Alexander Keith's Brewery
Tour the Alexander Keith’s Brewery to see, hear and smell this Nova Scotia beer being brewed. Follow the costumed guides throughout the restored brewery and sample this well-known Indian Pale Ale. Alexander Keith, “the father of great beer in Nova Scotia”, originally opened this brewery in 1820 and in June 2000 the recently restored brewery was opened for tours. Open year round.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Set in a renovated heritage building in the heart of downtown Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features over 10,000 works of art, creating an atmosphere that encourages exploration, dialogue and enjoyment. The permanent collection at the gallery includes historic and contemporary paintings as well as numerous sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, decorative arts and videos. Guided tours of the gallery are available on certain days for a small fee. Open daily year round, 10am-5pm. (Thursday until 9pm.) Admission charged.
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Located in the oldest Black community in the metro region, the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia strives to preserve the history and culture of Black people in the province. Various themes throughout the centre encompass community life, religious history, military service and migration dating back to Nova Scotia in the 1600s. Open year-round Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays during June-September 10am-4pm. Admission charged.
Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum
A community museum, the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm is dedicated to preserving the natural, cultural and agricultural heritage of the region. Stroll through heritage buildings, view a great collection of agricultural and households implements, review archival materials, observe farm animals and sip tea in the tea room. Open May 15-October 15; Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm. Admission by donation.
Discovery Centre
A great family attraction, Halifax's Discovery Centre makes science fun for all ages. Find interesting hand-ons exhibits that promote individual discovery and experimentation. Whether you play with bubbles or magnets, spin in a rotating chair or learn about optical illusions, your visit to the Discovery Centre will be memorable. On weekends throughout the year, and daily during July and August, witness live science demonstrations at the Centre. Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 1pm-5pm. Admission charged.
Eye Level Gallery
The Eye Level Gallery presents the work of both emerging and established, regional and national contemporary Canadian artisits. A non-profit, artist-run centre, the Eye Level Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-5pm.
George's Island National Historic Site
A small island in the middle of Halifax Harbour, George's Island played an important role in the harbour's defence system for over 200 years. All George's Island is currently closed to the public, Park's Canada is preparing this heritage site for future visitation.
Government House
Built for Sir John and Lady Francis Wentworth between 1799 and 1805, today Government House is home to Nova Scotia's Lieutenant Governor. Although it is not open for public inspection, take time to admire this Nova Scotian stone structure from the surrounding gardens. Government House is the oldest official government residence in Canada.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel offers its visitors a chance to experience British military life of the 1800’s. Onsite there are a variety of things to do from visiting the Army Museum to watching a presentation entitled the ‘Tides of History’ to sitting in a sample classroom and learning about the history of the Citadel. One of Canada's most visited national historic sites. Open May 7-October 31, 9am-5pm. Admission charged.
Halifax Public Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens and admire the peaceful surroundings. Follow winding pathways past lovely fountains, tranquil ponds, stately trees and formal flower beds. If your summer visit to Halifax falls on a Sunday, gather around the old-fashioned bandstand, in the centre of the Halifax Public Gardens, and enjoy a free, afternoon concert.
Hemlock Ravine Park
Named for its rare virgin stand of hemlocks deep in a ravine, Hemlock Ravine Park was once a retreat for Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. Commander-in-chief of the British forces in the Maritimes between 1794 and 1800, Prince Edward created the park as a romantic escape for himself and his mistress, Julie St. Laurent. Over two hundred years later the only remains of this time are a heart-shaped pond, named Julie's Pond, winding wooded pathways and the former music rotunda. Hemlock Ravine Park is open year-round.
Historic Properties - Privateers Wharf
The restoration and redevelopment of Historic Properties Privateers Wharf is the first project of its kind in Canada. Dating back to the days of seafaring and privateering, some of Canada's oldest waterfront buildings can be found along Privateers Wharf as well as some remarkable history. Stroll along this waterfront marketplace in search of unique souvenirs, feast in one of the fabulous restaurants or simply enjoy the day's events.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Whether you are a museum buff or not, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is not one to pass by. Discover Atlantic Canada's maritime history as you explore the museum. Learn about the province's shipbuilding heritage, the meaning behind colorful ship flags, the Age of Steam and the Days of Sail. Sights to be seen include Shipwreck Treasures, a Titanic display and an exhibit on the Halifax Explosion just to name a few. Open year round, hours vary by season. Admission charged.
McNab's Island
Formerly an important part of Halifax's defense system and home to several generations of independent settlers, on McNab's Island discover a ruined fortress, batteries and abandoned homesteads in addition to a lighthouse and sandy beaches. Today McNab's Island is a provincial park that offers its visitors numerous hiking trails and spectacular views of Halifax Harbour. Visit the island's teahouse for a snack or light meal or bring a picnic lunch with you. To escape the bustle of the city, McNab's Island can be reached either by ferry from Eastern Passage or charter boats from Cable Wharf.
Museum of Natural History
Discover the natural wonders of Nova Scotia's land and sea as you see whales, dinosaurs, birds and more. At the Nature Centre, allow the naturalists to introduce you to live displays of local fish, sea creatures, reptiles and amphibians. View bees at work in their hive and meet an 80-year-old tortoise named Gus. Halifax's Museum of Natural History is fun for the whole family. Open year round every day except Monday. Admission charged.
NovaScotian Crystal
As you stroll along the Halifax waterfront on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, stop to watch the craftsmen of NovaScotia Crystal turn molten crystal into delicate masterpieces using century-old, mouth-blowing techniques. Each unique piece is crafted or guided by hand using traditional tools to shape, mould, pull and cut the crystal and is inspired by the landscape and traditions of Atlantic Canada. Browse the adjacent shop for a wide variety of glasses, vases, paperweights and more. Open daily 8:00am-4:30pm.
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
Gain a new respect for Nova Scotia's fascinating sport heritage with a visit to Nova Scotia's Sport Hall of Fame. As you stroll through the Hall of Fame see displays of uniforms, medals, photographs, equipment and other sports memorabilia from the last 200 years. Also, learn of Nova Scotia's connection to the first basketball game ever played in 1891 and the evolution of Canada's great national pastime - hockey. Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame is open-year round. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10am-9:30pm and Saturday 11am-2pm. During July and August the Sport Hall of Fame is also open on Sunday.
Pennant Point Coastal Heritage Park
Just twenty minutes from downtown Halifax, enjoy the outdoors at Pennant Point Coastal Heritage Park. Relax on three white sand beaches, known as Crystal Crescent Beach, attempt to find each of the park's twenty-six historic sites, most of which are cellar depressions, or hike some of the 8.5 kilometres of coastal and inland trails. Pennant Point Coastal Heritage Park is open year-round, between dawn and dusk.
Pier 21 National Historic Site
This recently restored National Historic Site won the award for Best New Attraction in Canada in 2001. Hear the story of the one million Canadian immigrants who arrived at Pier 21 between 1928 and 1971 as you explore this significant component of Canadian heritage. The various interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and activities on site are appropriate for all ages and describe the emotional experiences of the immigrants, war brides, displaced children and Canadian military troops who passed through the doors of Pier 21. Open 7 days a week May 1-November 30, 9:30am-5:30pm. December 1-March 31 closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission charged.
Point Pleasant Park
Located in the southern tip of a downtown peninsula, Point Pleasant Park is 180 acres of walking trails, picnic spots, sandy beaches and elements of historic significance. An old Acadian forest, discover unique flora and fauna, as well as one of the few natural heather patches in North America, within the park's boundaries. For a glimpse back in time, visit the Sailor's Monument to pay respect to the sailors, ships merchants, civilians and nurses who lost their lives in WWI and WWII or Prince of Wales Martello Tower to learn more about the Halifax Defence Complex. Point Pleasant Park is patrolled by the Mounted Squad of the Halifax Regional Police and is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Province House
Built between 1811 and 1818, Charles Dickens once described Province House as "like looking at Westminster through the wrong end of the telescope". Used as the meeting place of provincial legislature since 1819, Province House is home to the first responsible government in the British Empire. In the courtyard find a statue of Joseph Howe, who lead the fight for democracy and was twice elected as the premier of Nova Scotia. Province House is open year-round throughout the week (9am-4pm) and also on weekends throughout July and August (10am-4pm).
Quaker Whaler House and Dartmouth Heritage Museum
Following the American War of Independence, the Nantucket Whaling Company moved its operations to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, in order to avoid paying heavy taxes on American goods being shipped to England. The employees, mostly Quakers, followed the company to Nova Scotia and the Quaker Whaler House tells their story. Built by Quaker whaler William Ray in 1786, customed interpreters will guide you through this little museum. Next, only a few blocks from the Quaker Whaler House, visit the Dartmouth Heritage Museum to see displays of the area's natural and human history and a small collection of native artifacts. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-5pm, from mid-June through August. Admission charged.
St. Paul's Church
Not only is St. Paul's Church the oldest building in Halifax, but also the first Protestant Church is Canada. Located on Argyle Street, St. Paul's Church faces Grand Parade - a military parade ground from Halifax's early days which remains a gathering place today.
The Titanic Connection
For those fascinated by the story of the Titanic's doomed maiden voyage, Halifax is home to a few interesting sites associated with this intriguing tragedy. One of Halifax's better restaurants, Five Fishermen, is located on site of a former funeral home where many of the deceased were brought and prepared for burial. At the back of the Fairview Cemetery, find 121 numbered headstones with the date April 15, 1912. The numbers on the grave markers were given to the deceased as they were pulled from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. After the debut of the movie "Titanic" in 1997, one grave in particular became popular among followers. Coincidentally, Victim #227, Joseph Dawson, shared his named with the one of the film's main characters - Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. As a result, Mr. Dawson's resting place now regularly receives bouquets of fresh flowers. Finally, do not pass up an opportunity to visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. A wonderful attraction, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a large exhibit devoted to the story of the Titanic, including a 15-minute documentary taken at the site of the shipwreck.
York Redoubt National Historic Site
Sitting above Halifax Harbour, York Redoubt National Historic Site was an important part of the Halifax Defence Complex from the late 18th century into the 20th century. Following an outbreak of war between Britain and revolutionary France, the first batteries were constructed to protect Halifax when French warships were spotted in the Western Atlantic in 1793. Throughout the 19th century York Redoubt, due to its location, played an important communication role, as did the Halifax Citadel, in using flag signage to notify each other of ship's movements near the harbour. During WWI York Redoubt barracks were used for assigned infantry and for troops waiting to go overseas and in WWII the site served as a nerve centre for harbour defences. Today people visit York Redoubt to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views of Halifax Harbour, its surrounding coastline and the open Atlantic Ocean. Open year-round.
Zwicker's Gallery
Zwicker's Gallery was founded in 1886 to serve Halifax's British garrison and their wives. At the time Halifax was the second largest military garrison in the British Empire and thus provided a market for the gallery's services. Today works of art at Zwicker's Gallery include a variety of mediums and a variety of styles such as folk, first nations and contemporary. Staff also provide an array of services from framing to appraisals and restoration to consultation. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm.
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