Enjoying The Best of Halifax Tours
Halifax tours are a great way to experience all that the great province of Nova Scotia has to offer. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city, including shopping, sightseeing, and incredible dining. Not only that, but Halifax is a city that is deep in cultural history, telling stories of its past through its many landmarks and museums.
Enjoy Canadian coastal charm and see why so many visitors from across the world make a point of visiting this incredible city. Learn more about what to see and do in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with this guide and plan your trip accordingly!
Use this guide to learn more about the great city of Halifax, Nova Scotia!
Why Visit Halifax, Nova Scotia?
Halifax is a visually stunning city set along Canada’s east coast, where culture, charm, and history meet in one location. Known as the hub of coastal Canada, it is here in Halifax that many visitors fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), enjoying the city, but also using it as a starting point for enjoying the world-famous Cabot Trail.
As for the city, its charming boardwalk and downtown core showcase exceptional dining, pubs, cafes, shopping, and cultural festivals that draw visitors from around the world. Take in a brewery tour or browse through boutique shops to mingle with the locals and learn more about the rich history of this city. Explore the city on your own terms or take part in a hired tour group to learn more about the rich history of Halifax and experience for yourself a calm and relaxing pace of life that many Canadians have embraced.
Experiencing The History of Halifax
Halifax also remains a very short drive away from two very important historical sites, including Peggy’s Cove and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Peggy’s Cove is a world-famous landmark set along the tip of Canada’s east coast, where a historic lighthouse sits perched atop sheer granite rock. With its close proximity to Halifax, this spot has grown into a popular sightseeing destination for its beauty and history. Many tourists make a point of visiting this spot while doing some souvenir shopping and mingling with locals who work and live in the area, living directly off the land but also making a living from fishing.
Just nearby is the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place of many of the victims related to the 1912 Titanic disaster. Guests can browse through gravestones that tell stories of the Titanic, but also learn how the city of Halifax played a key role in the support and recovery efforts of the disaster itself. Learn about the victims, but also see the many unnamed graves that reveal the depth of the tragedy that occurred not far off from the Halifax coast. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is another noteworthy landmark worth visiting, where tourists can learn about the military history of the city, including details about the great Halifax explosion that devastated the city more than 100 years ago.
Other stops that are worth visiting include the Canadian Museum of Immigration, the Halifax Public Gardens, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica.
Food and Dining in Halifax
Halifax remains home to an incredibly robust food and dining scene, offering dishes that include Canadian influence, but are also rooted in dishes that are sourced directly from the nearby ocean. Seafood remains the prime choice for many restaurant establishments, and guests can explore fine dining and elaborate culinary experiences, seaside fish and chip shacks, or unique restaurants that are suited for families.
Many comfortable patio options overlook the sea, offering a blind of casual dining and relaxing dinner options. Head over to the Waterfront Boardwalk to take in the sights, and then take a pick one of the many restaurants that are ready to serve guests from around the world.
Breweries and Wineries
For those who love beer and wine, the city remains home to several breweries and wineries, including both major brands and independent offerings. The Alexander Keith’s beer tour remains an incredibly popular option for tourists, while many wines and spirits are crafted in the city and a short drive out of town. The Annapolis Valley is home to several local wineries that include tours, tastings, and fine dining options that go great with the natural landscapes of Nova Scotia.
Halifax Nightlife
For those who love to head out for a night on the town, Argyle Street remains a great option. This vibrant street is home to endless pubs that come with live music and East Coast charm. Get to know the locals and indulge in a long list of local drink options that include influences from the city’s unique history. The city is also known for its late-night tour options that include night markets, a casino, the iconic Haunted Halifax tour, and public buskers.
What You Should Know For Visiting Halifax
Use these tips for exploring and visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Dress for the occasion: Halifax is well-known for its walkability, and as such, you should be prepared to do significant amounts of walking. The harborfront is a 4km stretch that includes restaurants, bars, and all sorts of fun activities, so bring a pair of shoes that are comfortable for extensive walking. Rain remains a possibility all year long, so pack for the possibility of an unexpected rainfall.
Make a Point of Trying New Foods: Seafood remains incredibly popular, and many dining establishments offer oysters, clams, and lobsters. This is a great time to try out new seafoods you have never experienced before, especially a lobster roll.
Don’t miss out on the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site: This fortress remains incredibly historic, acting as an important military base for all of North America. Cannons are set off at 12 noon daily, so don’t miss out on this important demonstration of Halifax history.
Don’t forget Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: The city of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is very beautiful as well, but the ferry ride over is a great way to appreciate the landscape at a very affordable price. This is one of the oldest ferry systems in the world, offering access to another small coastal town with its own unique offerings, including shops, art galleries, and dining experiences.
Guided Tour Options in Halifax
With so much to see and do throughout the historic city of Halifax, many guests choose to look to a guided tour company to ensure they never miss an important detail of their destination. Pre-planned tour groups are an incredible way to ensure the safety of travelers, but also make the most of the experience. Guides often have deep information regarding their destination, offering important context on the historical elements of Halifax, while ensuring your full enjoyment of the trip itself.
Have Caravan Lead The Way Through Halifax
Caravan remains one of the most trusted tour group providers in North America, helping guests visit incredible destinations that offer a blend of adventure, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. For over 20 years, Caravan has provided fully-booked and tour group experiences that take the stress out of booking an elaborate trip, and allow guests to focus on the full enjoyment of the travel experience.
Never worry about a detail of your trip with a fully-booked Caravan tour of Halifaxthat includes both ground transportation and accommodations. Reach out to Caravan today to learn more about our tour of Nova Scotia and other well-known destinations throughout the world. We remain one of the very best providers of guided tours, helping North Americans visit destinations alongside incredibly safe tour groups.
Caravan is prepping for a very busy upcoming travel season, so don’t delay in booking, as spaces are filling up fast. Contact us today and book for the upcoming travel season. Fall tours of Halifax remain especially beautiful, offering incredible sights and beautiful ocean landscapes.
Call us directly at 1-800-CARAVANto book the vacation of a lifetime. Visit Caravan.comto browse through our full lineup of tours across the world.
Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Halifax Tours
Explore these answers to frequently asked questions regarding visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Is Halifax, Canada, worth visiting?
Yes! Halifax is the centerpiece of Canada’s East Coast, offering coastal charm and visual beauty in one travel experience.
How many days do I need to visit Halifax?
Guests make a point of visiting the city of Halifax for anywhere from one to three days.
What’s special about Halifax?
Halifax is a unique city along the coastal waters of Canada’s east coast, home to endless history, incredible scenic views, and many exceptional dining experiences. Nova Scotia is a stunningly beautiful city.
Is Halifax a walkable city?
Yes. Halifax’s waterfront and downtown area is very walkable, allowing guests to stroll through the streets at their own pace, enjoying shopping, food, and drink options at their leisure. Or, take in the coastal views along the harborfront and enjoy nature.
Is Halifax good for tourists?
Yes! Halifax offers cultural heritage and exceptional East Coast Canadian charm that is unmatched! Considered to be exceptionally safe and welcoming to tourists across the world, Halifax is welcoming to everyone, from all walks of life.
What is the best month to go to Halifax?
Halifax’s peak travel season is in the summer months, running from June to August. Temperatures can be hot and humid during this season, but the close proximity to the ocean offers a cool breeze that keeps the entire city comfortable. The summer months in Halifax are beautiful, but are also home to many local events, including street festivals, pub crawls, and cultural celebrations.
August is the best month, but fall is also a great time to visit. Winter and spring remain challenging months due to the weather, so look to book a trip to Halifax in the fall for the best balance of weather.
Is Halifax very cold?
Yes, Halifax is especially cold during the winter months. Summers and fall months remain very comfortable.
What not to miss in Halifax?
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site remains one of the most culturally significant points directly in the city, but guests should also make a point of visiting the Harborfront and Peggy’s Cove.
Is Halifax accessible?
Halifax is considered an accessible city that maintains modern features to suit those with mobility challenges. Many restaurants, museums, and popular tourist spots are wheelchair accessible.
Why should I go to Halifax?
Halifax remains an incredibly tourist-friendly city that is easily walkable, offers incredible seafood, and remains rich in history. Its blend of visual beauty and East Coast charm is a fun way of experiencing a less busy yet engaging city that is loaded with fun. Further, it remains a short distance from many unique breweries and wineries, while also offering access to the incredible Cabot Trail, a premier destination for outdoor adventure and exploration.
Halifax is an important hub of travel through Canada’s east coast, offering a balance that can cater to any kind of traveler.
What is the best way to see Halifax?
The best way to see Halifax is on foot.
Is Peggy’s Cove a day trip?
Yes. Peggy’s Cove is a great day trip from Halifax, and is accessible by bus or tour group.
Should visitors use a tour guide in Halifax?
Tour guides offer important context and information regarding their destinations, ensuring guests not only experience the destination but also learn more about the cultural and historical significance.
Have More Questions? Contact Caravan To Learn More
Look to Caravan for fully-booked tours that leverage the knowledge of guides for the best possible travel experience. Contact Caravan today to learn more.