8 great things to do in Halifax Nova Scotia in the summer

Halifax is a fantastic city with a rich history and an energetic vibe. Its beautiful and walkable waterfront, fascinating museums, and fantastic food scene make it well worth visiting on any East Coast road trip. Below, you’ll find 8 of the best things to do in Halifax Nova Scotia during a summer visit. You’ll be able to pack a lot into even a brief visit in this very walkable city.

We gathered the tips below through multiple visits to Halifax, most of which were hosted by Tourism Nova Scotia. If you’ll be visiting during the winter, check out our list of things to do in Halifax in winter. Have questions about planning your Halifax visit? Join our Facebook community!

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Halifax Citadel is (literally) central to a Halifax visit

If you only have time to visit one cultural attraction in Halifax, make it Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This fascinating hilltop fortress has been standing sentinel atop the city since the mid-1700s. Step back in time to the 1850s to see interpreters costumed as the period’s 78th Highlanders regiment and British Royal Artillery. The daily firing of the noon gun is one of Halifax’s longest-standing traditions!

A new interactive exhibit opened in 2023 called Fortress Halifax. This walk-through feature uses eye-catching displays to explain the four versions of the fort that have stood atop Citadel Hill throughout the city’s history.

When in Halifax, a city tour is a must

For your first visit to Halifax, it’s worth investing in a city tour. You’ll learn about important aspects of the city’s history such as the Halifax Explosion in 1917 and the key role Halifax played in 20th-century Canadian immigration.

In Halifax, the Harbour Hopper is the best city tour we’ve enjoyed so far. It’s great fun for all ages, and especially for kids. Your bus will drive throughout the city as your guide points out key landmarks. Then, you’ll drive straight into Halifax Harbour, where your bus tour will become a boat tour!

The Harbour Hopper Tour runs from early May to early November. We highly suggest buying tickets in advance as this popular attraction sells out quickly.

Halifax museums tell the city’s seafaring stories

Halifax is home to several fascinating museums, which delve into the city’s important position as a key Eastern Canadian port.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is one of only two Canadian national museums located outside the Ottawa capital region. Pier 21, the building that houses the museum, is where hundreds of thousands of Canadian immigrants landed and entered the country between 1928 and 1971. Here, you can learn more about Halifax’s role in immigration and what it’s like to create a new home abroad through the voices of Canadian immigrants. The profoundly moving exhibits in this museum are a must-see while in Halifax.

At the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, you’ll find stories from throughout seafaring history on Canada’s East Coast. The main attraction is one of the world’s finest permanent exhibits displaying items recovered from the Titanic disaster. During the summer, you can walk through a century-old Canadian research ship called the CSS Acadia, which is docked right outside the museum. If you grew up watching Theodore Tugboat, the colourful model of the Big Harbour is sure to spark nostalgia!

The Discovery Centre is one of the best things to do in Halifax Nova Scotia with kids

When you’re looking for the best things to do in Halifax with kids, head straight for the Discovery Centre. Here, you’ll find four floors of interactive galleries on topics like flight, energy, ocean life, health and the human body, and more. Toddlers and preschoolers can learn through play at RBC Someday Street in the family farm, pretend grocery store, bubble table, doctor’s office, and construction zone.

Explore more than 200 years of brewing history at Alexander Keith’s

Beer lovers will want to take in a brewery tour at Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery, one of the oldest operating breweries in North America. During your visit, you’ll learn about how Alexander Keith came to Canada and make his mark on the city of Halifax. You’ll also find out how beer is made before descending into the cellar for some beer samples and enjoy live music during a traditional Nova Scotian kitchen party!

When in Halifax, bring your appetite

From casual to upscale, Halifax is packed with a wide variety of culinary experiences inspired by its diverse population.

The Halifax donair is one of the city’s classic dishes. It’s a handheld sandwich made with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onions, a signature sweet and garlicky sauce, wrapped in a steamed pita.

Halifax is a seaside city, so you’ll also find numerous takes on another Nova Scotia essential sandwich, the lobster roll. The Bicycle Thief has both classic and gluten-free options, which you can enjoy on its scenic waterfront patio.

We’ve also enjoyed fantastic meals at Harbourstone, The Wooden Monkey, and Bearly’s House of Blues and Ribs, where you can take in Filipino comfort food with fantastic live music. And this only scratches the surface of the great meals you’ll find in this seaside city!

Explore the historic Halifax Seaport Farmers Market

The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market dates all the way back to 1750, making it the longest continuously running market of its kind in North America. This market is very nearly as old as the city of Halifax itself! The market runs year-round on Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Explore locally grown produce and artisan-made products as you sample cuisines from around the world.

Stroll through the shops along Spring Garden Road

The vibrant shopping district at Spring Garden Road is full of surprises. One minute you’ll be flipping through vinyls at Taz Records, and the next you’ll browse through local artisan creations at Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia. Take a walk through parks like the Halifax Public Gardens, and explore the diverse eateries.

Splurge on a luxurious stay in Halifax

When you’re seeking some of the finest accommodations in the city, the Muir Halifax is the obvious choice. This stunning hotel houses spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms, a chic bar and restaurant, and even a complimentary car service. On request, we were delivered to dinner with friends in a chauffeured Range Rover. Now that’s luxury!

The Muir’s central location on the Halifax waterfront puts many of the city’s top attractions within easy reach, helping you make the most of your time in the city.

The Sutton Place Hotel is another great accommodation choice in Halifax. Many rooms have a view that looks directly over the historic Halifax Citadel. The suites are spacious and offer amenities such as soaker tubs and bath robes, and it’s located within walking distance of key landmarks such as the Halifax Convention Centre and the Halifax Ferry Terminal.

One important thing to know when visiting Halifax is the airport is located roughly half an hour north of the city centre. If your flight itinerary means staying near the airport will be easier, the Alt Hotel Halifax Airport is the way to go. The rooms are clean, modern, and consistent with the rest of the Alt Hotel chain, along with the excellent service, great amenities, and the delicious and convenient Sosta Pizzeria. The Alt Hotel Halifax Airport is directly connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, which makes getting to or from your flight a snap.

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