Halifax Information

Halifax, Nova Scotia, has much to offer residents – an unmatched quality of life in a spectacular setting on the Atlantic Ocean. As the region’s economic, cultural, and social capital, Halifax has all the amenities and conveniences of a large city, without many of the problems and a high cost of living.

Downtown Halifax

The downtown core of Halifax is filled with exciting shops and restaurants, national historic sites, urban gardens and parks, and a nationally acclaimed and award-wining boardwalk area. There’s lots to see and do within walking distance of downtown, and throughout the year, there are many cultural and entertainment events that take place around the city.

Citadel Hill

Citadel Hill once protected Halifax and the Harbour; now it’s home to some of the best views of downtown, the peninsula and the waterfront. Citadel Hill is Canada’s most visited historic site, and is home to the 78th Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band. If you’re there at mid day, you can see the daily firing of the Cannon to mark 12 o’clock noon.

Pier 21
Pier 21 on the waterfront was the front door to Canada for over 1 million immigrants from 1928 to 1971. Now a national historic site, Pier 21 is home to a museum, a gallery, and exhibits celebrating this historic gateway. Pier 21 is often used a venue for visiting foreign dignitaries and cultural events, and is a must see for those interested in the history of Halifax, and Canada.


The Public Gardens

The Public Gardens are located in the heart of the city, next to Citadel Hill and Spring Garden Road. This royal botanical oasis is filled with amazing flowers and gardens, pathways and ponds, and a large population of ducks and other feathered friends. A favorite for wedding and prom photos, it’s the perfect place to catch an afternoon performance at the Gardens Bandstand.


Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park is a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and is a favourite of the local dog population. Walk through the endless trails and pathways, and take a trip back in time exploring the military ruins and buildings that once guarded the mouth of the harbour and the Northwest Arm. The park is also home to “Shakespeare By The Sea”, where you can see truly unique performances of the Bard’s work and other plays in an outdoor setting.


Halifax and Dartmouth Waterfront

Both sides of the harbour have vibrant and growing waterfront and boardwalk areas, and it’s easy (and affordable) to take the ferry across to either side.

On the Halifax side, there is an extensive boardwalk stretching from the Halifax Casino through to Pier 21. Many water-based activities are located in this section of the city, and if you’re lucky, there may be tall ships docked alongside.

The boardwalk is the perfect place for a stroll, and there are many fine restaurants, bars and museums located in the area. enRoute Magazine called Lower Water Street and the boardwalk “one of Canada’s Coolest Neighbourhoods”, and it’s also home to the Halifax Farmers Market, Keith’s Historic Brewery, Buskerfest and Jazzfest venues and boardwalk concerts. Bishops Landing, a residential and commercial development on the boardwalk has been recognized with the “Excellence on the Waterfront Award” and the “Halifax Urban Design People's Choice Award”.

On the Dartmouth side of the harbour, Alderney Landing is a great venue for outdoor concerts and shows. Conveniently located at the ferry terminal, the Dartmouth waterfront is growing with many new condominium and residential developments nearby and on the horizon.