Five Places You Must Visit When in Halifax, Canada

Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. It is the largest city in the Atlantic Provinces, a historic port city that serves as the region’s economic centre on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia

It is a major economic centre in Atlantic Canada with a large concentration of government services, and private sector companies.

Discover iconic lighthouses, local history, urban gardens, galleries and museums, a waterfront science centre, and more world-class attractions in Halifax.

Don’t miss out on the following 5 places while you are in Halifax : Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada, Maritime Museum of The Atlantic, Halifax Central Library, and Pier 21.

#1 Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

I loved this Waterfront Boardwalk walk, it’s such a great town!   This is a very nice, and long boardwalk, that has the Immigration Museum At Pier 21 on the far end , the Halifax maritime Museum in the middle and many restaurants to eat and plazas along the way. There are historic ships that one can board and visit.

The view was magnificent!  Walking slowly along the waterfront boardwalk was very enjoyable. It’s a great place for walking and the boat tours, maritime museum and immigration museum were down there. People were friendly with plenty shops that you could go for some souvenirs.

You can sit, relax and watch the boats, the cruise ships and the ferry. We stopped and sat on the benches, enjoyed the views, watched people fishing. To finish our walk, we found many restaurants and bars to choose from.

Lots of food trucks and restaurants in area. Street vendors, tons of cool food including fish, lobster, poutine, and ice cream. 

You could board 1-hour Harbour Hopper tour, it’s such a great way to tour the city, learn some history, and take a boat ride in the harbour all in one!

Grab a ferry to Dartmouth, you will enjoy Dartmouth’s beautiful historic streets, and it’s the perfect town for some serious window shopping.

#2 Halifax Citadel –  National Historic Site of Canada

The Halifax Citadel majestically set upon an expansive hill overlooking the city.  It is part of a series of forts.

Each one showcasing changes over time to its defenses.  Each significantly different than its predecessor, that protected Halifax Harbour from 1749 to 1906.

The Citadel has an amazing view of the city and a beautiful location.  This historic site is well maintained. It was much more interesting than I had originally expected. I felt like I was going back in history. Lots of information and exhibits to capture your attention.

We just came on time for the real cannon fired at noon.  I was really enjoyed the museum.  There were many artifacts and interesting stories.  I think this place has a great history, good for all ages and so, it’s well worth a visit! Guided tours available but you can visit by yourself.

#3 Maritime Museum of The Atlantic

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located in downtown Halifax.  It is the oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada.

It is a very well organized museum!  The display on the Royal Canadian Navy was fantastic, and very informative! I was glad that I had the opportunity to visit this museum.  This was one of the best museums I had ever visited.

The display areas for the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion were extremely interesting, informative and well documented! From the sailboats to the history of the fire to the Titanic ,a lots of history and interesting stories! I learned so many things about life on the ship, and why so many lives were lost.

If you love maritime history, or simply history, then this is the right place for you.  There are a lot of maritime histories in this museum.  It’s worth a visit when you have free time.

#4 Halifax Central Library

I would say the Halifax Central Library is a stunning building and so beautiful, very impressive architecture.  It’s one of the most amazing public library that I have ever been to.

The interior is so spacious, bright and modern. The staff are really helpful, and there are a lots of selections and seats.  You can also find a coffee shop for break time. There are plenty of books and computer stations.

I was so happy to be able to relax and enjoy this place!  Hence, it’s a must visit.

#5 Pier 21

Pier 21 is a gateway for nearly 1 million immigrants who landed in Halifax from 1928 to 1971; now hosts Canada’s newest national museum. There are hands-on activities, genealogical research and first-person stories.

This place is awesome!  It’s a nice museum that you can visit and learn more about immigration in Canada.  There are many hands-on activities for children, an inspirational video and a very knowledgeable tour guide.  I think this museum is well worth spending a few hours or more.  It’s a must visit place!

Hotel Recommendations Links

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g154976-zfn5231-Halifax_Halifax_Regional_Municipality_Nova_Scotia-Hotels.html

https://lordnelsonhotel.ca/

https://www.planetware.com/canada/where-to-stay-in-halifax-best-areas-hotels-cdn-1-79.htm