10 fun things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia, on a cruise? There's plenty to see and see, whether you're here just for a day trip or are planning a longer visit to explore this storied seafaring region.

Some of the choices include visiting historic sites and museums (including seeing remnants of the Titanic, which sank in the frigid waters far east of here), sampling the local microbrews or wines, seeing Halifax's most famous landmark, Peggy's Cove, or just taking it easy with a stroll to admire the flowers and scenery of the 17-acre Public Gardens.

Here are 10 fun things to do on your visit to Halifax.

A young sailor inspects a guard at the Halifax Citadel. Courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism

1. Visit the Halifax Citadel museum

Built between 1828 and 1856, the Living Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a star-shaped naval station that sits in the middle of the beautiful city of Halifax. It’s a living history museum where you’ll discover the 78th Highland Regiment that still fires the noonday cannon (yes, a real cannon). Guided tours with costumed guides are available that explore the musket galleries, earthen ramparts, garrison cells, guard rooms and much more.

With flags at half mast and coffins stacked on the stern, Mackay-Bennett arrived in Halifax to the tolling of church bells on April 30, 1912 after the Titanic's sinking. — With flags at half mast and coffins stacked on the stern, Mackay-Bennett arrived in Halifax to the tolling of church bells on April 30, 1912, after the Titanic's sinking. Courtesy of Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

2. Revisit the legend of the Titanic

Have an interest in the century’s most significant marine disaster? Over 120 victims of the ill-fated ocean liner the Titanic, rest here in Halifax. Exploring the interactive exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will tell the story and features many artifacts recovered from the famous ship.

Period costume — Animators in period costume bring 1863-era Halifax to life in song and story. (Click to enlarge.) Courtesy of Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery

3. Lift a pint at Alexander Keith’s Brewery

How many beers of North America have you tasted that have been brewed since 1820? Not very many. The India Pale Ale from Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery is one of the oldest. It’s widely considered to be Nova Scotia’s unofficial brew. Tour the place that started it all — Keith’s Brewery, a massive ironstone and granite building built around 1820. Then visit the beautifully detailed home and brew house of Alexander Keith himself. During your hour long tour characters in period costume will bring 1863 Halifax to life in song and story. Finish up your outing with a taste of this Nova Scotia original ale.

Hurtigruten guests pay a shore excursion to Peggy's Cove Lighthouse on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The lighthouse dates to 1868. Courtesy of Hurtigruten

4. See Peggy’s Cove: A postcard come to life

One of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking, famous and photographed places, Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is also a post office. Send friends and family postcards of this unique sea beacon right from this mariner mainstay perched atop massive granite rocks. Explore the tiny fishing village below and dine in a delicious restaurant. Just down the road, you can visit the Swiss Air memorial.

A tranquil pond in the Halifax Public Gardens, which dates to 1867. Courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism

5. Enjoy nature in the Public Gardens

One of the finest original formal Victorian Public Gardens in North America, this beautiful centerpiece of the city welcomes all who enter. Right next door to the wonderful shops of Spring Garden Road, the Public Gardens feature 17 acres of rare flowers and trees, sparkling fountains, historic statuary and free concerts from the picturesque red-roofed gazebo.

Go wine tasting at one of Nova Scotia’s premier wineries, including Gaspereau Valley vineyard, above. velkr0 / Creative Commons

6. Hit the city's best wineries

In the colorful and scenic Annapolis Valley sits a bevy of Nova Scotia’s best wineries. A Nova Scotia sommelier will take you on a tour - with wine tasting, of course) of three of Nova Scotia’s premier wineries: Sainte Famille, Gaspereau Valley vineyards and Domaine de Grand Pré.

"Miss Chief's Wet Dream" by Kent Monkman at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

7. Explore Nova Scotia's artsy side

The Art Gallery of Nova Scot is an art museum that focuses on provincial and Canadian artwork in various mediums. The space, the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada, features a permanent collection of more than 18,000 works, including vital, engaging contemporary art from emerging artists.

Fresh lobster, straight from the kitchen, is a highlight of any lunch or dinner in Halifax, Nova Scotia. — Fresh lobster is a highlight of any lunch or dinner in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Courtesy of Destination Halifax

8. Enjoy fine dining by the sea

In the heart of Halifax, you’ll find a wide variety of first-rate restaurants and pubs. In fact, there are more than 70 packed into a few square blocks of our downtown. Want a fine dining experience? Or do you enjoy the more informal atmosphere of a pub? It’s all here just a short stroll from each other. At the very least, try our Nova Scotia lobster that’s famous around the world.

A boy checks out a terminal at the Canadian Immigration Story exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Immigration. Courtesy of Canadian Museum of Immigration

9. Explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 collects, shares and pays tribute to the Canadian immigration story. Pier 21 is a National Historic Site that was the gateway to Canada for 1 million immigrants and the departure point for 500,000 Canadian military personnel during World War II. Today, Pier 21 hosts Atlantic Canada's only national museum. Learn about the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada, the vital role of immigration in the building of Canada and the contributions of immigrants to our country, all in one unique place. Take part in a guided tour of Pier 21's main exhibition and watch the emotional film "Oceans of Hope." Discover and share your family roots in the Scotiabank Research Centre.

Take a schooner out into Nova Scotia Harbour to get a taste of the area. — Take a schooner out into Halifax Harbour to get a taste of the area. Courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism

10. Explore Halifax Harbour

There are so many great water tours along Halifax Harbour that are perfect for all ages. By far, the most popular harbor tour is about Murphy’s signature Harbour Hopper.

Bonus tip: Come visit Garrison Brewery, Halifax's largest independent microbrewer, located in the historic seaport areas. Sample, tour and experience traditional craft brewing.

Your take

Those are some of our tips. Hope you can visit! How about you, are you planning to visit Halifax anytime soon?

— Regis Dudley, Destination Halifax

This was another in a series about cruising to Atlantic Canada. Also see: