Charlotte CampbellGot a tight budget but still itching for free things to do in Halifax? No worries!
We’ve rounded up the coolest freebies in town to spice up your trip without emptying your wallet. From historic hotspots to outdoor adventures, our guide spills the beans on all the top-notch freebies you won’t want to skip.
Plus, we’ve thrown in some tips on when to hit ’em up and how to squeeze every ounce of fun out of your visit.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a newbie to the scene, our list guarantees a fresh adventure. So, let’s dive into the freebie frenzy and see what Halifax has up its sleeve!
- 1. Explore St. Paul’s Anglican Church's Gothic architecture.
- 2. Walk the scenic trails of Point Pleasant Park.
- 3. Discover culture at Halifax Central Library.
- 4. Enjoy nature at Sir Sandford Fleming Park.
- 5. Visit Titanic graves at Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
- 6. Reflect at Fort Needham Memorial Park.
- 7. Step into history at Cole Harbour Heritage Farm.
- 8. Skate at Emera Oval.
- 9. Tour Scott Manor House Museum's Georgian residence.
- 10. Stroll Halifax Waterfront's expansive boardwalk.
- 11. Attend Dartmouth Sunshine Series events.
- 12. Celebrate Canada Day on the waterfront.
1. Explore St. Paul’s Anglican Church’s Gothic architecture.
Media credit: kynetonoldrectory
Website: https://stpaulshalifax.org/
Address: 1749 Argyle St, Halifax, NS B3J 2K4, Canada
Contact: +1 902-429-2240
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–12 PM
St. Paul’s Anglican Church has been standing since the 1800s, showing off its fancy Gothic Revival style. Just get ready to be wowed by colorful stained glass windows and fancy woodwork!
Once inside, take a peek inside and check out all the cool spots like the nave, chancel, transept, and tower. Plus, learn a bit about how this place helped Halifax grow.
| Pro Tip: Oh, and if you’re around on Sunday, don’t skip the chance to catch a service and let the organ serenade you. |
2. Walk the scenic trails of Point Pleasant Park.
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Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax, NS B3H 1B5, Canada
Contact: +1 902-490-4700
Hours:
- Open daily from 5 AM–10 PM
Point Pleasant Park is like nature’s own little haven taking in all you outdoorsy types. With 39 kilometers of space to roam, it’s the perfect escape from city chaos.
You can get “lost” in the lush forests, stroll along twisty trails, and soak up those killer views of the Atlantic. And hey, don’t forget to tune into the nature soundtrack — from tweeting birds to swaying trees, it’s all part of the charm.
| Pro Tip: Bring along a picnic and make a day of it! There are plenty of IG-worthy spots throughout the park to enjoy a leisurely outdoor meal with family and friends. |
3. Discover culture at Halifax Central Library.
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Website: http://halifaxcentrallibrary.ca/
Address: 5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 1E9, Canada
Contact: +1 902-490-5700
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–9 PM
The Halifax Central Library is where culture and smarts live and where modern design meets community vibes. With five floors plus a rooftop hangout, it’s more than just a book nook.
Here, feel free to dig into loads of reading material, catch cool events, or take in the view from up top. You can even write down your thoughts or record the landscape (have it on timelapse!) as you let the day pass by.
| Pro Tip: Check the library’s schedule for free classes and workshops to make the most of your visit. |
4. Enjoy nature at Sir Sandford Fleming Park.
Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/sir-sandford-fleming-park-the-dingle/1521
Address: 260 Dingle Rd, Halifax, NS B3P, Canada
Contact: +1 902-490-4539
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–11 PM
It’s time to soak up some natural vibes at Sir Sandford Fleming Park, right in the heart of Halifax’s Hydrostone district. This green gem spans 95 acres and is like a chill pill for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
You can stroll down winding paths, find some hidden beaches, and get lost in the woods or picnic by the ponds.
And oh, let’s not forget the Dingle Tower. It’s the park’s VIP spot, where you can take in epic views of the landscape and the Northwest Arm.
| Pro Tip: Oh, and PS: If you’re into snapping pics, bring your camera! Sir Sandford Fleming Park is a total paradise for photographers. |
5. Visit Titanic graves at Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Media credit: travellinghistory
Website: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/municipal-cemeteries
Address: 3720 Windsor St, Halifax, NS, Canada
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–4 PM
Ahoy, matey! Just step right up and take a trip down memory lane at Fairview Lawn Cemetery — where the RMS Titanic’s tale continues.
Here lie the final resting spots of many Titanic victims from that fateful night in 1912. You can stroll around this serene spot and stumble upon the graves of 121 souls, each with a tale to share.
Want the inside scoop? You can hop on a guided tour for juicy details about the lives lost.
| Pro Tip: If you prefer flying solo, take a quiet walk to pay your respects. And there’s no harm in leaving some flowers or prayers behind! |
6. Reflect at Fort Needham Memorial Park.
Media credit: shotsofhalifax
Address: 5515 Stairs Pl, Halifax, NS B3K 3N9, Canada
Contact: +1 902-490-4633
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–11 PM
You’ll find a chockful of history at Fort Needham Memorial Park, perched atop a hill in Halifax’s Hydrostone district. It’s not just any park — it’s a place of remembrance for the folks who suffered in the big boom of 1917, way before nukes were a thing.
You can swing by the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower and catch the bells chiming every hour. It’s a somber moment, but worth it.
And hey, if you’re up for it, bring some snacks because they’ve got picnic spots, walking paths, and even a playground for the little ones.
| Pro Tip: Drop by during the annual Halifax Explosion shindig (usually the first week of December) to really soak up the park’s backstory. |
7. Step into history at Cole Harbour Heritage Farm.
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Website: https://coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca/
Address: 471 Poplar Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4L2, Canada
Contact: +1 902-434-0222
Hours:
- Open seasonally from May 15th to October 15th
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM
- Tearoom hours on Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM–3 PM
Do you want to travel back in time? Cole Harbour Heritage Farm is where Halifax’s farming roots come alive!
Right in picturesque IG spots, this quaint museum transports you to 19th-century rural life. Here, you can wander through historic buildings like the farmhouse, barn, and blacksmith shop, jam-packed with cool stuff from back in the day.
You can also hang out with the farm crew — cows, pigs, and chickens included — and get your hands dirty with butter churning and gardening fun. They’ve got guided tours and cool events year-round for that old-school Nova Scotia farming scene.
| Pro Tip: Want in? Just drop your donation when you swing by, and hey check their website for off-season activities. |
8. Skate at Emera Oval.
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Website: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs-activities/outdoor-recreation/emera-oval
Address: 5775 Cogswell St, Halifax, NS B3K 4B2, Canada
Contact: +1 902-490-2347
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–9:30 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 1 PM–3 PM, 4 PM–6 PM, 7 PM–9 PM
Are you ready to roll at Emera Oval, Halifax’s coolest spot for some sensational skating? Located in the Halifax Commons, this outdoor rink transforms into a roller paradise when the sun’s out.
Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, it’s the perfect place to strut your stuff. And guess what? Rollerblade rentals are on the house — just bring your ID!
Keep an eye out for themed nights and special events to spice up your skating sessions.
| Pro Tip: Winter time’s no different. You’ll see loads of Halifaxians skating on the icy oval — with rentals still free! |
9. Tour Scott Manor House Museum’s Georgian residence.
Media credit: scottmanorhouse
Website: https://scottmanor.ca/
Address: 15 Fort Sackville Rd, Bedford, NS B4A 2G6, Canada
Contact: +1 902-832-2336
Hours:
- 2024 Summer Season is from June 24th to August 29th from 11 AM–4 PM, with guided tours available
- Tea Room opening on July 8th with hours from 2 AM–4 PM daily
The swanky Scott Manor House Museum is a Georgian-style spot that’s been standing since 1770 — giving you a peek into Nova Scotia’s early days. Here, you can wander through rooms decked out with old-school furniture, art, and cool artifacts.
And hey, keep an eye out for special events and workshops to level up your colonial knowledge! You’ll soak up stories about the folks who lived here back in the day.
| Pro Tip: Get their guided tours. Guides spill the tea on 18th-century life, pointing out all the fancy features of this historic crib. |
10. Stroll Halifax Waterfront’s expansive boardwalk.
Media credit: discoverhalifax
Website: https://buildns.ca/visit/halifax/
Address: Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3H 4P8, Canada
Contact: +1 902-229-2628
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
A casual jaunt down the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a must-do when you’re in the city! Stretching 4 kilometers along the harbor, you’ll soak in awesome views of the busy waterfront.
You can stroll past cool antiques, cute shops, artsy spots, and cozy cafes. If you’re into ships, prepare to gawk at the big babies or just chillax and vibe with the sea.
| Pro Tip: Come around sunset for that Insta-worthy view. You can watch the sky paint the harbor gold, red, and orange — it’s magical! |
11. Attend Dartmouth Sunshine Series events.
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Website: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/events/dartmouth-summer-sunshine-free-concerts
Address: 88 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y, Canada, Canada
Contact: +1 902-480-8000
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–11 PM
It’s time to soak up the good vibes and community spirit at the Dartmouth Sunshine Series! Your ticket to a summer full of art, music, and outdoor fun happens every weekend from June 25th to August 7th at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park.
We’re talking free concerts, cool art stuff, yummy food, and loads of family fun, all with a killer view of the harbor. Teaming up with Dartmouth Open Street, they’ve got a jam-packed lineup that’s sure to keep you entertained.
| Pro Tip: Get there early to snag the best seats, and bring along a cozy blanket or a comfy lawn chair. |
12. Celebrate Canada Day on the waterfront.
Media credit: hfxmoments
Website: https://www.hrmcanadaday.ca/
Address: Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3H 4P8, Canada
Contact: +1 902-229-2628
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Are you ready to party in true Canadian style at the Halifax Waterfront on July 1st? We’re talking epic fireworks, awesome concerts, and loads of fun for everyone.
It typically kicks off with the showcasing of Canada’s Indigenous culture. Then you’ll find yourself grooving to some seriously fun tunes and maybe catch a special show from featured guests like the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
| Pro Tip: Show up early to snag primo seats for the fireworks, and maybe pack a picnic blanket (and some food) or several fold-up chairs for extra chill vibes. |
