Sophia MurphyWhen my pals drop by Halifax, they’re always scratching their heads over the name—Cole Harbour-Dartmouth or Dartmouth-Cole Harbour? I always chuckle and tell them it’s definitely Dartmouth-Cole Harbour!
Once we settle that debate, you can bet the next question sails right in: “So, what’s the deal with this place? What’s there to do?”
And just like that, I find myself jotting down all the best things to do and see to really understand and get the vibe that’s uniquely Cole Harbour and Dartmouth!
So, if you’re in the same boat (or know someone who’s lost at sea on this), then this list is your go-to!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Dartmouth-Cole Harbour is during the summer months, from June to September. This time frame is when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are at their peak.
However, you can still visit Dartmouth-Cole Harbour any time of the year.
Fall, from September to November, offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, while spring, from March to May, provides mild weather and blossoming flowers.
Winter, from December to February, is best for those who enjoy colder temperatures and winter sports.
How to Get Around Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Weather
Bus: If you’re not driving, then traveling around Dartmouth-Cole Harbour via bus is convenient and accessible with Halifax Transit.
Taxis: Services like Uber are available but might be less frequent than in larger cities.
Cars: Driving is the go-to for exploring Bedford’s hidden gems, from serene parks to charming local shops.
For eco-friendly options, consider renting a bike to cruise the Bedford-Sackville Connector Greenway Trail or enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
Where to Stay in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
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Address: 15 Spectacle Lake Drive
Contact: +1 902-463-2000
Rates: $$
Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites offers modern comforts and easy access to Halifax. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, the rooms are spacious and the heated pool is a nice perk.
| Pro Tip: For a great view, ask for a room overlooking the Halifax skyline. |
Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Dartmouth/Halifax
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Website: https://hearthstone-inn-halifax.hotelsinnovascotia.com/en/
Address: 313 Prince Albert Rd
Contact: +1 902-469-5850
Rates: $
This cozy boutique hotel is perfect for a relaxing stay near Halifax. Here, you can enjoy locally-inspired dining at their restaurant and personalized service throughout your stay!
| Pro Tip: Check out their evening specials for a delicious meal without leaving your hotel. |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Halifax – Dartmouth
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/dartmouth/yhzdj/
Address: 335 John Savage Ave Building 1
Contact: +1 902-431-1122
Rates: $$
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, this pet-friendly hotel has modern rooms and a complimentary hot breakfast to start your day off right. It’s a great home base for exploring Dartmouth-Cole Harbour and downtown Halifax.
| Pro Tip: Whiz through the pool slide and get back to being a kid again! |
Where to Eat in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Boondocks Restaurant
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Website: http://www.boondocksrestaurant.ca/
Address: 6 Government Wharf Rd
Phone: +1 902-465-3474
Hours:
- Open daily from 11:30 AM–8 PM
Hungry for adventure and seafood? Just head to Eastern Passage and feast like a king (or queen) at the Boondocks Restaurant. From lobster rolls to fish tacos that’ll make your taste buds do the salsa, these spots know their way around a kitchen.
If it’s sunny enough, go ahead and grab a patio seat with harbor views, sip on a cold beverage, and savor every bite—it’s seafood bliss, Nova Scotia style.
| Pro Tip: Ask the locals for their favorite dish or the dish of the day—you might uncover a hidden menu meal that’s not on the board. |
Mic Mac Bar & Grill
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Website: https://micmacbarandgrill.com/
Address: Mic Mac Place, 219 Waverley Rd
Contact: +1 902-434-7600
Hours:
- Monday: 4–9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–9:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–9 PM
Mic Mac Bar & Grill is a local favorite for delicious meals and a lively atmosphere, ideal for casual dining with friends or family. They’ve got a diverse menu of seafood and comfort food classics.
| Pro Tip: Happy hour is the time to score great deals on drinks and appetizers! |
Celtic Corner Public House
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Website: http://www.celticcorner.ca/
Address: 69 Alderney Dr
Contact: +1 902-464-0764
Hours:
- Open daily from 11 AM–12 AM
At Celtic Corner Public House, you get to experience true East Coast hospitality! This cozy pub features traditional Irish fare and live music—you can even request a traditional tune to jig along!
Just grab a pint (we like ours dark) and soak in the lively atmosphere.
| Pro Tip: For the best experience, check their schedule for live music nights and arrive early to snag a good spot. |
What to Do in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Visit the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum.
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Website: http://coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca/
Address: 471 Poplar Dr
Phone: +1 902-434-0222
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
It’s time to channel your inner farmer at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum! This isn’t your average museum—it’s a living, breathing farm straight out of the good ol’ days.
Here, you get cozy with farm animals, stroll through heritage gardens, and maybe even try your hand at churning butter (just don’t blame us if it ends up in your hair).
| Pro Tip: Visit during special events like the Harvest Festival for a taste of old-timey fun, complete with hayrides and homemade goodies like their farm honey and rhubarb jelly! |
Explore the Cole Harbour Salt Marsh Trail.
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Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/trails/salt-marsh-trail-trans-canada-trail/6141
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lk2b9XEJ4zS6DvXu5
Looking to calm your stress from the chaotic city life? Just strap on your hiking boots and hit the Salt Marsh Trail, where nature puts on a show that’ll make Netflix jealous.
This scenic path winds through wetlands teeming with wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for herons and muskrats doing their thing. It’s the perfect escape from city life without having to wrestle a bear for your picnic lunch!
| Pro Tip: Bring bug spray in the summer—it’s you versus the mosquitoes, and they play dirty. |
Attend a hockey game at the Cole Harbour Place.
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Website: https://www.coleharbourplace.com/
Address: 51 Forest Hills Pkwy
Phone: +1 902-464-5100
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Friday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM–9 PM
It’s the holy grail of Canadian pastimes—hockey at Cole Harbour Place. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the poutine at the concession stand, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush as sticks clack and players chase the elusive puck.
You’re free to cheer out loud, high-five strangers, and pretend you know all the rules—because it’s hockey night in Cole Harbour!
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to nab a seat close to the action and maybe catch a puck during warm-ups (just don’t lose your beer in the process). |
Play a round of golf at Hartlen Point Golf Club.
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Website: http://hartlenpoint.ca/
Address: 2400 Shore Rd
Phone: +1 902-465-4653
Hours:
- Open daily from 6 AM–7 PM
Fore! You can tee off like a pro at Hartlen Point Golf Club, where the only thing better than your swing is the view.
This seaside course will test your skills amidst stunning coastal panoramas and enough ocean breezes to cool even the hottest temper. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just here for the buggy ride, it’s a hole-in-one kind of day.
| Pro Tip: Book a twilight tee time for fewer crowds and Instagram-worthy sunset views over the Atlantic. |
Explore the Dartmouth Heritage Museum.
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Website: http://www.dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca/
Address: 26 Newcastle St
Phone: +1 902-464-2300
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Okay, just dust off your monocle and top hat—okay, maybe just your sneakers—and dive into Dartmouth’s history at the Dartmouth Heritage Museum. This place is like a time machine, with exhibits that’ll make you say, “So that’s how they did it back then!”
From Victorian parlors to wartime relics, it’s a crash course in Dartmouth’s evolution from a sleepy town to a bustling city.
| Pro Tip: Join a guided tour for insider stories and behind-the-scenes peeks at artifacts—they’re like history class, but way cooler. |
Discover local art at the Craig Gallery.
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Website: http://alderneylanding.com/gallery
Address: 2 Ochterloney St
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM
At the Craig Gallery, you get to explore local art exhibitions featuring diverse works from regional artists. You never know if you might find the perfect piece for your home!
| Pro Tip: Looking for inspiration? Then attend artist talks and openings for a deeper dive into the creative process. |
Where to Shop in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market
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Website: https://www.alderneylanding.com/market/
Address: 2 Octerloney St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Friday
- Saturday: 8 AM–1 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM
You can score fresh eats and artisan treats at Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market in Dartmouth—it’s where local flavor meets community vibes.
From farm-fresh produce to handmade crafts that scream “Take me home,” these markets are a feast for the senses. Just chat up the farmers, sample the goods, and leave with a reusable bag full of goodness—it’s guilt-free shopping at its finest.
| Pro Tip: Bring several cloth bags. You get to save money and the environment in your own way! |
Mic Mac Mall
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Website: http://www.micmacmall.com/
Address: 21 Micmac Boulevard
Contact: +1 902-463-5891
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 12–5 PM
Mic Mac Mall is Dartmouth’s top shopping spot, blending popular brands with local boutiques for a diverse retail experience. You can spend an afternoon exploring fashion, electronics, and more all under one roof!
| Pro Tip: Sign up for their loyalty program to score exclusive discounts and special offers. |
Fisherman’s Cove
Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/fishermans-cove/1416
Distance: About 16 km southeast of Halifax
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QtNTMp6op5JtqBRg6
Fisherman’s Cove is where history meets seaside kitsch in the best possible way! This quaint village offers colorful shops, seafood shacks, and enough nautical charm to make a pirate blush.
Just go ahead and browse for souvenirs, feast on fish ‘n’ chips, and pretend you’re a salty sea captain plotting your next adventure—it’s all part of the Cove’s charm.
| Pro Tip: Join a guided walking tour to uncover the Cove’s hidden stories and secret spots. |
