The provincial capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax helps connect Canada to the world through its ports and is the economic center of Atlantic Canada. Steeped in history, Halifax is a vibrant and welcoming coastal community. There is plenty to do and see, whether you are looking to shop on Barrington Street, take in the nightlife on Argyle Street, or spend some time walking along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. The boardwalk is approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) with views of the harbour and various cafes, shops, and museums.
While in Halifax, we recommend trying a Halifax Donair at Tony’s Famous Donair EST. 1976. Although there are a few versions of its creation, the Halifax Donair was invented in the 1970s and has become a late-night staple.
Halifax is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, and covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship of 1726.
Navigating Halifax
Small Town Coastal Charm in the City
Discover Halifax

Founded in 1749, the Halifax Citadel was constructed by the British military to protect this strategic port and defend against land-based attacks. The present-day star-shaped Citadel was completed in 1856 and was assumed by the Canadian military in 1906. The Citadel served as an army barracks during the First and Second World Wars, and in 1935 was designated a National Historic Site. Today it is operated by Parks Canada and is one of Halifax’s more popular tourist attractions. The Citadel is open daily, operating the School of Piping and Drumming, and offers period re-enactment tours and demonstrations, including the firing of the noon gun.
Open daily in the summer, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum. Visitors are introduced to steamships, small local crafts, the Royal Canadian and Merchant Navies, and WWII convoys. Guests will also learn about The Battle of the Atlantic, the Halifax Explosion of 1917, and Nova Scotia’s role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. The museum is also home to the world’s largest collection of wooden Titanic artifacts.


Open year-round, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Guests can learn about the vast contributions made by immigrants and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada.
Canada’s oldest warship, HMCS Sackville served in the Royal Canadian Navy and later as a civilian research vessel. The HMCS Sackville now serves as Canada’s Naval Memorial. Visitors can experience life aboard a Flower Class Corvette through displays, artifacts, and audio-visual presentations.

Explore Halifax

Opened in 1750, one year after the founding of Halifax, the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in North America. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays and hosts over 100 vendors.
Created in 1867, the year of the Canadian Confederation, the Halifax Public Gardens is a Victorian-era garden open daily to the public. With 6.5 hectares or 16 acres, to explore, this is a wonderful space to relax. Free one-hour horticultural and historical tours are offered from June through October, and self-guided audio tours are available online.


One of the oldest working breweries in North America, Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery first opened its doors in 1820. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the history and brewing process and sample some small-batch brews at the historic Stag’s Head pub.
Approximately 75 hectares, or 190 acres, of wooded area on the south end of the Halifax peninsula, Point Pleasant Park offers visitors 39 kilometres (approximately 24 miles) of easy walking trails. Shakespeare by the Sea is also offered here, with performances in July and August.

Active since 1908, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada. Located on Hollis Street since 1988, and open daily, the Art Gallery currently holds over 19,000 works. The Gallery strives to present engaging contemporary art from around the world and impact each visitor by provoking discovery and thought.
Experience the Maritimes
For those who have the time to stay and explore, we recommend renting a vehicle and experiencing the beauty of the Maritimes. We have put together a list of just a few highlights that would make great additions to any Eastern Canadian tour.
Located only 20 minutes outside Halifax, Fisherman’s Cover is a 200-year-old fishing village. This picturesque community offers visitors a glimpse into the past.


Home to one of the most famous lighthouses in the world, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse was built in 1915. The village of Peggy’s Cove only has 30 locals that live there year-round, and it is located approximately 45 minutes from Halifax.
Gaspereau Valley
Only one to two hours northwest of Halifax, depending on where you stop, Gaspereau Valley has more than a few communities and vineyards that are worth a visit. Wolfville, home of Acadia University, Annapolis Royal, and Digby are all great stops to see the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. As you make your way through the valley, we recommend stopping at Gaspereau Vineyards, Luckett Vineyards, and L’Acadie Vineyards.


Approximately an hour from Halifax, Lunenburg was founded in 1753 and is the home of the Bluenose II. The original historic fishing and racing schooner earned the title “Queen of the North Atlantic” and symbolized Nova Scotia’s prominence in the fishing and shipbuilding industries. The image of the Bluenose has been on the Canadian dime since 1937 and can also be found on three postage stamps and the Nova Scotian license plate.
This picturesque town is just outside Lunenburg, about 50 minutes from Halifax, and is considered one of Canada’s most beautiful towns. Grab a drink at the Saltbox Brewery on your way to see the Bluenose II.
Drive along the 298-kilometre-long Cabot Trail and explore the island’s natural beauty. Hike the Skyline Trail, learn about Nova Scotia’s history at the Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, and enjoy dinner at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou. Reopened by the Rankin Sisters, of the Rankin Family musical group, this pub offers daily entertainment, including ceilidhs on Sundays. A ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a social gathering with music, dancing, and often storytelling, where everyone can take part.
Home to Anne of Green Gables and the beautiful red sands, Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada. We recommend taking the ferry over and the Confederation Bridge The 12.9 kilometre (8 mile) long Confederation Bridge is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered water. Once in PEI, you can head to Summerside for their Farmers Market and then go north to Cavendish for Green Gables and the Cavendish Beach.
No trip is complete without spending time in the capital of PEI, Charlottetown. Delve into the history at Victoria Row, spend some time at Peake’s Wharf, and enjoy some COWS ice cream on Queen Street. If you have extra time after visiting PEI, we recommend driving to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick. Located along the Bay of Fundy this provincial park offers visitors a unique experience during low tides.
If you would like any other suggestions on what to do on a free day in Halifax you can contact us at [email protected].
Tours Highlighting Halifax
Ask us about adding one of these options to your Canada Rail Vacation.
Canada Rail Vacations
What sets us apart is that we plan every tour individually – we don’t merely re-sell pre-existing tour packages. We are a small, family business that personally books every element of your tour. We take a little more time and pay close attention to detail to ensure that your tour package is exactly what you want. We customize train travel packages so that you can experience Canada by rail, your way.