Where to See Animals in Halifax: Farms, Wildlife and Marine Life

Ataraxy Farm is a mental health therapy farm focused on helping others. They offer free tours where you can meet friendly goats, horses, chickens, donkeys, and even a mule.

The farm also makes skin and hair care products using goat’s milk, with all proceeds going back to caring for the animals. Tours are available by appointment through their website, along with other activities like equine learning and craft classes. You’ll leave feeling happy and recharged.

This new marine centre is an exciting place where you can explore the underwater world of Nova Scotia without even getting wet. Located at Dalhousie University, it features more than 30 exhibits. One of the highlights is a super cool 18-metre blue whale skeleton suspended across the atrium. Using Ocean School’s augmented reality technology, you can watch the skeleton come to life.

Travel back in time and see what life was like on a family farm more than 100 years ago. Wander through historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and walking trails. At the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, you’ll also meet adorable farm animals like sheep, chickens, calves, and pigs, and learn why they are so important to our world.

Feeling hungry after your adventure? Stop by the Rose & Kettle Tea Room for yummy homemade treats. Before you head home, remember to visit the gift shop for fun animal-themed treasures to help you remember your visit.

If you want to hear some of the most inspiring animal stories, visit Hope for Wildlife. The centre rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured and orphaned wild animals, and they have helped more than 90,000 of them. You can visit their education centre and outdoor wildlife garden trail for free.

They have dozens of creatures for you to meet, from local wildlife to exotic species and domestic animals. The best part is all the baby animals you might get to see. You can enjoy a break in the picnic gardens or grab a snack at Café Catio, home of Jessie the bobcat. Hope for Wildlife is a charitable organization, so be sure to explore the many ways you can support their work.

Lindsay Lake Farms is a magical place where animals roam free, and you get to wander right along with them. Meet chickens and horses, along with the stars of the farm: the bison herd. Join a guided bison tour where you can drive and walk around the herd while learning fascinating facts about these shaggy and majestic animals. It feels like a Canadian safari!

As you explore, keep your eyes open for a beaver dam, owls, wild blueberries, and other surprises. Advanced booking is recommended.