Fall in Halifax: 7 Things To Do This Autumn in Nova Scotia

With fewer crowds and picturesque vistas, fall in Halifax is the best time of year to explore the city’s many attractions while immersing in the breathtaking natural landscapes of Nova Scotia’s countryside. From admiring the changing crimson colours of eastern Canada to taking advantage of the region’s off season, discover all of the city’s seasonal adventures with this list of things to do in Halifax this fall.

1. Enjoy The Beautiful Fall Colours at Point Pleasant Park

Promising 75-hectares of pristine wooded area, Point Pleasant Park is one of the best places in Halifax for enjoying the changing fall colours. Located at the southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula, the park provides a natural escape just a short drive from the downtown area and features 39 kilometers of interweaving hiking trails perfect for getting lost in the colorful foliage.

While Point Pleasant Park is the most convenient area to do some fall hiking, visitors looking for a more comprehensive variety of trail systems can also plan a trip over to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park along Nova Scotia’s east coast.

2. Take a Road Trip to Annapolis Valley

Annapolis Valley is another great place to immerse in the colorful leaves of Nova Scotia’s fall foliage and natural landscapes. Starting from Halifax, the scenic drive leads seasonal adventurers north of the city to Wolfsville before following the coast west to Annapolis Royal. Along the way you will enjoy some of the province’s most spectacular fall views as you pass through small sleepy towns, agricultural landscapes, and sweeping vineyards.

The drive itself takes about five hours to complete. However, with plenty of breathtaking vistas, you should plan on making several stops along the way.

3. Enjoy Live Music Along The Halifax Harbour

With the tourist season beginning to wind down, the fall season is the best time for experiencing the authentic maritime culture of Halifax’s iconic waterfront. While summer patios may be closed, the waterfront’s vibrant restaurants and pubs remain open throughout the fall, and promise lively entertainment and fantastic social scenes.

A staple of the Halifax Harbourfront, The Lower Deck promises live music 7 days a week and features some of the best musical talents the city has to offer. With fish and chips, cold beer, and upbeat vibes, a night enjoying the sounds of The Lower Deck is a great way to spend a fall evening in Halifax.

4. Immerse In Halifax’s Halloween Spirit

Throughout the month of October, Halifax comes alive with the Halloween spirit, with several haunted houses and exciting attractions popping up to accompany the spooky season. Throughout the month, the city offers several haunted houses and ghost tours throughout its historic downtown area. However, for even more thrills, visitors should plan to venture to the Nova Scotian countryside to enjoy a variety of spooky attractions at Noggins Corner, which features a haunted mansion, wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch.

5. Attend a Fall Festival or Convention

The fall season plays host to many of Halifax’s top events and festivals, and it is definitely worth a visit to the city to partake in one or more of the fantastic affairs. Some of the season’s best offerings are the Halifax Urban Folk Festival, also known as HUFF and held at the end of September, and Nocturne Halifax, an outdoor visual art festival that illuminates the evenings mid-october.

Other great Halifax festivals running this fall include the Hal-Con Sci-Fi & Fantasy Convention, the Halifax Oyster Festival, and the Nova Scotia Forest Festival.

6. Enjoy a Picnic at an Urban Park

A picnic at an urban park is a great way for visitors not keen on hiking to embrace the changing autumn colours of the fall season. Luckily, Halifax is home to several beautiful public parks that provide the natural feel of Nova Scotia’s wooded areas while being within walking distance of the city’s accommodations. Located right next to Citadel Hill, the Halifax Public Gardens and Victoria Park are great spots for a fall picnic. Meanwhile Shubie Park is slightly further from downtown, but offers plenty of natural fall scenery just north of Dartmouth.

7. Take Advantage of Halifax’s Low Season Crowds

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Halifax in the fall is that many of the region’s top attractions are free of the heavy crowding that can occur throughout the summer months. From late September onward, the streets of Halifax host far fewer tourists than peak season, making the fall a great time to visit the city’s most popular landmarks, including the Halifax Citadel, the Canadian Museum of Immigration, and more.

Where To Stay In Halifax in the Fall

Looking for a great accommodation for exploring all the fun and exciting things to do in Halifax this fall? Book with us at Cameo Suites. Not only are we available to point you in the direction of all of the top sites, but our central location in the heart of downtown Halifax’s entertainment district means we are just a short walk from all of the city’s best landmarks and parks while also serving as a comfortable base for further afield adventures and road trips.

Check our availability before visiting and reserve your room today!