10 Halifax Attractions with FREE Admission

The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Halifax, at 471 Poplar Drive. Dedicated to preserving Cole Harbour’s agricultural past they have a wonderful selection of animals, a garden and tea room. The site has eight heritage buildings, dating from 1780 to 1938. Most of the buildings are set up as museums and house a fantastic selection of antiques. This museum is a lot of fun for kids.

Located at 1726 Hollis Street, Province House is home to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly and the oldest provincial Parliament building still in use in Canada. This National Historic Site offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Nova Scotia’s legislative history and stunning architectural details, including the Victorian-style legislative library. Seasonal guided tours are available in English and French, while self-guided tours can be enjoyed year-round during public hours.

Scott Manor House is a Provincial and Municipal Heritage Property located at 15 Fort Sackville Road in Bedford. Built-in the 1700″s, it is the only full two-and-a-half-storey, gambler-roofed colonial structure in Nova Scotia. The third-floor attic’s hand-hewn floorboards and handmade nails are still intact. There is a tearoom and reading room in the house.

The Emera Oval on the Halifax North Common is a great choice if you’re looking for a free family activity. Not only is your entrance free, but they also offer free ice skate, roller skate and helmet rentals in both summer and winter. Keep an eye out for other free events, such as concerts, throughout the year!

The Naval Museum of Halifax is located at the Canadian Forces Base Halifax (Stradacona) on Gottingen Street. Located in a stately Georgian Mansion called Admiralty House, the museum holds a library of over 50 thousand volumes. Also included in the collection are historical artifacts including model ships, weapons, photos, medals and much more.

William Ray was a Quaker and cooper from Nantucket who moved to Dartmouth in 1785. As a cooper, he serviced the local whaling industry. His house is the oldest in Dartmouth and one of the oldest in Halifax, and it closely resembles Quaker houses in Nantucket. The Quaker Whaler House is located at 57 – 59 Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth.

The Dalhousie University Art Gallery at 6101 University Avenue, The Anna Leonowens Gallery (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) at 1891 Granville Street, The Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery at 923 Robie Street and the Mount St. University Art Gallery at 166 Bedford Highway are all free of charge and hold large collections of Canadian and local art.

The Canadian Naval Memorial is housed in the HMCS Sackville, the only remaining Flower Class Corvette and the oldest warship in Canada. The ship was built in Saint John, NB, in 1940. Because of its role in the Battle of the Atlantic, the HMCS Sackville was chosen as Canada’s Naval Memorial. The ship is only open to the public from mid-June to late October or by request and is located at Sackville Landing at the Halifax Waterfront.

York Redoubt is off Purcells Cove Road, about a 20-minute drive from Halifax. This 200-year-old fortification was originally built in 1793. The batteries were strengthened over the years to create an impressive fort, high on a hill overlooking the Halifax Harbour. You can wander among the fortifications and enjoy incredible views at this free National Historic Site.

The Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame is located in the ScotiaBank Center at 1800 Argyle Street. This non-profit organization officially opened in 1964 and holds more than 7000 artifacts and photographs. Unique artifacts include an 1870’s penny-farthing bicycle and a 19^th century wooden cricket bat. The best part is the Sidney Crosby Exhibit that features the famous dryer that Crosby used to practice shooting in his parents’ basement in Cole Harbour.

Note: The Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame is closed due to construction. Learn more.