Halifax Attractions & Things to Do

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site - Constructed between 1828 and 1856, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a star-shaped naval station sitting atop a hill in the heart of downtown Halifax. A living Halifax history museum where a costumed animator will take you on a guided tour of musket galleries, garrison cells and more, and the 78th Highland Regiment still fire the cannon every day at noon.

Old Town Clock - one of Halifax’s most famous landmarks officially began keeping time for the garrison and residents of Halifax in 1803.

Peggy’s Cove - a picturesque destination, Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking, famous and photographed places. The lighthouse doubles as a working post office - send friends and family postcards of this unique sea beacon.

William E. deGarthe Memorial Provincial Park (Peggy’s Cove, NS) - Sculptor and painter William E. deGarthe lived in Peggy’s Cove. A gallery exhibiting his work is open to the public between May 1 and October 31 each year.

Historic Properties - Stroll in the footsteps of privateers - licensed pirates who stored their booty in these warehouses. Restored and redeveloped in the early 1970's this area is now the home of colourful shops, pubs, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. It's only a stone's throw from the oldest saltwater ferry service in North America, and the departure point for many of the city's harbour tours.

Public Gardens - one of the finest original formal Victorian Public Gardens in North America.Located along Spring Garden Road, a main shopping area, the Public Gardens feature 17-acres of rare flowers & trees, sparkling fountains, historic statues, and free concerts from the picturesque red-roofed gazebo.

SS Atlantic Heritage Park - a burial site and a memorial to those who perished in the sinking of the SS Atlantic off the shores of Mar's Head, Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia on April 1, 1873.

Fisherman’s Cove - watch the fishermen come in with their daily catch; take a boat ride and explore McNab’s Island.

Government House - the residence of Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor, it is the oldest official government residence in Canada (not open to the public).

Province House - this fine Georgian building is home to the first responsible government in the British Empire. Tours available.

St. Paul’s Church - Halifax’s oldest building (1750) and Canada’s First Protestant Church. The Halifax Waterfront The Halifax Common Farmer’s Markets Halifax Seaport, Historic Halifax, Alderney Landing

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 - Over 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, displaced people, evacuee children, and Canadian military personnel passed through this famous building between 1928 and 1971. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a monument to the stories of people who helped build our nation.

Dartmouth Heritage Museum - The Dartmouth Heritage Museum operates two historic houses of Victorian Evergreen House (26 Newcastle St., current headquarters of the Museum/open year round) and Quaker House (55 Ochterloney St., one of the oldest buildings in HRM/open seasonally). Throughout the year, many rotating exhibits, heritage events, walking tours, and historic programming are run by the Museum. The Museum will soon be moving to its new location on the Dartmouth waterfront. Protecting, preserving and promoting local heritage.

Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery - Visit Alexander Keith's Brewery and step back in time for a fun-filled history lesson delivered by costumed animators. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill brewery tour! People of all ages will enjoy visiting the beautifully detailed home & brew house of Alexander Keith, learning about the brewing process, singing a song (or two) in the Stag's Head Pub and, of course, sampling Mr. Keith's finest Ale.

Bedford Institute of Oceanography - Canada's largest center for ocean research and first major federal center devoted to oceanography. Guided tours available by appointment only.

Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia - The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia welcomes visitors to experience the story of why thousands of people with African heritage came to be Canadians, in Nova Scotia, almost a hunded years before Canadian Confederation. The centre explores the history of settlement through artifacts, charts and images, including some that explain how more than 20 small remote villages were organized so that their populations could work together with people beyond their own local communities. Many events have taken place at the centre, such as cultural portrayals in the form of music, plays, concerts, as well as educational activities in the form of workshops, lectures and guided tours. Programs of the Black Cultural Centre extend beyond its doors to the broader community of Nova Scotia.

Discovery Centre - Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to stimulate interest, enjoyment and understanding of science and technology through innovative, exciting, hands-on experiences. Great for children.

Memory Lane Heritage Village - You’ll hear tales of survival and triumph, of land and sea, of real lives and real people as told by their descendants. Discover this era of change, when modern conveniences changed lives.

Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame - Honours athletes, teams, and builders who have contributed to Nova Scotia's sport heritage and culture.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada. The collection at the Halifax museum includes artifacts, images, charts and plans relating to the marine history of Nova Scotia, including the Halifax Explosion and the Halifax connection to the Titanic. The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian merchant marine, Nova Scotia small craft and local shipwrecks are particular strengths of the collection much of which represents the period 1850 to the present.

Museum of Natural History - At the Museum of Natural History, there's something for everyone! Discover the natural wonders of Nova Scotia's land and sea. Enjoy world class fossils, mammals, birds, archaeology and exquisite First Nations Mi’kmaw porcupine quillwork on bark. Visiting exhibitions from national and sometimes international sources are complimented by interpretative programs offered by Museum Naturalists.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
With a history dating to 1908, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia acts as a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by bringing the art of the world to Nova Scotia and the art of Nova Scotia to the world. Discover Nova Scotian folk art with the new, permanent collection, Show of Hands, which celebrates the imaginative creations in the hands of artists whose lives were, and are, inextricably bound to the land and sea. Art lovers should place the gallery high on their list of Halifax attractions.

Boating/Boat Tours
• Deep Sea Fishing, Nature & Whale Watching Cruises
• Harbour Hopper
• Harbour Queen
• Mar II
• Tall Ship Silva
• Theodore Tugboat

Tours
• Ambassatours Gray Line
• Atlantic Tours
• Blue Diamond Tours
• Bluenose Sidecar Tours
• CANADVAC Travel Services Ltd
• Go North Tours
• TayMac Tours

Winery Tours

• Domaine de Grand Pre Winery, Jost Winery
• Jost Vineyards

• Clearwater Lobster & Seafood Shops
• Del Sol
• Island Beach Co of Nova Scotia Store
• Mic Mac Mall
• Murphy's on the Water Company Store
• NovaScotian Crystal
• Sweet Jane's

• Downtown Halifax
• Downtown Dartmouth
• Spring Garden Road
• Quinpool Road
• Hydrostone Market
• Dartmouth Crossing
• Bayers Lake
• Bedford Commons

Malls

• Mic Mac Mall
• Halifax Shopping Centre
• Scotia Square
• Park Lane
• Barrington Place Shops
• Bedford Place Mall
• Sunnyside Mall

Aqua Spa, Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island
The Aqua Spa is a secluded paradise located on Nova Scotia’s romantic South Shore. Here you find complete tranquility while you breathe in the briny salt air that surrounds our oasis. Clear your mind and let our professionals transport your body and soul to a renewed level of relaxation and bliss. Our state-of-the-art facility is the ultimate escape.

Embrace Spa, Quality Inn Halifax
When we place value in taking care of ourselves, we are able to take care of the rest. A hectic life requires balance. It starts with attaining peace and serenity on the inside, then it overflows into our daily lives.
At Halifax's Embrace Spa, we welcome our guests with calming teas, soft music and an atmosphere sure to please the senses. It's a simple choice: revitalize your spirit. Isn't it time to embrace yourself?

Interlude Spa, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront
Interlude Spa has locations in both the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront and historic downtown Dartmouth. This full-service spa offers a wide variety of services, including aesthetics, fitness, massage and hair care.

Spirit Spa, Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown
Spirit is about helping you look and feel your best. It’s about taking care of yourself with services designed to help you recharge, relax and beautify.
Located in downtown Halifax in a historic landmark building, Spirit’s atmosphere is warm, inviting and inspiring. Since opening in 2002, Spirit has been acclaimed as one of Halifax’s top spas and salons and has been recognized internationally for its interior and spa design.

Sykea Salon & Spa, Westin Nova Scotia
Sykea Salon and Spa promotes a welcoming environment while encouraging rest and relaxation. This premiere Halifax spa offers a full-line of treatments and services for the hair, nails, skin and body for both men and women. Our highly experienced professionals combine their creative and technical skills to provide the best service and care for you including complimentary tea, coffee or wine during salon services.