It’s almost time for everyone’s favourite season: summer! It’s when Halifax comes alive with exciting outdoor events, the beaches are at their best, and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.
To get you as excited for summer as we are, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the things to do in and around Halifax that we’re most excited for. So grab your shades and your sense of adventure and see how many items you can cross off your summer bucket list!
1 – Hit up a beer garden (or two… or three!)
On a sunny day, it’s a safe bet that you can find our patios packed. Locals love going to Halifax’s beer gardens for a relaxed outdoor vibe and sunny space to try some of Nova Scotia’s local brews.
Bonus: Plenty of local beer gardens are dog friendly!
A couple suggestions:
– Stillwell Beer Garden – 5688 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax
– Stubborn Goat Beer Garden – 1597 Lower Water St., Halifax
Also check out: 7 Craft Breweries in Halifax That Will Cure What Ales You
2 – Enjoy a lobster feast!
An East Coast summer wouldn’t be complete without a lobster dinner! Luckily, there are plenty of places to chow down.
Head to The Shore Club for an old-fashioned lobster dinner in one of Nova Scotia’s last remaining dance halls, or to The Sou’Wester to dine with a view of Peggy’s Cove, or Murphy’s On the Water for dinner on the pier in the center of Halifax.
3 – Plan a shopping trip to Halifax
Summer is the perfect time to plan a shopping trip to Halifax, not only because of the great selection of stores – especially stores you can’t find anywhere else in Atlantic Canada like IKEA, H&M, Zara, The Apple Store and many more – but because of the AMAZING deals.
Discover Halifax has teamed up with major shopping centres Dartmouth Crossing, Halifax Shopping Centre and Mic Mac Mall to create over 50 deals and discounts JUST for out-of-town shoppers!
Just fill out the form with your non-HRM postal code to access the downloadable/printable offer booklet! More details here.
4 – Hit the beach!
With so many beaches just a short drive away, a beach day is a definite must on any summer bucket list.
Some of our favourite beaches that are less than an hour away are Cleveland Beach, Conrad’s Beach, Rainbow Haven, and Queensland.
5 – Get jazzy on the Halifax Waterfront
TD Halifax Jazz Fest is one of the most talked about events of the year, let alone the summer! This year’s Halifax Jazz Festival runs from July 10–15 and the lineup includes artists like Chaka Khan, Daniel Caesar, Whitehorse, Matt Andersen and SO many more.
Get your tickets at www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca/tickets or head down to the Halifax Waterfront for one of the free daytime shows!
6 – Hang ten in Halifornia
Not only is Lawrencetown a Provincial Park and beautiful beach just a short 30-minute drive from Halifax, it is Nova Scotia’s surfing Mecca!
Plus, if you’re just starting out you’re in luck, because Halifax is the PERFECT place to learn to surf.
Discover 5 Reasons to Surf in Halifax
7 – Take the harbour ferry to Dartmouth
Discover Halifax beyond the downtown core! Take a ferry ride to Dartmouth and discover the coolest shops, restaurants and things to do in Downtown Dartmouth.
8 – Embark on an island adventure
During your waterfront walk, you’re likely to see an island just offshore. Did you know that you can visit it?
Taking a boat ride to explore McNab’s Island is a wonderfully unique way to spend a summer’s day! There are also plenty of tour operators who will take you out to McNab’s island by kayak!
Want more island adventures? Discover 7 Islands In and Around Halifax That You NEED to Visit
9 – Wander the Waterfront
The Halifax’s Waterfront boardwalk is quintessential Halifax – an absolute must for anyone visiting the city.
Visit the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market for a bite to eat, see the wave, board a ship, or join the thousands of people who participate in events on the Halifax Waterfront each year, like the Route Halifax Saint-Pierre Ocean Race, Halifax International Busker Festival, RibFest, Afrifest, and more!
10 – Tour Nova Scotian Vineyards
It’s an exciting time for Nova Scotia wine. The province’s Annapolis Valley is making some award-winning bottles of wine and their vineyards are producing more than grapes! Tour some of the province’s most beautiful wineries, sample some local varietals, and see the beautiful Annapolis Valley during its peak season on a wine tour!
Grape Escapes departs Halifax daily on a variety of tours, from afternoon adventures, to wine lunches. Cheers!
11 – Hike the Halifax trails
Locals know that summer is the season to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in Nova Scotia.
If you need a little inspiration we’ve got your back with our Top 5 Hikes In The Halifax Region – Part 1, and Top 5 Hikes in the Halifax Region – Part 2.
Discover more outdoor adventure in Halifax
Photo: @hannah_gillett /Instagram
12 – Sample some cider
Ready for a break from beer? Or simply looking for a refreshing summer sipper?
Find your new fave at the East Coast Cider Festival on June 16, or check out local favourite, Chain Yard Cider for delicious craft ciders made from 100% Nova Scotian apples!
Photo: @savannahbritt /Instagram
13 – Explore Nova Scotia’s 100 Wild Islands
Explore the stunning 100 Wild Islands along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore Region!
Photo: 100 Wild Islands | Tourism Nova Scotia
14 – Kayak the ocean waves
See Halifax from a brand-new point of view by kayaking through Halifax Harbour! Take a guided tour, or simply head out and explore – it’s up to you and the waves!
Check out: 9 BEST Routes for Canoeing and Kayaking in Halifax! & Long Weekend Kayak Itinerary
Stay in touch! Whether you’re still planning your trip or you’re already here, check us out on social media for travel ideas, adventure inspiration, and an inside look at all things Halifax.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and use #DiscoverHalifax to share your photos and videos with us.
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