something stronger, walk to the Seahorse Tavern. This famous pub has been serving Canadian lager since 1948, and at night, it’s a great place to catch live music.
Make a reservation at Bar Kismet, a wine and cocktail bar serving refined small plates and handmade pasta for some pre-show grub.
Sunday: Shop Along Spring Garden Road
Sunday is for shopping, especially on Spring Garden Road. Fuel up at Mary’s Place Café II, a no-frills diner serving fantastic food and portions to match. With a focus on Canadian/Middle Eastern fare, any classic breakfast option can be paired with house-made falafel.
Walk down the street and pop into any of the stores and boutiques in the area. At Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia, you can find locally made products from candles to coffee to take home. Need a good book for the flight or drive home? Bookmark, the longest-running independent book store in Canada’s Atlantic region, will have what you’re looking for.
Set your sights on the Halifax Central Library. A local public library may seem uninteresting, but since it was finished in 2014, it’s been a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Take pictures of the striking architecture from the outside and head inside to peruse the stacks or grab a cup of coffee from the café.
For lunch, Your Father’s Moustache is a popular spot for a homey pub meal and craft beer on a rooftop patio. And if you haven’t gotten your live music fill in the North End, walk through the gorgeous Halifax Public Gardens to the bandstand. They’ve been playing summer concerts here on Sunday afternoons for more than 100 years.
After a day of getting those steps in with some shopping, reward yourself with a comforting bowl of carbs. At La Frasca Cibi & Vini, chefs serve a huge variety of pasta and fresh Atlantic seafood.
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