Two Days in Halifax: A City Steeped in Natural Beauty and Fascinating History
The city of Halifax is Nova Scotia's capital city and its most important harbor, boasting one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Since its humble beginnings in the 1740s when it was established as a small British military port, Halifax has grown into a booming Atlantic Coast metropolis. Today, visitors can experience the city's storied history at the Halifax Citadel National Park, the Dartmouth Heritage Museum or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. In addition to these historic sites, there's a plethora of exciting attractions to discover, from trails on beautiful McNab Island to tours of Alexander Keith's Brewery, a beer-lover's favorite which has been brewing signature Nova Scotian beer since 1820. So slip on your comfortable walking shoes, grab a map and gather your friends and family: two action-packed days in Halifax are about to begin!
Day 1: Spend a Relaxed Day Visiting Halifax's Lovely Parks
After arriving in this lovely Nova Scotian city you'll want to spend some time exploring all the natural beauty around you. Believe it or not, the downtown area is a great place to begin this nature-inspired day. If you're lodging in downtown, and its summertime, you can simply catch a ride on FRED, Halifax's Free Ride Everywhere Downtown, which transports you anywhere in the area quickly, and for free! First stop: Pointe Pleasant Park on the tip of the Halifax peninsula. This park boasts over 100 acres of trails and various historic fortifications, like the Prince of Wales Martello Tower National Historic Site. It's a great place to explore, and during the summer you can catch a Shakespeare by the Sea performance. From here it's just a short walk or ride to Captain Red Beard's Cruise Service, which will take you by boat to nearby McNab's Island. The largest island in Halifax Harbor, McNab's is home to countless hiking trails, beautifully preserved natural areas and Fort McNab National Historic Site. Take some time to wander the island and check out its natural splendor before heading back into town.
If you need to grab a bite to eat, this is a great time to do so, as the downtown area is packed with great dining options. After replenishing your reserves, head to the Public Gardens in downtown Halifax. Seventeen acres of Victorian-style gardens make this park a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. Meander through the well-maintained landscape, grab an ice cream cone and take some time to relax on one of the many park benches. If you still have time and energy, spend the rest of the afternoon at a nearby point of interest. St. Margaret's Bay, Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park and Peggy's Cove are each within an hour's drive. Peggy's Cove is a particularly popular choice, boasting a beautiful lighthouse and one of the best seafood restaurants in Nova Scotia, the Sou'Wester. After discovering all of the city's most stunning natural areas, you'll need plenty of rest for your next day of excitement in downtown Halifax.
Day 2: Explore Downtown Halifax
You'll want to start this activity-filled Saturday early, with a visit to the Farmer's Market. Opening at 7am (8am in the winter), the Halifax Farmer's Market is held in Keith's Brewery Building. Here, you'll find the freshest produce around, plus crafts, baked goods, live music and more. After buying and eating your fill, walk three blocks north on Lower Water Street to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. This unique museum displays exhibits that examine topics such as ship building, naval battles, and Halifax's seafaring history. Its location right on the riverfront creates the perfect setting, and this maritime museum is sure to leave you both enchanted and enlightened. Next, walk a few blocks down Sackville Street until you see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This signature monument marks the spot where four different forts once stood protecting this port city. Today, you can take guided tours of the complex and see reenactments of daily military life performed by period-costume garbed characters. This impressive fort, Halifax's most recognized landmark, should not be missed.
If you're getting hungry, take a lunch break at one of the many restaurants in downtown. The Economy Shoe Shop is a local favorite, situated on Argyle Street not far from the Citadel. Boasting lovely outdoor patio seating, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, the Economy is always a great choice. Argyle Bar and Grill, Ryan Duffy's and Il Mercato are also nearby.
The next stop on this quick downtown day-tour is Scotia Square, located a few blocks north on Barrington Street. This mall offers an eclectic mix of stores, including clothing stores, furniture shops, jewelers and sports stores. Whether you're in the market to buy something new, or you simply want to window-shop and take in the beautiful ambiance, this shopping district is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Pedestrian walkways conveniently link the mall to various entertainment areas, including the Halifax Metro Centre and the Casino Nova Scotia.
Once you've had your fill of shopping, head back to the spot where you begin the day's journey: Alexander Keith's Brewery. It's an easy walk, but you can also catch a ride on FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) and after arriving, sign up for a tour. This Halifax landmark boasts over 150 years of beer-making experience. The guided tour will take you through the entire process, as guides dressed in 19th-century clothing lead the group in lively pub songs and hand guests a cold beer at the journey's end. You'll want to take the tour over and over again.
With such a busy day behind you, most sightseers would gladly return home to relax. However, downtown Halifax is packed with great nightspots, from quaint cafes to music venues to dance clubs. The Seahorse Tavern and The Dome are top picks, where you can enjoy a cold drink and a late-night snack as you unwind with your fellow Halifax adventurers.
