Chances are, you know Halifax. You might know it from a lifetime of weekend visits, short trips to see friends or family, or maybe you've lived here for years - but how long has it been since you slowed down, and really took a close look at this place?
See the city through fresh eyes with this weekend itinerary created to help you rediscover Halifax - no matter how many times you’ve seen it before.
The Plan
DAY 1: Downtown Culture Crawl
- Visit - or revisit - Halifax’s signature museums
- See the city from a new perspective with a harbour cruise
DAY 2: Find True North
- Wander the North End and soak in the history and culture - plus some tasty North End flavours
- No visit to Halifax is complete without an evening on the waterfront
DAY 3: Wrap it up with the Highlights
- Complete your weekend of rediscovery with lunch on the waterfront and a visit to Peggy’s Cove
Day 1: Downtown Culture Crawl
Visit - or revisit - Halifax’s signature museums
Kick your long weekend off with a museum crawl through downtown Halifax, starting with the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. You'll learn how immigration has shaped Canada - you may even find your own family's immigration story on record!
Snack and stroll along the waterfront to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, to learn about all the ways this city that has been connected with the sea.
When it's time to refuel
Raise a pint at the bar or soak up the sun on the patio: Durty Nelly's has the perfect spot for you no matter your mood.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk up Citadel Hill to see the commanding views of the Halifax harbour. Then step back in time by touring the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to learn what life was like for the soldiers and their families who lived and worked in this historic fort, protecting the Halifax Harbour from 1749 to 1906.
See the city you know from a new perspective
End the day aboard the Harbour Queen on a cruise that encompasses the entire peninsula of Halifax from the water, sight-seeing through the harbour and along the waterfront into the Northwest Arm. Watch the world slip by in the lounge, or raise a glass at the rail as the westering sun sparkles on the waves.
Here’s to the start of a wonderful weekend.
Day 2: Find True North
Wander Halifax's vibrant North End, and soak in the history and culture - plus some tasty North End flavours.
Explore Agricola Street and the surrounding area. Wander streets the buzzing streets lined with cafes, bars, boutiques, and micro breweries; grocery shops and restaurants, each contributing in its own unique way to building a welcoming and thriving Halifax community.
Make your way North to the historic Hydrostone Market to browse and window shop, then loop through Fort Needham Memorial Park, just across the street, and explore the history of the Halifax Explosion of 1917.
Day 3: Wrap it up with the Highlights
Lunch on the boardwalk
It’s almost criminal to visit Halifax without a rendezvous with The Bicycle Thief. This waterfront restaurant features “North American food with an Italian soul, and legendary cooking that will steal your heart" - not to mention some of the best people-watching in the city, thanks to plenty of boardwalk seating!
Finish your weekend with a trip to Peggy's Cove
When was the last time you went to visit this Halifax essential? This is the summer to see it again.
You can take the scenic drive yourself, but for the real tourist experience, book a tour with Anchor Tours, sit back, and watch the scenery. Waves, rocks, a lighthouse. It’s that simple.
Where to stay
Check in at the Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Halifax, a minute's walk from the waterfront.
Pack and Prep
- Download a self-guided walking tour app
- Or pick up a printed map from the Visitor Information Center on the waterfront
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must
