Local Attractions & Events
Local Attractions
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Peggy's Cove
The Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region, encompassing the shores of the scenic St. Margaret’s Bay, offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that will help make your holiday a memorable one. Many of the area’s assets are tucked-away on side roads or in scenic coves and harbours that are just waiting for you to explore, just 30 minutes from Halifax. The region is noted for its hiking trails, kayaking adventures, whale watching, birding activities, and golf courses along with pristine beaches that offer fun for the whole family.
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Lunenburg
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picturesque Lunenburg lies nestled along the scenic South Shore; one hours drive from Halifax. Wander Old Town Lunenburg’s distinctive waterfront with its colourful buildings and listen for salty tales of seafaring and rum-running and discover a charming town filled with amazing restaurants, distilleries, breweries, artisans and unique shops.
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Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery
One of the oldest working breweries in North America, where citizens of Halifax escort you back in time to the year 1863. Learn how Mr. Keith made his famous beer, sample some ale and listen to fun stories and toe-tapping songs in the Stag’s Head Tavern. All ages, group bookings welcome.
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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
One of Canada’s most visited national historic sites, the Citadel features exhibits, audio-visual presentations, guided tours, the Canadian Army Museum and is home of the 78th Highland Regiment.
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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Dive into Atlantic Canada’s maritime history in the heart of the historic Halifax waterfront. Experience the life of a sailor, learn of the province’s ship-building heritage and uncover the meaning behind colourful ship flags. Explore the museum’s numerous exhibits and galleries, including North Atlantic Convoys, Titanic, and the Halifax Explosion.
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Emera Oval
The Emera Oval is a year-round outdoor recreation facility located on the Halifax Common. In the winter, it transforms into the largest outdoor artificially refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City—spanning the equivalent of three NHL hockey rinks.
Open to the public year-round, the Oval offers free outdoor activities for all ages. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy free public ice skating, while spring and summer bring opportunities for biking, rollerblading, and roller-skating.
Equipment is available to borrow at no charge.
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Africville Museum
The Africville Museum sits in a replica of the Seaview United Baptist Church, once the heart of Africville. Inside, exhibits with photos, artifacts, and interactive displays tell the story of the community, honoring its resilience and commemorating the injustice of its destruction.
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1997, the museum was recognized in 2024 as Canada’s first UNESCO Place of History and Memory for Enslavement and the Slave Trade.
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Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens is a 16-acre oasis in the heart of downtown Halifax. Officially opened in 1867, The Halifax Public Gardens have retained much of their original Victorian character thanks to a series of talented superintendents, chief horticulturists and gifted gardeners. In true Victorian fashion, the Gardens boast ornate fountains, a bandstand, a pond, sculptures, statues and a magnificent wrought-iron front entrance. The gardens have over 140 different species of trees, including unusual or rare species and some centenarians. Their serpentine paths and scroll-style carpet beds guarantee a bounty of colour and fragrance throughout the season.
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Seaport Farmer's Market
The Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is a must-visit destination on the city’s vibrant waterfront and one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in North America. Open year-round, the market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts and international cuisine.
Located at the Seaport beside the harbour, it’s the perfect place to experience the flavours and creativity of Halifax.
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Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park, located at the southern tip of the Halifax Peninsula, is a historic 75-hectare wooded park known for its scenic natural beauty and extensive trail network. The park features approximately 39 km of gently winding paths and wide trails, many of which are wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal place for walking, jogging, and exploring the coastline.
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Fisherman's Cove
Fisherman’s Cove is a not-for-profit organisation located within a wonderfully quaint and restored 200 year-old fishing village. Rich in history, it offers visitors a peek into the past. Located in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia at the entrance to the Halifax Harbour, just 20 minutes from downtown Halifax. Stroll the picturesque boardwalk and visit the many shops and eateries where you will find delicious food, Maritime crafts, local paintings, unique folk art, and souvenirs to bring home.
Festivals & Events
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AIFF | Atlantic International Film Festival
The Atlantic International Film Festival is an eight-day celebration of film and media from around the world. It’s a festival that turns Halifax—a charming and historic coastal city—into an international mecca for the arts, abuzz with film lovers and filmmakers alike. FIN Atlantic International Film Festival is committed to supporting quality cinema in Atlantic Canada by offering a first look at the best international films of the festival season and by showcasing excellence in local filmmaking.
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Halifax International Tattoo
Featuring over 2000 world-class Canadian and international military and civilian performers, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, held during the first week of July each year, continues to live up to its reputation as one of the world’s premiere cultural and entertainment events.
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Natal Day Festival
Natal Day is the annual birthday celebration of the communities of Halifax and Dartmouth, held during the first weekend of August. It is time where citizens, and tourists celebrate our civic holiday. The Alexander Keith’s Natal Day Festival traditionally consists of parades, breakfasts, live entertainment, festival tents, sporting events, family events and the biggest, most elaborate fireworks display of the year!
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Halifax International Busker Festival
The Halifax International Busker Festival is the largest outdoor festival in Atlantic Canada and one of the largest busker festivals in the world. Featuring over 500 performances on six different stages. This world-renowned ‘street theatre’ festival entertains up-to 450,000 visitors each year. Audiences of all ages will enjoy world-class performances from acrobats, jugglers, fire artists, contortionists, musicians and much, much more. Held each August, primarily on Halifax’s downtown waterfront.
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TD Halifax Jazz Festival
A major event on the Canadian music scene, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in the Atlantic region. The event attracts up to 65,000 visitors, involves 450 volunteers and employs over 350 local musicians delighting audiences for nine days every summer.
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Halifax Pride Festival
Held in July each year the annual Halifax Pride Festival is one of Atlantic Canada’s leading Pride celebrations. Each year, Halifax Pride transforms the Garrison Grounds at Citadel Hill into its main festival site, welcoming attendees to enjoy a vibrant lineup of activities. The space features live performances from local and international drag artists, musical acts, and comedians, alongside a community market, a health and wellness area, lawn games, and a newly introduced Two-Spirit space and Teepee created in partnership with the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance.
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Evergreen Festival
The Evergreen Festival is a four-week outdoor winter celebration in Halifax, taking place from late November through mid-December. The festival transforms the waterfront and downtown core into a festive hub showcasing local food, handmade crafts, and Nova Scotian culture. Highlights include the Evergreen Market, live music performances, immersive light displays, and family-friendly winter experiences such as a festive train ride—creating a seasonal atmosphere that celebrates the region’s community, creativity, and holiday spirit.
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Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition
Taking place in August, the sandcastle and sand sculpting contest draws more than 10,000 visitors each year to Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. The event features multiple competition categories with cash prizes awarded to top creations. Held rain or shine, attendees are encouraged to come prepared with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, water, snacks, and appropriate beachwear. A variety of food vendors will also be on-site.
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Rock the Harbour Festival
Each August, thousands of fans gather along the harbour for three days of legendary classic rock, set against a backdrop of sailboats, ocean sunsets, and one of the region’s most vibrant festival atmospheres. Rock the Harbour has become a beloved summer tradition, offering unforgettable performances, stunning waterfront views, and a weekend celebration of music by the sea.
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Halifax Mooseheads Hockey
The Halifax Mooseheads are a Canadian major junior ice hockey club in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Halifax Thunderbirds Lacrosse
The Halifax Thunderbirds are a professional box lacrosse team based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, competing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), the premier indoor lacrosse league in North America. The Thunderbirds began play in Halifax in the 2019–20 NLL season and quickly became a fan favourite at the Scotiabank Centre.
Nearby Coastal Beaches
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Lawrencetown Beach
Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park, 19 km east of Dartmouth on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, is a 1.7 km sandy and cobble beach famed for its reliable, year-round surfing. The park offers ramped boardwalks, change houses, and supervised swimming in July and August. Known for strong currents, it’s also popular for boogie boarding, surfing, and coastal hiking.
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Crystal Crescent Beach
Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park, 30 km south of Halifax, features three white‑sand beaches set against rugged Atlantic scenery. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or explore coastal trails with dramatic ocean views, wildlife, and birdwatching. Ideal for both relaxing beach days and scenic hikes, it’s one of Nova Scotia’s most picturesque spots.
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Conrad's Beach
Conrad’s Beach, just outside Halifax on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, is a quiet 1.3 km sandy beach known for its soft sand, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere. With no lifeguards or facilities, it’s ideal for beach walks, picnics, and nature lovers. A boardwalk crosses dunes and marshes, and the area is a protected habitat for shorebirds like piping plovers
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Queensland Beach
Queensland Beach, located along Nova Scotia’s scenic Eastern Shore, is a peaceful sandy beach perfect for relaxing, beachcombing, and taking in coastal views. Its calm atmosphere and natural beauty make it a hidden gem for locals and visitors seeking a quiet escape.
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Rainbow Haven Beach
Rainbow Haven Beach, just outside Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a long, sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly outings. With its shallow waters and picnic areas, it’s a favourite spot for a relaxed day by the sea.
