Weekend Itinerary in Halifax: Your Ultimate Guide

From rugged coastlines to war memorials, Halifax is filled with amazing sights you can only find on the east coast. While a weekend isn’t nearly long enough to experience all Halifax has to offer, you can still see plenty of cool spots during your short trip. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Halifax, one of the friendliest cities in Canada.

Saturday: Explore Downtown Halifax

Morning

Downtown Halifax is compact compared to other Canadian cities, but it is packed with historical buildings and beautiful architecture. Many of the sites are within walking distance, so consider leaving the rental car behind and exploring via bike or on foot.

Start your day at the Halifax Public Gardens, a stunning 16-acre public garden dating back to the Victorian era. With wrought-iron gates and ornate fountains, you will feel transported through time. Consider taking a free horticultural or historical tour of the garden, or simply enjoy wandering around at your leisure.

A short 11-minute walk away lies the Halifax Town Clock, a beautiful Palladian-style clock over 200 years old, still utilizing its original clockworks. Next, head to the Citadel Hill National Historic Site, where exploring inside the citadel walls offers a unique admission-fee experience. Four fortifications have been constructed here since 1749 to protect Halifax, presenting an incredible opportunity to stand in a place rich with history.

Afternoon

You might feel hungry by now, so make your way to the Halifax Waterfront for delicious seafood and stunning views. Consider grabbing a takeout lobster roll at Goldwater Seafoods to enjoy along the bustling boardwalk, or sit down at one of Halifax’s best dining spots, The Bicycle Thief.

The Halifax Waterfront boasts the longest boardwalk in the world, extending 2.5 miles and featuring numerous restaurants, museums, and attractions. Be sure to stop by the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market for local products, explore the HMCS Sackville, or relax in a hammock by the water (if you can find an empty one).

For history enthusiasts, Halifax is a treasure trove of historical buildings to explore. Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, formerly an immigration terminal. Then, take a walk to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest existing Anglican church in Canada, followed by a stop at Province House, Canada’s oldest legislative building.

Evening

Halifax offers numerous fantastic dinner options, particularly for seafood lovers. While the city is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s essential to expect higher prices for fresh seafood. Dine at Wasabi House for sushi (which generously includes free additional rolls with every order) or head to Shuck for fresh east coast oysters.

Sunday: Wander Outside of the City

Morning

No trip to Halifax is complete without visiting the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. Built in 1914, this operational lighthouse guides ships along the coastline. Visitors can walk along the rocks near the lighthouse, but it is crucial to stay cautious of the crashing waves, especially if the rocks appear darker.

Just a ten-minute drive away is the Rhubarb Restaurant at Oceanstone Seaside Resort, a delightful lunch spot in Peggy’s Cove, far from the tourist crowds. They also offer a scrumptious Sunday brunch if you choose to visit over the weekend. For dessert lovers, consider a stop at Dee Dee’s for homemade ice cream.

Afternoon

After indulging in a satisfying meal, take an hour’s drive to the charming town of Chester. Once infamous for pirates and Prohibition-era smugglers, it has transformed into a popular stop for travelers heading to Lunenburg. Explore the various hiking trails, kayak around the surrounding islands, or cycle along the scenic coast.

Mahone Bay is a mere 21-minute drive from Chester, known for its Three Churches standing side by side—an excellent backdrop for photographs. More than 1,000 ships have been constructed here since the mid-1700s, with shipbuilding being the primary industry until the 1970s. Discover more at the Mahone Bay Settlers’ Museum.

Then, drive just 13 minutes to Lunenburg, arguably one of the most picturesque towns in all of Canada. With its vibrant harbor and brightly colored homes, it is a photographer’s paradise. Additionally, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the essence of 18th-century British colonial settlements.

Evening

While you’re in Lunenburg, consider taking a tour of the Ironworks Distillery. This micro-distillery, named after the former blacksmith shop it occupies, crafts artisanal spirits such as blueberry liqueur and sweet apple brandy.

If it’s open for the season, conclude your day with dinner at the South Shore Fish Shack, which specializes in excellent fish and chips and other seafood dishes, perfectly paired with local craft beers on tap.

Halifax is beautiful year-round, yet you will undoubtedly find more engaging activities during the summertime. It’s an exceptional destination for a weekend getaway, especially for those passionate about history and superior seafood.