Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and one of the finest port cities in the entire Atlantic world — a genuinely urban, culturally rich, extraordinarily scenic city with a deep maritime heritage, excellent food and drink culture, and the specific warmth of a city that genuinely enjoys having visitors. The Halifax waterfront is one of the great waterfronts of eastern North America: two kilometers of pedestrian boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, museums, and working harbor activity. It is an excellent port day.
The Waterfront
The Halifax Waterfront is the heart of the port day experience. The cruise ship terminal deposits you directly onto the boardwalk, and everything worth seeing in central Halifax is accessible from here on foot. The historic properties — a row of 19th century warehouses converted into shops, restaurants, and bars — run along the water. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Farmers’ Market, and the ferry to Dartmouth all depart from the waterfront.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
One of the finest maritime museums in the world. The permanent collection includes extraordinary exhibits on the Halifax Explosion of 1917 — the largest accidental explosion in human history before the atomic bomb, which devastated the city’s north end — and a significant Titanic collection. Halifax was the closest major port to the Titanic’s sinking position and received many of the victims. The Titanic exhibits include artifacts recovered from the wreck site and the story of Halifax’s role in the recovery operation. Do not miss this museum.
The Citadel
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site sits on the hill above downtown — a massive 19th century star-shaped fort with sweeping views over the harbor and city. The noon gun fires daily (has since 1857). The kilted guards, the changing of the sentry, and the military demonstrations make this a genuinely fun and educational stop.
Food and Drink
Halifax punches well above its weight for food. The donair — a Halifax-specific variation on the doner kebab with a sweet garlic sauce — is the local specialty and mandatory. King of Donair near the waterfront is the canonical choice. The craft beer scene is excellent (Propeller Brewing, Garrison Brewing, and Battery Park Beer Bar on the waterfront are the standards). The lobster is Nova Scotia caught and fresh.
Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove, 43 kilometers from Halifax, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world — a red and white lighthouse on wave-polished granite boulders at the edge of the North Atlantic. The village is tiny, the landscape is extraordinary, and the drive from Halifax through small fishing communities and coastal scenery is part of the experience. VV Shore Things offers Peggy’s Cove excursions.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- The Maritime Museum is worth 2 hours. The Titanic and Halifax Explosion exhibits alone justify the time. Plan your day around it.
- Get a donair. It is the local food. It is specific to Halifax. It is excellent. King of Donair near the waterfront is the benchmark.
- Peggy’s Cove is best in morning light. Photographically extraordinary before 10am. The tourist rush arrives mid-morning.
Ready to Sail to Halifax?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Halifax is one of the highlights of the Canada and New England itinerary and one of our personal favorite port days in the entire VV network.
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