Best Things To Do in Halifax

Halifax is a port city in Canada, located in the province of Nova Scotia. Here, time seems to have been frozen in Victorian times, especially in places like the Citadel, where you can experience Scottish traditions and discover military history.

Among its fortresses, a trip of disconnection awaits you with a host of plans such as a ride on a historic sailing ship, a trip on an amphibious vehicle or a Segway through the picturesque streets. Many people overlook this gem because they don't know what it has to offer. It's a shame, because Halifax has a close connection to the Titanic, so are you eager to get to know it? Here's a list of the city's must-sees.

The first thing you should do is visit the Halifax Citadel, also known as the Citadel National Historic Site. It's a must-see historic enclave for its role in Canadian history. It's located on Georges Island and as soon as you walk through its walls you'll be entering the era when the British founded the city.

In addition, its peculiar star shape does not go unnoticed and its military history can be seen in every corner. That's why it has Fort George and other forts protecting the seaport. Many people miss the best part, as they don't know that there are interactive activities here:

• Experience a distilling and tasting experience of Halifax's top aged spirits.
• Enjoy the Changing of the Guard every day from May to November. It's a ceremonial parade with Scottish costumes and music.
• Enjoy the firing of the cannon at noon, a Scottish tradition with more than 200 years of history.
• Visit the Citadel's historical exhibition, which is divided into several sections covering different eras of the city.
• Go on a ghost hunt and see the Citadel by night.
• Become a soldier for a day and wear your own kilt, learn the traditional parade march, fire your rifle or play the drum.
• Experience a Victorian Christmas with music, dancing and the merriment of Father Christmas.

If you don't want to worry about the logistics you could book a guided tour of Halifax, as these types of experiences usually include transfers and visiting the main attractions. Here are some of the other usual stops on this type of tour.

Pier 21

At Pier 21, also known as the Canadian Immigration Museum, you can discover the history of millions of immigrants who came to Canada between 1928 and 1971. At that time travel had not evolved that much and it was a complete journey.

Can you imagine? It has interactive exhibits such as a ship's cabin simulator, which allows you to experience the journey from start to finish. Among its corridors there are testimonies and personal objects of the travellers, as the challenge did not end when they set foot on Canadian soil; they had to manoeuvre through immigration controls in order to be able to stay in the country.

Alexander Keith Brewery

Welcome to one of Halifax's most popular breweries! The Alexander Keith Brewery is an old coastal gem, having been established in 1820. A lively atmosphere awaits you in this brewery with Scots who carry on the traditions of their creator. You'll see people dancing, singing and enjoying entertaining shows that will make your visit really special.

Overall, it's a great pillar of local beer and you can join a guided tour in period costume. You'll have a great time and learn about the history of the brewery, as well as sampling the delicious India Pale Ale.

Dartmouth

The advantage of joining a guided tour is the chance to see the nearby villages. Dartmouth is a picturesque place famous for its markets and legends linked to Celtic and Saxon settlements. It was also a haven for pirates and privateers and if I were you, I wouldn't miss a historic walk through its narrow streets.

Fisherman's Cove

When you think of Halifax, many people get an image of colourful houses, but the reality is that you're in Fisherman's Cove. It's a fishing village with over 200 years of history just twenty minutes away. It's famous for its boardwalk, coastal paths and seafood restaurants that get five stars from those lucky enough to visit.

Halifax is an ideal city for relaxation, with plenty of things to do to unwind. Among them, there's nothing better than booking a sailboat tour in Halifax to get to know another side of Nova Scotia. There are a number of themed cruises that cover the history of the Titanic and anecdotes from the wars. However, the most popular allows you to board the Tall Ship Silva, a historic ship that sailed Scandinavian waters.

This experience usually lasts two hours and allows you to learn about the history of the ship as you cruise along the Halifax coastline. You can purchase drinks on board to sit back and enjoy the views of the seaport, Harbor Bridge and Point Pleasant Forest Park.

Along the way you can interact with the crew, tie knots, hoist the sails or take the helm for a few seconds.

Walking around Halifax, it's impossible not to notice the big pink bus that runs through the streets. It's a convenient way to explore the city at your own pace, with 10 free stops so you can hop on and off at your leisure.

You can choose to ride in the lower deck and enjoy the air-conditioned comfort or take advantage of the open-top deck and enjoy the panoramic views. In both cases you will be met by a tour guide who will share fascinating stories about each monument and you can hop on and off as often as you like.

Please note that the usual frequency of buses is between 20 and 45 minutes, although they can take a little longer in high season. Alternatively there is the Pedal Bus which is a kind of tuk tuk with a bar on board and the Halifax Beer Bus which combines a tour of the city with stops at local breweries.

If you decide to buy tickets for the Halifax Sightseeing Bus you will have 24 hours to enjoy this attraction with complete freedom and flexibility. Here are a few stops you can take advantage of.

Historic Downtown

Of course, Halifax's Historic Downtown is worth a visit. It is home to 18th century monuments and laneways such as St George's Round Church and the Town Hall. The area also connects to the seaport in a matter of minutes, a testament to the friendliness of the city. During your stroll you may come across the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canada's oldest and largest maritime museum.

Halifax Cathedral and Gallery

St Mary's Cathedral Basilica is one of Canada' s oldest churches and is well worth a look for its neo-Gothic architecture. It's a window into the 19th century with its high ceilings and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes.

Of course, in such a picturesque city you're bound to find art spaces. Another stop of interest is the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which offers an extensive collection of historical and artistic pieces. If you're lucky, your visit may coincide with their special activities which include evening tours, realism exhibitions and painting workshops.

There are endless options for experiencing Nova Scotia and among my favourites is the Harbour Hopper, an attraction that combines a land and water tour. To begin your journey you'll conquer the main streets that are a window into its history, monuments and architecture.

Of course, there's no shortage of on-board commentary, allowing you to immerse yourself in every detail of the city. Later, the amphibian will transform into an open-top boat and you'll be ready to admire the coastline as you pass by other sailing boats.

I suggest buying tickets for the Harbour Hopper in Halifax in advance to save time at the ticket office.

From Halifax it's easy to get to other spectacular spots like Peggy's Cove, a fishing village forty-five minutes away. You can't be so close to one of Canada's most popular tourist spots and miss the opportunity to visit.

When you arrive, the first thing you'll see is the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, which stands on huge granite boulders where the sea gently laps against them. It's a popular photo op, so don't forget to pose next to this landmark. Don't miss the colourful houses on the waterfront and the markets offering local produce.

Some people often visit the memorial to the victims of Swissair Flight 111, which crashed in the town and there were no survivors.

The easiest way to get there is to book a tour to Peggy's Cove from Halifax. This way, you won't have to worry about the logistics and you can relax while enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean- but don't worry! These experiences usually offer free time for you to explore the town at your own pace.

Halifax has a close connection with the history of the Titanic, as it was one of the closest ports and the arrival point for the rescue ships.

Hence Fairview Lawn Cemetery became the final resting place of around 120 victims. The story is quite tragic because most of them were not identified, so you will see graves with names and others that only indicate the date and a number.

You are free to visit, but remember to maintain an attitude of respect. In general, the island has Titanic stories everywhere and there are trails that allow you to learn about the rescue. There are dark tales such as the skating rink that became a morgue, where bodies were piled up while they tried to identify them. There's also the funeral parlour that now functions as a restaurant.

To enjoy the city outdoors, there's nothing better than a trip to Halifax Public Gardens, the famous public gardens. They're a remnant of the Victorian era and I think they're a great place to enjoy the city like a local.

They often have outdoor concerts, flower displays, fiddle shows and guided tours from June to October that focus on the horticulture and history of the gardens. Keep in mind that most activities are seasonal and may vary.

If you're a sports fan, a visit to the Scotiabank Centre is a must. It's located in the heart of downtown and is home to the Halifax Mooseheads, the local hockey team. Here you can discover the passion for the ice and why this sport is so important in Canada.

Of course, you can't miss a game and the opportunity to experience one of Canada's traditions. In addition, the Halifax Sports Hall of Fame awaits with interactive exhibits, home team collections and even simulators for you to experience the sport firsthand.

If you'd like to continue enjoying the atypical beauty of Halifax, you can head to a local favourite: Rainbow Haven in Cow Bay. This beach will surprise you as it's considered a little Nova Scotia hideaway, perfect for getting away from the touristy areas. It's also popular for the variety of activities for the whole family, including:

• Swimming, lifeguards are available from July to August, the rest of the year it is advisable to stay close to the shore.
• Surfing and kayaking
• Beachcombing, on the beach you can hire guided tours to discover hidden spots.
• Beach volleyball.

The beach can be visited all year round, but it is more recommendable from May to October, when bathing facilities and money exchange facilities are available. The most convenient way to get there is to take a taxi or hire a car, as it's a 30-minute drive from Halifax. You can also take the Halifax Transit bus to Cow Bay and walk to the beach or hire a taxi for a more affordable price.

Halifax is a fusion of Canadian cuisine and Scottish traditions, so you'll find a wide range of dishes on offer. Most restaurants offer seafood such as fresh seafood, mussels and the famous lobster hot dogs.

Craft beer is the best companion for sitting by the sea and enjoying the view. Donairs, a version of the Turkish kebab that originated in Nova Scotia, are a common sight. It's made with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, sweet garlic sauce and meat.

Donair pizza is another star of Halifax cuisine and is notable for its mix of pronounced flavours. It's usually made with lamb, beef, cheese, sweet sauce, vinegar-based sauce and spices.

Of course, dessert should never be lacking and in Nova Scotia there are a variety to choose from, the most popular being:

• Beavertail, a dessert that originated in Quebec and has taken Halifax by storm. It is a fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon, sugar or chocolate. It is said that the real beaver tail must be shaped like a beaver, otherwise it does not live up to the Canadian recipe.
• Butter Cake, enjoy the crispy crust and sugary butter filling that melts easily in your mouth. The highlight of this dessert is the delicious maple syrup.

• Dress appropriately: Halifax's weather is quite changeable, so it's important to bring seasonal clothing and a few layers in case of a last-minute change.
• Opening hours: If you're visiting in the off-season, be aware that Halifax tends to be a very quiet city, so some sights and shops close early.
• Sightseeing: Halifax is easily accessible by public transport. However, to visit places like the Citadel or Peggy's Cove, it's best to look for experiences that make transfers easier.