Your final day in Halifax is all about slowing the pace and letting the city’s maritime history and harbour views sink in. From ferry rides and fort tunnels to sunset goodbyes, this is a 24-hour itinerary that ends your stay on a high note—literally surrounded by water and stories.
Morning – Crossing the Harbour to Georges Island
📍 Georges Island National Historic Site
Start your morning with a short boat ride from the Halifax Waterfront to Georges Island National Historic Site. This small island, once a guard for Halifax Harbour, now welcomes visitors to explore Fort Charlotte, its star-shaped fortress built in the 18th century.
Walk the grassy trails, wander through underground tunnels, and enjoy the panoramic views of Halifax from across the harbour. You’ll find red Parks Canada chairs scattered along the ridge—perfect for photos or a quiet moment to take it all in.
Professional Photo Cue. Frame the city skyline through the stone arches of Fort Charlotte. Use an aperture of f/8 to keep both the stone textures and the distant skyline in sharp focus.”
Read more about Moncton if you’re driving through.
Late Morning – Back to the Boardwalk
Return to the Halifax Waterfront by midday. Stop by one of the artisan stands or pop-up markets along the boardwalk. You’ll often find handmade crafts, local art, or Maritime treats—great souvenirs to bring home.
Grab a light lunch at Salt Yard Social at The Beer Garden, where you can enjoy lobster tacos or fish cakes while sailboats drift past. Eat right on the pier and soak in that Atlantic breeze.
Afternoon – Maritime History & Museum Visits
If you haven’t visited earlier, take the time to visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Its Titanic and Halifax Explosion exhibits are moving and visually stunning.
Then, head over to Pier 21, Canada’s Museum of Immigration, to reflect on the millions of stories that started here. The exhibits are immersive, and the staff’s storytelling brings the history to life.
Pro Tip: If the weather turns, both museums are ideal indoor stops—bright, calm, and filled with photo opportunities.
Evening – Dinner & Harbour Farewell
Dinner: The Bicycle Thief
Opened in 2011, this iconic waterfront restaurant remains a Halifax favourite for all the right reasons.
The energy is unmatched—lively, scenic, and distinctly Halifax. Try the seafood pasta or risotto, paired with a crisp local white, and linger on the patio as the harbour lights come alive.
Roland’s Top Pick: The Bicycle Thief – If you only have one dinner in Halifax, make it this one for the matched energy of the waterfront.
Stay – The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
Your final night deserves something special. The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, located in the heart of downtown, combines modern luxury with warm East Coast hospitality. The rooms are elegant and spacious, offering sweeping city or harbour views.
Enjoy dinner-to-room convenience, plush bedding, and that effortless, high-end comfort Sutton is known for. The staff’s friendly approach and polished service make it the perfect place to unwind before heading home.
Plan Your Next Halifax Stay:
Luxury: Book The Sutton Place Hotel (Roland’s Top Pick)
Modern Boutique: Book Muir Halifax
Classic: Book The Lord Nelson Hotel
Before You Check Out
Grab a final coffee from Grounded Coffee Bar, then take one last walk along the waterfront. Whether it’s sunrise calm or the echo of last night’s music, you’ll feel Halifax’s heart in every wave that hits the pier.
Why I Love Halifax
Why I Love Halifax
Halifax has a rhythm all its own — a mix of sea air, laughter from patios, and the echo of history in every cobblestone. It’s the kind of city where you arrive a stranger and leave feeling like part of the story. Maybe it’s the people, maybe it’s the harbour light — probably both.
Q & A Section
Q1: How do I get to Georges Island?
Boat access only—tickets are available at the Halifax Waterfront. Ferries run seasonally, May through October.
Q2: How long does it take to explore the island?
Plan for 1–2 hours to walk the trails, visit Fort Charlotte, and take photos.
Q3: Can I bring food to the island?
Yes—picnic areas are available, and you’ll find waste and recycling bins on-site.
About the Author
Roland Bast is a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller based in Ottawa. A member of TMAC 2022-2025 (Travel Media Association of Canada), he specializes in capturing the emotion, culture, and beauty of Canadian destinations through authentic storytelling and original photography.
Written and photographed by Roland Bast.
If you have extra time, plan a deeper stay in Halifax or continue to Cape Breton for slower, coastal travel: Explore longer journeys
36 Hours in Halifax · Halifax Waterfront: The New Wave · 24 Hours in Halifax: History, Harbour & Heritage · A Solo Traveller Guide, Exploring Unique Cape Breton.
Behind The Scenes, Via Instagram
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