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Learn about the history, geography, economy, and culture of Halifax, the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. Find out how Halifax was founded, developed, and affected by the Halifax Explosion, the largest artificial explosion before nuclear weapons.
Find out what to do, see and eat in Halifax, a coastal city in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. Explore local history, culture, nature, events and more on the official tourism site of Halifax.
- Walk the Halifax waterfront. As a historic port city, Halifax has always been tightly connected to its waterfront. But where it was once industrial and gritty, it’s now vibrant, bustling, and inviting.
- Lounge on the steps at Queen’s Marque. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most appreciated. Queen’s Marque is the newest shopping and dining destination on the Halifax waterfront, and its massive granite steps—descending directly into the Halifax Harbour—have become a favourite stopping place for locals.
- Venture up Citadel Hill for the noon gun. Downtown Halifax is essentially built into the side of a steep hill, and overlooking it all is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
- Walk Spring Garden Road up to the Halifax Public Gardens. The Halifax Public Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful 16-acre Victorian-era public gardens formally established in 1867.
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Halifax, city and capital of Nova Scotia, Canada. A major amalgamation and incorporation as Halifax Regional Municipality (referred to as HRM) occurred in 1996 and united the City of Halifax, the City of Dartmouth, the Town of Bedford, and Halifax County Municipality within boundaries that include the original Halifax county (with the exception of ...
Coastal areas of Nova Scotia in the region of Halifax were inhabited seasonally by Mi’kmaq before the influx of Europeans. The east coast of North America was the scene of a continuous territorial struggle beginning in the 16th century when the French and British (mainly) clashed, initially over control of fishing grounds, later furs, and then land for settlers. Halifax played a significant role in the ongoing battle for control of these resources. The city site was first visited by Samuel de Champlain about 1605, and in the early 18th century it was a French fishing station. The Nova Scotia peninsula was a component of the French colony of Acadia at that time. The British takeover of Nova Scotia in 1713 resulted in a permanent British settlement at Halifax when Edward Cornwallis arrived with some 2,500 settlers, most of them from England, and founded a fortified town (1749) as a counterbalance to Louisbourg, the French stronghold in Cape Breton. Originally called Chebucto, the town was soon renamed for George Montagu Dunk, 2nd earl of Halifax, president of the Board of Trade and Plantations and among those who planned the founding of the settlement. The following year Dartmouth was established across the harbour, and in 1752 ferry service began between the two towns.
The settlement patterns and growth of Halifax were not similar to most colonial coastal communities where inhabitants made their living by fishing and farming. The thin soils surrounding Halifax were never good for agriculture, and the fishing banks were a considerable distance from its harbour. The growth of Halifax was directly related to war and threats of war, in conjunction with British, and later Canadian, military and trade policies. The British conquest of the French in North America by 1763 elevated the military status of Halifax. However, it was the American Revolution (1775–83) that positioned Halifax as the military anchor for the remaining British North American colonies after the establishment of the United States. As a result of the conflict, Halifax was the recipient of many loyalists, including black loyalists.
Services for navy and army personnel were the mainstay of Halifax’s early economy, but its natural (and fortified) harbour was ideally situated for the trade between Britain, North America, and the West Indies, and Halifax evolved as an important import-export centre. It was incorporated as a city in 1841. By the mid-19th century, railway connections to its international port only enhanced its economic position in Atlantic Canada as the centre for finance, wholesaling, and educational services. It also had a manufacturing base that included shipbuilding and sugar refining. However, its fortunes changed with confederation (1867), when federal government policies of protectionism were put in place to combat a global recession (1873–95). International trade, a cornerstone for the economy of Halifax, was decimated, and Halifax lost much of its financial, wholesale, and manufacturing functions through the merger, buyout, and takeover by Montreal- and Toronto-based firms.
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Halifax continually served as a British army and navy base, one of the most heavily fortified outside Europe, until its dockyard and defenses were taken over by the Canadian government in 1906. Although never besieged, the city suffered from a disastrous munitions ship explosion in 1917 that ultimately was responsible for nearly 2,000 deaths and devastated much of the city’s north side. During World War I and World War II, Halifax was Canada’s largest and most important naval base.
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- Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. One of the oldest institutions in Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has a history going back as far as 1908, with the current space having opened in 1988.
- Stroll the Halifax Harbour Boardwalk. The iconic Halifax Harbour Boardwalk is a mainstay bucket list item for visitors to Nova Scotia. This historic waterfront exudes the charm and beauty the Maritimes are known for.
- Surf at Lawrencetown Beach. The beautiful Lawrencetown Beach is located just outside the city of Halifax, but it’s worth the trip. The beach is known for being an amazing surfing destination on Canada’s east coast.
- Indulge in the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail. Nova Scotia is an international hub for lobster fishing, which takes place year-round off its shores. If you’re looking for delicious things to do in Halifax, you’ll be able to partake in some of the freshest lobster in the world via the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail!
A Perfect One to Three Day Halifax Itinerary. By Lora Pope Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant neighborhoods, stuffing your face with lobster at amazing restaurants, or on a day trip to nearby islands and charming small towns, there are so many awesome things to do in Halifax.
Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia: See Tripadvisor's 132,685 traveler reviews and photos of Halifax tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. We have reviews of the best places to see in Halifax. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Top 10 Best Halifax Canada Hotels (2023). Most Beautiful 5 Star Luxury Hotels. 2023's Best Halifax Canada Hotels of 2023. Boutique Romantic Designer Hotels.
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