Visit Halifax in 2026

Halifax’s 2026 sports calendar is shaping up to be a busy one, with a mix of national championships and international tours scheduled throughout the year.

The city will welcome top Canadian martial artists for the National Karate Championships and Taekwondo Canada’s National Championships, then shift into a high-energy spring with the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship at Scotiabank Centre. Anticipation is high for the return of SailGP to the Halifax Harbour, along with major international canoe racing on Lake Banook, including world championship events for Masters athletes and for Junior and U23 athletes.

With more competitions expected to round out the year, there will be plenty of chances to watch elite sport up close in Halifax.

African Nova Scotians have been part of Nova Scotia for more than 400 years and have helped shape what is considered the birthplace of Black culture in Canada. Today, that history continues to grow in visibility and celebration.

Halifax has seen exciting new developments and global recognition in recent years, making this a particularly meaningful time to explore African Nova Scotian culture. Africville National Historic Site is now home to the Africville Museum and was recently designated by UNESCO as a Place of History and Memory linked to Enslavement and the Slave Trade. Halifax is also home to a new tour company, Ayomikun Bus Charters, making it easier to explore African Nova Scotian history.

Together, this deep history and growing celebration of Black talent make Halifax an inspiring place to learn and explore.

In Halifax, the city’s culinary talents are as compelling as the dishes they create. Here, you’ll find chefs pushing boundaries, reviving traditions, and earning international acclaim — including one of the world’s top pizzaiolos, fierce Top Chef competitors, and a bartender crowned best on the planet. Their restaurants and bars are more than places to eat and drink; they’re expressions of Halifax’s creativity, culture, and community.

Together, these culinary visionaries are elevating Halifax’s reputation as one of the country’s most compelling food destinations. For visitors, it’s the perfect invitation to explore the flavours, stories, and creative minds that are shaping Halifax’s dynamic culinary identity.

The Shore Club is marking a major milestone with its 90th anniversary, celebrating nine decades of welcoming people to Hubbards for the kind of summer night that feels uniquely Nova Scotian. Known as Nova Scotia’s Last Great Dance Hall and the home of the Original Lobster Supper, the venue has paired fresh lobster with live music for generations, building a reputation rooted in both tradition and good times.

To honour the anniversary, the Shore Club is focusing on what it does best. The season includes live shows, the annual Matt Mays concert series, and the iconic lobster suppers that give both longtime fans and first-timers even more reasons to make the trip down the Shore.

Halifax is a city that loves creativity, and its annual art festivals show just how strong that support is. Each year, artists, performers, and audiences come together to celebrate imagination in many forms. From experimental theatre and bold new performances to large-scale murals, late-night art experiences, and coastal studio tours, the city offers something for everyone. These festivals invite both visitors and locals to explore the region in engaging and meaningful ways, highlighting Halifax as a welcoming home for artists and a vibrant place to experience the arts.

This summer, Halifax will welcome the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Junior and U23 teams for the Canoe Sprint World Championships on Lake Banook. The event will bring more than 1,000 athletes from 60 countries, including local youth who are helping carry forward the region’s canoe and kayak legacy. Visitors can watch the races for free from the newly upgraded spectator viewing areas. Be part of the excitement and cheer on Team Canada and all the participating youth athletes.

If there is one thing that draws people to Halifax again and again, it’s the coastline. There is something magnetic about the ocean views, fresh salt air, local seafood, and boardwalk strolls where the water is always close by. What’s more, there are many offerings in Halifax that skirt the edges of the coastline.

This year, Memory Lane Heritage Village‘s Clam Digging experience is celebrating 10 years, while the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition is celebrating its 45th Anniversary. You can kayak across still coves or glide over moonlit water on a full moon paddle. Coastal trails follow the edge of the land and let you wander with waves breaking below, while new anniversaries and experiences bring fresh energy to the coast.

In Halifax, the coast is more than scenery; it’s an experience, and there are more ways to enjoy it than you might expect. Discover all the ways you can explore Halifax on the coast this year.

Few cities are as closely tied to the legacy of the Titanic as Halifax. In the aftermath of the disaster, the city played a vital role in the recovery of the victims, leaving behind a rich and moving history that visitors can still explore today.

With a seemingly growing interest, and through exhibitions and guided tours, Halifax offers a window into the human stories behind one of the world’s most famous maritime tragedies.

In Halifax, relaxation isn’t just a moment—it’s a way of life. Shaped by salty ocean air, rugged coastline, and a lively yet laid-back spirit, Halifax is the perfect place to unplug, slow down, and find your centre.

As traveler interest in mindful, restorative experiences continues to grow, Halifax’s wellness offerings are growing too. Visitors can sink into personal hot tubs and stargaze at Nalu Retreat or rejuvenate with Nordic spa experiences at Oceanstone Resort next to the Atlantic Ocean. These wellness escapes invite you to recharge and return to life with renewed energy.

Shopping, wearing, and owning vintage is one of the most sustainable and satisfying ways to style yourself and your home. In Halifax, people take pride in celebrating the unique, eco-friendly options the region has to offer. The vintage scene is vibrant and growing, with everything from clothing and housewares to co-ops and curated markets.

Visitors can explore weekly and monthly events across the region, from the South End Vintage Markets to The Curio Collective Halifax Vintage Shows. Local favourites like KingsPIER Vintage and The Loot Vintage in downtown Halifax, along with the Halifax Vintage Co-op in the North End, offer hand-picked selections that make every find feel special.

In Halifax, there has never been a better time to shop sustainably.