Things to Do in the Halifax Area

Halifax is a bustling city with a multitude of activities geared for groups. From urban excitement to rural tranquility, there are many wonderful ways to unwind after a hectic day of meetings. Or perhaps you would like to enjoy all that a Halifax vacation has to offer before or after your meetings... plan to come early or stay late. You'll find some suggestions listed here but also be sure to check out the leisure travel section of our website for additional ideas or www.halifaxinfo.com for comprehensive tourism information on the Halifax Regional Municipality.

City Tours

Take a history and anecdote filled ride through the streets of Halifax, one of North America's most unique and captivating cities, with any number of excellent tour companies. Hear of Halifax's war years and of the exploits and heroism of the citizens who lived through the devastating Halifax Explosion. Discover Halifax's connection to the Titanic disaster and visit one of the cemeteries where a number of the victims are buried. View Historic Properties, the Spring Garden road shopping area, Province House, Old Town Clock, St. Paul's Church, City Hall, Grand Parade, Government House, the bustling seaport, Point Pleasant Park, the old burying ground, residential areas, the universities and much more. Walk through the Victorian Public Gardens and visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. You and your group can climb aboard an amphibious craft; Hop on & hop off a double decker bus; or ride a trolley to tour around town.

Harbour Tours

Don't miss the boat! A Halifax harbour tour is a "must see". Sail on a tall ship; splash in on an amphibious craft, chug around on a tugboat; cruise on a stern wheeler; arrange a private fishing charter; or glide peacefully in a sea kayak. Whatever you choose you and your group will savour the salty ocean breezes and enjoy the sparkle of the sun on the sea.

Dining & Nightlife

With over 450 eclectic eateries serving up everything from home-style cooking to haute cuisine, Halifax offers a feast for the body and soul. Tantalize your taste buds with ocean-fresh seafood or a sizzling steak at one of our renowned chop houses. Sample wild game, chow down on pub grub, satisfy your sushi craving, or go on a culinary adventure with Thai, Turkish or Mexican fare.

Most of our dining establishments are within easy walking distance (very accessible for your meeting delegates!) of theatres, nightclubs, hotels and shops - making them the perfect stop before a night on the town or for dessert after the show. With so many ways to indulge, it's too bad there are only three meals a day!

Whatever you do, don't forget the seafood. Cedar-planked salmon, Digby scallops, sumptuous seafood chowder - delicious delicacies at their best are our specialty! Want to host a lobster dinner for 2000 people? It can be done. Picture a bagpiper leading the lobster parade as the servers, trays laden with piping hot shellfish, deliver dinner to the tables of eager delegates.

Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery Tour

Visit Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery and your group will step back in time for a fun- filled history lesson delivered by costumed animators. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill brewery tour! People of all ages will enjoy visiting the beautifully detailed home & brew house of Alexander Keith, learning about the brewing process, singing a song (or two) in the Stag's Head Inn and, of course, sampling a bit of Mr. Keith's finest Ale.

Pub Tours

Avast ye mates! Shiver me timbers! Look sharp and step lively! Visit many of Halifax's favourite pubs! Don an official yellow Sou'wester hat, and turn back the brow in fine fisherman style. Your group can then be led by a kilted guide and bagpiper, through the streets of Halifax, taking in libations at some of the unique, old English-style pubs.

Museums

Experience over 250 years of history in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Take a walking tour of the downtown and immerse yourself in our heritage at many museums, historic sites, and galleries. You'll learn about the fascinating natural, marine and military history of the region. Sit in a replica Titanic deck chair at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic; ride the train across Canada in 5 minutes at Pier 21; be a "Soldier for a Day" at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site or view traditional Nova Scotia folk art at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Most of these sites offer unique "off site" venues and are happy to host meeting and convention groups.

Pier 21 National Historic Site

"Canada's Ellis Island". From the 1920's to the 1970's, Pier 21 was Canada's 'front door' to over one million immigrants, wartime evacuees, refugees, troops, war brides and their children. Experience the history of this National Historic Site which has been transformed into a testament to Canada's profoundly emotional immigration experience. The sheer impact of the interactive displays, virtual projections and abundance of fascinating images will overwhelm you. Genealogy enthusiasts will marvel at the resource information and library.

Theatre

"All the World's A Stage", especially here in Halifax! With offerings of music, drama, comedy, dance, improve poetry, & more, you and your group can cultivate your artistic side. Try outstanding productions with Neptune Theatre, Shakespeare by the Sea, or Eastern Front Theatre. Enjoy light-hearted comedy at our local dinner theatres. Or visit one of many community theatres throughout the region and see a local theatre specialty.

Music

Halifax is a place where the sounds of music, not traffic, echoes through the streets. You can find live music seven nights a week! A city of music and culture, from Symphony Nova Scotia to blistering Celtic beats from edgy alternative to soulful jazz, Halifax typifies an entertainment scene more vibrant and varied than that of a city twice the size.

Gaming

Forecasting High Wins! Set Sail for adventure and dive into excitement. On the edge of the scenic waterfront in the heart of historic Halifax, Casino Nova Scotia offers the most exhilarating entertainment package you'll find on the east coast. Get swept up in the action. Experience the best in gaming in the dazzling casino. Take in great live entertainment in the Schooner Room or enjoy dining in one of the restaurants.

Shopping

Funky, fabulous, dazzling and decadent - that's shopping in Halifax! Take a waterfront stroll among the shops at Historic Properties or browse the chic boutiques along Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road. Halifax streets and shops offer unique gift ideas - perhaps hand-made Nova Scotian pewter or crystal for that special someone! Or visit one of our many artist owned handcraft galleries hidden away only minutes from the heart of the city. Your group could even visit the loft of a local clothing designer and order custom made clothing of vintage fabrics.

Spas

Indulge in a relaxing massage or facial at one of Halifax's fine full-service health spas! You can choose to indulge in a day spa, or visit a local resort where you can spend the entire weekend being pampered. Many spas can cater to small groups offering food and beverage options along with traditional esthetic services.

Peggy's Cove

No trip to Nova Scotia would be complete without a visit to Canada's most famous fishing village, Peggy's Cove. An artists & explorers paradise for well over 150 years, this picture post card village stands on solid granite above the crashing surf. Experience the coastline famous for ruthless pirates, harrowing shipwrecks, daring rum running, succulent lobster, fabulous sunsets, and picturesque lighthouses. Mail a postcard from the Post Office in the lighthouse or sample the house specialty, piping hot homemade gingerbread cake at the Sou'wester Restaurant.

Nova Scotia Wine

In the Annapolis Valley visit award winning wineries where you can mix business with pleasure just an hour from the heart of the city. At the Domaine de Grand Pré winery, stop in for lunch at "le Caveau", take a winery tour and make sure you finish off with a wine tasting.

Golf

Remarkable diversity abounds throughout the province's more than 60 courses. Couple this with one of the world's greatest water hazards, the Atlantic Ocean, and Nova Scotia offers some unforgettable golf. Some of North America's finest architects have chosen to weave their personal styles into an outstanding mix of traditional tracts and modern designs. Challenge, playability, breathtaking vistas, cultural charm-enjoy a Nova Scotia golfing itinerary that offers outstanding value and a remarkable vacation experience! Lots of great golf close to the city, including three top-ranked layouts within 30 minutes of downtown Halifax. The LPGA chose the Glen Arbour Golf Course as their only Canadian stop in 2005.

Hiking and biking

For outdoor enthusiasts, the province boasts the most coastal cycling routes of anywhere in Canada. There are endless choices for hiking- one of the best ways to experience and explore. A variety of wilderness trails offer memorable options for both seasoned and novice hikers and bikers. Guided expeditions complete with instruction are available for groups and individuals.

Tidal Bore Rafting

Picture your group clad in yellow rain suits, zipping along in Zodiacs, as they tidal bore raft the highest tides in the world. Described as "white water rafting without the rocks!", this wet n' wild group activity is great fun for everyone. Ride the roller coaster rapids as the incoming tide forces itself up the majestic Shubenacadie River.