If you want to explore the Halifax region without a vehicle, you're not alone! Many visitors are opting for a more sustainable and affordable way to discover attractions beyond Downtown Halifax.
If navigating the Halifax Public Transit system feels daunting, we've created a step-by-step guide to help.
Get ready to experience some of Halifax's iconic attractions—without taking the driver’s seat!
Tip: Don’t forget to ask your bus driver for a transfer if you’ll be back on the bus in less than 90 minutes. This will save you from paying the fare twice!
Fisherman’s Cove & McCormack’s Beach Provincial Park
Explore the brightly coloured shops, local art, and eateries in the 200-year-old working fishing village of Fisherman’s Cove. Just steps away, you can enjoy McCormack’s Beach Provincial Park and take in panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour.
How to get there: From Downtown Halifax, take the Alderney Ferry to Dartmouth, then hop on the 6B or 6C bus. Get off at Main Road at Civic 1491 (stop 7497). For your return trip to Dartmouth or Downtown, catch the bus at Main Road, just past Silvers Lane (stop 7463).
Duration: It takes approximately 60 minutes to get from Downtown Halifax to Fisherman’s Cove.
Tip: Treat yourself to a delicious bite or drink at Coffee, Tea & Sea at Fisherman’s Cove. With a varied menu featuring soups, sandwiches, and even a taste of Indonesian cuisine, there’s something for every craving. In the warmer months, their welcoming patio is the perfect spot to relax with a soft serve ice cream, while soaking in the picturesque views.
Sir Sandford Fleming Park & The Dingle Tower
Stroll along the tree-lined seaside paths of Sir Sandford Fleming Park, and climb the Dingle Tower for breathtaking views of the Northwest Arm. The park also features an eco-friendly playground, a sandy beach, and plenty of picnic tables for a perfect outing.
How to get there: From Downtown Halifax, take bus #1, #2, or #9A/B and transfer at Mumford Terminal to the #25. Get off at Purcells Cove Road, just after Inverness Avenue, and enjoy a 15-minute walk to Sir Sandford Fleming Park.
Duration: It takes approximately 70 minutes to get from Downtown Halifax to Sir Sandford Fleming Park.
The Heart-shaped Pond at Hemlock Ravine Park
Discover the serene, 300-year-old hemlock tree-lined trails of Hemlock Ravine Park in Bedford and fall in love with the heart-shaped pond home to a lively community of ducks.
How to get there: Take bus #2 from Scotia Square to Lacewood, then transfer to the #30A. Riders on the #30A can get off at Kearney Lake Road, just after Broadholme Lane.
Duration: It takes approximately 75 minutes to get from Downtown Halifax to Hemlock Ravine Park.
The Hydrostone Market
The Hydrostone Market, located in the North End of the Halifax Peninsula, is a charming shopping district known for its European-inspired architecture and cobblestone streets. It features a variety of boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops, creating a cozy atmosphere for shopping and dining. Built after the 1917 Halifax Explosion, the market holds significant historical importance in the city’s reconstruction.
How to get there: Take bus #7B from Scotia Square and get off at the bus stop on Novalea Drive, just after Young Street.
Duration: It takes approximately 15 minutes to get from Downtown Halifax to The Hydrostone Market.
Tip: Experience one of Halifax’s best pizzas at Salvatore’s Pizzaiolo Trattoria, located in the Hydrostone Market area. Try their famous Clam Pie Marinato, a thin-crust pizza topped with baby clams, or savour the Vegan Original, a dairy-free creation made with vegan ricotta and parmesan. Afterward, take a stroll and explore Made in the Maritimes, a boutique offering contemporary and handcrafted products that showcase local artistry.
York Redoubt National Historic Site and the Herring Cove Look-Off
Constructed in 1793, this historic site has played a crucial role in protecting Halifax through three centuries of Canadian history. Perched on the edge of a bluff overlooking the entrance to Halifax Harbour, it offers a perfect escape without venturing far from the city.
How to get there: Catch bus #1, #2, or #9A/B from Scotia Square in Downtown Halifax to Mumford, then transfer to bus #415. Ride the #415 until you reach the York Redoubt Turning Loop, where the bus turns around in the York Redoubt parking lot.
Duration: It takes approximately 60-70 minutes to get from Downtown Halifax to York Redoubt National Historic Site.
Note: The #415 operates only eight times a day, with no service on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays. The last bus returning from York Redoubt departs at 6:08 PM.
Fairview Lawn Cemetery
Fairview Lawn Cemetery, located in the West End of Halifax, is best known as the final resting place for 121 victims of the Titanic disaster. The cemetery features simple headstones arranged in a carved layout resembling a ship’s prow, with many remaining unidentified. If you are interested in the Titanic’s legacy and Halifax’s role in the tragedy, it’s definitely worth a visit.
How to get there: Catch the #29 bus at the Water Street Terminal and get off at the Windsor Street stop before Connaught Avenue.
Duration: It takes approximately 25 minutes to get from Downtown Halifax to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Tip: Just an 8-minute walk from the historic Fairview Lawn Cemetery, you’ll find Kempster’s Cookhouse, a cozy spot for breakfast enthusiasts. Select from their tempting all-day breakfast options or explore their delicious sandwiches and pasta dishes. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a day of sightseeing.