Best Things To Do in Halifax

Halifax is a port city in Canada, located in the province of Nova Scotia. Here time seems to have been frozen in Victorian times, especially in places like the Citadel, where you can experience Scottish traditions and discover military history.

Among its fortresses a trip of disconnection awaits you with endless plans such as a ride on a historic sailboat, ride an amphibious vehicle or tour its picturesque streets on a Segway. Many pass up this gem because they are unaware of all it has to offer. It's a pity because Halifax has a close relationship with the Titanic. Are you eager to know it? Here is a list of the must-sees of this city.

The first thing you should do is visit the Citadel of Halifax, also known as Citadel National Historic Site. It is a must-see historic enclave for its role in the history of Canada. It is located on Georges Island and as soon as you cross its walls you will be entering the era when the British founded the city.

In addition, its peculiar star shape does not go unnoticed and in every corner you can appreciate its military history. That is why it has Fort George and other fortresses that protect the seaport. Many people miss the best part, as they don't know that interactive activities take place here such as:

• Living a distilling and tasting experience of Halifax's most important aged spirits.
• Enjoy the Changing of the Guard every day from May to November. It is a ceremonial parade that includes Scottish costumes and typical music.
• Enjoy the firing of the cannon at noon, a Scottish tradition with more than 200 years of history.
• Visit the Citadel's historical exhibit, divided into several sections covering different eras of the city.
• Go on a ghost hunt and see the Citadel at night.
• Become a soldier for a day and wear your own kilt, learn the traditional parade march, fire your rifle or play the drum.
• Experience a Victorian Christmas with music, dancing and the merriment of Santa Claus.

If you don't want to worry about the logistics you could book a guided tour of Halifax, as these types of experiences usually include transfers and visiting the main attractions. Here are some of the other usual stops on this type of tour.

Pier 21

At Pier 21, also known as the Canadian Immigration Museum, you can discover the history of millions of immigrants who came to Canada between 1928 and 1971. At that time travel had not evolved that much and it was a complete journey.

Hard to imagine? It has interactive exhibits such as a ship's cabin simulator, which allows you to experience what the journey was like from beginning to end. Among its corridors there are testimonies and personal objects of the travelers, since the challenge did not end when they set foot on Canadian soil; they had to maneuver through immigration controls to be able to stay in the country.

Alexander Keith Brewery

Welcome to one of Halifax's most popular breweries! The Alexander Keith Brewery is an old coastal gem, having been established in 1820. A lively atmosphere awaits you at this brewery with Scots who uphold the traditions of its creator. You'll see people dancing, singing and enjoying entertaining shows that will make your visit really special.

Overall, it's a great mainstay of local beer and you can join a guided tour in period costume. You'll have a great time and get to learn about the history of the brewery, as well as sample the delicious India Pale Ale.

Dartmouth

The advantage of signing up for guided tours is the chance to get to know the nearby villages. Dartmouth is a picturesque place famous for its markets and legends linked to Celtic and Saxon settlements. It was also a haven for pirates and privateers and if I were you I would not miss a historical tour through its narrow streets.

Fisherman's Cove

When thinking of Halifax, many people get an image of colorful houses, but the reality is that they are in Fisherman's Cove. This is a fishing village with over 200 years of history just twenty minutes away. It is famous for its boardwalk, waterfront trails and seafood restaurants that get five stars from those lucky enough to visit.

Halifax is an ideal city for relaxation as many of its plans will allow you to unwind. Among them, there is nothing better than booking a sailing trip in Halifax to get to know another side of Nova Scotia. There are different themed cruises that deal with the history of the Titanic and the anecdotes of the wars. However, the most popular allows you to board the Tall Ship Silva, a historic ship that sailed in Scandinavian waters.

This experience usually lasts two hours and allows you to learn about the history of the ship, while touring the coast of Halifax. You can purchase drinks on board to sit back and enjoy the views of the seaport, Harbor Bridge and Point Pleasant Forest Park.

During the route it is possible to interact with the crew, tie knots, hoist the sails or take the helm for a few seconds.

As you walk around Halifax, it's impossible not to notice the big pink bus that runs through the streets. It's a convenient way to get to know the city at your own pace, as it offers 10 free stops to hop on and off at your leisure.

You can choose to ride in the lower deck and enjoy the air-conditioned comfort or take advantage of the convertible deck and enjoy the panoramic views. In both cases a tour guide will be waiting for you to share fascinating stories about each monument and also the possibility to get on and off whenever you want and as many times as you want.

Consider that the usual frequency of the buses is between 20 and 45 minutes, although they may take a little longer in high season. As an alternative you have the Pedal Bus which is a kind of tuk tuk with a bar on board and the Halifax Beer Bus, which combines a tour of the city with stops at local breweries.

If you decide to buy tickets for the Halifax tourist bus you will have 24 hours to enjoy this attraction with absolute freedom and flexibility. Here are some stops you can take advantage of.

Historic Downtown

Of course, the Historic Downtown Halifax is worth a visit. Here, 18th century monuments and alleyways such as St. George's Round Church and City Hall are concentrated. In addition, this area connects to the seaport in a matter of minutes, something that shows how friendly this city is. During your stroll you may come across the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the largest and oldest in Canada.

Halifax Cathedral and Gallery

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary is one of the oldest churches in Canada and is worth a look at its neo-Gothic architecture. It's a window into the 19th century with its high ceilings and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes.

Of course, in such a picturesque city you are going to find art spaces. Hence, another stop of interest is the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which offers a wide collection of historical and artistic pieces. If you're lucky, your visit may coincide with their special activities that include evening tours, realism exhibits and painting workshops.

There are endless options to experience Nova Scotia and among my favorites is Harbour Hopper, an attraction that combines a land and water tour. To start the trip you will conquer the main streets that are a window to its history, monuments and architecture.

Of course, you will not miss the commentary on board that allows you to immerse yourself in every detail of the city. Later, the amphibian will transform into a convertible boat and you will be ready to admire the coastline while passing by other sailboats.

I suggest you buy tickets for Harbour Hopper in Halifax in advance, this way you will save time at the ticket office.

From Halifax it's easy to get to other spectacular spots like Peggy's Cove, a fishing village forty-five minutes away. You can't be so close to one of the most touristy places in Canada and miss the opportunity to visit it.

When you arrive the first thing you'll see is the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, which stands on huge granite boulders, where it gently laps the sea. It is very popular for taking pictures, so don't forget to pose next to this monument. Also don't miss the colorful houses on the pier and the markets offering local products.

Some people often go to the memorial for the victims of Swissair Flight 111, which crashed in the town and there were no survivors.

It is easiest to book a tour to Peggy's Cove from Halifax. This way, you won't have to worry about logistics and you can relax while enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean. But don't worry! These experiences usually offer free time for you to explore the town at your own pace.

Halifax has a close connection to the history of the Titanic, as it was one of the closest ports and the arrival point for the rescue ships.

Hence Fairview Lawn Cemetery became the final resting place of about 120 victims. The story is quite tragic because most were not identified, so you will see graves with names and others that only indicate the date and a number.

You are free to visit, but remember to maintain an attitude of respect. In general, the island has stories of the Titanic everywhere and there are routes that let you know how the rescue was. There are dark tales like the one about the skating rink that became a morgue, where the bodies were piled up while they tried to identify them. There's also the funeral home that today functions as a restaurant.

To enjoy the city outdoors, nothing better than to go to Halifax Public Gardens, the famous public gardens. They are a remnant of the Victorian era and I find them ideal to enjoy the city as a local would.

They usually offer outdoor concerts, flower shows, fiddle shows and guided tours from June to October that focus on the horticulture and history of the gardens. Keep in mind that most activities are seasonal and may vary.

If you like sports, you can't miss a visit to the Scotiabank Centre. It is located in the heart of downtown and is home to the Halifax Mooseheads, the local field hockey team. Here you can discover the passion for the ice and why this sport is so important in Canada.

Of course, you can't miss a game and the opportunity to experience one of Canada's traditions. In addition, the Halifax Sports Hall of Fame awaits you with interactive exhibits, local team collections and even simulators for you to experience the sport firsthand.

If you'd like to continue enjoying the atypical beauty of Halifax, you can head to one of the locals' favorite spots: Rainbow Haven in Cow Bay. This beach will surprise you as it is considered a small Nova Scotia hideaway, perfect for leaving the touristy areas behind. It is also popular for the variety of activities for the whole family, including:

• Swimming, from July to August lifeguards are available, the rest of the year it is advisable to stay close to the shore.
• Surfing and kayaking
• Beachcombing, on the beach you can hire guided tours to discover hidden places.
• Beach volleyball.

The beach can be visited all year round, but it is more advisable from May to October, when bathrooms and money exchange services are available. To arrive the most comfortable thing is to take a cab or to rent a car, since it is located to thirty minutes of Halifax. You can also opt for the Halifax Transit bus to Cow Bay and from there walk to the beach or take a cab at a more affordable price.

In Halifax, Canadian cuisine is fused with Scottish traditions, so you can find a wide range of dishes. Most restaurants offer seafood such as fresh seafood, mussels and the famous lobster hot dogs.

Craft beer is the best companion to sit in front of the sea and enjoy the view. In addition, it is common to find Donairs, a version of the Turkish kebab that originated in Nova Scotia. It is prepared with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, sweet garlic sauce and meat.

Donair pizza is another star of Halifax cuisine and is notable for its mix of pronounced flavors. It is usually prepared with lamb, beef, cheese, sweet sauce, vinegar-based sauce and spices.

Of course, dessert should never be missing and in Nova Scotia there is a variety to choose from, the most popular are:

• Beaver Tail, is a dessert originally from Quebec that has conquered Halifax. It is a fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon, sugar or chocolate. It is said that the real cola must be shaped like the beaver, otherwise it does not live up to the Canadian recipe.
• Pastel de Mantequilla, enjoy the crunchy dough and its sugary butter filling that melts easily in your mouth. The highlight of this dessert is the delicious maple syrup.

• Appropriate clothing: the weather in Halifax is quite unstable, so it is important to bring clothes according to the season and some layers in case there is a last minute change.
• Hours: if you go in low season you should know that Halifax is usually a very quiet city, so some monuments and stores close early.
• Excursions: Halifax is a city that is easily connected via public transportation. However, to visit places like the Citadel or Peggy's Cove it is more convenient to look for experiences that facilitate transfers.