Matthew TremblayThink Halifax is just about the waterfront and some salty maritime vibes? Uh-uh, you’ve got it all wrong!
Halifax may look like a snooze fest at first, but dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover a wild side that’ll knock your socks off.
Last summer, my friends came over, expecting to be bored out of their minds. To shut them up, I took them on tours so bizarre they couldn’t wait to come back for more.
We watched sharks munch on their lunch, zipped around on Segways like futuristic dorks, and guzzled down wine (hands down our favorite tour).
If you’re a tourist with a taste for the weird and wonderful, stick around. I’ve got the ultimate list of the top Halifax tours!
The Harbour Watercraft & Adventure Rentals
Website: http://theharbourwatercraft.com/
Address: 1597 Lower Water St
Phone: +1 902-412-8444
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM–9 PM
Harbour Watercraft & Adventure Rentals has splashed onto the scene, offering a tidal wave of excitement in Halifax Harbour! You can go on a maritime adventure like no other with their Sea-Doo Rentals & Tours.
With the Sea-Doo, you get to glide across the shimmering waters and explore iconic landmarks like Georges Island and McNabs Island! For something calmer, just cruise along the Halifax Waterfront and Bedford Basin at your leisure.
Whether you’re a speed demon or prefer to meander, the choice is yours — the harbor is your playground! No captain’s hat required — they’ll have you navigating the waves like a seasoned sailor in no time.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their 2-hour Sunset Tour. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day in Halifax with a front-row seat to Mother Nature’s nightly masterpiece! |
Pedal and Sea Adventures
Website: http://www.pedalandseaadventures.com/
Address: 8384 St Margarets Bay Rd
Phone: +1 902-858-3030
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
If you’re up for pedaling your way through paradise, Pedal and Sea Adventures is your ticket to ride. This small yet mighty adventure touring company, based in the heart of Halifax, has been wheeling around for over 20 years.
Starting locally, they’ve now expanded to offer bicycle tours throughout Atlantic Canada, transforming R&R into “riding and relaxation.”
Their knack for delivering unforgettable experiences has earned them a loyal following of pedal-happy guests who keep coming back for more.
We’re especially keen on their self-guided South Shore tours — just remember, it’s a six-day spin, so pack your stamina!
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget your padded shorts; your posterior will thank you after day two! |
J Farwell Sailing Tours
Website: http://www.jfsailingtours.com/
Address: 1597 Lower Water St
Phone: +1 902-579-7245
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–9 PM
If you’re looking to conquer the high seas without leaving Halifax Harbour, J Farwell Sailing Tours is your answer to maritime adventures. These folks are sailing legends on TripAdvisor, snagging the top spot in six categories.
Their fleet boasts the sleek JFarwell I & II, both 45′ Beneteau Oceanis, and the luxurious Reverie, a Lagoon 50 Catamaran.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill boat rides. They offer the only true wind-powered escapades in Halifax!
Whether you’re hoisting sails, steering the ship, or just playing captain, every adventure is hands-on! Their Signature Adventure Sails are the star of the show, combining yacht sailing with nature’s raw power.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll even get to set the spinnaker!
| Pro Tip: For a taste of Halifax’s salty tales, jump on their new one-hour Best of Halifax Harbour Tour. |
Down East Tours
Website: http://www.downeasttours.ca/
Phone: +1 902-222-2934
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
If you’re itching to uncover Nova Scotia’s best-kept secrets, Down East Tours is your crystal clear choice. Their private guiding services whisk you away to see all the must-visit spots and secret gems other tourists only dream about.
Popular tours include the stunning Peggy’s Cove, the charming Annapolis Valley & Bay of Fundy, the quaint Lunenburg & Mahone Bay, and the idyllic Fisherman’s Cove.
Their guides are walking encyclopedias, dishing out fascinating facts, from Halifax’s Titanic connection to the dramatic Halifax Explosion of 1917.
Based in Eastern Passage, Down East Tours caters especially to cruise guests, ensuring you’re back on board before the ship sails. They conveniently pick you up from hotels, train stations, airports, or pretty much wherever suits you.
With tours ranging from 5-6 hours to full-day adventures and multi-day escapades to Cape Breton, PEI, and New Brunswick, they’ve got your itinerary covered!
| Pro Tip: Every tour is fully customizable to match your interests, so make the best of your package! |
Atlantic Shark Expeditions
Website: https://atlanticsharkexp.com/
Address: 1751 Lower Water St
Phone: +1 902-943-6139
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–3 PM
Dive in for the ultimate shark-infested adventure with Atlantic Shark Expeditions (ASE)! This is where your ordinary eco-tourism trip gets a major adrenaline boost, offering you the chance to mingle with the ocean’s most formidable predators.
ASE doesn’t just give you a front-row seat to sharky encounters — it lets you dive headfirst into shark science and conservation!
Whether you’re perched on the boat or braving the waters in a shark cage (no scuba certification needed, just guts), you’ll be right in the thick of the action.
Expect to see Blue Sharks, Mako, Porbeagle, and maybe even the elusive Great White! Thanks to a special permit, ASE can research these jaw-dropping giants, so your thrilling experience also helps protect them.
| Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof camera. Nobody will believe your stories without photographic evidence! |
Ambassatours Gray Line
Website: http://www.ambassatours.com/
Address: 1751 Lower Water St
Phone: +1 902-420-1015
Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
For over three decades, Ambassatours Gray Line has been the undisputed champion of sightseeing on Canada’s East Coast.
Offering award-winning land and water tours across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, they’ve set the gold standard for nosy tourists everywhere!
Now, if you’ve ever dreamed of guzzling wine while sailing, Wines on the Water is your boozy dream come true. This wine lover’s cruise takes you through Halifax Harbour and Northwest Arm, featuring a different local winery each week.
Expect to sip on Nova Scotia’s signature Tidal Bay wine while awkwardly dancing to live tunes on the Tall Ship Silva. It’s the East Coast experience you never knew you needed until now.
| Pro Tip: Pre-game with some Dramamine if you’re prone to seasickness — no one likes a tipsy deckhand hurling overboard. |
Anchor Tours
Website: http://www.anchortours.ca/
Phone: +1 902-324-0038
Hours:
- Open daily from 7 AM–6 PM
If you’re itching for a jolly good time in Nova Scotia, look no further than Anchor Tours! These scallywags offer guided day tours that’ll have you gallivanting from Lunenburg’s quaint streets to the majestic shores of Peggy’s Cove faster than you can say “Ahoy!”
Their Halifax-Lunenburg tour is a real treasure. Setting sail at 9 AM sharp, you’ll be whisked away to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dripping with history.
Founded in 1753, this town’s got more tales to tell than a pirate with a bottle of rum.
Once ashore, you can join a free walking tour led by Anchor Tours — because who needs a map when you’ve got a bunch of savvy guides to show you the ropes?
Then, it’s all hands on deck for 2.5 hours of exploring Lunenburg’s waterfront. Keep your peepers peeled for the Bluenose II schooner — she’s a real beauty!
| Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes. Lunenburg’s charm is best appreciated on foot, and those cobblestone streets aren’t forgiving to stilettos. |
Kattuk Expeditions
Media credit: kattukexpeditions
Website: http://www.kattukexpeditions.com/
Address: 1310 Dresden Row
Phone: +1 844-652-8885
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Now you can finally set sail with Kattuk Expeditions for an epic journey to the wild wonders of Sable Island National Park Reserve!
Specializing in thrill-seeking escapades, these daredevils offer fully guided Sea Kayaking and Hiking tours of Peggy’s Cove and beyond, along with guided Bicycle tours through vineyards fit for a tipsy pirate.
Their Sable Island day trip by helicopter is a hot ticket, featuring a 300km flight from Halifax, guided exploration, and a chance to mingle with the island’s wild horses and Grey Seal colony.
And don’t miss the chance to capture your adventure with their photo package!
| Pro Tip: Pack your sense of adventure and a camera (and a power bank). These wild expeditions are bound to make memories as legendary as Blackbeard’s treasure! |
Segway Nova Scotia
Media credit: segwayns
Website: http://www.segwayns.com/
Address: 1549 Lower Water St
Phone: +1 902-880-6630
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–7 PM
Looking for a ride as smooth as butter on a hot summer day? Look no further than Segway Nova Scotia!
These hipsters of the transportation world have been zipping through Halifax’s streets and beyond for over 9 years, leaving a trail of happy customers in their wake.
Whether you’re a seasoned Segway enthusiast or a newbie on wheels, they’ve got top-notch training and practice sessions to make sure you’re gliding like a pro in no time.
From quick spins to leisurely strolls, they’ve got tours for every speed and schedule, ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
And if you’re craving some nighttime excitement, their City Night Tour is like a disco on wheels, showcasing the glittering sights of downtown Halifax under the twinkling stars!
| Pro Tip: Pack a light jacket, even in summer. The Halifax breeze can be as unpredictable as a seagull eyeing your ice cream cone! |
Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours
Media credit: nswinetours
Website: http://www.novascotiawinetours.com/
Address: Barrington St
Phone: +1 902-446-9463
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Get ready to sip, savor, and (most importantly) let someone else do the driving with Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours.
This company offers a variety of day tours through Nova Scotia’s wine country that are perfect for catching up with friends, planning a corporate event, or even a romantic getaway (for those who want their love fueled by fine wine).
Each tour is tailored to meet guests’ needs, whether you’re in the mood for fun, relaxation, education, or all of the above.
We’re particularly loving their Wine & Lunch Escape, where you get to explore three unique wineries in the heart of the Annapolis Valley.
Depending on the day of the week, you’ll visit spots like Luckett Vineyards, Benjamin Bridge, Grand Pre, Lightfoot & Wolfville, and Mercator.
The tour includes all transportation, a charming wine tour guide, tour and tasting fees at three wineries, lunch with wine/cider/beer, and server gratuities.
| Pro Tip: Choose from gourmet paninis at Luckett Vineyards or dive into arancini and Roman-style pizza at Lightfoot & Wolfville. Just know that the venue might switch without notice — but hey, when the wine’s this good, who cares where you eat? |
