11 things to do in Halifax this summer
- sydneychapman5
- Jun 29
- 6 min read
The best time of year is finally upon us in Halifax. While I've lived in the city for the past four years completing my university degree, this will be my first summer living here full-time. I truly believe that Halifax comes alive in the summertime. With the gorgeous weather, beautiful coastline, and all the seasonal spots open again, there’s no shortage of things to do.
My goal with this guide is to share activities that both locals and visitors can enjoy. Whether you’re a lifelong Haligonian or here for the first time, I’ll be covering different ways to experience some of the best things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
So without further ado, here are 11 of my favourite things to do in Halifax this summer:
Grab a pint or a bite at a beer garden
Starting with my personal favourite, beer gardens! I feel like Halifax’s beer garden and brewery scene has really taken off in the past few years, and they’re the perfect summer hangout spots.
I love the Halifax Beer Garden on the waterfront. Whether you want a local brew, a strawberry daiquiri, or a pitcher to split with all of your friends, they have so many drink options to choose from. The food is also really good, and they do a bunch of loaded hot dogs, which is the perfect summertime meal. Some other beer gardens I love include the Stillwell Beer Garden on Spring Garden Road and the Good Robot Brewing, The Commons, Beer Garden on North Street.
Do a harbour cruise
I’m using ‘harbour cruise’ loosely here, just think of it as any fun way to get out on the water.
If you're visiting, and especially if you have kids, check out the Harbour Hopper. It’s a fun land-and-sea tour of downtown, packed with history and local facts.
If you're a local looking for something a bit more lively, do one of the party cruises. I did the Coldstream one last year, and it was an absolute blast. There are a few different ones, though, including the happy hour cruise, the Blue Lobster cruise, and the Pride Party Cruise.
Feeling adventurous? Take a boat over to Georges Island. You can hike around, have a picnic, and soak in the views of the waterfront.
Looking for something relaxing? A sunset cruise with live music is hard to beat.
All of these tours can be booked through the Ambassatours website.
Explore the waterfront
In the summer, the waterfront becomes a shared space where locals and visitors soak up the sunshine and salty air. With seasonal vendors, lively patios, and coastal views at every turn, it's easily one of the top things to do in Halifax, NS.
Some of my favourite restaurants in this area include Water Polo, Ristorante A Mano (also featured in my Restaurants I love in Halifax, NS post), and Salt + Ash. The Salt Yard hosts tons of food stands serving up a variety of different cuisines. If you're looking for a lobster roll, Dave's Lobster serves up one of the best. Mizo Drinks has the most refreshing beverages. Want a sweet treat? Try a Beavertail!
For shopping, Amos Pewter has unique ornaments and home décor. Sea House offers great souvenirs, and Bishop’s Cellar is perfect if you’re looking for a local bottle of wine or spirits.
Check out the Keith's Brewery market
Just across the street from the waterfront is the Alexander Keith’s Brewery. If you’re visiting, the brewery tour is a must; it’s a great way to learn about an important part of Halifax’s history.
Locals should check out the Saturday brewery market, which runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s filled with fresh produce, baked goods, hot food, and artisans.
Some of by favourite vendors at the market include:
Boulangerie La Vendenne - A French bakery making incredible breads, croissants, and other pastries
Evertide - A chocolatier with traditional and creative bars
The Mediocre bakery - Serves up the most incredible cinnamon or chocolate rolls (and I honestly had no idea it was all vegan until writing this post!)
Barkeep - Delicious canned cocktails
Ren Design - Colourful prints and original acrylic paintings
Enjoy Citadel Hill
Nothing makes you feel like you’re in Halifax quite like sitting on Citadel Hill. It’s right in the heart of the city and offers incredible views.
Locals, grab a picnic! Pete’s Frootique is nearby if you want to put together something yourself, or stop by Luke’s Small Goods on Agricola Street for a sandwich and pastry.
If you're visiting the area, definitely take a tour of the fortress. It's a great way to learn about the history of the city!
Shop on Agricola Street
Just a few minutes from downtown, Agricola Street has a totally different vibe. It’s full of creativity and character, with some great local shops to check out:
Soberish Mocktail Shoppe - A shop offering non alcoholic wine, beer, and cocktails as well as glassware and other home-bar essentials
Halifax Vintage Coop - Tons of vintage home decor and clothes upstairs
Agricola Street Books - New and second-hand books, as well as stationery and gifts.
Isle at Ease - Curated, thoughtfully designed home goods
Watch a Wanderers game
Halifax’s pro soccer team, the Wanderers, put on a great show, even if you’re not a soccer fan. The stadium is right in the city, the energy is high, and the crowd always brings the fun.
Grab a scoop of ice cream
Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand, and Halifax has no shortage of great spots:
All locals probably already know about the Dairy Bar, considering it has a line wrapped around the block pretty much at all times. Their ice cream is popular for good reason, though. A weekly rotating flavour of soft serve keeps customers coming back again and again, and their homemade toppings and unique sundae creations mean that they're offering up something that you can't find just anywhere. Also, they have vegan options for those who are dairy-free.
Over in the North End, DeeDee's is the place to go. Good... classic... homemade... there's not really much else to say.
Cow's is always reliable, too. With two locations on the boardwalk and one on Spring Garden Road, they really have mastered their signature flavours. Plus, they have the best homemade waffle cones.
A highly underrated spot, in my opinion, is The Bertossi Group gelato. They have a couple of stands that I believe move around their different restaurant locations, but you can usually find the cart outside the Bicycle Thief in the summertime. This authentic Italian-style gelato and sorbet is the perfect treat for a hot summer day.
Take the ferry to Dartmouth
Just across the harbour, Dartmouth is full of cool spots worth exploring. The ferry ride is only $3 for a one-way trip, and offers some of the best views of the Halifax skyline.
Once you're on the other side, there are so many good spots to check out. For restaurants/cafes some of my favourites include:
Battery Park Beer Bar - The BEST burgers
Two If By Sea Cafe - Great coffee and pastries
Yeah Yeah's Pizza - Pizza by the slice, or get a whole pie
The Wooden Monkey - Specializes in local, wholesome ingredients. Also has the best view of the Halifax waterfront
Dartmouth has good shopping too, some of my favourite spots to check out when I'm in the area include:
Renegade Records - Records and other memorabilia
Taz Records/Friction Books/Morley's Coffee - Records, books, and great coffee
Audrey's Little Shop of Plants - A great selection of house plants, and super knowledgeable staff
Kept - A gift shop with a great variety of items
If you’re visiting on a weekend, check out the Alderney Landing Market. On Saturday, there's a farmer's market with fresh produce and baked goods, running from 8am-1pm. On Sunday, they host an artisan market from 11am-3pm, the perfect place to find some locally made treasures.
Take a walk through Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park is a peaceful escape right at the tip of the peninsula. With over 180 acres of forest and trails, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just enjoy the quiet.
Catch some rays at the beach
Okay, so they’re technically outside of Halifax, but they’re close enough to count!
Lawrencetown Beach is great if you're trying to catch some waves or just enjoy a huge beach with lots of space. Also, I really enjoy the drive from the city to Lawerencetown. Stop at the Lawrencetown Beach Cafe and grab a snack or sandwich to take with you!
Crystal Crescent is another beautiful beach just 30 minutes from the heart of the city. Nestled inside a cove, the water here is clear and calm. This beach is a bit on the smaller side, though, so be prepared to be crowded on a hot summer day. Also, there’s a beautiful hike starting at the beach called the Pennant Point Hiking Trail.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to Halifax or have called it home for years, this list of the best things to do in Halifax, NS is full of ideas to help you make the most of the season. From harbour views to hidden gems, these top 10 things to do in Halifax (plus a bonus!) are sure to make your summer memorable.
Hotels
Looking for somewhere to stay? These are some of my favourites!
High-end:
Mid-range:
Budget:
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