The Halifax summer is going to be one of two things for you: a heart-pounding rollercoaster of fun or as mind-numbingly boring as a piece of plain toast (no shade to toast enthusiasts, of course!).
Been there, done that — spent too many summers wondering how to squeeze out some fun from the sunny days. But after some serious soul-searching and a bit of trial and error, I struck gold!
Now, when the relatives descend and friends show up for a summer visit, I don’t break a sweat thinking of fun stuff to do. I’ve got the ultimate list, and it’s a game-changer.
Whether you’re going solo or dragging your crew along, these activities will make your summer so epic you’ll wish it lasted all year (actually, some do). Get ready to ditch the dull and dive into the unforgettable!
- 1. Visit the Halifax Public Gardens.
- 2. Explore the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
- 3. Tour the Citadel National Historic Site.
- 4. Stroll through Point Pleasant Park.
- 5. Discover the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
- 6. Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
- 7. Experience the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market.
- 8. Explore McNabs Island.
- 9. Enjoy a Halifax Harbour Cruise.
- 10. Visit the Discovery Centre.
- 11. Walk through Historic Properties.
- 12. Hike the Salt Marsh Trail.
- 13. Explore the Museum of Natural History.
- 14. Enjoy the Halifax Jazz Festival.
- 15. Take a Day Trip to Peggy’s Cove.
1. Visit the Halifax Public Gardens.
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Website: http://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/
Address: Spring Garden Rd
Contact: +1 902-456-4552
Hours:
- Open daily from 8:30 AM, closes 30 minutes before sunset
Right at the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street lies a slice of paradise known as the Victorian Gardens. It’s like stumbling into a secret oasis smack dab in the middle of the bustling city chaos!
These gardens aren’t just a pretty face — they’re your go-to for leisurely strolls where you can pretend you’re in a Jane Austen novel, or for lounging around with a picnic basket full of goodies!
Pro Tip: Visit on a Sunday to enjoy live music performances at the bandstand! |
2. Explore the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
Media credit: discoverhalifax
Website: https://developns.ca/visit/halifax/
Address: Lower Water St
Contact: +1 902-229-2628
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk stretches along the scenic harbor — like a lively circus without the clowns (although you might spot a few tourists trying to juggle their selfie sticks).
Here, you can dive into the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for a dose of nautical history, slurp down some freshly caught seafood like a true sea captain, or hop on a harbor cruise and pretend you’re a rich socialite (or at least snap a pic for your IG feed)!
Pro Tip: Time your visit for dusk and watch the sunset paint the harbor with hues that would make even Monet jealous! |
3. Tour the Citadel National Historic Site.
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Address: 5425 Sackville St
Contact: +1 902-426-5080
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
The Citadel National Historic Site is Halifax’s very own history lesson with a view! Sitting pretty on a hill, this star-shaped fortress is the IG hotspot for history buffs.
Here, you’ll be transported back in time as you watch reenactments, play with vintage cannonballs, and maybe even spot a ghost or two lurking in the shadows. Don’t forget to flex your brain muscles at the museum — it’s a treasure trove of old-timey artifacts!
Pro Tip: Set your alarm for noon and witness the epic firing of the Noon Gun. It’s been a thing since 1856 — just be sure to cover your ears! |
4. Stroll through Point Pleasant Park.
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Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr
Contact: +1 902-490-4700
Hours:
- Open daily from 5 AM–10 PM
At Point Pleasant Park, nature puts on a show and history lurks around every corner! Nestled at the bottom of the Halifax peninsula, this gem of a park boasts breathtaking trails, ancient ruins, and Instagram-worthy coastal panoramas.
You can lace up your sneakers for a jog through the foliage, or channel your inner Indiana Jones and explore the mysterious ruins scattered throughout the park!
Pro Tip: Head to Black Rock Beach for a seaside feast fit for a king — don’t forget your picnic basket! |
5. Discover the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
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Website: http://www.pier21.ca/
Address: 1055 Marginal Rd
Contact: +1 902-425-7770
Hours:
- Open daily from 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
The Canadian Museum of Immigration spills the tea on all the brave souls who sailed into Canada via Halifax.
You’re in for a rollercoaster of emotions as you dive into personal tales, marvel at artifacts, and play around with interactive displays that’ll make you feel like you’ve time-traveled through immigration history!
Pro Tip: Don’t just stand there like a statue — get hands-on with the “Hands-on Immigration” workshop! |
6. Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
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Website: https://agns.ca/
Address: 1723 Hollis St
Contact: +1 902-424-5280
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–5 PM
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is an eclectic mix of Canadian and international art that’ll make your eyeballs go around the world!
We’re talking about famous folk artist Maud Lewis stealing the spotlight with her whimsical creations that’ll have you ooh-ing and aah-ing.
It’s like stepping into a technicolor dreamland — except it’s a real house, painstakingly restored and bursting at the seams with her creative masterpieces!
Pro Tip: Take a guided tour offered by the gallery and learn the juicy details of her creative process to come out feeling like an art aficionado! |
7. Experience the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Website: http://halifaxfarmersmarket.com/
Address: 961 Marginal Rd
Contact: +1 902-492-4043
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Friday
- Saturday: 8 AM–2 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM
The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market holds the prestigious title of being the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in all of North America — imagine the stories those stores could tell!
The magic happens on Saturdays and Sundays when the market comes alive with the freshest produce, the fluffiest pastries, and the quirkiest artisanal finds.
Pro Tip: Rise with the roosters and get down to the market early on weekends to snag the juiciest tomatoes and the most decadent baked treats! |
8. Explore McNabs Island.
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Website: https://mcnabsisland.ca/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hVkP1cGikjmZgi2u8
Contact: +1 902-434-2254
McNabs Island is where you can channel your inner explorer and get lost in nature’s wonders. Accessible only by ferry or your uncle’s rusty old boat, this island is like a Tinder date: mysterious, adventurous, and occasionally a little rocky.
Once you’ve braved the treacherous waters, you’ll find yourself in a paradise of hiking trails, historic relics, and sandy beaches. With old fortifications and ruins scattered around like breadcrumbs, you’ll feel like Indiana Jones — but on a tighter budget!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your sensible shoes and a gallon of water! |
9. Enjoy a Halifax Harbour Cruise.
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Website: https://halifaxharbourtours.ca/
Address: 1655 Lower Water Street In the water on the south side of Sackville Landing
Contact: +1 888-383-4621
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–6 PM
Ahoy, matey! We’re setting sail for the most thrilling adventure Halifax has to offer: the Halifax Harbour Cruise!
With a variety of operators ready to whisk you away on a nautical journey, you can choose from historical tours, dinner cruises, or even whale-watching expeditions!
Pro Tip: Go for an evening cruise and witness the city’s skyline transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights. |
10. Visit the Discovery Centre.
Media credit: discoverycentrehalifax
Website: http://thediscoverycentre.ca/
Address: 1215 Lower Water St
Contact: +1 902-492-4422
Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday
- Wednesday to Monday: 9 AM–4 PM
The Discovery Centre isn’t just any old museum — it’s an interactive science wonderland fit for families and inner child enthusiasts alike.
With hands-on exhibits that make you forget you’re learning, a planetarium where you can pretend you’re an astronaut, and live science demos that’ll make Bill Nye proud, boredom doesn’t stand a chance here.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for special events and workshops that’ll turn your visit from “meh” to “OMG!” |
11. Walk through Historic Properties.
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Website: https://www.historicproperties.ca/
Address: 1869 Upper Water St
Contact: +1 902-422-4424
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 12–5 PM
The Historic Properties is where old meets gold! We’re talking 19th-century buildings standing tall and proud, now home to hip shops, mouth-watering restaurants, and galleries that’ll make you feel like an art connoisseur.
It’s like stepping into a time machine — but with Wi-Fi and fancy coffee shops. How about a slice of that decadent chocolate cake with a slice of history, eh?
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the Lower Deck Pub with live music, smiling crowds, and a vibe that says, “Forget history, let’s party!” |
12. Hike the Salt Marsh Trail.
Media credit: discoverhalifax
Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/trails/salt-marsh-trail-trans-canada-trail/6141
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PZQeCjmPUjrNmTVPA
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
At the Salt Marsh Trail, nature puts on a show that even Netflix would envy! This slice of paradise is part of the Trans Canada Trail, boasting Instagram-worthy views of salt marshes and enough wildlife to make David Attenborough jealous.
It’s like a mini vacation — minus the sunburn and sand in your shorts. Whether you’re strolling, cycling, or spying on our feathered friends, this trail has got you covered.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your binoculars — the bird-watching here is next level, especially during migration seasons. |
13. Explore the Museum of Natural History.
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Website: https://naturalhistory.novascotia.ca/
Address: 1747 Summer St
Contact: +1 902-424-7353
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
It’s time to have your mind blown at the Museum of Natural History — your one-stop shop for Nova Scotia’s finest natural and cultural wonders.
Think dinosaur fossils, marine life, and enough Mi’kmaq artifacts to make your history teacher proud.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on meeting Gus — he’s basically a celebrity in tortoise form. Who knew a hundred-year-old tortoise could be the life of the party? |
14. Enjoy the Halifax Jazz Festival.
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Website: https://www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca/
Address: 2882 Gottingen St
Contact: +1 902-718-6205
Hours:
- Open daily from 12–4:30 PM
The Halifax Jazz Festival is where the city’s streets are alive with the sound of saxophones and the smell of overpriced festival food. Held every July, it’s like Christmas for music junkies, with local and international artists gracing stages all over town!
Whether you’re into smooth jazz or avant-garde fusion, there’s something here to tickle your eardrums.
Pro Tip: Head straight to the free outdoor concerts on the Halifax Waterfront main stage. |
15. Take a Day Trip to Peggy’s Cove.
Media credit: peggyscovelighthouse
Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/peggys-cove-lighthouse-and-village/1468
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oFJKwv1ottesfcJC8
Contact: [email protected]
Peggy’s Cove is the ultimate IG hotspot just a stone’s throw away from Halifax. This quaint fishing village boasts a lighthouse that’s practically begging to be in your next selfie.
Trust us, you’ll want to #nofilter this picturesque paradise — just make sure you have a steady hand because those granite rocks aren’t forgiving.
Pro Tip: Just watch out for the seagulls eyeing your fish and chips — unless that was your plan all the time! |