Things To Do In Halifax – Nova Scotia

Things to do in Halifax – Nova Scotia. Waterfront Boardwalk, The Citadel, Alexander Keith’s Brewery, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Blue Rocks. Downtown Halifax is 21 miles/34 kms from Stanfield International Airport.

Things To Do In Halifax – Nova Scotia

1. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
2. The Halifax Citadel
3. Alexander Keith’s Brewery
4. St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
5. Peggy’s Cove
6. Lunenburg
7. Blue Rocks

1. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

1.8 miles/3 kms of salty sea air makes for a refreshing walk. The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk (Harbourfront) is full of excitement and thrill. Buskers, souvenir shops, live music and refreshments to satisfy all ages. Tour the harbor aboard Theodore Too (the tugboat). A special highlight for kids is to wear the official Captain Theodore hat.

For something different, tour downtown points-of-interest on the ‘Harbour Hopper’. An amphibious vehicle that meanders its way through the city streets before splashing into the water for a harbor tour.

Look Ma, I can swim!!!

2. The Halifax Citadel

The entrance to the Citadel is on Ahern Avenue. Founded in 1749, this star-shaped hilltop fort offers guided tours. It has a coffee bar, gift shop and washrooms. Look-out for the following:

• Sentry Change – Every hour the Citadel is open, watch the sentry guarding the front gate be changed.
• 78th Highlanders – Guard the Citadel’s entrance and daily conduct marching and band drills on the parade grounds.
• Noon Gun – The Royal Artillery fires the Noon Gun every day at 12 pm – a Halifax tradition that is one of the oldest in the world.
• Ghost Tours – Learn about the ghost stories and bizarre legends of the Halifax Citadel – Mid-July until late October,   Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 pm.

The Halifax Town Clock/Citadel Clock stands outside the Citadel walls but on its grounds. Located on Carmichael street and Brunswick street behind the Scotiabank Centre with stairs leading up to it. Once at the top, turn around and you have a great view of the downtown area and the waterfront. Continue further to the top of the hill and you have an even better view. This is a steep hill.

3. Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Alexander Keith’s Brewery is on Lower Water St. and Bishop St.. It is one of the oldest working breweries in North America. Tour and learn all about the history of Mr. Keith’s legacy. Get a behind the scenes look at the brewing process.

The tour wraps up at “Stag’s Head”, the historic pub in what used to be the aging cavern of Mr. Keith’s Brewery. Sample the locally inspired small batch and limited edition beers, while enjoying live music from some of Halifax’s talented young local musicians.

4. St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica

Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica is a National Historic Site. Located in downtown Halifax, it boasts Gothic Revival architecture and design. Guided tours are offered by appointment from October to May

5. Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is 26 miles/43 kms west of Halifax. This vibrant fishing village with its historic lighthouse and wooden houses perched along the narrow inlet, will take your breath away. Visit the William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument and shop at local arts and crafts stores scattered among the fishing shacks. Eat fresh lobster and homemade ice-cream at family-owned restaurants.

6. Lunenburg

The county of Lunenburg is 62 miles/100 kms west of Halifax. This pretty port town has a sensational harbor and distinctive waterfront with colorful buildings.

Wander Old Town Lunenburg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its narrow streets and unique architecture. Colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries greet visitors with their colorful façades.

7. Blue Rocks

Blue Rocks is a tiny community 4.3 miles/7 kms south of Lunenburg. Kayak or Stand-up Paddle board in the calm, protected, and beautiful waters that surround this place. There are dozens of beautiful, uninhabited islands around here.

You should also visit Hopewell Rocks/Bay of Fundy, 185 miles/297 kms away in neighboring New Brunswick. Here you can see phenomenal high tides between 32 and 46 feet (10 and 14 metres).