Discover Halifax: Where History Meets Coastal Charm
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your first 36 hours in Halifax — a city that balances history, creativity, and coastal energy. Discover its historic landmarks, stroll the lively waterfront, explore peaceful gardens, and experience a food scene that reflects cultures from around the world. This itinerary is your invitation to dive right in and enjoy the rhythm of Atlantic life.
Getting to Halifax: A Seamless Arrival
Flying in? Porter Airlines often offers some of the best fares to the Maritimes, with convenient direct flights from major Canadian cities. Once you land at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, it’s just a 30-minute drive to downtown — simple and stress-free for a weekend escape.
If you’re coming from Dartmouth, take the Halifax Ferry. It’s quick, affordable, and offers beautiful morning views as the sun rises over the harbour. Not into ferries? Two bridges also connect Dartmouth to Halifax, but the ferry remains the most scenic way to start your day.
Pro Tip: Staying in Dartmouth can be a smart, budget-friendly alternative to downtown accommodations. The short ferry ride doubles as a daily scenic experience, adding a touch of adventure to your stay.
Stop #1: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
📍 5425 Sackville Street
Let’s kick things off with history. The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, perched high above downtown. Arrive around 9 am to explore before the crowds and experience the changing of the guard, a daily reenactment that brings the 1800s to life. Stay for the noon gun, an echoing tradition that has marked time in Halifax for more than 160 years.
During my visit, a Parks Canada guide shared stories about the Citadel’s strategic role and the soldiers who once lived within its walls. The 360-degree view from the ramparts is breathtaking, offering panoramic scenes of both the harbour and downtown Halifax — one of the best spots in the city for sunrise or sunset photography.
Stop #2: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
📍 1675 Lower Water Street
A short walk from the Citadel brings you to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, one of Halifax’s most compelling attractions. Spread across two levels and fully accessible by elevator, the museum is a treasure trove of maritime history — from Titanic artifacts to antique lighthouse lights and exhibits highlighting the city’s shipbuilding legacy.
I spent hours here, completely absorbed by the stories of the Atlantic and the people who worked its waters. Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for locally inspired souvenirs and nautical keepsakes.
When you’re ready for fresh air, stroll along the Halifax waterfront toward Pier 21. It’s a great place to join a harbour cruise, take a boat tour, or even try deep-sea fishing — each offering a new perspective on this vibrant coastal city.
Stop #3: Halifax Public Gardens
📍 5665 Spring Garden Road
After a history-filled morning, slow things down at the Halifax Public Gardens — a peaceful, Victorian-era escape right in the heart of the city. You can join a guided tour, bird-watch, or simply find a quiet bench and enjoy the calm atmosphere surrounded by blooming flowers and ornate fountains.
There’s even an on-site coffee shop to refuel before continuing your day. The gardens are particularly magical in the fall when the leaves turn rich shades of red and gold — just like in the photos I captured during my 2023 visit.
Where to Stay: The Iconic Lord Nelson Hotel
📍 1515 South Park Street
If you love accommodations with a sense of history, The Lord Nelson Hotel is one of Halifax’s most timeless stays. Built in 1928, this elegant property celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2023, and it remains a symbol of the city’s classic charm.
The hotel’s location couldn’t be better — right across from the Halifax Public Gardens and just a 20-minute walk to the waterfront. Book a stay here to experience a blend of historic character and modern comfort, all within easy reach of the city’s best sights.
Dining & Nightlife: Argyle & Grafton Streets
After a full day of exploring, dive into Halifax’s vibrant food scene. The pedestrian-friendly Argyle and Grafton Streets are lined with the city’s best restaurants, patios, and pubs. One favourite of mine is The Wooden Monkey, where I ordered maritime bacon-wrapped scallops, haddock fish cakes, and a crisp Nova Scotia Pilsner — the perfect taste of the region’s coastal flavours.
This downtown area has recently undergone revitalization, featuring wide sidewalks, string-lit patios, and live music that contribute to its year-round energy. Halifax shines here — not just for its food, but for how it supports small, independent businesses that give the city its heart and character.
Final Stop: Georges Island
End your trip with a short boat ride to Georges Island, one of Halifax’s most distinctive landmarks. Managed by Parks Canada, the island is home to Fort Charlotte, where you can explore self-guided tours, underground tunnels, and picnic areas with sweeping harbour views.
Settle into one of the big red Adirondack chairs and take in the panoramic view of Halifax’s skyline — a perfect ending to a weekend filled with history, food, and ocean air.
Note: Access to Georges Island is by boat only, so plan your timing and transportation in advance.
Why I Love Halifax
What always strikes me about Halifax is how seamlessly history, culture, and community blend together. The city’s multicultural roots run deep—from its early immigrant stories to today’s mix of food, art, and music from every corner of the world. You can stand on Citadel Hill listening to the noon gun, then wander down to a patio where a dozen accents fill the air. Halifax never forgets its past, yet it welcomes everyone into its story—and that’s why I keep coming back.
Disclaimer: I often visit restaurants during quieter hours to capture photos and talk with staff. Expect a livelier atmosphere during peak dining times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Halifax
The best time to visit Halifax is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the waterfront comes alive with festivals, patio dining, and sailing tours. Autumn offers brilliant fall colours and fewer crowds—ideal for photography and coastal drives.
You can experience many of Halifax’s highlights in 36 to 48 hours, especially if you focus on the downtown core, waterfront, and nearby attractions like Citadel Hill, Public Gardens, and Pier 21. For a deeper dive into the region’s culture and coastal scenery, plan for an extra 3- to 4-day stay.
Halifax is known for its seafood and local ingredients. Don’t miss fish cakes, Digby scallops, lobster rolls, and, of course, the Halifax donair. Many restaurants along Argyle Street and the Halifax waterfront showcase local breweries and farm-to-table dishes that reflect Nova Scotia’s coastal heritage.
About the Author
Written and photographed by Roland Bast, a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller based in Ottawa. Member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada). Roland specializes in capturing the emotion, history, and beauty of Canadian destinations through authentic storytelling and original photography.
Keep exploring:
36 Hours in Halifax ·
Halifax Waterfront: The New Wave ·
4-Day Guide in Moncton ·
Kelowna Lakeside Luxury & Local Flavours ·
Weekend in Montreal
2 Comments