51 Fun Things to do in Halifax From a Local

Halifax, Nova Scotia is full of fun things to do. Yet most people skip it when they’re visiting Canada.

Even Canadians sleep on this extraordinary city.

I lived in Halifax for four years while I went to uni. I even spent a year as a tour guide – so I know ALL the city’s secrets.

Now I’m going to share them with you!

Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Halifax at night or free activities that can fit a student budget, this is the guide for you.

I’ve even broken down the top 3 things to do for different types of travellers visiting Halifax. If you don’t feel like reading 51 activities, this quick guide will be your best friend!

Let’s dive in to my favourite city in Canada and all the amazing places to see in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Quick Guide to the 3 Best Things to Do in Halifax for Every Traveller

For Families

1. Take a City Hopper Tour
2. Tour Citadel Hill
3. Run Up the Wave

For Young Adults and Students

1. Hit Up the Bars on Argyle Street
2. Try Halifax’s Official Food
3. Visit a Free Festival in Halifax

For Romance

1. Skate at the Oval
2. Dine at Bicycle Thief
3. Take a Boat Tour of the Halifax Harbour

For Spring

1. Explore the Halifax Public Gardens
2. Day Trip to Peggy’s Cove or Lunenberg
3. Get a Flight of Beer from Tallships Brewery

For Summer

1. Walk the Halifax Boardwalk
2. Get Ice Cream at the Dairy Bar
3. Sip a Cocktail on an Outdoor Patio This Sumer

For Fall

1. Day Trip to Annapolis Valley
2. Eat Your Way Through Burger Bash
3. Visit Darmouth Via Ferry

For Winter

1. Skate at the Oval
2. Dance at a Ceilidh
3. Dine at the Titanic Morgue

For Rainy Days

1. Learn About Canadian Immigration History at Pier 21
2. Take in a Show at the Neptune Theatre
3. Browse the Halifax Public Library

Downtown

1. Drink at a Secret Bar
2. Shop for Seafood at the Seaport Market
3. Shop on Spring Garden Road

Outdoors

1. Walk Through Point Pleasant Park
2. Explore McNabs Island
3. Shakespeare by the Sea

Free Things to Do in Halifax

There are a ton of fun things to do in Halifax that won’t cost you a thing.

In fact, I would argue that the free fun activities you can do in Halifax are better than some of the paid ones!

1. Walk Through Point Pleasant Park

The #1 fun thing to do in Halifax is to explore Point Pleasant Park.

Point Pleasant Park contains 75 hectares of amazing greenery in the city. The park is full of winding trails, with some running through forests and others tracing the edge of the Halifax Peninsula.

I got into running and hiking when I lived in Halifax, so Point Pleasant Park was my favourite spot to combine my new passions.

It was also the best spot to walk the myriad of dogs I puppy-sat.

But the park isn’t just fun to walk through and enjoy nature, it’s also full of history. It has roots back in the 17th century with an ancient chapel. In the 18th century, it became the site of many fortifications that have long since been abandoned.

Pack a picnic, lounge in the sun, explore the flowers, run through the forests, or dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll definitely have fun at Point Pleasant Park.

2. Walk Dogs at the Dartmouth SPCA

I’m dog obsessed, so my favourite things to do in Halifax were dog-friendly.

As a broke student, I wasn’t in a place to get a dog of my own. Instead, I headed across the harbour to the Dartmouth SPCA where I would walk dogs for free.

This isn’t something you need to commit to long-term. Just show up during their dog walking hours and take one of the 4-6 pooches available for the day on a walk around their facilities.

It’s a totally free experience!

Well, free until you end up adopting 7 dogs. So many bring a friend to be a buffer and ban you from doing that.

Click here to find out how you can help the SPCA!

3. Explore the Halifax Public Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens don’t cost a dime to visit and they’re fun for all ages.

They were originally created in the 1830s, so it’s fun to wander through the different walkways and see how much history you can find.

Walk through the gardens to see the spring blooms each year. You can also stop by the gazebo in the summer to enjoy free concerts.

It’s the perfect spot for a stroll with an ice cream cone in hand.

4. Stroll Along the Halifax Waterfront

Halifax has one of the most beautiful harbours I’ve ever seen. It’s on par with Auckland, New Zealand.

The city preserved the boardwalk, unlike Toronto, so it’s not full of condos and silver structures. Instead, it has an old-world charm with low buildings, heavily bricked distilleries, and adorable attractions.

One of the best things to see is the Drunken Lampposts. They’re an art display that is said to represent the three stages of uni students on a night out: upright, drunk and wonky, and on the floor.

Having been a uni student in Halifax, I can confirm this to be true!

The waterfront offers a lot of fun things to do. In the summer, there’s a Busker Festival. They also have permanent food truck-esque stalls that sell delicious treats, like Beavertails.

I used to run along the boardwalk, go for walks with my friends, and hunt for local goods from summer vendors.

I love this food tour of Halifax

5. Skate at the Oval

The Halifax Oval is located in the Halifax Commons. In the summer, it’s a great place to visit for a walk or to rollerblade/skateboard.

In the winter, the Oval is frozen for people to skate on.

You can rent ice skates, take lessons, and even enjoy DJ skating events in the winter.

It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Halifax in the winter. I dragged myself out in blizzards just to visit!

Click here to check for rink times and to ensure the ice is properly frozen.

6. Browse the Halifax Public Library

The Halifax Public Library was completed while I lived in Halifax. So I got to be one of the first people to enjoy its new presence downtown.

The library is a wonderful place to spend your time. Not only can you enjoy books, free WIFI, and delicious coffee, but you can also head to the roof for some of the best views of Halifax.

In fact, it was the very view I had from my apartment just a few blocks away.

7. Climb Citadel Hill

If you’re fascinated by military history, Citadel Hill is fun to explore. If you’re not, it offers amazing views of the waterfront and a good leg workout on the way up.

The Citadel was initially a military defense from 1749. It began as a fort for the British before slowly becoming its current base in 1856.

It’s like visiting the 19th century when you reach the top. The museum isn’t just displays of artifacts and a few pieces of poster board. It’s a living and breathing entity, with a weekly cannon boom.

Fun fact: the canon boom once went off during a G20 summit and no one had prepared to delegates. They thought they were under attack. Halifax has since been banned from ever being allowed to host a G20 summit again.

At Citadel Hill, you also get beautiful views of the starry night sky. It’s the best spot to visit for a solar or lunar eclipse.

And it has the historic clock tower that you see in so many Nova Scotian photos.

Tour historic Halifax on my favourite walking tour

8. Lounge in a Hammock Beside the Atlantic Ocean

On the boardwalk, Halifax boasts massive hammocks that are free to use.

You can fit three people in a hammock easily, but it’s more comfortable when it’s just one or two.

I loved to lie in these hammocks and read on sunny summer days.

It’s a totally free experience that most people miss out on.

9. Visit a Free Festival in Halifax

Halifax is home to a plethora of events. As a student city (with 3 universities within the city limits), most of them are free so everyone can enjoy them.

The best free festivals are:

• International Busker Festival (July/August)
• Nocturne (October)
• Halifax Jazz Festival (July) (it costs to attend but you can sit nearby and hear it all)
• Canada Day at Citadel Hill (July 1)
• Halifax Pride (mid July)
• Chronical Herald Holiday Parade of Lights (November)

Unique Secret Things to Do in Halifax (Uncovered!)

Now that we’ve covered fun activities in Halifax everyone can enjoy, let’s cover some unique fun things to do in Halifax that only locals would know about.

In fact, some locals don’t even know about these unique things to do in Halifax.

So get ready to uncover the best secret Halifax attractions!

10. Drink at a Secret Bar

I’m about to reveal the coolest Halifax attraction, and one many people have no idea about.

There’s a secret bar in Halifax.

The secret bar, called Noble, is one of the best places to drink in Halifax. That’s saying a lot, since Halifax has the most bars per capita in Canada.

Noble is a jazz-era speakeasy. You have to say a password to a bartender before you can be escorted through the dessert bar up front, down to the basement, past the kitchens, and in a back door.

This small bar features the best cocktails in Halifax, amazing desserts, and an atmosphere that can’t be beat.

To find Noble, you’ll need to visit the Middle Spoon. It’s an amazing dessert bar in its own right. On their website, click the “>:” section on their menu bar. This will allow you to enter your email to receive the weekly password.

The secret bar is only open Thursday – Saturday evenings.

The cocktails are pricey, but you really only need 1 or 2, because they are incredibly strong. They’re Toronto prices, so close to $20-25 per cocktail.

11. Get a Flight of Beer from Garrison Brewing

Alexander Keiths Brewery is the best-known place for beer in Halifax. In fact, people travel to the city just to visit it.

But it’s not the best brewery in the city.

There are so many amazing craft beers in the city that I could tell you about, but there’s really only one brewery you need to know about: Garrison Brewing.

Located by Pier 21 and the Seaport Market, Garrison Brewing is home to the best beer in Halifax.

And I used to be a bartender, so I’ve had A LOT of beer from all over the world.

I still maintain that this is the best beer there is.

Tallships has a variety of beers, from pale ale to raspberry flavours to a deep lager. I recommend visiting for a tasting and getting to try one of each. The tall ship is my favourite!

Then pick up some cases before you leave, because they don’t sell this amazing beer outside of Nova Scotia.

12. Explore McNabs Island

McNabs Island is often photographed but rarely visited.

Visible from the Halifax Boardwalk, thousands of tourists view it every year but never realize that they can visit this island.

McNabs Island feels like a different world from the industrial Dartmouth and populous Halifax that border it. It’s a preserved piece of history that shows the beauty of untouched Nova Scotian land.

You can visit the island on a tour, just a quick boat ride from Halifax. In 30 minutes, you’ll time travel back to the founding of Canada.

You can explore the lighthouse or visit in time for the fall foliage on a tour. If you visit on your own, you can kayak across the harbour or charter a private taxi.

Fun Things to Do in Halifax

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Halifax, this is for you!

I’ve compiled the best attractions and places to see in Halifax from a local’s perspective.

You’ll find touristy activities, historic adventures, and local treasures that will help you get to know Halifax a bit better.

They may even inspire you to move to Halifax, like they did for me!

13. Shop for Seafood at the Seaport Market

Seafood is ridiculously cheap in Halifax.

As a student, I lived off of muscles, lobster, fresh salmon, and more every week thanks to the Seaport Market.

The Seaport Market is an impressive place filled with fun things to do in Halifax. You can drink, shop for clothes and jewelry, and taste incredible food from all over the world.

There’s also a huge fish market that has fun things to buy like scallops and lobster fresh off the boat.

I loved browsing the market on weekends, often sampling far too much of the local liquor on an empty stomach. Then I’d end with a fresh lobster roll before lugging all of my fresh seafood home.

If you don’t eat seafood, you can still find yummy food at the market. There are local vendors, international food, and fresh veggies available.

The best time to visit the market is on Saturday or Sunday.

14. Tour Alexander Kieth’s Brewery

The Alexander Keith Brewery is no longer an active brewery full of people working hard and making beer, but it has been transformed into a fun and educational museum.

Kids and adults alike will be amazed at all the interesting facts and history they learn about Halifax’s oldest brewery.

But it’s the adults who are in for the real fun, getting to taste this famous Canadian beer at the original brewing site.

Click here to check the brewery tour prices!

15. Get Ice Cream at the Dairy Bar

The Dairy Bar opened alongside an outdoor beer garden when I lived in Halifax. Since it was right beside my apartment, I frequented both regularly.

To this day, I have never found better soft serve ice cream than what I had at the Dairy Bar. And trust me, I’ve been trying.

The Dairy Bar is a locally owned business that features popsicles, ice cream, and sundaes. They change their flavours regularly, so if you find one you like, you should get it as much as possible before it changes.

I’m not kidding when I tell you that it is the creamiest, most delicious ice cream ever.

While Cows Creamery and Coldstone get more hype for their sugary concoctions, I can safely say that their hard ice cream doesn’t compare to the flavours of the Dairy Bar.

It’s only open in the summer, so get your ice cream while you can!

16. Learn About the Halifax Explosion at the Maritime Museum

In 1917, the Halifax explosion rocked the city. The blast was felt as far north as Dalhousie, where the Chemistry building crumbled.

The explosion was the result of a foggy day, a munitions ship with no lights on, and a radar issue.

The explosion has shaped Halifax’s history massively and led to a number of the hauntings for which the city is known.

Visit the Maritime Museum to learn more about this incredibly fascinating and horrific historic event.

17. Tour Halifax on a Harbour Hopper Tour

Another fun activity in Halifax is a Harbour Hopper Tour.

There’s no better way to see the city than from the water, and if you make it fun like the Harbour Hopper Tours do, then you’re set for an amazing time!

They take about 40 people on board their amphibious vehicles. It goes from the top of Citadel Hill to the harbour, ensuring that visitors explore all of the best places to see in downtown Halifax.

It’s definitely touristy, but it’s a fun experience. And you’ll learn a lot.

Plus, it can be helpful to get accustomed to where things are in Halifax.

Click here to check prices!

18. Get $1 Oysters from Waterfront Warehouse

Like I said before, seafood is cheap in Halifax.

This is why there is a happy hour for oysters.

Whenever my dad would visit, we’d immediately head to the Waterfront Warehouse for $1 oysters and beer (for him – I was saving room for more oysters).

With a seat on the waterfront, it was easy to pass an hour or two with our fresh catch as we caught up.

19. Learn About Canadian Immigration History at Pier 21

I’ve written extensively about Pier 21 when my grandmother visited. Pier 21 is the site where she, like many immigrants to Canada, first set foot on Canadian soil.

The site is now a museum, but they also operate as a functional archive that sends free information to people looking to learn more about their ancestry.

It’s a very unique place to visit that combines audio-visual storytelling methods with real photos and recreations of the structures.

If you only visit one museum in Halifax, visit Pier 21.

Click here to check ticket prices!

20. Visit Dartmouth Via Ferry

Dartmouth is another fun place to visit in Halifax.

And you can get there by ferry.

There are a few daily ferries that run from the south end of Halifax (at the MacKay Bridge). And they make for a fun summer activity when it’s too hot to walk around downtown.

It’s also a great way to get a super cheap harbour tour without paying the expense of a full-on tour. For only the price of a bus ticket, you can take the round trip across the harbour to see it all.

Click here for prices and schedules.

21. Try Halifax’s Official Food: The Donair

Halifax is a fun place to live, and you can’t truly experience the area until you try its food.

And there’s no better dish to try than the infamous donair.

The donair was invented in Nova Scotia, and now serves as Halifax’s official food.

Technically, it’s not a Canadian food. It’s based on a doner – a dish of shaved meat in a pita.

The donair has changed slightly in that it’s shaved meat, tomatoes, onions, and donair sauce in a pita. The donair sauce is what makes it legendary. It’s a slightly sweet garlicky white sauce that I’ve seen people lick off the plate because it’s so good.

Donairs are very cheap. They’re great night-out food or student food.

The best ones can be found at Pizza Corner.

22. Shop on Spring Garden Road

Downtown’s main street is called Spring Garden Road.

It’s full of cute shops and bigger chain stores that make it the perfect destination for shopping.

Since the other two options for malls take about 30 minutes to reach, this is the best area to shop in the city.

23. Sip a Cocktail on an Outdoor Patio This Sumer

Halifax has a fun bar scene.

It’s not New York, but it does have fun outdoor patios in the summertime and fun bars and pubs year-round.

In the summer, the city literally vibrates with the sound of all of the patios and rooftop bars.

I recommend bar hopping this summer along Argyle Street and Spring Garden Road, where you’ll find the best pubs with great drink specials and lovely patios.

24. Sample the Halifax Distilling Company’s Rum

Rum is everywhere in Nova Scotia.

The owners of the Halifax Distilling Company keep that alive with their copper still and local ingredients.

Their specialization is their JD Rums.

They opened after I left Halifax, but I’ve only heard amazing things from my local friends.

If you’re looking for a Canadian souvenir or a spirit for yourself, stop by their waterfront location.

25. Spot Haunted Remains at St. Paul’s Church

Halifax is home to a lot of hauntings.

Because it was where most of the Titanic victims washed up and due to the massacre caused by the Halifax explosion, there have been a lot of dead bodies in the city.

That has led to some cool opportunities for ghostly activities.

I’m not into scary stuff, but even I found the ghost tours of Halifax to be a fun thing to do.

If you don’t want to go on an organized tour, walk by St. Paul’s Church on your own. In the upper window, you’ll see the silhouette of a woman.

This window has been replaced multiple times since the explosion, but the silhouette always returns.

26. Take a Boat Tour of the Halifax Harbour

Looking for something romantic to do in Halifax? Take a boat tour of the harbour.

You can go with a small group or book a private tour.

The boats offer fun tours, romantic settings for lunch, and fun daytime views of the buildings along the water.

The best tours are at sunset, when you can see the sky painted in beautiful colours.

Halifax has stunning sunsets.

Click here to check prices.

27. Run Up the Wave

The Wave is an art installation on the waterfront that has basically become a playground.

Located next to an actual playground, the wave is a structure representing a blue wave.

It’s fun to run up and down – even if you’re an adult.

The soft terrain beneath also means you won’t get hurt if you tumble over the edge, like many drunk students have done before.

28. Tour the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

The Art Gallery is fun even if you don’t like art.

I’ve never been to an art gallery where I didn’t find something fun and interesting.

There are rotating exhibits throughout the year, with over 18,000 works available for view.

I particularly enjoy the Indigenous art exhibits that they show and the weaving displays.

29. Mourn the Titanic Deaths at Fairview Lawn Cemetery

If you’re a Titanic fan, there’s a fun stop for you in Halifax.

Fairview Lawn Cemetery has the graves of 121 people who died during the sinking of the Titanic.

Some of these individuals were identified and could be named with white placards, but many were never able to be identified before their burial.

It’s a haunting and beautiful place to visit, especially knowing that many locals helped pay to have these individuals properly buried.

30. Hit Up the Most Bars Per Capita on Argyle Street

If you want fun bars, Halifax has the best pubs on Argyle Street.

The fun outdoor patios, large windows looking out onto the street, and fun special deals make this the place to be in the summer.

As a student city and a city that is famously Scottish/Irish, drinking is a big part of local culture. That has led to Halifax officially having the most bars per capita in all of Canada.

So if you’re looking to drink, this is the city for you!

31. Learn About Halifax’s Black History in Africville Park

Africville was a small town created for and by African Nova Scotians.

It was the site of the end of the Underground Railroad from the US.

The area still maintains its ethnic roots, although people of all nationalities live here now.

Africville Park is fun to visit for local history, art exhibitions, and fun events. It also helps you understand the African Nova Scotian experience more.

32. Visit Gus the Tortoise at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is fun for local history and fun exhibits.

The building sits right next to the Citadel in North End Halifax, offering a fun view of the harbour you can’t get at most other museums in the city.

The exhibits include fun temporary exhibits and fun permanent exhibits like Gus The Tortoise.

Gus is a Gopher Tortoise purchased from Florida. He quickly became a fan favorite with his sassy demands for treats from the museum volunteers. He will be 100 in 2022!

33. Gear Up for Atlantic Surfing

The Atlantic Ocean may never be warm, but that doesn’t stop Maritimers from riding the waves!

The cool water temperature creates fun conditions, and the waves are strong enough to be fun without being too powerful.

As long as you wear a really insulated wetsuit, I’m told it’s not as cold as you think. But I put my feet in once and I know that even in summer it’s not a warm ocean!

Things to Do in Halifax at Night (Including Food & Drinks!)

After a day of doing fun things in Halifax, you don’t want to end the night with a flop.

Let’s continue the fun with these amazing night time attractions in Halifax.

I’ve included the best places to eat, places to drink, live music venues, and more!

34. Dine at Bicycle Thief

Whenever anyone is going to Halifax, my first recommendation is always to dine at Bicycle Thief.

This restaurant is known across Canada as being the best place to eat in Halifax.

It’s odd, as it’s an Italian restaurant, and not, as you would expect, a seafood house.

But their delicious menu perfectly uses the local seafood and pairs it with delicious Italian recipes.

My all-time favourite dish is the seafood chowder. Whether it’s summer or winter, it’s the perfect soup to have.

Save room, because you’ll want all three courses. And you’ll want to come back!

For a nicer restaurant, the prices are very reasonable. So it’s even safe for budget travellers who want to splurge on a medium expense but want amazing food.

If you’re dining alone, I recommend calling ahead. Or, in the winter, asking for a seat at their ice bar.

35. Dine at a Titantic Morgue

Ok, stay with me. This sounds horrible, right?

But it’s not!

Five Fishermen is an amazing restaurant in downtown Halifax. But before it became a world-class seafood restaurant, it was a morgue for the victims of the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.

There are a lot of ghost stories the waiters will tell you about doors opening, glasses falling, and voices being heard in the restaurant after hours.

But beyond the spookiness, the fish is amazing!

36. Take in a Show at the Neptune Theatre

The Neptune Theatre is a beautiful, old-style performance art theatre in downtown Halifax. It hosts some amazing live performances that you’ll definitely want to check out.

From national tours of plays from Broadway to local work, this theatre has it all!

I highly recommend visiting around Christmas. They always have spectacular Christmas-themed shows.

You can check what’s playing and book your tickets here.

37. Bet it All on Black at the Halifax Casino

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Halifax, gambling may be fun if that’s your thing.

The casino is very nice, and fun to visit even if you don’t like gambling.

It hosts a lot of comics and other performances, so you may find yourself here even if, like me, you don’t gamble.

38. Watch Shakespeare by the Sea

Shakespeare by the Sea is fun even if you don’t like Shakespeare!

The actors make it fun and relatable in modern times. The backdrop of the harbour just makes it that much more wonderful to enjoy.

By watching the show, you’re supporting Canadian theatre and local artists.

The shows run from July 1st to Labour Day. Click here to see what’s playing now.

39. Take in Local Live Music

Halifax has many bars and pubs that host live music every night.

I recommend checking out the local music scene. You’ll get a great mix of drinking songs, country music, and blues ballads.

My favourite places to see live music in Halifax are:

• The Lower Deck
• Split Crow
• The Press Gang
• The Carleton

40. Visit Dalhousie University

I spent four fun years at Dalhousie University, so it’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Halifax for me.

But even if you aren’t a student, or have no interest in attending school, I still recommend taking the tour of campus!

I used to give campus tours so I can walk you through the best things to do on campus. Don’t worry: visitors are allowed!

• Visit the quad. Here you can see the old chemistry building that was destroyed by the explosion in 1917. It’ll help you appreciate how huge the blast was.
• Get a day pass and go rock climbing in the Dalhousie gym. It’s fun and a great workout.
• Stroll through campus to see the old buildings. The university is modeled after the University of Edinburgh and all of the ivy has been imported.
• Get a coffee from the library. You can see that the ceiling was once open. It had to be closed because they forgot about snowy Canadian winters.

41. Dance at a Ceilidh

If Irish-style folk dances are fun for you, check out a Ceilidh in Halifax.

These dances can be fun even if you don’t speak Gaelic or understand the lyrics!

Dalhousie puts on some irregularly, but the best place to dance a traditional jig is at The Old Triangle Alehouse.

Not only do they do flights of whisky, but they also have traditional Irish music on the weekends with dancing.

Don’t worry: they walk you through the steps!

Click here to find their Ceilidh schedule.

42. Get a Scoop from Cows Creamery

Cows Creamery is fun for both kids and adults. They have delicious ice cream flavors that are fun to share with friends.

It’s supposed to be the best ice cream place in the Maritimes. While I’ve already refuted that, I still have to say it’s very yummy.

Plus their chocolate-covered potato chips and cow pun shirts are so much fun!

43. Try Maritime Moon Mist Ice Cream

Yes, I know, I’ve put a lot of ice cream on this list.

It’s a bit shocking for someone who’s lactose intolerant, isn’t it?

Nova Scotia has two flavours of ice cream I’ve never seen anywhere else.

The first is Tiger Tail, which is a horrible amalgamation of orange ice cream and black licorice ribbons.

Don’t eat it! It’s awful.

But Moon Mist is much better. It’s sort of the flavour of bubblegum ice cream but without the chunks of bubblegum.

I’ve never seen it outside of the Maritimes, and I’ve looked!

44. Eat Classic Canadian Foods

A visit to Canada wouldn’t be complete without some Canadian food tasting.

Nova Scotia is a great place to try out Eastern Canadian favourites, like blueberry grunts, Beavertails, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and Digby scallops.

You can find all of these on a walk along the boardwalk!

45. Eat Your Way Through Burger Bash

Halifax has a festival that I waited for anxiously every year. It’s called Burger Bash.

Essentially, every restaurant in Halifax develops a burger for this week. The money raised goes to charity.

But people tend to forget about that, since most burgers are $5.

My favourite stop was always Daryll’s, which does a stellar peanut butter burger. (It sounds weird, but trust me it’s amazing!).

Some places do more expensive burgers, but they’re worth it. They’re usually extra fancy and from bigger-named restaurants.

Click here to learn more.

Epic Day Tours from Halifax

Not all of the fun of Nova Scotia could be contained in Halifax.

If you’re looking for some more fun things to do, check out these epic day trips from Halifax. I’ve included some famous spots and some lesser-known day trips that offer some incredible experiences.

1. Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is Nova Scotia’s most iconic attraction.

It’s a tiny seaside village with picturesque views of rocky cliffs and colorful fishing boats.

The community is full of quaint cottages and friendly faces, but it’s the lighthouse that steals the show.

Peggy’s Cove is known for the lighthouse shock amongst the iconic rocky shore.

Pair your visit with a stop for fish and chips or a lobster roll in the town.

And if you can, stay to see one of the best sunsets in Canada.

Looking for the best tour to Peggy’s Cove? This one offers amazing sunset views!

2. Lunenberg

Lunenberg is another small Nova Scotia town that is fun to visit.

Many parts of the town are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means they have maintained their colonial history.

The best time to visit Lunenberg for fun things to do is during the summertime. You can see the replica of the Blue Nose (which gives Nova Scotians their name of “Bluenoser“).

It’s got lovely art galleries, a cute church, amazing seafood at every restaurant, and even a local distillery that has amazing liqueurs.

Check out this day tour to Lunenberg that also stops at Peggy’s Cove!

3. Annapolis Valley

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Nova Scotia outside of Halifax, then check out the Annapolis Valley. It’s a cute wine region that is fun to visit all year long.

The best time of year to go to the valley is during autumn, when the leaves change and everyone is going apple picking.

They have some of the best apple picking in Canada, complete with homemade apple pies you can eat on the way home.

You’ll also love the wine!

For the best vineyard tour, check out this day trip.

4. Wolfville

Wolfville is only an hour away from Halifax and offers a very different environment. A day trip to Wolfville will take you to a small town with a historic centre.

Most people go to visit friends at Acadia University. You can grab fun things to do like wine tours, cute cafes, and shopping.

5. Bay of Fundy and Cape Split

The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world.

I went all the way to New Brunswick to see this. But you can spot it from Halifax just as easily.

A quick drive to the Bay of Fundy will allow you to see the 40+ft tidal change in the water.

Cape Split is a fun place to visit because you get a great view of the Bay of Fundy from one side, and can see Nova Scotia’s South Shore from the other.

6. Cape Breton

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Nova Scotia that includes a bit of an adventure, then driving up to Cape Breton Island is fun.

You can drive all the way into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park offers some fun hikes and lots of fun scenery. It’s also located on the Cabot Trail, which is easily one of the best road trips in Canada.

It’s a bit more than a day trip if you plan to do more than one activity.

With the Cabot Trail, I recommend at least 3 days.

Halifax Tours

Want to make the most of your time in Halifax?

These epic tours cover many of the best things to do in Halifax. You’ll get the best experiences there are in the city coupled with a guide who can help you experience them better.

Where to Stay in Halifax

When you visit Halifax, you’ll need somewhere to stay that’s as fun and unique as your experience.

My favourite hotel for a convenient location, luxury accommodation, and reasonable price is The Westin Nova Scotia.

The spacious rooms in this old building make you feel like you’ve purchased a suite. Plus, you’re right on the boardwalk and beside the Seaport Market.

My second favourite hotel is the Barrington Hotel. It’s on the other side of the boardwalk, right beside The Lower Deck and Cows Creamery.

If you’re looking for something further from downtown, I recommend the Atlantica in the South End. It’s very near the Halifax Commons and the Oval for skating in the winter.

Click here to check out other amazing hotels in Halifax!

Looking for a homestay instead?

This penthouse apartment doesn’t lack for luxury – and it’s the same cost as a hotel!

Wrap Up: Fun Things You Must Do and See in Halifax,

I hope this list of fun things to do in Halifax gets you excited and ready for your next fun getaway in Canada!

I find the East Coast often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s got some of the best attractions and most unique things to do in the whole country. In fact, I think should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, seafood feasts, or some spooky hauntings, Halifax has it all. Be sure to add it to your Canada itinerary.

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