Halifax's Most Popular Attractions: Tourist Traps??
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is known for its naval history, charming waterfront, and vibrant culture. This lovely port city has plenty of exciting things to see and do. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Halifax has something for everyone.
With so many things to do and see, visitors might wonder if all the famous tourist spots are worth it or just an excuse to trap tourists into spending their money. So we are sharing the top 10 things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and we will let you know if it is worth your time and money!
Halifax: worthy attractions or tourist traps??
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Arguably one of Halifax's most popular tourist spots, the Citadel is a fort that dates back to the 18th century. Visitors can explore the site independently or join a guided tour sharing the fort's history. Located in the heart of Halifax, the Citadel is a fortified star-shaped structure built in the mid-1800s to protect the city from enemy attacks.
The Citadel can be crowded during peak season, but it's worth the visit, especially if you love history. While you are there, take a peek at the view from the top of the hill.
We have the Canadian National Park pass, so we did not have to pay to enter the site. As of this writing, the entry fee is $12.5 for adults.
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
The boardwalk stretches for 4 kilometers and is one of the longest boardwalks in the world. It is a perfect place to stroll, people-watch, and enjoy the stunning harbor and Atlantic Ocean views. During your stroll, you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions. During the warmer months, the waterfront comes alive with music festivals, street performers, and open-air concerts.
While it's a great place to take a stroll and grab a bite to eat, we think it's mostly a tourist trap. The prices for goods and services were steep, and the crowds were insane. We couldn't even walk along the pier at one point because the crowds around the street performers were so tight.
If you want to see the boardwalk, it’s best to go early in the morning and enjoy the view without the crowds. After a nice walk, I would find a coffee shop or bakery off the boardwalk! Even with the crowds, we enjoyed it and would go back.
Be sure to look for the Get Drunk, Fall Down, and Fountain light posts. They are a fun, interactive art installation. They are imitating someone watching a friend fall down drunk and someone taking a wizz off the pier.
Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market
The market, which has been operating for over 250 years, is one of the oldest markets in North America. According to the website, it features over 250 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to handmade crafts and jewelry.
It offers a mix of local and international cuisine and an abundance of fresh seafood, especially lobster. You can buy lobster live, cooked, or even on a roll. You can also try other seafood delicacies like scallops, mussels, and smoked salmon. Apparently, the market's famous maple-glazed donuts are the bomb.
You will read that in many blogs and travel guides, but when we visited the market, there were only a handful of vendors. The market recently moved to a new building, and the map only shows spots for 110 vendors. Initially, we thought it was because it was Sunday and it was getting ready to close. But upon further investigation, it appears to be the norm.
I would not call the market a tourist trap because it is free to walk through the stalls, and there were some nice local artisans. Don't be disappointed if there are not many vendors when you visit the market.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is known for its extensive collection of artifacts, models, and exhibits that showcase Nova Scotia's rich maritime heritage. The most popular is the Titanic exhibit, which features personal items from passengers and crew members, the last remaining deck chair, and interactive displays.
The museum offers a variety of interactive activities and exhibits for kids, including knot-tying, exploring the inside of lobster traps, and steering a boat using a ship's wheel.
The CSS Acadia is also a part of this museum. It is berthed on the pier behind the museum and open for tours. We could not tour the Acadia because it is only open a few days a week.
We enjoyed walking through this museum. It was worth the admission price of $10 CAD per person. Of course, we are old sailors, so we might be biased!
HMCS Sackville
This is Canada's only remaining corvette. No, it's not a car. It is a class of ship! I wonder if it sailed as fast as a Corvette drives!
This ship saw action during World War II and has been lovingly restored to serve as a living museum. You will be taken back in time when you visit this historic ship. You can explore the ship's three decks and experience the life of a sailor during the war. You'll see cramped living conditions, massive engines, and learn about the sailors' various jobs aboard the ship.
Thank goodness the ships we were stationed on had better amenities than this one! This ship is totally worth the visit. It is free to tour the ship, although they do ask for a donation. We saw a few kids having a great time exploring and asking many questions.
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a hidden gem that gives visitors a glimpse into Canada's immigration history. The museum's interactive exhibits and displays document the stories of more than one million immigrants who entered Canada through Halifax between 1928 and 1971. The museum is a testament to the resilience, determination, and rich cultural heritage of the millions of immigrants who have made Canada their home over the past centuries.
I really enjoyed this museum. Phil said it was just okay (he is not a museum person). It reminded me of Ellis Island. There are so many stories in this museum. We paid $15 CAD each to enter this museum.
Fairview Lawn Cemetery
Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is no ordinary cemetery. It is a final resting place for 121 Titanic victims. Only 29 were identified, and the rest were marked as "unknown child" or "unknown man/woman." The cemetery is the largest of three cemeteries in Halifax, where Titanic victims were laid to rest.
You will also find many graves from the First and Second World Wars, including Canadian soldiers who died in the Halifax Explosion of 1917.
It is free to enter the cemetery and view the grave sites. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and did not make it to the cemetery. So we can't share insight on visiting, but it is very popular with tourists.
St Paul’s Anglican Church
This church has been an important religious and social landmark in the city since 1749. St. Paul's is a famous landmark in Halifax known for its history, architecture, and music. You can walk through this historic church and admire its beauty for free.
According to folklore, a priest's silhouette is etched into a window from the Halifax explosion. We would love to know if this is true. The day we went to tour the church was a holiday, and it was closed! I was pretty bummed. I love old churches.
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Just a short drive from Halifax, Peggy's Cove is a small fishing village famous for its picturesque lighthouse and rugged coastal scenery. It is one of Canada's most popular photographed lighthouses for good reason!
You will find a family-owned restaurant and souvenir store on site as well. We had lunch when we visited, and I must say it was delicious and reasonably priced. I had the chowder, and my friends had the lobster—thumbs up for both.
We loved walking around this small fishing town. There are opportunities for lovely photos as you walk around, including fishing boats, lobster traps, Adirondack chairs, and fishing huts.
The one negative aspect of this Peggy's Cove is the crowds! The store was so crowded we couldn't even walk around it.
If your goal is the best Instagram photo, I recommend you set your alarm and arrive at sunrise. The lighting will be epic, and the crowds will be small. We 100% recommend a visit to Peggy's Cove! You don't want to miss this sweet place.
halifax Cuisine
No trip to Halifax is complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Halifax is known for its fresh seafood, including lobster, scallops, and salmon. You can sample these delicacies at the many seafood restaurants and fish markets around town. But don’t stop there – Halifax also has a thriving craft beer and spirits scene and a variety of tasty sweets, including the city’s famous donair.
Halifax Donair
We try to sample local fare everywhere we go. So Halifax was no different. We went in search of the perfect spot to taste the famous donair. It is a blend of spiced beef and a sweet and tangy garlicky sauce wrapped in soft pita bread. A Greek immigrant, Peter Gamoulakos, brought this to the city in the 1970s. And now it's a staple of the Halifax fast-food scene. Two places in Halifax are recommended on nearly every website for authentic donair.
King of Donair: Apparently, this place is famous all over Canada. Their donairs are made traditionally, with a blend of spices and homemade sauce made with fresh garlic, vinegar, sugar, and evaporated milk.
Tony’s Donair and Pizza: This small, family-run shop has served their signature dish for over 30 years. Their donairs are made with fresh, locally sourced beef marinated for 48 hours, giving it the perfect texture and flavor. We chose this location to taste our first Halifax Donair.
And (Canadian friends don’t get mad), it was just okay. It honestly tasted like all the other gyros I’ve had. It wasn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t order it again. But Phil liked it and would absolutely order it again.
COWS ice cream
We were told Cows was the best place for ice cream in Halifax, so Phil took one for the team and tested it for you! COWS has over 30 different ice cream flavors, including classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. But you will want to check out their unique flavors, like Wowie Cowie, Messie Bessie, and Gooey Mooey.
Cows claim to fame is their locally sourced, fresh ingredients, which make every scoop rich and creamy. You can find Cows in several locations throughout Canada.
The verdict?? Phil loved it. He said it definitely lived up to the hype. I loved the spoof t-shirts and picked up a few for the kids!
Enjoy your time in halifax
Halifax is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or food, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes in this charming seaside city.
While some of the most popular things to do in Halifax may feel like tourist traps, we believe that many of them are worth the visit. Ultimately, it's up to the visitor to decide what they want to do and see during their time in Halifax. We hope this blog post helps make the decision-making process a little easier.
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About the Author: Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.