Welcome Ashore - Come Explore
Halifax welcomes visitors with a hundred thousand smiles and an equal number of historic sites to discover, natural areas to explore, cultural events to revel in, shops to browse, and restaurants to grab a bite in.
Renowned for its steep streets, stunning harbour, and the famous Citadel, which stands guard over the citizens - and the port - Nova Scotia's capital city is a unique mix of traditional and contemporary. Visitors are embraced by a city with one of the world's largest natural harbours and linked irrevocably to the sea. With a population of 370,000, Halifax is an ideal blend of big city and down-home hospitality.
Explore a myriad of shore side experiences celebrating our unique cultural heritage & natural beauty. You’ll discover an excursion that suits you perfectly.
The best excursions are available through your cruise line. Contact your cruise line to book any of the adventures below, and much more.
The Living Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Constructed between 1828 and 1856, the Citadel is a star-shaped naval station that sits in the middle of the beautiful city of Halifax. It’s a living history museum where you’ll discover the 78th Highland Regiment that still fires the noonday cannon (yes, a real cannon). Guided tours with costumed animators are available that explore the musket galleries, earthen ramparts, garrison cells, guard rooms and much more.
The Tasty Alexander Keith’s Brewery
How many beers of North America have you tasted that have been brewed since 1820? Not very many. Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale is one of the oldest. It’s widely considered to be Nova Scotia’s unofficial brew. Tour the place that started it all – Keith’s Brewery. Then visit the beautifully detailed home and brew house of Alexander Keith himself. Top off the end of the tour with a taste of this Nova Scotia original ale.
A Postcard Come to Life – Peggy’s Cove
One of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking, famous and photographed places, Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is also a post office. Send friends and family postcards of this unique sea beacon right from this mariner mainstay perched atop massive granite rocks. Explore the tiny fishing village below and dine in a delicious restaurant. Just down the road, you can visit the Swiss Air memorial.
Nature Lovers Love Our Public Gardens
One of the finest original formal Victorian Public Gardens in North America, this beautiful centerpiece of the city welcomes all who enter. Right next door to the wonderful shops of Spring Garden Road, the Public Gardens feature 17-acres of rare flowers & trees, sparkling fountains, historic statuary, and free concerts from the picturesque red-roofed gazebo.
Experience Our Gentle Giants
Nothing captures your attention and makes you understand your place in the world like seeing a whale in its natural habitat. Many rare species of this gentle giant call Nova Scotia home. And if you’re one of the lucky ones to actually experience a full breach, you’ll have a memory that’ll stay with you forever.
Wine Lovers Rejoice
In the colourful and scenic Annapolis Valley sits a bevy of Nova Scotia’s best wineries. A Nova Scotia Sommelier will take you on a tour (with wine tasting, of course) of three of Nova Scotia’s premiere wineries: Sainte Famille, Gaspereau Valley vineyards, and Domaine de Grand Pré.
Explore Nova Scotia Original Shops
Halifax is chock full of unique shops such as the Nova Scotian Crystal Factory & Shop. Experience first hand the craft of making crystal by some of the world’s best craftsmen. Each piece is hand-blown using the traditional method for creating fine, hand-cut crystal. You’ll find this wonderful shop in the heart of our beautiful Historic Properties on the waterfront.
The Legend of the Titanic
Have an interest in the century’s most significant marine disaster? Over 120 victims of this ill-fated ocean liner, the Titanic, rest here in Halifax. Exploring the interactive exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will tell the story and features many artifacts recovered from the famous ship.
Taste Our Fine Dining by the Sea
In the heart of Halifax, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious restaurants and pubs. In fact, there are over 70 packed into a few square blocks of our downtown. Want a fine dining experience? Or do you enjoy the more informal atmosphere of a pub? It’s all here just a short stroll from each other. At the very least, try our Nova Scotia lobster that’s famous around the world.
Explore Historical Pier 21 Canada’s Immigration Museum
Over 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, displaced people, evacuee children, and Canadian military personnel passed through the famous building between 1928 and 1971. We’ve restored and preserved Pier 21 as a monument to the stories of people who helped build our nation, including the tale of the first contact between our European forefathers and the native North Americans.
Explore Halifax Harbour
There are so many great water tours that are perfect for all ages. By far, the most popular harbour tour is about Murphy’s signature Harbour Hopper.
Garrison Brewery Tour
Come visit Halifax's largest independent microbrewer, located in the historic seaport areas. Sample, tour and experience traditional craft brewing.
Hop on, Hop off
Explore Halifax on an authentic British style double-decker at your own pace.
