Visitors have been falling in love with Halifax for more than 250 years. Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax combines the international essence of a major port city and naval base, with the youthful vibe of a university town, and the culture and heritage of one of Canada’s most historic communities.
Halifax is rich with museums, galleries, and heritage centres. A few to mention are:
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site - The most visited historic site in Canada, Halifax Citadel was built between 1828-56 as a key naval station in the British Empire
- Pier 21 National Historic Site As Canada’s immigration museum, Pier 21 tells the stories of the 1.5 million immigrants and Canadian military personnel who passed through between 1928-71.
- Alexander Keith’s Brewery Animators in period costume bring 1863 Halifax to life as you tour one of the oldest breweries in Canada.
- Halifax Public Gardens In the heart of the city, this Victorian public garden delights visitors with opulent floral displays, fountains and statues.
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - Where Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage is remembered and celebrated. Discover the stories, events and people that have defined our relationship with the sea.
From the famous chip wagon in front the library on Spring Garden Road to cosmopolitan dining experiences at hot spots like Fid, Gio, and Saege, there are hundreds of excellent places to dine out in the city.
Halifax is one of Canada’s premiere destinations for happening events and festivals celebrating music, literature, art and sport, including:
- TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival The world’s best jazz, hip hop and world music artists perform live in the city.
- Word on the Street Festival A national celebration of literacy and the written word. Includes author events, presentations and workshops, plus the best selection of Canadian books and magazines you’ll find anywhere.
- Blue Nose Marathon Whether you’re a walker or a runner, you’ll find a variety of events for all fitness levels.
- Atlantic Fringe Festival Theatre performances that go to the edge, push the form and take risks. Featuring new work from emerging and established artists.
- Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival An annual celebration of cultural diversity in Nova Scotia. Featuring world music and dance shows, an assortment of ethnic foods, arts, crafts, workshops and cultural displays.
Nightlife in downtown Halifax can’t be beat. Neptune Theatre is going strong after more than forty years of live performances. The pub and club atmosphere is bustling. Casino Nova Scotia brings the thrill of gaming and great live entertainment to the waterfront year-round.
There's no better shopping east of Montreal than you'll find in Halifax. Browse unique eclectic boutiques found on Spring Garden Road and the Hydrostone Market, the outlets in Bayers Lake or the Maritime flavour in the restored heritage buildings of Historic Properties that house food and retail stores.
With a variety of hotels in Halifax it’s an ideal base for travel around the rest of the province or a vacation destination in and of itself. Halifax is a seaside city like no other.