With the sun rising in the east, it should be no surprise that Halifax is an AMAZING place to enjoy picture-perfect sunrises.
Whether it’s over the open ocean or across the harbour, there are plenty of locations in and around Halifax that provide sunrise views worth waking up early for.
So, rise and shine! Begin a new day watching the sun come up in one of these 10 spots in Halifax:
1 – Old Town Clock, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Downtown Halifax
Take a seat next to one of Halifax’s most recognizable landmarks in the historic core of the city, the Old Town Clock, also sometimes called the Town Clock or Citadel Clock Tower. Here you’ll sit overlooking the city atop Citadel Hill, look across the harbor and slightly to your right. Here you’ll one of the best seats in Halifax enjoy the sun coming up.
Directions: Beginning from the Halifax Waterfront, head uphill on any street towards Brunswick Street, you’ll see the Old Town Clock on Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
2 – Flag Pond Coastal Access Park
Eastern Shore
Share the sunrise with the local surfers! Flag Pond Coastal Access Park in Cow Bay was opened in 2012 for Nova Scotia surfing community as a way to respectfully access the coastline in the area.
Drive 30 minutes from Downtown Halifax toward Eastern Passage (HWY 322). Continue through Eastern passage on HWY 322, turn right onto Cow Bay Road. A few minutes past the church, the park will be on the right hand side (1775 Cow Bay Road). Park in the parking lot and take a short five-minute walk down the board walk, past the pond to the rocks.
3 – Conrad’s Beach
Eastern Shore
Only about a 25-minute drive from Downtown Halifax, Conrad’s Beach is one of my favourite places to not only bring my dog for a beach walk, as well as one of the best spots to welcome a new day with a sunrise.
So, wake up your pup, grab a beach blanket, jump in your car and head towards Lawerencetown.
4 – Bedford Waterfront
Bedford
The Bedford Waterfront is a great place to watch the sun rise! Take in a Bedford sunrise and enjoy the peace and beauty of Bedford, NS.
5 – Point Pleasant Park
Halifax South End
Point Pleasant Park is the perfect place for an early morning run or a stroll with your dog to see the sun come up. The park is heavily wooded and full of many trails, if you head down hill towards the water you’ll have the best view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Originally, due to its position overlooking the mouth of the Halifax Harbour, the park was the site of a small fortification protecting the city – this also makes it an ideal spot to take in a seaside sunrise!
6 – Halifax Waterfront
Downtown Halifax
The truth is you don’t have to roll out of bed too far from downtown Halifax to take in an exquisite sunrise.
Grab a coffee and head to the Halifax Waterfront. I recommend grabbing a seat on the board walk in front of the Halifax Seaport Market.
7 – Sir Sandford Fleming Park
Just a short distance from Downtown Halifax, located off of Purcell’s Cove Road, is Sir Sanford Fleming Park. Both the land and the tower, the Dingle Tower monument, were donated to Halifax in the 1880’s.
Wondering who Sir Sanford Fleming is? He best known as the creator of universal standard time. So, check your clocks and set your alarm for a 6 a.m. sunrise!
8 – Eagle Rock, Admiral Cove
Best known as Eagle Rock, a summit located in Admiral’s Cove in Bedford is about a 20-minute drive from Downtown Halifax with a stunning view atop a ridge overlooking Halifax Harbour and the Bedofrd Basin. It’s about a 30-minute hike to Eagle Rock with multiple look outs along the way. This is one sunrise location you don’t want to miss out on, it’d also be a great place to enjoy a spectacular sunset!
9 – Salt Marsh Trail, Trans Canada Trail
Cole Harbour
The Salt Marsh Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Halifax area, and for good reason! An old train railroad, now transformed into a well-maintained hiking and biking trail. It’s a 13km round trip and part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Pro tip: the best places to watch the sun rise are from either end of the Salt Marsh Trail!
10 – Duncan’s Cove
Duncan’s Cove offers a broad view of the Atlantic Ocean, away from the bustle of the downtown core. PLUS, there’s a likely chance you’ll have a few seal pups join you for the sunrise show!
A half hour drive from Halifax, Duncan’s Cove involves a short hike from your car to reach the rocks and ocean.
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