Things to do in

Downtown Halifax

Cruise along Halifax Harbour in classic style and comfort on the Tall Ship Silva, a 130’ schooner. Depart from the heart of downtown Halifax, and sail into the beautiful harbour where you will have a mariner’s view of Halifax’s biggest attractions. See notable sights such as the Harbour Bridge, Fort George, McNab’s Island, Point Pleasant Park, and the Historic Properties. Get involved and help hoist the largest sails in Halifax Harbour, a truly unique part of your experience aboard this ship. Enjoy a full service bar onboard.

Book in advance and enjoy flexible admission for the Canadian Museum of Immigration. Plan your visit around the weather and your travel schedule with a ticket allowing you to visit within 7 days either side of your booked date. The museum is located on Halifax's waterfront in the national historic site of Pier 21.. Step into the past and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada. Join a passionate guide for a tour in English or French of the Pier 21 Story Exhibition. Your admission includes access to all exhibitions. Follow the evolution of immigration to Canada in the Canadian Immigration Story Exhibition. Dive into first-hand accounts of newcomers to Canada’s culture, economy, and way of life - from the past to the present. Watch an original 20-minute documentary 'In Canada' for compelling stories of journey and belonging. One of the museum's expert researchers can help you uncover your family's journey at the Scotiabank Family History Centre. You can also shop Canadian treasures at the museum's one-of-a-kind gift shop.

Explore Halifax — the City of Trees — with a local guide on a van tour with a skip-the-security-line entry ticket to the historic Citadel Hill. Learn about the city’s rich history and local culture from your guide who will tell you stories as you drive past iconic attractions. Be greeted at your downtown Halifax hotel and begin your fully guided tour in the comfort and style of a van. Head to your first stop, Citadel Hill — one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites and a major attraction in the city’s downtown core. There, hop out of your van to walk through the grounds. Learn about the military history of the hill and see the Highlander reenactment interpreters dressed in traditional uniforms from the 1800s. Next, enjoy a fully narrated drive, passing multiple points of interest such as Point Pleasant Park, Halifax Port, national historic site Pier 21, and the Halifax Seaport Market — the oldest, continuously operating farmers market in North America. Continue to see the bustling Halifax Waterfront, an iconic brewery — Alexander Keith’s, as well as the lush City Gardens. See Fairview Lawn Cemetery, which is best known as the final resting place for over 100 victims of the sinking of the Titanic. Listen to your guide's ongoing highlights and tips about the surrounding area along your drive before being dropped back off at your hotel downtown.

Explore Halifax's landmarks on a self-guided walking tour. Listen to hands-free audio narration and interact with what you see with an attraction-based trivia game. Have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace with a convenient tour that be paused and resumed. Walk through the city's first graveyard at Camp Hill. Delve into stories behind the Holy Cross Cemetery, and the Old Burying Grounds. Admire the impressive architecture of the Cathedral Church of All Saints, and St. Paul's Church. Immerse yourself in history at the the Halifax Armoury and the City Hall. Venture to Victoria Park to find out what makes it Victorian. Go to the heart of the city to see the Halifax Public Gardens and Canada's oldest urban park, the Halifax Common. Dive into tales of the many people that made Halifax what it is today. Take away the stress of looking at a map with the GPS function that will direct you to places like the Museum of Natural History. Hear automatic commentary play as you approach places like the Old Town clock.

Discover the Port of Halifax with this smartphone tour. Find historical sites and artifacts from as early as the 1700’s on this 1.5 kilometer route. Be transported to when privateers grew rich off their daring escapades at sea on this informative tour. Follow the development of this area through the ages as this boisterous port of call grew into a vibrant, modern city. Start at Pier 21 where so many immigrants first stepped foot in Canada to begin new lives. Stroll past monuments, statues, and sculptures honoring those who helped make Halifax the city it is today. Walk along the one of the longest boardwalks in the world at your own pace. Save your data with an offline tour. Visit marine museums and walk on the deck of an Edwardian steamship the CSS Acadian. From late June to October the HMCS Sackville, Canada’s oldest warship welcomes visitors on board. Finish at the Market Mall where you can do some shopping.