Discover two waterfronts in a single weekend in Halifax on this double-waterfront weekend itinerary.
Start with the 4.4 KM boardwalk in Downtown Halifax, followed by the Dartmouth Harbourwalk, with amazing murals on one side, and skyline views of Halifax on the other. Finish it all off with a sunset sea kayak tour, and by the end of the weekend you'll know these shores like the back of your hand!
The Plan:
DAY 1
- Catch the sunrise at Point Pleasant Park to kick off your waterfront adventure
- Walk one of the world's longest continuous waterfront boardwalks from end to end
- Enjoy lunch-time snack at the Salt Yard and supper on Stone's Throw's waterfront patio.
DAY 2
- Take the Ferry to Dartmouth and walk the Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail
- Take a sunset kayak tour to experience the harbour under the light of the setting sun
- Finish the day on the waterfront patio at Pickford & Black
Day 1
Start your walk by catching the sunrise at Point Pleasant Park
Due to its position overlooking the mouth of the Halifax Harbour, the popular Point Pleasant Park was once the site of a small fortification protecting the city – this also makes it an ideal spot to take in a sunrise on the water!
When you're finished enjoying the sunrise views, head north toward the Seaport District.
Bonus: If you're heading through on a weekend, stop in at the Seaport Farmers' Market along the way to pick up some local goods before continuing your waterfront crawl!
Walk the Waterfront
At just over four kilometres, the Harbourwalk is one of the world’s longest continuous boardwalks.
With unobstructed waterfront views, non-stop port activity, and plenty of opportunities to stop and take it all in on a bench or hammock, or slip into a café or museum, you could spend days on the Halifax Waterfront and still leave wanting more.
Grab a picnic-style lunch at Salt Yard
After a morning of salty fresh air, you're going to be hungry. Head to Salt Yard for your pick of food vendors offering snacks and meals to-go.
Do it for the 'Gram
There is no shortage of entertainment and Instagrammable photo-ops along the Halifax waterfront, with plenty of murals, statues, fountains, and more public art along the way.
Here are some of our faves (check out the Downtown Halifax Art Tour for more!):
'Fountain' and 'Get Drunk, Fall Down' (aka the 'Drunken Lamposts')
Designed by Chris Hanson and Hendrika Sonnenberg, the cheeky sculpture at the Helipad near Bishop’s Landing features one wayward lamppost slumped across the pier, while his upright friend looks on in concern.
The Wave
This iconic blue wave sculpture, designed by artist Donna Hiebert is one of the most photographed attractions on the Halifax waterfront.
Mural Wall
Check out the murals along the Harbourwalk, behind the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Guest artists regularly refresh these murals with new designs, so even if you've walked by before, chances are you'll find something new!
Hammocks
These popular orange hammocks along the Salter boardwalk are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the harbour breezes. Also great for selfies!
Keep an eye out for MANY more landmarks along the way!
Finish the day with a patio meal at Stone's Throw Patio
Located directly on the Halifax Boardwalk, Stone's Throw Patio offers views of Historic Properties, the Halifax Harbour and the Harbour Ferries crossing to Dartmouth. Relax on the patio as you enjoy their tasty summer menu - and if you're thirsty they have $5 draught beer all day!
Where to Stay
Stay at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel for a convenient home-base right on the waterfront (also home to Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pourhouse as well as Stone's Throw Patio).
Day 2
Head downstairs for breakfast
Grab breakfast at the Marriott Harbourfront's in-house restaurant, the Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour House, before heading across the harbour to explore the Dartmouth Waterfront.
Cross over to discover Dartmouth
Take the ferry across to Dartmouth for a walk along the Dartmouth Harbourwalk. You'll be treated to jaw-dropping murals on one side, and skyline views of Downtown Halifax on the other!
The Wooden Monkey is a great option for lunch as it's located right above the Alderney Landing ferry terminal - not to mention the stunning harbour views!
To get back to Halifax, you can take the ferry from Alderney Landing.
Bonus: If you'd like to be adventurous and are up for a roughly one-hour stroll, you could walk the McDonald Bridge back to Halifax!
Catch the sunset from the water
Book a Sea Kayak Sunset Tour with The Harbour Watercraft Tours & Adventures and experience the beauty and bustle of the Halifax Harbour from the water!
This relaxing, guided paddle will take you along the Halifax Waterfront, under the MacDonald bridge, and around the Georges Island on some of the calmest, mirror-like waters - just in time to capture some breathtaking “golden hour” photos!
Finish your day with dinner on the waterfront
Now that you know the city's waterfronts inside and out, head back to one of the many restaurants or pubs that may have caught your eye throughout your weekend adventures. Spend a relaxing evening enjoying bites, brews, and each other!
We recommend Pickford & Black for their cool location right on the water, their fresh summer menu, and the reasonably-priced Harbour Hour (their version of Happy Hour)!
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!
- Be sure to wear appropriate attire for your sunset sea kayak adventures.
