The seafaring history of Halifax is incredible, leaving in its wake countless things to see and do. As one of the largest harbors in the world, the Halifax Harbour is the heart of its city. Additionally, Halifax is a gateway to Nova Scotia, with its long coastline and 170 lighthouses. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I stopped here numerous times and discovered these Halifax Canada travel highlights. So, read on to learn what to see and do in charming Halifax.
About Halifax
The harbor of Halifax is behind much of its rich history. Pier 21 is considered the “Ellis Island” of Canada. After WW II more than 187,000 Europeans fled to Halifax for destinations across Canada. Also, during both world wars, convoys of merchant ships and naval escorts assembled in the harbor for European destinations. The shipping magnate, Samuel Cunard ran his shipping empire out of Halifax Harbor. In addition, he became the pioneer for ocean steam navigation.
Because of its strategic position, Halifax was one of the most heavily defended ports in North America. The Halifax Citadel was the headquarters to numerous coastal defenses. Five of them are now national historic sites. Another monumental event was the Halifax explosion on December 6, 1917. As the largest manmade explosion, except the atomic bomb, it killed more than 1600 people. The cause was from 2 ships with tons of explosives that collided. Also, Halifax was the closest port to the Titanic tragedy. Halifax crew retrieved dead bodies from the waters, bringing them back to Halifax. The Fairview Cemetery in Halifax is the final resting place for 121 victims from the Titanic, more than any other cemetery in the world.
Halifax Canada Travel Highlights
20 Top Things to Do
When exploring Halifax, it’s easy to wander among the sections of the city. Therefore, I divided my top 20 things to do in 4 areas: Boardwalk/Waterfront, Ferries and Harbour Tours, Downtown Halifax and Bus/Daytrips.
Boardwalk/Waterfront
Canada Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Pier21 is considered the “Ellis Island” of Canada and the museum here brings this to life. The permanent exhibitions include both The Canadian Immigration Story and The Pier 21 Story. They take you back in time to be able to imagine what it was like to be an immigrant. Even more, they bring to life the contributions that the immigrants brought to Canada. Additionally, there are numerous interactive and special exhibits.
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
This 4 km (2.4 m) boardwalk is the heart of Halifax and filled with things to see and do. You could literally spend all day here. There are numerous restaurants, sculpture exhibits, stores, the Maritime Museum, Visitor Centre and even a hammock or Adirondack chair to relax. Also, you can step onto the famous boat museums of the CSS Acadia and H.M.C.S. Sackville Naval Memorial.
On the Waterfront Boardwalk or Lower Water Street, there’s Maps & More, The Travel Store for books, maps and information on travel.
Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market
East of Pier 21 is the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market. It is the oldest continuously running farmer’s market in North America, established in 1750 with over 250 vendors. It is located at Pavilion 23 and is open Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm and Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
On the waterfront near the Visitor Centre, the Maritime Museum is the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada. There are numerous exhibits, such as, Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax, Halifax Explosion, Hebridee II and Recent Projects. Also, there are collections, such as, notable artifacts, Pirates and Marila. Furthermore, the museum does research to develop more exhibits and document artifacts. It has a reference library related to the marine history.
Historic Properties – Halifax Canada Travel Highlights
On the west end of the Harbor Waterfront Boardwalk are the Historic Properties. These restored 18th century warehouses are filled with restaurants, pubs and specialty shops. Aka the Privateers’ Wharf, these historic buildings helped Halifax become prosperous by helping trade and commerce. However, they were also used for smuggling and privateering. Folk singer Stan Rogers made the wharf famous in his songs “Bluenose” and “Barrett’s Privateers.”
Brewery Hopping
Halifax is home to numerous breweries. On the waterfront there are 3 popular sites to taste and stroll for a beer tasting adventure. Garrison Brewing Company across from Pier 21 was founded in 1749 and has an interesting history to go along with its craft beers. Outdoor seating near the pier makes for a lively place to socialize and imbibe. Here, I enjoyed my sampler tray of 5 craft beers al fresco style. Great way to end a day!
Further north on the boardwalk, Alexander Keith is another historic landmark for more than 200 years. In the Historic Properties area of the boardwalk is the Gahan House. It has a restaurant with home brews, such as, Honey Wheat or Blueberry Ale, IPA’s and Oatmeal Stout.
Ferries & Harbor Tours
Take Ferry to Dartmouth
From Halifax waterfront there is a ferry that goes across the harbor to Dartmouth. It is the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. This is a great way to get perspective of the harbor from both sides. Even more, Dartmouth has been named one of Canada’s hippest neighborhoods. There are unique shops, cafes, wonderful parks and more.
Harbor Tour
Halifax Harbour is the heart and soul of this community, so exploring the harbor is a must. There are numerous ways to take a harbor tour. The popular Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour is a Duck Boat that goes on land and sea. Overall, there are many ways to see the harbor, such as, Dinner Cruise, Sunset Tour, Sailing Cruise or even a Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise.
McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park
This park is located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour. Ferry boats take visitors here to enjoy history, bird watching and hiking. Also, McNab Island has 400 acres of woodland area along with Fort McNab, a national historic site. However, Lawlor Island isn’t open to the public.
Downtown Halifax Canada Travel Highlights
Ghost of St. Paul Church – Man in the Window
The story goes that the heat and light from the Halifax explosion in 1917 etched the profile of a deacon was into a window on the second floor. I found the dark silhouette on Argyle Street. It was eerie, but fun to observe this mystery.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
This star fort is the fortified top of Citadel Hill. With fantastic views of the harbour and downtown Halifax, this is a wonderful place to take you back in time. The citadel is open 9 am to 5 pm with an entrance fee. On the east slope of Citadel Hill is the iconic Town Clock. This is a famous symbol of Halifax that has been keeping time since 1803.
Province House
This 3-story Palladian building is the legislative home of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly since 1758. It offers free tours inside the building, including being able to watch proceedings and visit the Legislative Library.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
As the largest art museum in Canada, it has a permanent collection with more than 19,000 works. One of the most popular exhibits is the Maud Lewis Gallery. She is one of Canada’s most famous folk artists with a movie, “Maudie” made about her life and art. She created a prolific array of folk art in spite of being born with birth defects and having Rheumatoid Arthritis. The gallery exhibits her story, art and even her painted home.
Argyle Street
This lively street is about 4 blocks along pedestrian zones. It’s a popular venue for live music, theatre, nightlife and outdoor dining.
Halifax Public Gardens
The 16-acre Victorian Gardens became established in 1867. It’s near the popular shopping district on Spring Garden Road. Admission is free and the gardens are open daily from 7 am to one hour before sunset. This is literally one of my favorite botanical gardens that I’ve ever seen. It has a bandstand in the heart of the variety of gardens with statues, fountains and bridges. This is the perfect place for a picnic or timeout to relax. Also, don’t miss the vibrant Dahlia Garden in the late summer.
Point Pleasant Park
On the south end of the Halifax peninsula is this 75-hectare wooded park. It also has several artillery batteries and the Prince of Wales Tower, the oldest Martello tower in North America. The Point Pleasant Park Loop is an easy 2.1 miles that is popular for biking, running and walking.
Titanic Grave Site and Peggy’s Cove
Fairview Lawn Cemetery (Titanic Grave Site)
I took the Bus 29 (free on Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm) for a 20-minute ride to the cemetery. There are about 3 rows of very similar block headstones, including Jack Dawson, immortalized by Leo DiCaprio in the movie, “Titanic.” Interspersed are more elaborate headstones, for example a 2-year-old, later identified as Sidney Leslie Goodwin. Overall, it’s eerie to be there and see all those tombstones with the same date of death. However, it felt good to pay my respects.
Peggy’s Cove Day Trip
Peggy’s Cove is a small town on the eastern shores of St. Margaret Bay with the picturesque Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. The driving distance from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove is about 44 km or 27 miles. The economy mainly depends on tourism and fishing. The red and white lighthouse sits on stunning granite boulders looking out to the majestic Atlantic Ocean. It is the most well-known lighthouse in Nova Scotia and most likely the most photographed in Canada.
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