Things To Do in Halifax: 5 Tourist Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
As the beating heart of Atlantic Canada, Halifax is the quintessential destination for those seeking a taste of everything the Maritimes offer. From world-class nightlife destinations to diverse annual festivals highlighting local culture, cuisine, and traditions, there are many thrilling ways to engage with the city’s community.
However, Halifax’s social and cultural exchange aspects are only half of the city’s draw. Founded in 1749, Halifax is one of the oldest cities in Canada and was known worldwide as a gateway for immigrants to the country. Nearly three centuries later, many of the same landmarks that made Halifax such an iconic destination can still be visited today.
Between its historical landmarks and its cultural hotspots, there is no shortage of things to do in Halifax. The following are only five of the top tourist attractions in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that all visitors to the city need to see.
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
- Halifax Harbourfront
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Halifax Public Gardens
- The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
1. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
•Address: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax
•Admission: $12.50 for general admission. $10.75 for senior discount. Children are free.
•Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Initially discovered by the British Military, the city of Halifax largely owes its establishment to the fortifications on Citadel Hill. Starting as a wooden guardhouse in the earliest years of its settlement, three subsequent forts were built in its place within a century.
Chosen for its convenient spot overlooking the easily defended harbour, the Citadel quickly grew, and so too did the town around it. Constructed in 1856, the star-shaped Citadel known as Fort George was the fourth military post built on the hill, where it remains today, showcased at the city’s heart.
Guests are invited to explore the many artifacts preserved in the museum while enjoying several re-enactments and interpretations provided by the facility’s staff. The Citadel National Historic Site is one of the most prominent Halifax Attractions for revisiting the city’s storied past.
2. Halifax Harbourfront
•Address: City’s Eastern Edge
•Admission: Free
•Website: https://discoverhalifaxns.com/halifax-waterfront/
When travelling to Atlantic Canada, the city’s harbourfront is the place to visit in Halifax. In fact, if you haven’t been to the Halifax Harbourfront, then you really haven’t been to Halifax at all.
This picture-perfect shoreline is the epidemy of the Halifax holiday and is featured on just about every postcard highlighting Canada’s maritime destinations.
The 4-km waterfront features a boardwalk serviced by various bars, restaurants and shopping centres. It even provides access to many other top attractions in Halifax, including Pier 21, featured a little lower on this list.
3. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
•Address: 1675 Lower Water St, Halifax
•Admission: $9.55 for general admission. $8.50 for seniors. $5.15 for youth ages 6-17. Children five and under are free.
•Website: https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/
The oldest Maritime Museum in Canada, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, is another Halifax tourist attraction along the city’s historic waterfront.
Preserving and displaying artifacts from Nova Scotia’s marine history, the museum explores the stories, people, and events that have worked together to shape the city and the province into the cultural centre we know today.
4. Halifax Public Gardens
•Address: Spring Garden Rd. &, Summer St, Halifax
•Admission: Free
•Website: https://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/
Founded by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836 and recognized as a National Historic Site in 1984, the Halifax Public Gardens are some of the best-preserved examples of a Victorian Garden in all of North America.
As one of the most popular places to visit in Halifax for tourists and locals alike, the 16-acre property features a series of paths that wind their way through the garden as they highlight floral displays, bubbling fountains, and many other beautiful garden accents.
5. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
•Address: 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia
•Admission: $15.50 general admission. $12.50 for seniors. $10.25 for youth ages 6-16. Children 5 and under are free.
•Website: https://pier21.ca/
Serving as the historic gateway for immigrants to Canada for nearly 50 years, over one million people passed through the gates of Pier 21 between 1928 and 1971.
The pier continues to occupy its spot along Halifax’s harbourfront but now functions as a museum preserving the 400 years of Canada’s immigration history.
At the Canadian Museum of Immigration, guests to Pier 21 will explore exhibitions that retell the historic site’s story as they uncover first-person recounts of what it was like to migrate to Nova Scotia during its earliest days of settlement.
With so many things to see and do, visitors to the city will want to book accommodation that offers convenient access to all of the top attractions in Halifax. Cameo Suites does just that.
Located in the heart of the downtown district, guests to the hotel are within walking distance of the city’s harbourfront and all of the wonderful tourist attractions in Halifax.
Check your travel dates for availability on our website and book your rooms in advance.