Nova Scotia

Halifax holds a special place in our family’s heart. Jim lived here for seven years while completing his education, so it has always felt a little like home to him. Over the years, we’ve returned for weddings, stopovers on the drive home from PEI, rugby tours and, more recently, visits to our youngest son, who now calls the city home.Halifax has a reputation for its lively bar scene and university crowd, but there is so much more to this East Coast city. Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers, as a couple or on your own, there’s plenty to see, do and eat. The waterfront is a destination in itself, with restaurants, shops and a lovely place to wander along the harbour.

The Halifax waterfront is home to some excellent restaurants, and reservations are worth planning ahead for the most popular spots.The Bicycle Thief is one of the city's best-known dining destinations, and we recently enjoyed a meal here. Its waterfront setting makes it a lovely choice for a special dinner, so book ahead if it’s on your list.For a larger group, we also had a great meal at The Mercantile Social, just off the waterfront. It was a perfect spot for gathering everyone around the table and enjoying a relaxed meal together.And for coffee, I found myself stopping by The Wired Monk in the mornings for Canadianos. The coffee was good, but it was the exceptionally pleasant barista who made the visits memorable. Super friendly - and that says something, as East Coasters are known for their friendly nature!

Most of Halifax's hotels are conveniently located downtown, making it easy to explore the waterfront, restaurants and city sights on foot.On a recent visit, I had an excellent stay at The Westin Nova Scotian. It's a short walk from the harbour, where you can often see enormous cruise ships docked during their visits to the city. There's something quite impressive about watching these ships arrive and seeing the waterfront come alive around them.If you prefer to stay farther uptown, closer to the universities and the Public Gardens, we've had many excellent stays at The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring a different side of Halifax while remaining within easy reach of downtown.Halifax is a city we keep coming back to, and with family now living here, we're sure there will be plenty more visits, restaurant discoveries and favourite spots to share. 

With its beautiful harbour and rich maritime history, Halifax is a city best explored both on land and on the water.Land Hopper TourThe Land Hopper is a fun way to see the harbour and some of Halifax’s sights without having to choose between a land tour and a boat trip. The vehicle transitions from land to sea, which is a real hit with kids. Even I was amazed as we gently lowered into the water! It’s a fun, slightly different way to experience the city and a great option for families.Set Sail on a Tall ShipFor a taste of Halifax’s maritime history, take a sail on a tall ship. There’s something special about heading out into the harbour under sail and seeing the city from the water. It’s an experience that feels particularly fitting in a city so closely connected to the sea.There are plenty of other boat trips and harbour tours to choose from, but these two would be at the top of our list!Step Back in Time at the Halifax CitadelFor a little history, make time to visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This star-shaped fortress sits high above downtown and offers a fascinating glimpse into Halifax’s military past, along with great views over the city and harbour. It’s well worth a visit, even if history isn’t usually at the top of your travel list.Take a Stroll Through the Halifax Public GardensA stroll through a public garden might sound a little too sedate for the adventurous traveller, but trust us, the Halifax Public Gardens are worth the visit. These beautiful Victorian-era gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of downtown, with winding paths, colourful flower beds and elegant landscaping. Sometimes, slowing down and enjoying a quieter side of a city is just as rewarding as seeking out the next adventure.

One of the great things about staying in Halifax is how easy it is to explore more of Nova Scotia’s beautiful coastline. If you have a little extra time, these two stops deserve a place on your itinerary.Peggy’s Cove: More Than Just a LighthouseNo trip to Nova Scotia would feel complete without a visit to Peggy’s Cove and its famous red-and-white lighthouse, perched on the rugged Atlantic coastline. The surrounding granite rocks and crashing waves make this one of the province’s most iconic sights and a favourite spot for photographs.Nearby, you’ll also find the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial, overlooking the coastline where the aircraft crashed into the Atlantic in September 1998. It’s a peaceful, moving place to stop and remember the 229 people who lost their lives. The memorial offers a poignant reminder of the human stories connected to this stretch of coast.Lunenburg: A UNESCO World Heritage TownThe historic town of Lunenburg is another worthwhile day trip from Halifax. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its colourful waterfront, distinctive architecture and well-preserved historic streets offer a wonderful glimpse into British colonial settlement in North America.Lunenburg is also closely associated with the Bluenose, the legendary racing schooner featured on the Canadian dime. The original Bluenose is no longer afloat, but its successor, Bluenose II, continues the sailing tradition and is a celebrated symbol of Nova Scotia.Allow yourself time to wander the waterfront, explore the historic streets and enjoy a meal before heading back to Halifax. This is a destination where the journey is as much about soaking up the atmosphere as ticking off the sights.