How to Spend a Long Weekend in Halifax

Last Updated on July 29, 2025

Spending a long weekend in Halifax, Nova Scotia is the perfect Canadian city break filled with food, museums, beautiful sights, and day trips!

I visited the east coast of Canada for the first time as a kid. It was a big family trip! My parents drove several days from our province, Ontario, to Nova Scotia, with my two siblings and I piled into the backseat of our van. We visited our old family home, where my grandmother grew up, and more!

Since that trip, I’ve visited Nova Scotia several times. My partner and I have spent a few weeks in Halifax, working remotely. Read on to learn our personal recommendations, and everything you need to know for planning long weekend in Halifax (or longer)!

Halifax is on sacred land that has been the site of human activity since time immemorial – the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, who are the past, present, and future caretakers of the land. Halifax’s Mi’kmaq name is K’jipuktuk.

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Table of Contents
The view of Halifax from the ferry, coming from the Dartmouth side.
The view of Halifax from the ferry, coming from the Dartmouth side.

Best Time to Visit Halifax

The best time to visit Halifax is definitely the summer, when the temperatures are nice and warm. Between June and August, you’ll find temperatures stay around 25°C (78°F), and there’s plenty of sun.

That said, summer is the peak season, so you’ll find the city is very busy, and tourist attractions and accommodation are pricier. 

We decided to spend a long weekend in Halifax in early October, and we are glad we chose this time of year! The weather was still warm, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors and dine on patios, but the city wasn’t super busy with tourism.

And, if you’re heading to other parts of Nova Scotia, like Cape Breton, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful fall colours. Alternatively, spring is a nice time to visit because the crowds are less and the weather is fair.

If you visit in spring or fall, be sure to bring a good raincoat, because chances are you’ll experience at least one rainfall!

The only time I wouldn’t visit 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 Halifax and the surrounding region. The other reason I wouldn’t visit in the winter, is that many businesses close for the season, especially in the touristic areas. 

Peggy’s Cove, an easy day trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Peggy’s Cove, an easy day trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

How Long to Spend in Halifax

A long weekend (3 days) in Halifax will give you enough time to see the city’s main sites, learn a bit of Halifax’s history, enjoy some great meals, and fit in a day trip to nearby attractions like Peggy’s Cove.

I recognize that many travelers don’t have the luxury of time to spend longer in Halifax. But if you can, it’s worth staying longer in this maritime city.

Spending 4 to 5 days will allow you to explore Halifax at a slower pace, see some of the lesser known sites, and get over to the other side of the Halifax Harbour to see Dartmouth.

With a longer stay, you’ll also be able to fit in day trips to nearby areas of Nova Scotia like Burntcoat Head Park in the Bay of Fundy.

I’ve visited Halifax now a couple times. On my first visits I spent 3-4 days, and more recently, I went to Halifax for 10 days! I have family who lives in the city, and so I was able to come with my partner and work from Dartmouth (our jobs are remote!).

Spending this much time in Halifax has made it possible for us to really get to know this city.

Where to Stay in Halifax

My partner’s sister lives in Dartmouth, just across from Halifax. So whenever we visit Halifax we stay in her apartment. Having a place to stay in Halifax has made it possible for us to spend as much time in the city as we have.

There are some great options to choose from if you don’t have a family hook-up! Here’s a couple spots to stay that I’d consider for a future trip:

The Cable Wharf, a store On the Halifax waterfront boardwalk.
On the Halifax waterfront boardwalk.

How to Get Around Halifax 

Halifax is a small and walkable city! During our several days there, we pretty rarely needed public transport or our car. Most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance. But, it’s still good to know what your options are for getting around Halifax. 

How to get from the Halifax Stanfield Airport to the city

If you’re coming from the airport, the most economical choice is to grab the MetroX bus service. It’s $4.20 CAD per trip, and you have the option to hop off at these three stops: Fall River, Downtown Dartmouth and Downtown Halifax. The bus number is #320 and it runs every 30 minutes (during peak hours).

A cab from the airport to the city is faster (25 minutes), but much pricier. Taxis charge $70 for the trip, and Uber charges around $45 for the trip. 

Public transport in Halifax

Halifax is Nova Scotia’s biggest urban centre, and so it has a great public transport system. You can get all around the city and its suburbs by public bus. As of 2021, the bus fare is $2.75 CAD per trip.

It’s also possible to use public transport to get to other parts of Nova Scotia. Maritime Bus will bring you to most of the towns around the province, including the famous town of Lunenburg, and Sydney, on Cape Breton. 

Taking the ferry in Halifax

Halifax has two ferry services: The Alderney Ferry service crosses from Halifax to Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth and the Woodside Ferry service crosses from Halifax to Woodside.

You’ll only need the ferry if you decide to visit Dartmouth (which is worth doing!). You can also hop on the ferry just to enjoy the city views from the water. The ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes, and the trip across is just 10 minutes. A trip costs $2.75 and only cash is accepted. Your ferry trip also includes a transfer that’s good for 90 minutes.

By taxi or rideshare

Halifax, like all Canadian cities, has plenty of taxis and rideshares available (like Uber). That said, it’s not really necessary to use either. The city centre is very walkable, and the buses and ferry can take you to the further out locations.

Rent a car in Halifax

It’s not super necessary to have a car in Halifax, since the city is so walkable. The only case in which I’d say get a car, is if you’d like to do some day trips out of the city. If you do rent a car, be sure to have cash on you at all times. The bridges across the Halifax Harbour are tolled, and you can only pay cash to cross them.

  • If you’d like to rent a car for your Halifax adventures, I recommend Discover Cars. It compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here!

Things to Do in Halifax

You definitely won’t run out of things to do while in Halifax. And because the city is small and walkable, it doesn’t feel like a packed day if you fit a couple of these activities into just one day. Here’s some of the things we did in Halifax, plus some notable activities that we missed. 

Walk the Halifax waterfront and boardwalk

Halifax’s waterfront has been developed into a 4.4km long boardwalk. While walking along, you’ll see sailboats, ferries, and ships out on the ocean, which makes for great views.

And, along the boardwalk you’ll find local artisans, seasonal vendors, and year-round businesses. You can stop to relax in one of the boardwalk’s public hammocks, or pop into one of the waterfront restaurants for a drink or a meal. 

The Halifax boardwalk and waterfront.
The Halifax boardwalk and waterfront.

Tour the Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Yep, in Halifax you can tour the original Alexander Keith’s brewery! The tour brings you through the brewhouse, where you’ll learn about how their beer is made. And of course, there are beer tastings involved. We didn’t fit this tour into our trip, but it’s on the list for next time. 

Explore Halifax Citadel Hill

It’s impossible to miss the Halifax Citadel and hill during your long weekend in Halifax, because it’s right downtown. Halifax Citadel is a large, stone early 19th-century British fortification that’s located at the top of Citadel Hill.

You can do as we did, and go for a walk around the Citadel. Every hour the Citadel is open, it’s possible to watch the sentry guarding the front gate be changed. It’s also possible to pop in for one of their tours. They have a guided tour of the citadel and grounds, and ghost tour, and more. 

a wide photo of a large brick building, which is Pier 21 Museum in Halifax
Pier 21, Halifax

Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

The Canadian Museum of Immigration is one of my favourite museums in Halifax. The museum itself is located inside part of Pier 21, a former ocean liner terminal and immigration shed that operated from 1928 to 1971.

Pier 21 is Canada’s last remaining ocean immigration shed, and the museum covers the history of this entry point for immigrants into Canada.

There are two main exhibits. The first covers immigration from the 1920s to 1970s, showing what it was like for nearly one million immigrants who arrived in Canada via Pier 21.

The second exhibit covers the broader history of immigration to Canada, from hundreds of years ago to today. It shares personal stories of people who have immigrated, and it explains how immigration policies have evolved over time.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration also has a staffed research centre, where you can drop in and do some genealogical research. If you have family who immigrated to Canada via Halifax, you can check for their name within the museum’s database of ship’s records.

By giving the names of my Oma and Opa, who immigrated to Canada from The Netherlands in 1951, I was able to find out what ship they came on, and the date it arrived. The centre’s staff were also able to show me copies of the actual records of my grandparents arrival!

A sailing
Sailing in the Halifax Harbour

Enjoy a sailing trip out in the Halifax Harbour

There are a couple different options for touring the Halifax Harbour, but I decided on a sailing trip because having sailed before, I knew it’d be an exciting way to get out on the water. I also love sailing because it’s an eco-friendly option for enjoying the ocean.

I came across J Farwell Sailing Tours, which is a relatively new tour operator in Halifax that offers different types of sailing experiences. We booked their 1.5 hour long adventure sail on a Saturday afternoon, and had an incredible time.

On the sailing trip we got to see most of the harbour, including Georges Island and McNab’s Island. And, we had beautiful views of Halifax and Dartmouth from the water.

We were also invited to take part in the sailing itself, and got to learn all the basics of sailing, like how to tack (changing directions by turning the bow of the boat through the wind).

A view of the lighthouse on Georges Island, Halifax
Georges Island, Halifax

Journey to Georges Island and Fort Charlotte

Georges Island is a small island that’s in the middle of the Halifax Harbour. The island has old fortifications, one of which is called Fort Charlotte, that used to operate as prisons, or internment camps for Acadians in the early days.

Today, the island is one of five national historic sites in Halifax. You can travel to the island on the ferry to Georges Island with Ambassatours Gray Line in Halifax, or by private boat, canoe, or kayak.

The trip to the island is only about 15 minutes by ferry, and you can spend a couple hours exploring all around it! Just be sure to book your ferry ticket in advance.

The the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Go for a walk in Point Pleasant Park

After a big seafood lunch we needed a good long walk, so we headed to Point Pleasant Park. This park is in the south end of the Halifax peninsula, and is a historic 75-hectare wooded area with plenty of walking trails and ocean views. 

Learn in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic collects and interprets elements of Nova Scotia’s marine history. I really enjoyed this museum because it touches on various interesting aspects of Halifax’s history, like the sinking of the Titanic, and the horrible Halifax Harbour Explosion.

On the waterfront wharf just outside the museum, you can see CSS Acadia, Canada’s longest-serving hydrographic vessel. The ship is over 100 years old!

Stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens are Victorian era public gardens that were established in 1867. The gardens have a wide array of flowers, fauna, trees, and more, as well as a pond.

There’s a large bandstand in the center of the gardens, and during the summer the bandstand hosts free Sunday afternoon concerts. The Halifax Public Gardens opens at 8am and closes half an hour before sunset.

There are free one hour horticultural and historical tours of the Halifax Public Gardens, daily at 10 am, noon, 1 pm, 3 pm. Or, you can do their free audio tour.

Part of the Titanic exhibit in the Maritime Museum.
Part of the Titanic exhibit in the Maritime Museum.

Discover important history at the Africville Museum

Africville was an African Canadian community that lived, for over 100 years, just north of Halifax. The community was destroyed, with residents forcibly relocated, in the 1960s to make way for industrial development.

It wasn’t until 2010 that the people of Africville finally received an apology for the loss of their community from the city of Halifax. Today, the Africville Museum is a place to learn about and remember the story of Africville, and to recognize its contribution to Canadian and specifically, African diasporic history. 

Stillwell Beergarden in Halifax, nova Scotia
Stillwell Beergarden

Go beer tasting in Halifax’s beer gardens

Halifax has a lot of beer gardens! They are a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. You can have some good food, and try some local beers. We spent an evening at the Stubborn Goat Beer Garden, but I also heard good things about Stillwell Beergarden. 

Walk the trails in Long Lake Provincial Park

This provincial park is just a 15 minute drive or 30 minute bus ride from downtown Halifax. This park is the perfect spot to escape to for hiking trails, swimming, cycling and paddling.

There are 2 main trails in the park, the The Lakeview Trail which is a 3.5km loop around Witherod Lake, and the 3km Pipeline Loop. Most of the trails in the park are gravel, so they are easy to follow. Since the trails are short with not a lot of elevation gain, they aren’t too challenging.

Along the way you’ll find plenty of spots for swimming, and during the summer it’s also possible to rent a kayak or SUP from Long Lake Adventure Company to go paddling on Long Lake!

Long Lake Provincial Park in spring

What to Eat in Halifax

Being a maritime province, seafood is a popular choice across Nova Scotia, so there’s tons of seafood in Halifax. But there are plenty of other choices too! You’ll find everything from Mediterranean restaurants to ramen spots. With that said, here are a few foods you must try on your long weekend in Halifax. 

Enjoy a classic lobster roll

Lobster rolls are native to New England, but are super popular across Canada’s maritime provinces. You’ll find them everywhere, because they are delicious.

There are different variations of the lobster roll depending on what region of Atlantic Canada you’re in, but the classic is simply lobster meat along with a filling of mayo, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper, served on a grilled hot dog-style bun.

You can try a lobster roll at the Bluenose II Restaurant in downtown Halifax. 

Our serving of deep friend pepperoni in Halifax
Our serving of deep friend pepperoni in Halifax

Try deep fried pepperoni

Deep fried pepperoni is a staple on basically any pub menu in Nova Scotia. And it’s exactly what you think! Pepperoni that is deep fried, and then served usually with a honey mustard sauce. I tried this popular snack at the Split Crow Pub on a Sunday afternoon. No regrets!

Enjoy a famous Halifax donair

The story I was told is that this donair was invented in the 1970s by a man named Peter Gamoulakos. Originally from Greece, he started selling Greek gyros (a pita stuffed with grilled lamb and tzatziki) in his restaurant.

But the sandwich wasn’t appealing to the east coast’s meat and potatoes palate. So he switched it up! In Halifax, your donair will come with beef for the meat, some familiar spices and a sweet garlic sauce. This dish is best tried late at night, after a couple rounds at the pub.

You can try one in downtown Halifax at Johnny K’s Donair.

Have a moon mist icecream

Moon mist is an ice cream flavour that’s popular all over Nova Scotia. This colourful ice cream flavour is a combination of banana, grape and bubble gum. It’s rumoured that moon mist ice cream was invented in Nova Scotia in the 1980s, and that’s why you can find it all over the province.

Pop into basically any ice cream shop, and they should have moon mist! I’ve also heard that some bars around Halifax serve moon mist cocktails. Yum!

The ferry that runs between Dartmouth and Halifax.
The ferry that runs between Dartmouth and Halifax.

How to Visit Dartmouth

If you have time during your long weekend in Halifax, it’s well worth it to pop over to Dartmouth for an afternoon! It’s nicknamed “The City of Lakes,” because it has 23 beautiful lakes within its boundaries.

To reach Dartmouth, you can take the Alderney Ferry service, which crosses from 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! 

Things to Do in Dartmouth

Dartmouth’s downtown is small, so it’s very walkable. When you get off the ferry, stop first at the Alderney Landing Farmers Market, which is located right next door to the ferry terminal. This little market has a great collection of baked goods, fresh meats, vegetables and hand-made items.

Take your time wandering up Ochterloney St. It’s got many cute cafes and eateries that are worth dropping into. Two If By Sea Cafe is a nice stop for a latte, and if you’re hungry, be sure to get a slice at Yeah Yeahs Pizza.

Once you’ve wandered a ways up Ochterloney St, you’ll reach Sullivan’s Pond. This small, human-made lake is one of Dartmouth’s many, and you can follow the walking path that circles around it. 

a large building that houses Yeah Yeah's Pizza in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Yeah Yeah’s and Two if By The Sea

Explore Shubie Park in Dartmouth

Dartmouth has one of my favourite parks in the Halifax region! Shubie Park is just a 6 minute drive from downtown Dartmouth, or 15 minutes from Halifax. This small, urban park has gravel trails that bring you through the woods, alongside rivers, streams, and lakes.

The park has it’s own campground, an off-leash dog area, and even a little beach where you can swim in the summertime! If you have a bike, the trails are perfect for cyling too because they are well maintained.

The trails in Shubie Park are all easy to walk. The trails interconnect, so you can easily do 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!

Shows a trail surrounded by woods in Shubie Park, Dartmouth Nova Scotia
Shubie Park, Dartmouth

Visit the Dartmouth Heritage Museum

The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the heritage of Darmouth, Nova Scotia. The museum tells some of the history of Dartmouth through the lens of the Evergreen House.

This house was built in 1867 by James Family. It’s a historic Victorian home which was frequented by Joseph Howe, and also home to Nova Scotian folklorist Dr. Helen Creighton.

The museum is totally free to visit and is filled with interesting artifacts that give life to this history. They offer low-sensory and neurodivergent hours every week which is great for accessibility, and you can tour the museum either with a guide, or self-guided using a binder or a free audio guide.

I really enjoyed my visit to this museum, so if you pop over to Dartmouth while in Halifax, it’s worth spending an hour here!

A big blue house, which is the Evergeen House in Dartmouth, with blue sky in the background and trees surrounding it.
Evergreen House, part of the Dartmouth Heritage Museum

First Nations in Halifax

The Mi’kmaq First Nations were the original people of the Halifax region. They were in the region for thousands of years before coming into contact with settlers.

Halifax is known to Mi’kmaq as Chebucto “Kjipuktuk” or “Great Harbour.” There are other Indigenous groups in the Nova Scotia area, but Mi’kmaq First Nations are the predominant group across Nova Scotia.

Before settlers arrived, several Mi’kmaq clans had permanent villages in Kjipuktuk. It was a great location to live because the coves provided protection from the weather, there were areas to put canoes into the ocean, and there were plenty of lakes and streams for accessing freshwater. Food year round came from hunting the wildlife in the area, like grey seals.

British settlers first arrived in Halifax in June, 1749. They settled on land that was sacred to Mi’kmaq First Nations. This led to ongoing tensions and fighting between the English and Mi’kmaq.

Eventually, a treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed by Mi’kmaq First Nations and the English settlers. But, Kjiputuk, the Great Harbour, continues to be important to the Mi’kmaq people who know it as Amntu’kati, the place of spirits.

The Nova Scotia Advocate has a great article written by Michael William McDonald of Mi’kmaq of Sipekne’katik First Nations, that goes into more depth about the history of the Halifax region, from a Mi’kmaq perspective. You can read the full article, here.

Indigenous Tourism in Nova Scotia

While in Nova Scotia, take some time to learn about the Indigenous history of the region you’re visiting. Here are some resources for Indigenous tourism in Halifax and the rest of Nova Scotia!

Museum of Natural History, Halifax

The Museum of Natural History in Halifax has a permanent exhibit that explains the origins of Mi’kmaq First Nations in Nova Scotia. The exhibit covers everything from the Indigenous way of life in the region, traditions, and art. You’re able to see artifacts as well, like woven baskets, tools, beadwork, and more.

Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre, Millbrook

Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre is just outside Truro, Nova Scotia. At the centre you’ll learn about the Mi’kmaw perspective about the importance of the Bay of Fundy to the Mi’kmaq People of Se’ke’pne’katik. Tours also cover the history of how Indigenous people have struggled to cope with rapid changes to their landscape, political structure, and lifestyle.

Membertou Heritage Park, Cape Breton

Membertou Heritage Park in Membertou, Cape Breton is a great place to learn about Mi’kmaq in Membertou First Nation. The cultural centre shares information about Mi’kmaq way of life, culture, and history.

There are exhibits you can explore, as well as programming and workshops. If you’d like to book a workshop, for example to learn how to make a drum with a local expert, be sure to book in advance. And, you can pop into Kiju restaurant to try traditional Mi’kmaq-inspired recipes or to tour the medicine gardens.

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, Cape Breton

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys is a tour that is run in Eskasoni, Cape Breton. On the tour, you get to hear stories about Mi’kmaw culture in Eskasoni First Nation, while walking a 2.4 kilometer trail on Goat Island in Bras d’Or Lake.

You have the opportunity to observe or take part in a smudging ceremony, see a traditional dance, and more. Just be sure to book a tour in advance!

Smooth coastal rocks with the white and red Peggy's Cove lighthouse sitting on top of them, and ocean in the background.
Peggy’s Cove

Day Trips From Halifax

One of the things I love about visiting Halifax is that it makes for a great home base while exploring other regions of Nova Scotia. We were in Halifax for 5 days, and spent 2 of those days road-tripping. Here are the day trips from Halifax that I recommend based on my experience:

Peggy’s Cove – 1 hr from Halifax

Yes! Peggy’s Cove is a major tourist attraction. I have heard that some people skip it while in Nova Scotia because they find it too busy, or overrated. But I loved it. Peggy’s Cove has more than just its iconic lighthouse. It’s actually a small fishing village with a few shops and streets that you can wander. 

The Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is incredibly picturesque, and it’s fun to climb all over the rocks that surround the lighthouse. You can really get a sense of the power of the ocean, because the waves are so intense along this portion of Nova Scotia’s coast.

But, please be careful stay away from any rocks that appear black. The black rocks are very slippery, and people have accidentally slipped into the ocean while walking on them. 

Polly’s Cove – 50 minutes from Halifax

Polly’s Cove is a stretch of coast that’s very nearby Peggy’s Cove, just lesser known. It’s a lovely spot to stop before or after visiting Peggy’s Cove because there you can enjoy coastal views without as many crowds.

The trail to reach the cove starts just off of Prospect Road. After a short hike you get to the coast, where you can follow various trails along, taking in the views of the Atlantic ocean.

A man standing on a grey rock at Polly's Cove, looking out at the ocean which stretches into the distance.
Polly’s Cove

Lunenburg – 1 hour drive from Halifax

Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is special because despite being established long ago (in 1753!) it has managed to maintain its original layout and overall appearance.

Lunenburg is about a 40 minute drive past Peggy’s Cove, so it makes sense to add it as a stop if you’re day tripping to Peggy’s Cove – especially because the drive itself goes along the beautiful coast. 

In Lunenburg, you’ll enjoy simply wandering the old town, admiring the old wooden houses, and popping into the town’s shops. At the waterfront, you can see the famous Bluenose II, which is a replica of the fishing and racing schooner Bluenose.

Fun fact! I am related to Harry Demone, who captained the original Bluenose in 1941. After spending some time exploring Lunenburg, you can take the inland highway back to Halifax, which is a 1 hour drive.  

A blue and yellow wooden house, one of Lunenburg’s historic buildings.

One of Lunenburg’s historic buildings.

Bay of Fundy – 1hr 15min drive from Halifax

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world. The difference in height of the tide ranges from just a few meters in some parts of the bay, and up to 14 meters (46 feet)!

Many visitors head to the New Brunswick side of the Bay of Fundy to see the tides at the Hopewell Rocks, but it’s possible to experience this beautiful phenomenon on the Nova Scotia side, too. 

Drive just an hour and 15 minutes from Halifax to Burntcoat Head Park, where you take in views of the bay. When the tide is out, you can use the stairs to climb down and walk along the ocean floor. If you time it right, you can watch the tide slowly coming in.

Entry into the park is totally free, and walking along the ocean floor is a unique experience with gorgeous views of the bay. Just be sure to check the tide schedule before going – if you’d like to walk on the ocean floor, you’ll need to make sure you arrive when the tide is out. 

Walking on the ocean floor during low tide, at Burntcoat Head Park
Walking on the ocean floor during low tide, at Burntcoat Head Park

Lawrencetown – 45 min drive from Halifax

Lawrencetown is a small village that’s about a 45 minute drive from Halifax. It’s known for Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park which has walking trails and a boardwalk, and supervised swimming in the summer. This beach is also known for surfing!

There are several established surfing schools near the provincial park where you can stop in for a surfing lesson. If you’re not feeling up to getting into the (cold!) water, you can enjoy a walk and watch the local surfers taking on the waves from land. 

The sun shining down on a beach with people in the distance, in Lawrencetown
Conrad’s Beach, Lawrencetown

Responsible Tourism Tips for Halifax

Responsible travel is all about making choices that minimize the harmful effects of your travels, and instead, contribute positively when traveling. It’s about traveling in a way that is better for people, the planet, and wildlife! Here are some tips for responsible tourism in Halifax.

For more, you can read my full guide How to be a Responsible Tourist!

Take time to learn the history of Halifax. 

Travel is fun, but it’s also an opportunity to learn! There’s tons of important history to learn about Halifax, particularly about the region’s First Nations. Try to fit in at least one educational experience so that you walk away with new knowledge. 

Visit Halifax in shoulder or off-season. 

Overtourism is an issue all over the world, including across Canada. Visiting Halifax during shoulder or off-season (between October and June) can help reduce your impact. 

Use Halifax’s public transport and walk. 

Halifax is easy to get around without a car! The city has a fantastic public transport system (it’s affordable, too!) and it’s also possible to walk most places. Doing this rather than driving will reduce your carbon emissions. 

Support local businesses in Halifax. 

If you can, book an independent hotel or bed and breakfast rather than a chain hotel. When buying souvenirs, stay away from mass produced trinkets and if you can, go for hand-made goods. Bonus points if you purchase artisan goods made by local Mi’kmaq!

Pack in, pack out when enjoying trails near Halifax. 

Be a sustainable tourist! This goes for everywhere in the world – if you have litter, dispose of it properly. Within the city of Halifax there are public garbage, recycle, and organic disposal bins. Out on the trails, hold onto your litter and dispose of it properly when you can. 

Stay on the trails when hiking in Nova Scotia.

If you had out of the city to do some hiking, be sure to stay on marked trails. Wandering off trail can disturb the local ecosystem, as well as wildlife.

Final Thoughts on Spending a Long Weekend in Halifax

What I love about Halifax is that it is small enough to enjoy on foot, and it’s close to regions of Nova Scotia that are worth day tripping to. The city has several museums that cover the history of the region, and there’s a great food and drink scene for unwinding at the end of the day. My partner and I absolutely love spending time in Halifax … you’ll find us there often!

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