Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Halifax

"Set in the center of the city is the star-shaped Halifax Citadel which looms over downtown from atop of its prominent hilltop. Such is its strategic position that four forts have been built in the same spot since 1749 with the current citadel having been completed in 1856. Besides wandering around the grounds and fortifications of the National Historic Site, visitors can also stop by its on-site Army Museum."

"One of the not-to-miss things to do in Halifax is to make your way up to the Halifax Citadel. The Halifax Citadel was a fortification that stood guard over the city. This national historic site will take you back in time from its origin in 1856 through World War II and today."

"Explore the forested trails and military monuments at Point Pleasant Park, located at the south end of Halifax. There, you can see old artillery batteries such as the Prince of Wales Tower, the oldest tower in North America. The park’s roots can be traced back as early as the 17th century, and the city of Halifax actually rents the site from the British Government for 1 shilling a year."

"My dog walker Tony takes me here most weekdays with his pack of dogs, and my uncle Andrew usually takes me on Wednesdays and or Fridays."

"It is a 75-hectare wooded park that has 39kms of walking paths. There is also a beach for swimming and an off-leash dog walking area."

"Being a historic port city, Halifax has an amazing waterfront. The Halifax Waterfront stretches from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 all the way to the Historic Properties. Along the way, you’ll find the Halifax Seaport, the cultural district extending from Piers 19 to 23 includes the Halifax Farmers’ Market, a university, retailers, artisans and more."

"The Halifax Waterfront is a unique part of Halifax history and what the city is today. The boardwalk is the best way of exploring the waterfront and finding amazing shops, cafes, and galleries. The Waterfront is ever-changing, so it always worth a visit with the kids."

"The Canadian Scientific Ship CSS Acadia, berthed at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, was built for the Canadian hydrographic service in 1913, the first vessel specifically designed to survey Canada's northern waters. But her career extended long beyond surveying ice-infested waters of Hudson Bay. As a guard ship in Halifax Harbor, Acadia was damaged in the Halifax Explosion in 1917, and is the only vessel still afloat today to have survived the disaster."

"Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the beautiful 1,000-acre Victoria Park in Truro. Natural attractions include waterfalls, a winding river, hiking trails, and a steep-sided gorge, and there are plenty of opportunities for recreational activities, including swimming, cross-country skiing, tennis, cycling, cultural events, and more."

"This small urban park is next to St. Mary’s Boat Club, tucked between Jubilee and Coburg roads. It’s one of the sports fields that HRM transitions to an off-leash dog area in the winter. The tennis court is a great fenced-in area to play, if that’s what you’re looking for."

"This Georgian sandstone building known as Province House, completed in 1819, is the seat of Nova Scotia's Parliament, in existence since 1758. The guided tour includes the "Red Chamber" where the Council used to meet, as well as the parliament chamber and the library that, with its two grand staircases, was once the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This is where, in 1835, Joseph Howe defended himself against the charge of defamation."

"The Province House is the seat of the Nova Scotia Government, and Charles Dickens once described Canada’s oldest provincial legislative assembly as “a gem of Georgian architecture…like looking at Westminster through the wrong end of a telescope.” Visit the National Historic Site in downtown Halifax. Province House, 1726 Hollis St, Halifax, NS, Canada, +1 902 424 4661. Province House | © Louperivois / WikiCommons"

"The Province House is where the Nova Scotia Legislature, known officially as the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, has met every year since 1819. The building is Canada's oldest house of government. Standing three stories tall, the structure is considered one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in North America."

"This heritage farm is a living museum that is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Cole Harbour’s agricultural past and developing an understanding of animals, farming, and plants today. There is traditional livestock that you can meet and learn about while visiting the farm. Cole Harbour Heritage Farm"

"The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Halifax, at 471 Poplar Drive. Dedicated to preserving Cole Harbour’s agricultural past they have a wonderful selection of animals, a garden and tea room. The site has eight heritage buildings, dating from 1780 to 1938."

"Springhouse is a small café located at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. I ducked in for lunch one day and ordered the grilled wrap – roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, potatoes, veggie pâté, and a side of Caesar sauce. It was a light, delicious lunch, one I’d go back for again."

"Last but certainly not least is EnVie, a restaurant dedicated to serving delicious plant-based vegan food, and doing a stellar job at it. They can also accommodate several allergies including gluten and nuts, and they also serve cocktails, beer and wine (all vegan) to wash it down. They also serve a great brunch and you can purchase juice cleanses through them."

"Envie is arguably Halifax’s best vegan spot, but there’s no granola here. This refined plant-based restaurant skips the tired shaved beet and carrot salad in favour of contemporary dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, featuring everything from dumplings and pizza to a “charcuterie” board."

"This dark and cozy lounge is one romantic room; the music is calm and the atmosphere is tasteful. Monday nights are the busiest, as the bar’s city-renowned martinis go for just $5 all day. Every other weeknight, from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm, a vast $4 menu is available, which includes shots, domestic beer and glasses of Nova Scotia’s own Jost wine."

"One really cool food tour we did in Halifax was the Wines on the Water tour aboard Tall Ship Silva. We got to cruise along Halifax Harbour and up the Northwest Arm while enjoying a charcuterie board, grilled lobster tail and scallops, and various white and red wines from Nova Scotia. It was a really fun evening out accompanied by live music and it all ended with a dance party as we pulled back to port."

"Location: 1932 Brunswick St., 2crowsbrewing.comOpen since: February 2017The rundown: New to the scene, but holds one of the biggest of the small-scale microbrewing facilities in Halifax. The space is huge and completely open to the whole brewery, so you can sit, have a drink and watch the beer happen right in front of you, barrier free.What to order: The Pollyanna IPA is their #1, and it’s juicy and tropicalWhat they’re known for: They just released a Brett Porter that’s suppose to steal hearts.Beers on tap: 6 of their own, 4 to 6 rotating guest taps from breweries around the provinceGuided tours: The brewery is open-concept, but if a brewer is on site, they are always up for a tour."

"Location: 6041 North St., unfuckingfiltered.comOpen since: 2015The rundown: With beer names like “Exile on North Street” and “Play with Fire”, this brewery is quirky, and all they care about is good beer, no bells and whistles.What to order: Double Orange IPAWhat they’re known for: They have the best IPAs in the city, so anything hoppy.Beers on tap: 7 to 8 of their own with a rotating guest tapGuided tours: Mmmm not technically, but again it’s Nova Scotia and it’s a microbrewery and they would probably give a pretty entertaining tour/would be up for it if you asked"