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7 Must-See Destinations in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Lobster, historic gardens, and famous food and beverage headline the reasons to point your compass to Halifax Nova Scotia.

By: Tom Mills + Save to a List

The very best way to start your adventure when flying into Halifax NS: Walk along the 4-kilometer Halifax Harbor boardwalk.

Stop off at the various historic properties, bars, pubs, restaurants, warehouses and Victorian-era buildings that are beautifully restored. Continue your walk along the fisherman's wharf, stopping to check out the harbor boat tours and whale-watching excursions. This is a great way to check out a view of Halifax's famous Citadel Hill from the harbor vantage point.

The Halifax Citadel was built in 1749 to protect the city during wartime, a star-shaped fort that protects the Halifax harbor. Parks Canada currently operates the Citadel, and you can book a guided tour of the Halifax Citadel any day of the week.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is another excellent choice when looking for things to do in Halifax Nova Scotia. It has a great collection of marine artifacts from the Titanic and other famous ships from around the Maritimes.


The Halifax boardwalk ends up around the Farmers’ Market in the vicinity of the Immigration Building at Pier 21. The National Historic Site (Pier21) is located on the Halifax waterfront and was the first point of entry for many immigrants who travelled to Canada between 1928 and 1971, often as British Home Children coming from all over Europe during hard times.

There are plenty of Airbnb's and hotels all over Halifax, so no worries on where to stay if you are planning an extended stay in Nova Scotia.

Don't forget to satisfy your hunger by stopping at the King of Donair. This is a favorite among tourists in this part of the country! The late Anthony Bourdain used to drop into the King of Donair each time he visited Halifax. The famous donair chain has been serving up their tasty donairs since 1973, made with a combination of tomato, onion, meat and a special sauce that is irresistible.

Located just off Spring Garden Road and spanning 16 acres, the Halifax Public Gardens are another popular stop in Halifax NS. The Halifax Victorian Gardens have been open to the general public since 1867. Visitors can enter the gardens through an ornate wrought-iron gate, and then follow many pathways throughout the gardens, taking in the beautiful fountains, trees, flowers, and statues along route.

Getting hungry for lobster yet?

No trip to Atlantic Canada is quite complete without stopping off to enjoy a juicy Nova Scotia lobster dinner, a lobster roll or grab a dozen lobsters and go to a local beach or campground to do your own boil-up as they say here on the East Coast!

So if you are getting a cab from the Halifax Airport into Halifax don't forget to take a private guided tour of Peggy's Cove and its iconic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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