Things to Do in Halifax in Spring

The Halifax Public Gardens showcase Victorian-era heritage in a modern setting. In early spring, birds begin to chirp and the first flowers start to bloom in this historic downtown garden.

Grab a coffee and pastry from Bliss Caffeine Bar, and take a peaceful walk through the gardens. See the carpet, geometric, and tropical display beds along the way, and finish by spotting the 3D-printed model of the Titanic in Griffin’s Pond.

Keep an eye out for Mallard ducklings throughout the season, or the year-round White-breasted Nuthatch. The best way to see and learn about birds is to join a free guided bird tour, which begins in the third week of May at the Halifax Public Gardens.

With the weather warming up from freezing temperatures and two stunning beaches to choose from, spring is a great time to surf in Halifax for those who have been waiting out the winter cold. Take a lesson with East Coast Surf School or Kannon Beach Wind & Surf at Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park, or Halifax Surf School at Martinique Beach Provincial Park.

Grab a coffee or sandwich at Lawrencetown Beach Cafe after surfing Lawrencetown. If you’re heading back from Martinique Beach, stop at Uprooted Market & Cafe or Martinique Desserterie & Delicatessen for a pastry. For a scenic drive home from Martinique, drive through West Chezzetcook, stop by Bentley’s Burgers & Fries (cash only) for a smash burger, and grab a coffee from Rose & Rooster.

Check out this blog for more information on surfing in Halifax, including where and when to surf, lessons, rentals, and more.

Watch groups of chickadees and squirrels as they roam through Point Pleasant Park. With 39 kilometres of walking trails in Halifax’s largest urban park, stroll past historic landmarks like the Prince of Wales Martello Tower, or sit on a bench overlooking Halifax Harbour.

For visitors looking to explore the site in more detail, the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society’s brochure about the park includes a map showing the locations of historic landmarks and other key sites throughout the park.

Spring is the time when many cyclists get back out on the roads and trails around Halifax. Join them by renting a bike from I Heart Bikes to pedal along the Halifax Waterfront, or pick up a mountain bike from Cyclesmith to explore McIntosh Run Community Trail. You can discover the St. Margaret’s Bay Trail with Train Station Bike & Bean (and grab a coffee and panini while there) or with a bike or e-bike from Scotia Cycle.

For first-time visitors and those returning to Halifax looking to learn more about the region, many guided tours resume their season in the spring.

Take a sea kayak tour of Lower Prospect with East Coast Outfitters and explore bays, inlets, islands, and shorelines such as Cub Basin, Rogues Roost, and the Terence Bay Wilderness Area. For a fun cruise on Halifax Harbour, hop on City Harbour Cruises’ retro music cruise and explore the harbour while listening to hits from the 80s and 90s aboard a private chartered Grand Entertainer pontoon boat.

Join a food tour with Curated to sample the best of Quinpool Road or Spring Garden Road, or take a bison tour at Lindsay Lake Farms and experience spring in rural Nova Scotia.

Some of Halifax’s key annual events take place in spring, including the Halifax ComedyFest and the Blue Nose Marathon, where participants can run a 5k, 10k, half or full marathon.

For sports action, witness the Halifax Tides and Halifax Wanderers kick off their soccer seasons at the Wanderers Grounds, or catch the end of the Thunderbirds’ lacrosse season at Scotiabank Centre as they push for the National Lacrosse League playoffs.