20 Places to Visit During a Getaway to Halifax, Nova Scotia

Planning a getaway to Halifax? Check out our complete itinerary from our press trip to Nova Scotia’s capital to help you plan your next vacation on Canada’s East Coast! From gourmet restaurants and cozy cafes, to spectacular walks, an elegant hotel and must-do activities, we’re sharing all our favorite spots for an unforgettable getaway to the Maritimes!

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Things to do in Halifax

Visit the Halifax Public Gardens 

Located in the heart of the city, the Halifax Public Gardens feel like a magical escape where you can stroll with a delicious matcha or coffee in hand (which we have several suggestions for you below). Open since 1867 and spanning over 16 acres, it’s one of the last surviving Victorian gardens in North America and also a designated National Historic Site of Canada since 1983.

You can’t help but be charmed by its magnificent entrance, its gorgeous ponds and fountains where ducks bathe, its gazebo with a Stars Hollow feel, and especially its colorful flowers all along the trails. It’s definitely the perfect spot to relax in nature without having to leave the city.

Address
Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Stroll on Halifax Waterfront

A stroll along the waterfront is a must-do during a Halifax getaway! It offers a calming yet vibrant atmosphere thanks to the numerous works of art adorning the path. To relax and fully enjoy the sea breeze, settle into one of the iconic hammocks and let yourself be carried away by the sound of the waves. If you prefer a more festive atmosphere, there are plenty of options with The BG (Beer Garden), Salt Yard Social, and several other restaurants nearby.

Travel back in time at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Overlooking the city, a visit to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site will take you back in time and make you learn more about its history, from its founding to its crucial importance during the two World Wars.

We recommend arriving a little before noon to witness the firing of the cannon, a Halifax tradition since 1856. You can also watch the changing of the guard every hour, explore the military museum to the sound of bagpipes, and for an even more immersive experience, you can become a member of the 78th Highlanders for the day.

Address
5425 Sackville Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Taste local beers while visiting Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Founded over 200 years ago, in 1820, Alexander Keith’s is one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in North America. By booking a guided tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process while sampling some of their delicious Halifax beers.

The tasting will then continue at the historic Stag’s Head pub, which once served as an aging cellar. Through an interactive tour, including live music, you’ll be transported to the heart of Nova Scotian culture and the legacy of the Keith family.

Address
1496 Lower Water St
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Explore the Hydrostone Market

Considered one of Canada’s greatest neighborhoods, a stroll through Hydrostone Market will take you to the heart of a charming center of local shops and restaurants, featuring European-inspired architecture. Opened in 1920, following the Halifax Explosion of 1917, the neighborhood was built from “Hydro-Stone” concrete blocks, thus giving it its name.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Visit Agricola Street’s creative shops

For unique finds, Agricola Street, in North End, is the place to be. Decor and design lovers will be delighted to shop at Isle at Ease, a colorful boutique where you’ll want to bring everything home. Original candles, collectible books or refined glassware, each object has been carefully chosen for its uniqueness and durability.

If you love reading, don’t miss Agricola Street Books either. Spread over three floors, you’ll find new and used books for all types of readers. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a novel by a local author or inspired by the Nova Scotia’s landscapes. Finally, for funky stationery, stop by Cahier to find everything you need to write, create, or get organized.

Go on a Sunset Cruise aboard the Tall Ship Silva

The perfect way to end a day in Halifax is by boarding the Tall Ship Silva for a scenic sunset cruise. Lasting two hours, you’ll be able to admire Nova Scotia’s capital from the first colors of dusk until the city is completely illuminated at nightfall.

Offered from June to October and accompanied by live music, this boat tour will give you a different perspective on Halifax Harbour and a closer look at Georges Island. When the weather’s permit, you can even participate in hoisting the sails with the crew of this historic three-masted schooner. It’s a great activity to explore one of the largest natural harbors in the world.

Address
1751 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Wander around Queen’s Marque

Home to a host of trendy restaurants, boutiques, cafes and the luxurious Muir Hotel, Queen’s Marque is a new waterfront neighborhood in the heart of Halifax. We recommend Café Lunette for a delicious chai, brunch, or a hearty dinner, as well as Bar Sofia for a delicious meal inspired by Latin American cuisine. It’s also home to “Tidal Beacon,” an 18-meter art installation overlooking the harbor, whose lights change with the tides.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Strolling along Argyle Street

For a lively evening, the Argyle Street entertainment district offers a multitude of pubs, terraces, and cafes to stop by. We particularly liked its old-fashioned facades and colorful murals. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a drink, or simply admiring its decor, it’s worth a visit and might be on your way to the Waterfront.

Where to stay in Halifax

Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

During our Halifax getaway, we were lucky enough to stay at the elegant Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites. Built in 1928, the hotel has 262 rooms and suites and offers stunning views of the Halifax Public Gardens. With its prime location downtown, you can walk to most of the places on our itinerary in less than 30 minutes. 

When it comes to rooms, we recommend one of their Parkview Suites. In addition to offering the best view of the gardens, each suite features a king-size bed and a living room where you can relax by the fireplace. We loved their ultra-soft beds as well as the refined design of the different rooms. In your suite, you’ll also have a Nespresso machine, including coffee, as well as a microwave and a small refrigerator built into a marble countertop.

Lord Nelson Hotel also offers direct access to The Arms, a newly renovated restaurant with a warm and cozy atmosphere, inspired by British style. We loved their wide selection of affordable breakfasts, perfect for starting your morning off right, as well as their gourmet salads for a quick meal after a long day exploring Nova Scotia’s capital.

Address
1515 South Park Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Where to Eat in Halifax – Restaurants & Cafes

Walking around Halifax, you’ll quickly notice that the city is perfect for foodies and coffee lovers. While exploring Nova Scotia’s capital, we visited unique brunch and coffee spots, as well as restaurants with breathtaking waterfront views for a romantic dinner. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Halifax.

Rooms Coffee – Listen

If, like us, you love matcha and good music, Listen should be on your list of cafés to stop by during your stay in Halifax. There, you can get several types of coffee as well as their excellent strawberry matcha, in addition to a selection of pastries. What makes Listen special is that you can browse through their vast inventory of new and used vinyl records of all genres, drink in hand. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the album your collection was missing?

Address
1237 Barrington St
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Apartment 3 Espresso Bar

Just steps from Lord Nelson Hotel, we highly recommend stopping by Apartment 3 Espresso Bar for a coffee before starting your tour of the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens. During our visit, we tried their house specialty, the Sweet Local coffee, created in honor of several regular customers. Blending the spicier flavors of a chai and a latte, it’s the perfect beverage to keep you warm during the colder months.

For the sporty types, the downtown branch is located within the Queensberry Rules Boxing Studio if you want to do a quick boxing session before heading out on your adventure through the streets of Halifax.

Address
1565 South Park St Unit 2
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Pane e Circo

Our first stop upon arrival in Halifax was this gorgeous Italian-inspired café. You’ll find everything you need for a great lunch and to satisfy every craving. We loved their delicious focaccia sandwiches, especially the mortadella, pesto, and pistachio sandwich, served with homemade truffle chips.

For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide selection of cakes, macarons, and pastries, like their incredible pear and prosecco Danish. Pane e Circo will easily become your go-to for a quick meal when you’re in the city center or on the Waterfront, where you’ll find another branch.

Address
1475 Lower Water St
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Café Lunette

Located in the Queen’s Marque district, Café Lunette welcomes you into a beautiful setting inspired by French bistros. During the day, you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and viennoiseries, in addition to a selection of coffees and a lunch menu. In the evening, Café Lunette transforms to offer French classics, including onion soup, tartare, beef bourguignon, and a wide selection of seafood, such as the classic moules et frites.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Address
1741 Lower Water St
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Bliss Caffeine Bar

If you’re looking for a trendy spot for a gourmet brunch, Bliss Caffeine Bar is definitely the perfect place. During our visit, we were tempted by their succulent puff pastry galette accompanied by heirloom tomatoes and a poached egg, as well as the fried chicken sandwich. Their cocktails are also excellent, including, among others, the Bliss lemonade with pink gin and raspberry puree. At the counter, you can buy a variety of savory and sweet pastries that change daily, so you can always try something new with each visit.

Address
1451 South Park Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Luke’s Small Goods

While strolling down Agricola Street, we highly recommend stopping by Luke’s Small Goods to enjoy one of their delicious sandwiches. Specializing in pastries, preserves, and artisanal charcuterie, this deli/bakery offers homemade products made daily. We loved their muffuleta sandwich with its spicy marinated olives (absolutely divine) and a classic ham and butter baguette. For refreshments, we also suggest their delicious hibiscus iced tea. Luke’s is truly a favorite spot in the North End neighborhood, where you’ll feel like a local every time you visit.

Address
2393 Agricola Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Bicycle Thief

For a romantic dinner in Halifax, we recommend one of the city’s most popular restaurants, and rightly so: The Bicycle Thief. Located on the Waterfront, you can enjoy dinner overlooking the water and, as a bonus, a magnificent sunset over the harbor. Offering delicious Italian cuisine, you’ll find several reinvented classics like panzanella and cacio e pepe. During our visit, we ordered the incredible crab and mascarpone ravioli in a creamy limoncello sauce, a pure delight that we’re still thinking about!

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with their Amalfi lemon cheesecake, a sweet and refreshing finish. With its generous portions, prime location, and impeccable service, it’s easy to see why this is one of the city’s most popular places. We recommend making a reservation to ensure you get a spot, as it fills up quickly (even on weekdays).

Address
1475 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Water Polo

Halifax is definitely a destination for seafood lovers, and to enjoy them, Water Polo is the place to be. Offering seafood-to-table cuisine, this restaurant, which opened in 2024, is already making its mark as one of the best places not to be missed during a visit to the city. With its elegant marine theme, the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’re on a yacht with its curved bar running the length of the restaurant and its brass accents. 

As for the menu, you can choose from the Raw Bar, which offers the day’s fresh catch. Our favorite was definitely the black cod with miso, as well as their excellent cocktails like the Tropicale and the Montauk Sour. If the weather is nice, we suggest grabbing a seat on their patio to enjoy the water views, and thanks to the outdoor fireplace, you’ll stay warm even on cooler fall evenings.

Address
1325 Lower Water St
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

If you can stay longer in Halifax

If you have a little more time, we also recommend heading out of the city and stopping at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, located about an hour’s drive from Halifax. This iconic Canadian coastal region is definitely worth the detour to fully enjoy the Maritime atmosphere.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

The beautiful historic village of Lunenberg is also a must-see for its colorful houses, festive atmosphere, and waterfront patios. And if you have a car and flexibility, a road trip to Cape Breton promises a truly magical journey in Nova Scotia.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Halifax is a versatile city that will certainly appeal to foodies, history buffs, and travelers seeking relaxation! This was our second visit to Nova Scotia’s capital, and it certainly won’t be our last! Each time, we come back more rested, but also very inspired by the creative atmosphere (and with a dozen more ideas for cafes and restaurants we’d like to try).

We hope our recommendations will help you plan your next getaway to this magnificent east coast city more easily!

Enjoy your stay and have a wonderful trip!

*This article was written following a press trip with Discover Halifax. It is based on our own experience and authentic opinions.

*Did you like this article and would like to receive more travel-friendly content and suggestions for local destinations? Subscribe to our newsletter now to stay up-to-date on trends and our top recommendations.