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You will dock at either Pier 20 or 22 at the Port of Halifax, which is located just south of downtown. You will find a vibrant arts and cultural community called Halifax Seaport which extends from Piers 19 to 23. Whether you’re looking for local crafts, unique gifts, or just want to support the local economy by shopping at independent stores, Halifax has something for everyone. You’ll find a mix of both local and international brands and stores in various shopping destinations throughout the city. You’ll also find galleries and theaters showcasing local arts and rich culture throughout Halifax, providing plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s creative scene.
Learn how Halifax and the Titanic are connected at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
This boardwalk has length of approx 3 km (2 mi) and is among the city's best known attractions. As there are many wharves along the boardwalk, many mid-sized cruise ships often are docked here. At the boardwalk are located the Halifax Transit ferry terminal, numerous shops, historic and office buildings, also Casino Nova Scotia. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Halifax offers a myriad of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Things To Do in Halifax – Nova Scotia
The museum covers everything from the region’s first shipbuilders and tragic shipwrecks to the city’s involvement in the World Wars, the Halifax explosion, and the sinking of the Titanic. Renowned for its seafood, you’ll find everything from fish and chips shacks to upscale eateries scattered throughout the downtown area. Halifax also has more pubs and clubs per capita than any other city in Canada. In December of 1917, a French munitions ship collided with a Norwegian vessel in the harbor and the explosion resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives and leveled much of the city’s northern end. Nestled in Halifax downtown, St. Paul’s Anglican Church is the oldest building in the city founded in 1749.
Visit The Halifax Public Gardens
Highlights include several historic military batteries and the Prince of Wales Tower. You can take a self-guided cultural walking tour, go for a swim at the beach or watch a performance by the Shakespeare by the Sea theater group. Halifax Public Gardens are one of the finest examples of Victorian Gardens and the only surviving authentic Victorian Gardens in North America. It is a stunning 16-acre oasis containing fountains, rare flowers, trees, and a beautiful gazebo. The gardens are located around 2 km/1.3 miles from the Halifax cruise terminal, roughly a 7-minute ride or 20 to 30 minutes walk depending on your walking speed. The seaport reported a record season with handled 198 ship calls and 316,869 passengers.
Best Time to Visit
The port is conveniently situated within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, ensuring that you can make the most of your time in Halifax. You’ll find that most cruise ships dock near the seaport area, which is conveniently close to Piers 20 and 22. Famous for its seafood, you’ll find everything from fish and chips to upscale restaurants spread throughout the city. In Halifax there is no shortage of pubs and clubs, in fact it has more than in any other city in Canada.
Stroll Along Halifax’s Waterfront Harbour Walk
From the iconic waterfront boardwalk to the charming streets of the historic downtown area, Halifax is a city that will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a food enthusiast, or a shopaholic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
Economic driver or eco-threat? The conundrum of Halifax's cruise ships - The Coast Halifax
Economic driver or eco-threat? The conundrum of Halifax's cruise ships.
Posted: Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The ferry service connects downtown Halifax with Dartmouth and offers stunning waterfront views during the short ride across the harbor. After a day of shopping and dining, settle into one of Halifax’s cozy cafes and enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee or a sweet treat. The city offers a vibrant coffee culture, with numerous cafes serving up artisanal brews and delicious pastries. Halifax’s dining scene is equally enticing, with a wide range of culinary offerings to please every palate. Seafood lovers will be in heaven, as the city’s coastal location ensures fresh and delicious seafood options. Indulge in succulent lobster, perfectly cooked scallops, or flavorful fish and chips at one of the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
This fascinating museum showcases the region’s maritime heritage, including exhibits on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion. Don’t miss the chance to step aboard the fully restored CSS Acadia, a century-old hydrographic research vessel. The city offers a reliable public transportation system, including buses and ferries, which can take you to various neighborhoods and attractions.
Halifax cruise stopover: what to see and do in a day
The city is also known for Mackintosh’s chocolate and toffee products including Rolo and Quality Street. Liners from the fleets of all major passenger shipping companies visit on roundtrips leaving from US East Coast homeports (mainly out of NYC New York and Boston MA). You can keep on walking and enjoy a stroll along the port on the boardwalk that is 4 km long, one of the longest in the world. Here you will also find Alexander Keith, the oldest brewery in Nova Scotia, just across the boardwalk. The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse is a very popular place that hosts live traditional Irish music. Grape Escapes offers many different kinds of tours – half-day, full day, lunch included, private tours, etc.
The Mi’kmaq people originally occupied the area, and inhabited much of present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. It takes about 10 minutes on foot to get to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site from the port of Halifax. If you use a stroller the easiest way is to enter the access road from Sackville Street and travel along the sidewalk to the main entrance. Halifax Citadel is wheelchair accessible and there is an entrance/parking fee. In 2002, the port received two awards - “Most Receptive Port” (at Canada-New England Cruise Symposium Marketing Awards) and “Best Port Welcome” (by Dreamworld Cruise Destination Magazine). The traditional cruise passenger greeting includes live performance by 78th Highlanders Regiment of Foot (bagpipers band).
Landside sights that visitors will see along the way include the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and St. Paul’s Church. The center also features a vast library and archives for visitors interested in researching their family history. Within hours of the Titanic sinking, Halifax sent out several of the city’s ships to help in recovery efforts, and so the city became the final resting place for many of the Titanic’s victims. Neptune Theatre is the largest professional theater in Atlantic Canada with a history dating back to 1915.
Among the various places of scenic interest, visitors will see the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill National Historic Site and St. Paul’s Church. During your tour you’ll discover the Georges Islands, Cable Wharf, the boardwalk and historic properties. From its historic sites and landmarks to its vibrant cultural attractions, the city has a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Halifax at locations such as the Citadel National Historic Site and the Historic Properties.
The best option to visit it is to book a guided shore excursion, especially if the ship has limited time in port. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is Canada’s oldest and largest Maritime Museum, located a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. It has a view over Halifax Harbour and contains impressive collections of 30,000 photographs, charts, and rare books. Travelers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so forget about the car and start walking! The Big Pink Hop on Hop Off (some are not necessarily pink color) is one of the most convenient ways of seeing what this diverse and cosmopolitan city has to offer. You can board this vintage double-decker bus in front of your cruise terminal for an easy and fun 90-minute ride around the city.
For unique Nova Scotian goods, check out the handcrafted gift shops at Pavillion 22 or pick up a rum cake from the Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory. No visit to Halifax is complete without trying donair, the official food of Halifax. This late-night favorite consists of spiced ground beef, tomatoes, and onions served on a grilled pita and smothered in its signature sugary sauce. The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is open daily during the summer months and is the longest continuously operated market in all of North America. From the rubble, a prosperous economic and cultural hub was rebuilt and Fort Needham Memorial Park honors the memory of the victims of this horrific incident today. Halifax is best known for its role in the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic.
Halifax is a city steeped in history, and there are several historic sites and landmarks that offer a glimpse into its fascinating past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply interested in immersing yourself in the rich culture of the city, these attractions are not to be missed. If you’re coming from afar, the Halifax Stanfield International Airport is the major gateway to the region. Located approximately 33 kilometers from downtown Halifax, the airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines, offering a wide range of flight options. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taxi, shuttle bus, or car rental.
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