Last Updated on July 29, 2025
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Dartmouth is known for being the “city of lakes.” Throughout Dartmouth there are 23 beautiful lakes, including Lake Banook, which is close to downtown.
Many of these lakes are connected by the Shubenacadie Canal, a historic canal built in the 1800s that links the Halifax Harbour with the Bay of Fundy by way of the Shubenacadie River and Shubenacadie Grand Lake.
Long before the Shubenacadie Canal was built, the Dartmouth region of Nova Scotia was home to Indigenous Mi’kmaq people. They used the area’s lakes for fishing and for transport by canoe and portaging, and they used the land for hunting and gathering.
In this guide, I’ll cover the basics of visiting Dartmouth, including how to visit Dartmouth as a day trip from Halifax, where to stay, and 10 exciting things to do in Dartmouth – from the best craft breweries to visit, to heritage museums.
- Is Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Worth Visiting?
- How to Visit Dartmouth From Halifax?
- How to Get To Dartmouth
- Best Time to Visit Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- Where to Stay in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- 10 Things to Do in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- 1. Take the ferry between Halifax and Dartmouth
- 2. Visit Alderney Landing
- 3. See the murals of Dartmouth
- 4. Visit the Dartmouth Heritage Museum
- 5. Taste local craft beer
- 6. Have a Slice at Yeah Yeahs Pizza
- 7. Wander around Sullivan’s Pond
- 8. Walk the trails in Shubie Park
- 9. Go rowing on Lake Banook
- 10. Have a cocktail at Dear Friend Bar
- Final Thoughts: What to Do in Dartmouth
Is Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Worth Visiting?
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is worth visiting for its beautiful waterfront, historic sites, and local culture. Walk around Sullivan Pond, learn local history at the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, and enjoy craft beer and seafood. While Dartmouth is often overshadowed by Halifax, it’s worth visiting for a quieter maritime experience.
How to Visit Dartmouth From Halifax?
It’s easy to take a day trip to Dartmouth from Halifax. To reach Dartmouth, you can take the Alderney Ferry service, which crosses from downtown Halifax to Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth.
The trip takes just 10 minutes, and you’ll get beautiful views of the Halifax cityscape as you transit over! Alternatively, you can drive from Halifax to Dartmouth. From downtown Halifax, follow the well-marked signs for the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge.
Cross the bridge, pay any tolls, and you’ll arrive in Dartmouth. It’s a short drive across Halifax Harbour, and as you cross the bridge you’ll have nice views of the harbour. This drive only takes about 10 minutes.
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How to Get To Dartmouth
Coming to Dartmouth from further than Halifax? Here’s how to get to the City of Lakes by flight, or by driving.
Getting to Dartmouth by Plane:
You’ll fly to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). Most travelers coming from outside the province will arrive at this airport, which serves Halifax and Dartmouth.
After landing, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation like the airport shuttle to reach Dartmouth. The airport is approximately a 30-minute drive from Dartmouth, depending on traffic.
Getting to Dartmouth By Car:
If you’re already in Nova Scotia, you can easily drive to Dartmouth. Follow the provincial highways or use a navigation app for the most efficient route. Dartmouth is just across the harbor from Halifax, it’s just a quick 15 minute drive from the city.
If you’re coming from outside Nova Scotia, you’ll need to take one of the major highways that lead into the province. There’s the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) from New Brunswick or Highway 102 from New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island. Follow the signs towards Halifax/Dartmouth once you enter Nova Scotia.
If you’re driving to Dartmouth from the United States, you can enter Canada through the border crossings in Maine or New Brunswick. From there, follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) to reach Dartmouth via the mainland of Nova Scotia.
Best Time to Visit Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
The best time to visit Dartmouth is definitely the summer, when the temperatures are warm. Between June and August, you’ll find temperatures stay around 25°C (78°F), and there’s plenty of sun.
Although summer has the warmest weather, early fall is also a beautiful time of year in Dartmouth. The weather is cooler, but still sunny, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors and dine on patios.
And, if you’re heading to other parts of Nova Scotia, like Cheticamp or Peggy’s Cove, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful fall colours. The only time I wouldn’t visit Dartmouth is during the winter months. Winter in Nova Scotia goes from December to March, and it’s a cold and damp time of year.
The temperatures will fluctuate from -17°C to -0°C (0-32°F).Because of the weather, you’ll find it hard to enjoy the outdoors aspects of Dartmouth and the surrounding region.
Where to Stay in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
There’s aren’t as many hotel choices in Dartmouth as you’ll find in Halifax, but staying in Dartmouth is a great way to
- The Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Dartmouth: This small hotel is in a great area of Dartmouth, right alongside Banook Lake. It has cozy and inviting rooms, as well as complimentary breakfast.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Halifax Dartmouth: This is a contemporary waterfront hotel in a central area of Dartmouth. You’ll find spacious rooms that have scenic views of the Halifax Harbour. The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining options. It’s in a great location for visiting both Dartmouth and downtown Halifax.
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Dartmouth Crossing: This hotel isn’t in downtown Dartmouth, it’s located in the Dartmouth Crossing shopping district, right by Shubie Park. That said, it’s a short drive from all the sites you’ll want to visit in Dartmouth. This hotel has clean, comfortable rooms and is convenient for shopping and dining.
10 Things to Do in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Ready to visit the City of Lakes? Here are 10 of the best things to do in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Halifax, or spending a few nights in Dartmouth, this list has you covered.
1. Take the ferry between Halifax and Dartmouth
Whether you’re staying in Dartmouth or in Halifax, taking the ferry service between the two is a fun experience! The Alderney Ferry service goes between downtown Halifax side, and Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth.
The ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes, and the trip across takes just 10 minutes. As you ride across the channel, you’ll have amazing views of the harbour, and views of the cityscape of Halifax. It’s a great photo op!
A trip on the ferry costs $2.75. Only cash is accepted. Your ferry trip also includes a transfer that’s good for 90 minutes.
Hot tip! When you arrive at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, swing by Brightwood Brewery Beer Garden to try a local craft beer. They have a patio with beautiful harbour views, too!
2. Visit Alderney Landing
Alderney Landing is a community cultural center in downtown Dartmouth. The ferry service from Halifax drops you right at the center. Before leaving the center, go for a wander around the building.
You’ll find art galleries, a farmer’s market, small shops, an events plaza, and even a theater facility. This is a great spot to do some shopping, get a coffee, and check out whatever markets or events might be on.
3. See the murals of Dartmouth
Dartmouth is home to lots of beautiful, artistic murals. One of the best things to do in Dartmouth is walk around the downtown core, looking out for these art installations.
Murals started popping up a few years ago, and have since become a loved aspect of downtown Dartmouth. The area is now home to more than a dozen murals, as well as sculptures and art installations.
One of the most popular murals is called Marisa. It was created by Ottawa-based artist Dan Metcalfe. He and local artist Christian Toth painted the piece back in 2017.
You’ll find this mural right on Portland Avenue. It’s one of many that you’ll spot as you drive or walk around downtown Dartmouth.
4. Visit the Dartmouth Heritage Museum
The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the heritage of Dartmouth. This little museum tells some of the history of Dartmouth through the lens of the Evergreen House.
This historic house was built in 1867 by the James Family. It’s an old, Victorian home which was frequented by Joseph Howe, and also home to Nova Scotian folklorist Dr. Helen Creighton. Today, the building houses a heritage museum.
The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is totally free to visit and is filled with interesting artifacts that give life to this history. You can tour the museum either with a guide, or self-guided using a binder or a free audio guide.
This is a small museum, but it’s well worth your time. I spent about an hour slowly moving from room to room as I listened to the audio guide.
Hot tip! The museum offers weekly low-sensory and neurodivergent hours – great for accessibility.
5. Taste local craft beer
Dartmouth has a growing craft beer scene. There’s several breweries within walking distance of each other, all in the downtown core. This makes it possible to take yourself on an unofficial beer tasting!
Start at Brightwood Brewery Beer Garden at Alderney Landing. Beer here is brewed on site, and there’s a regular rotation of different craft brews available to try.
From there, it’s a short walk to your next stop, New Scotland Brewing Co. This little brewery has great beer, food, and often live music.
Finally, walk up the street to Lake City Cider. This isn’t a brewery – change it up and try a flight of locally crafted ciders.
6. Have a Slice at Yeah Yeahs Pizza
Dropping by Yeah Yeahs Pizza for a slice is one of the best things to do in Dartmouth. It’s a small takeaway pizza shop that sells thin-crust pizzas by the slice or by the pie. Yeah Yeahs has its standard menu, but they also offer weekly specials.
The Dartmouth location has a few casual seating areas, where you can eat your slice off of a paper plate. You’ll find this joint in downtown Dartmouth, at 66 Ochterloney St.
7. Wander around Sullivan’s Pond
Sullivan’s Pond is a small lake in downtown Dartmouth. It has some interesting history, because it wasn’t always there! The pond was created by damming the Sawmill River during the first phase of Shubenacadie Canal construction, which started in 1826.
Today, Sullivan’s Pond is a small body of water surrounded by park space with grass, trees, flowers, cenotaph, and a concert pavilion. In the center of the pond is a fountain.
This is the place to go for some outdoor recreation. Some people bring a kayak to paddle around the pond, but you can also walk the paths around it, taking in the scenery. This is also a great spot for a picnic!
8. Walk the trails in Shubie Park
Dartmouth has one of the best parks in the Halifax region. Shubie Park is just a 6 minute drive from downtown Dartmouth. It’s a small, urban park with gravel trails that bring you through the woods, and along rivers, streams, and lakes.
The park has a campground, an off-leash dog area, and a little beach where you can swim in the summertime! If you have a bike, the trails are perfect for cycling because they are well maintained.
Shubie Park’s trails are all easy to walk. The trails interconnect, so you can go for a quick 20 minute loop, or combine trails to spend an hour or more walking around. Along your walk you’re bound to come across curious chipmunks, and lots of ducks!
When walking around Shubie Park, keep sustainable tourism in mind. Don’t disturb any wildlife, leave no trace, and remember to pack in and pack out – don’t leave any litter behind.
Hot tip! If you’d like to rent a kayak or canoe to go paddling around the park, head to Wildwood Water Sports at 54 Locks Road, Dartmouth.
9. Go rowing on Lake Banook
Lake Banook is the first natural lake in the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway. This lake’s name comes from the Mi’kmaq word “Panuk,” which means “at the beginning”.
Like the rest of the Shubenacadie Waterway, Lake Banook has been inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people for thousands of years. This lake was part of a series of lakes that the Mi’kmaq used as a portage route through the interior of Nova Scotia.
Lake Banook is one of the most popular lakes in Nova Scotia for rowing. The lake is home to several aquatic clubs, and has public docks as well. Being in an urban area of Dartmouth, it’s a super accessible lake for locals!
It hosts several long-standing aquatic clubs and public docks, and its urban location makes it easily accessible.
10. Have a cocktail at Dear Friend Bar
Dear Friend Bar is a cozy spot in downtown Dartmouth to have a delicious cocktail, shareable plates, and bar bites. Their menu is filled with seasonal dishes. But what they’re most known for is their award-winning cocktails and oysters.
If you’re looking to have a great meal and try some inventive cocktails (as well as classic staples!), head to Dear Friend Bar. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of visiting Dartmouth!
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Dartmouth
Dartmouth has something for everyone. You can have your dose of outdoors by going for a stroll in one of the region’s beautiful parks (my favourite is Shubie Park!).
And when you’re hungry, head downtown to Yeah Yeahs Pizza for a delicious slice. Admire Dartmouth’s beautiful public murals, and learn history of the area in the Dartmouth Heritage Museum.
If you’re visiting Halifax, Dartmouth is well-worth a day trip. Or, stay on the Dartmouth side so you can enjoy it’s quiet energy while also popping over to Halifax!
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