Halifax Travelers Recommend

Three days in Halifax gives you enough time to enjoy the town itself—its history, heritage, and modern culture—but also experience some of the highlights of Nova Scotia, including Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, or the Annapolis Valley wine country. Read on for suggestions on how to spend the ultimate three days in Halifax. 

Day 1: Waterfront and Peggy’s Cove

Kick off your day with a sightseeing tour of Halifax. Move at your own pace aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, or zip around town on a Segway for a fun way to see the sights. However you choose to explore, be sure to visit the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel National Historic Site, Argyle Street, and the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. After lunch, make the short drive to Peggy’s Cove to get a feel for small-town life in the Canadian Maritimes. Soak up the sea views from the red and white historic lighthouse, do some tide pooling on the coast, or stroll through town to check out the shops, boutiques, and cafés. Once back in Halifax, spend your evening over a cold pint at Alexander Keith’s, one of the oldest breweries in Canada.

Day 2: The Great Outdoors

Nova Scotia boasts as much natural beauty as it does cultural appeal, so today is all about the great outdoors. Head offshore for a day of deep-sea fishing for the chance to snag cod, haddock, Boston bluefish, or mackerel, or rent a kayak for a paddle and picnic at Long Lake Provincial Park. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, take the day to dive deeper into your own personal interests in town. Visit one of the city’s museums (Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21), do some shopping in the Spring Garden neighborhood, visit the final resting place of some 100Titanic passengers at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, or go for a walk in Point Pleasant Park. End your day on a sunset cruise of Halifax Harbor, either by sailboat or Mississippi-style paddlewheeler.

Day 3: Nova Scotia Day Trip

Now that you’ve experienced the best of Halifax, take a day to explore the greater Nova Scotia area. Head to the South Shore to visit the well-preserved colonial settlement of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the supposed hidden treasures that gave Oak Island the nickname “Money Pit” as you wander the streets of coastal Mahone Bay. Alternatively, head north of Halifax on a day trip to the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s very own wine region. Taste a range of red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines while touring some of the winemaking facilities. Back in Halifax, polish off your trip with a lobster dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Halifax Harbor. 

With two days to spend in picturesque Halifax on Eastern Canada’s maritime coast, you’ll have time to enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city, learn about its naval history, spend some time in the great outdoors, and venture to nearby Peggy’s Cove. Here are some tips for how to best spend your 48 hours in Halifax.

Day 1: History and Heritage

**Morning:**Start your day with a morning sightseeing tour of the city, both to get oriented and to learn more about its history. One of the most popular ways to get around is by Segway, zipping between the Waterfront, Public Gardens, Argyle Street, and Citadel National Historic Site. If you’d rather move at your own pace, opt for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus instead.

**Afternoon:**Even though it’s located about an hour outside Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is a must-see if you’re in the area. Get a feel for life in the Canadian Maritimes as you tour the red and white lighthouse standing guard over St. Margaret’s Bay, or browse the boutiques and shops of the village. Some Halifax sightseeing tours include a visit to Peggy’s Cove.

**Night:**After a day of exploration, treat yourself (and your tastebuds) to the taste of Halifax with dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. The Brewery Complex on Lower Water Street offers a range of options in what was once North America’s oldest brewery. Lobster is always a good option in these parts.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

**Morning:**Just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you have to pass up the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Halifax area. This morning, hop in a kayak for a leisurely paddle at Long Lake Provincial Park, located just 10 minutes from downtown Halifax.

**Afternoon:**Take this afternoon to pursue your own interests in the city. Get schooled in Nova Scotia’s naval history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic; retrace the first steps of immigrants to Canada at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21; do some shopping in the Spring Garden district; or make the hour-long drive north of Halifax for an afternoon of wine tasting in the scenic Annapolis Valley. 

**Night:**Finish off your trip with a relaxing cruise on Halifax Harbor. Opt for a romantic sunset sail with an onboard wine and cheese tasting, or sit down for dinner on a traditional paddlewheeler as you take in the sights to the sound of live music. 

A natural harbor, numerous heritage buildings, and a thriving arts and culinary scene make Halifax one of the most charming maritime towns in Nova Scotia. Even if you’re pressed for time, you can still experience the highlights of the fabulous waterfront community. Here are some tips for making the most of your 24 hours in Halifax.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Get an early start for a morning tour of the historic Halifax waterfront. Tour Citadel Hill and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and see some of the city’s notable landmarks, including Argyle Street, Grand Parade Square, Victoria Park, the Halifax Public Gardens, Government House, and St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. Take a more traditional tour by vehicle, or opt for a Segway tour for alfresco fun. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, climb aboard a vintage hop-on hop-off bus for your own self-guided tour of the city.

Afternoon: Peggy’s Cove

Many sightseeing tours of Halifax include a visit to Peggy’s Cove, and for good reason. This afternoon, make the scenic drive to this picturesque fishing village, best known for its colorful salt-weathered houses and historic red and white lighthouse. Go tide pooling by the seashore, watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, or shop some of the small boutiques in the village.

Night: Dinner Cruise

After a day of sightseeing, relax aboard a Mississippi-style sternwheeler during a leisurely harbor cruise. Learn about the city’s naval history as you take in the views of the Halifax waterfront, or sit down for dinner onboard, complete with live music and a full bar. Alternatively, if you’re still feeling energetic, opt instead for an open-deck party aboard a traditional tall ship. Order a drink and hit the dance floor in the salty sea air. Sunset sailing excursions offer a perfect night out for couples.

Though less well-known than British Columbia and Ontario’s wine-producing regions, word has spread among wine lovers about the promising cool-climate wines—particularly the sparkling offerings—emerging from Nova Scotia wine country. See below to find out more about the region being touted as Canada’s next winemaking hot spot.

Must-Try Varietals

The Nova Scotia wine industry is on the rise. The province now has winemakers spread across six different major wine regions, with many vineyards and wineries concentrated in the Gaspereau and Annapolis valleys, both less than two hours from Halifax by car.

The province is perhaps best-known for its crisp whites and sparkling wines. Among the dominant plantings are hybrid grape varieties such as l'acadie blanc (a Canadian-created varietal often compared to chardonnay), seyval blanc (used to make dry, citrusy whites), and New York muscat (a sweet, aromatic grape designed to grow in the colder climes of North America), though chardonnay and Riesling are also present. All are capable of withstanding Canada’s frosty winters. In 2012, Nova Scotia’s Tidal Bay white wine appellation was established, with wines from here characterized by their off-dry, fresh style—a pleasing accompaniment for Nova Scotian seafood.

Must-Do Experiences

• During wine tours, sample sweet, syrupy ice wine, which is made using grapes that have frozen naturally on the vine.

• Learn about organic grape-growing practices and winemaking techniques during boutique winery tours.

• Pair locally made sparkling and white wines with artisanal nibbles, including homemade chutneys, mustards, jams, and more, during wine tastings.