What to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

In October, I went on a girls trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia had been on my travel list for years and I am so excited that I finally got to visit! Learn more about what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in my blog post below.

What to Do

Walk along the Harborwalk. This boardwalk sits on the water and offers stunning views. It is home to ice cream shops (open in the summer), boutiques, restaurants, and the Historic Properties. Since they were doing construction while we were there, we got to walk along the floating sea bridge.

We watched this ship come in as the sun set. 

Walk through the Historic Properties. This designated National Historic Site comprises Halifax’s oldest surviving group of waterfront houses. They are filled with shops and make for a fun shopping excursion.

Visit the Farmer’s Market for local food, baked goods, jewelry, and art. Sitting right on the water’s edge, this warehouse is home to 250 vendors and is the longest running farmer’s market in North America.

Do a tour at Alexander Keith’s Brewery, Halifax’s oldest brewery. It was founded by Alexander Keith after he emigrated from Scotland in the early 1800s! I’ve visited many breweries through my travels, and this was by far my favorite brewery tour I’ve ever taken. You learn about the history of Alexander Keith, how they brew beer, and are treated to a private “concert” where local artists sing Scottish songs. I actually felt like I was in Scotland! Throughout the tour, you are treated to beer too.

Take an hour drive to Peggy’s Cove. This small coastal town is both quaint and stunning. We spent hours here walking around the lighthouse and watching the waves crash against the rocks.

Drive to Mahone Bay. Recommended to us by a local, we decided to stop here after Peggy’s Cove on our way to Lunenburg. Another quaint town, we stopped here for lunch (JoAnn’s), and walked through the shops. It was very picturesque and is often pictured on postcards. It is known for its three church steeples that rise from the edge of the bay.

Drive to Lunenburg, a stunning port town filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. We spent a few hours walking around there and even did a liquer tasting at Ironworks Distillery. My personal favorite was the Raspberry, Blackberry, and Blueberry flavors!  Check out Kate’s Sweet Delights Coffee Shop for coffee and sweets. For dinner, head to the Grand Baker Bar and Grill. Great food and views!

Head to the Citadel to learn some local history. You can take a guided tour or a self-guided tour. We walked around the fort and popped into any room with an open door! We saw where the soldiers ate meals, slept, the armory, and walked through the maze of trenches. It felt like we stepped back into time!

Take a stroll through the Public Gardens. While small, it was beautiful!

Head to Fisherman’s Cove. About a twenty minute drive away from Halifax, this quaint, restored fishing village is 200 years old! Sitting right along the water, the area has a main street lined with local artists’ shops and boutiques. While we were there, most of the shops were closed. However, in the summer all the shops are open!

Do a beer tasting at New Scotland Brewing Co. About a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Halifax, this brewery is in Dartmouth and had great beer!

Where to Eat

Halifax is an underrated foodie city. It is filled with gastropubs, fine dining, and cafes. Here are my recommendations:

• The Stubborn Goat
• Piatto
• Gahan House
• Cafe Chianti
• Obladee Wine Bar

Where to Stay

Cambridge Inn & Suites – a great location within steps of the best restaurants in the city, as well as the Citadel.