You may think you know Halifax inside and out, but there are always new places to explore and local treasures to uncover. We've created a list of nine hidden gems - one in each of our nine regions - to help you discover a different side of a place you thought you knew.
Discover the hidden gems and local secrets of the Halifax region.
1. Oliver's Gastropub: Fall River's cozy hidden pub
AIRPORT AREA | 3009 NS Trunk 2, Fall River
A cozy, Irish-style pub located within the Inn On The Lake. You’ll find a warm fireplace, delicious eats, and good cheer.
photo: Oliver's Gastropub
2. Admiral Cove Park: The Bedford lookoff hidden in plain sight
BEDFORD-SACKVILLE | 1289 Shore Dr, Bedford
One of Halifax’s true gems, this park offers some of the best lookoff views in the city.
photo: Halifax Trails
3. Lemon Dogs Burgers & Lemonade*: Lockside lemonade and vegan burgers in Shubie Park
DARTMOUTH-COLE HARBOUR | 54 Locks Rd, Dartmouth
Lemonade stand-turned-meatless burger joint where everything is vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Located at the lockside canteen in Shubie Park.
*seasonal
Photo: Lemon Dogs Lemonade
4. The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar Patio*: The hidden courtyard in the centre of downtown Halifax
DOWNTOWN HALIFAX | 1662 Barrington St, Halifax
Discover the hidden courtyard patio nestled between the buildings at the centre of downtown Halifax.
*seasonal
Photo: The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
5. The Henley House Pub & Restaurant*: The historic oceanside pub on the Eastern Shore
EASTERN SHORE | 22478 Hwy #7, Sheet Harbour
Built by Roy and Loretta Henley in 1916, the Henley House was known as the “East Inn” for many years. This was where Loretta, who was well known for her cooking, served many sea captains who would walk up over the hill from the dock.
Since then the house has been renovated to become The Henley House Pub and Restaurant who's halls are lined with family photos of the Henleys and artifacts from the original “R.B’s General Store” and “The East Inn”.
*seasonal
Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia
6. Mastodon Trail: Hike to the site where prehistoric mastodon remains were discovered
MUSQUODOBOIT VALLEY | 9 Milford Rd, Carrolls Corner
Hidden behind the Carrolls Corner Community Centre, this trail winds through mature forests and open fields, and ends at a lookoff over one of the largest open-pit gypsum mines in the world, where 80,000-year-old mastodon remains were discovered in 1991.
Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia
7. Alteregoes Café & Catering and Halifax Backpackers Hostel: A micro-community in Halifax's North End
NORTH END HALIFAX | 2193 Gottingen St, Halifax
A café and bar on the main level with a backpackers’ hostel upstairs, this small, independent business exemplifies Halifax’s community spirit and is a great place to stay on a budget!
Photo: @alteregoscafe
8. Martin’s Kitchen: The chalet-style restaurant overlooking Indian Lake Golf Course
PEGGY'S COVE COASTAL REGION | 199 Old Coach Rd, Hatchet Lake
Just minutes from the Halifax peninsula, this cozy hidden gem offers stunning golf course views, spectacular atmosphere, and inventive dishes.
Photo: @martins_kitchen_
9. Finsbury Market: The neighbourhood grocer on Chebucto Road
WEST END HALIFAX | 6516 Chebucto Rd, Halifax
Finsbury Market is a small European-style neighborhood grocer. Expect locally roasted coffee, cured meats, fresh pastries, and an astounding selection of cheeses from around the globe.
Photo: @finsburymarket.hfx
