The Best of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Each summer the Atlantic Film Festival brings Halifax the AlFresco FilmFesto on the waterfront boardwalk. The AlFresco FilmFesto takes place on Friday nights from July to August and features outdoor movies, often with a theme, like Billy Murray movies or Spielberg films. They are projected on a large screen on the boardwalk which runs along the harbor. It’s free (with a requested donation), so bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy a movie under the stars.

The perfect place to buy souvenirs or to take home a little part of Nova Scotia for yourself. The Historic Properties are located along the north end of the waterfront boardwalk in downtown Halifax. These buildings were originally warehouses that were used for privateering and smuggling dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today, they are home to various restaurants and pubs, as well as several boutique shops and stores that sell many local products.

Obladee is the only wine bar in downtown Halifax. The bar has a casual atmosphere with an ever changing wine menu and a few other select drinks like beer and cider if that is what you would prefer. They feature wine “flights” that pair three wines together for a reasonable price, as well as cheese and charcuterie that is locally sourced.

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada, and has a varied collection, from historic Inuit stone carvings to Nova Scotian folk art, nautical paintings, classical portraits, and even the small home of one of the province’s most prominent folk artists, Maud Lewis.

Point Pleasant Park sits at the south end of the city, occupying 190 acres of land. A serious hurricane leveled many of the parks old trees several years ago but it hasn’t lost its charm. More trees have now been planted and the park is a favorite of many locals. The park has various trails that take you along Halifax Harbour and the North West Arm, as well as through the woods and around old artillery batteries. In the summertime you can also come here to see live performances by the Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Company. Open year round, it is a great place for walking, running, biking and other forms of exercise, as well as for picnics.

Since 1749, there have been a series of four different forts on top of citadel hill in the middle of downtown Halifax. The highest point in the city, the current fort was built in 1856 is now a popular tourist attraction. Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, it has been restored to its Victorian period-appearance by Parks Canada. Inside you can see re-enactors dressed in Victorian costume, and learn about the fort and the city’s history. Also, as a bonus each day, the 78th Highlander re-enactment regiment fire off a canon signaling noontime and the changing of the guard, putting on quite the show.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (also known as simply ‘Pier 21') is the location where over one million immigrants entered Canada for the first time from 1928-1971. Similar to New York’s Ellis Island, today Pier 21 has been transformed into a museum that documents the building’s history and the history of those who entered into Canada this way along with a bit about their lives and journeys.

Located next to the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, the Garrison Brewing Company opened its doors in 2007 and has been tickling Halifax’s tastebuds with its fine brews ever since. At the brewery you can learn how the beer is made, try some taste tests, sit outdoors in the summertime on the patio enjoying a drink and even purchase bottles and growlers of beer to take home. From hoppy IPAs to a Raspberry Wheat Ale, they have beers for every taste and even sell fine non-alcoholic craft sodas.

Halifax’s identity is tied to the sea, and its rich maritime history is the central theme of this eclectic museum. Popular exhibits include one dedicated to the role of Halifax after the sinking of the Titanic (the city’s ships helped with the recovery) and the devastating Halifax Explosion, a 1917 ship collision that killed 2,000. Don’t miss touring the CSS Acadia, a naval vessel once used for hydrographic missions.

Located at the south end of the Halifax waterfront the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is the oldest continually run farmer’s market in all of North America, having opened in 1750. Here you can find fresh and local foods along with handmade arts and crafts. The market is a great place to grab a bite to eat, do some people watching and meet the locals. Whether you like locally-made apple cider, homemade brownies, Parisian-style crepes, Chinese dumplings or you are just looking for a souvenir from travels the market is definitely a great place to visit.