Things to See and Do

When you enter, walk across the upper and lower bridges and take in the sights. The Gardens—a designated national historic site—maintain their Victorian-era heritage in a modern setting and feature common elements like carpet beds, geometric beds, and tropical display beds.  

As you meander through the paths, keep an eye out for the numerous plaques and dedications that commemorate historic Halifax figures. 

Continuing through the Garden, take a break, sit down, soak in the surroundings, and people-watch from the comfort of a bench. Locals know the best ones are shaded by the Garden’s tall trees and situated along the banks of Griffin’s Pond.  

Check out the Bandstand, located in the heart of the Gardens. You might catch live entertainment from one of the numerous concerts and musical performances that take place throughout the year. Head to the Horticultural Hall, the oldest part of the Gardens (along with the four elm trees at each of its four corners) for a tea, coffee, or ice cream at the seasonal Uncommon Grounds.  

Planning Your Visit

How to get there

• The Public Gardens are located on Spring Garden Road in the heart of Downtown Halifax. They are accessible by foot from downtown and are serviced by numerous transit routes. There is no on-site parking, but there is ample paid street parking along the bordering streets: Sackville, Summer, South Park, and Spring Garden Road. 

What to keep in mind

• The Gardens are open year-round and are free to access. The gates open at 8 am and close 30 minutes before dusk. 
• Do not walk on the grass, except in the Family Lawn area located near the southeast gate.  
• Do not feed the ducks. Feeding the ducks can interfere with migratory patterns. 
• Pets are not permitted. 
• Bicycles and scooters are prohibited. 
• Jogging is prohibited. 

What to bring

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.  
• You might consider packing a picnic or grabbing a light lunch to enjoy on a bench or in the designated Family Lawn area facing Summer Street. 

Experiences and tours

• The Friends of the Public Gardens Society offers free one-hour horticultural and historical tours of the Public Gardens daily at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm from June through October. Special tours can be arranged by reservation. Tour guides are conversational in several languages. 
• Early risers can take part in the Bird Tour every Wednesday morning from the first week of June to the first week of October. Meet at the Summer Street entrance to Camp Hill Cemetery at 7:30 am. 
• Throughout the year, numerous free concerts and events take place in the Gardens. Check the event schedule for details.   
• Mark your calendar for early September for Dahlia Day, an annual celebration of the Garden’s impressive Dahlia collection. 

Insider Tips

Take a moment to spot a 3D-printed model of the Titanic in the middle of Griffin’s Pond. 

History buffs can also head across Summer Street to the adjacent Camp Hill Cemetery, where notable local figures such as Viola Desmond, Joseph Howe, Robert Stanfield, Hugh MacLennan, and Alexander Keith are laid to rest.