It really is hard to decide what to do first. A great place to start is by exploring some of Halifax’s historical and heritage sites. Perhaps the best place to begin your journey is with a visit to the Citadel, a military heritage site completed in 1856. It sits atop a hill with the most spectacular view of Halifax and the harbour. The fortress was built in a star shaped design and is complete with vaulted ceilings, a dry defensive ditch and a musketry gallery. The tour guides here all wear period costume which adds to the authentic appeal of this site. Pier 21, another fascinating and significant heritage site, is located on Halifax Harbour. Similar to New York’s Ellis Island, this was the point where more than one million immigrants first set foot on Canadian soil and found freedom for the first time. Some would be very interested to know that Halifax is the final resting place of some 150 victims of the Titanic disaster. Most of them are buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery and all of them marked by the same black granite headstones. It is an eerie step back into the past but one that should be taken. To see the largest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic you should visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum is also home to a fine collection of marine photographs, model ships and more.

After your journey into the past, why not enjoy some good modern fun. Halifax hosts more than 40 festivals throughout the year and you should try to enjoy at least one. In August, the waterfront springs to life with Buskerfest, a festival of street performers. There are some absolutely awesome acts and this is one not to miss. Another well-known Halifax celebration is The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo held in July. This is the world’s largest indoor show, complete with music, dance, military displays, competitions and more. It really is sensational. The Tall Ships Festival and the TD Canada Trust Jazz Festival are a couple of great ones as well. Another must do on your vacation to Halifax is a walk along the waterfront, lined with fantastic pubs, restaurants, entertainment, shops and historic buildings. For the kids, Theodore Tugboat from the show Thomas the Tank Engine is docked here too. While you are at the waterfront, you will definitely not want to miss the Halifax City Farmer’s Market, the oldest farmer’s market in North America. You can find just about anything here from ethnic foods and baked goods to clothing and art. It is not suggested that you try to barter here as it just won’t work. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, Halifax is also a hub for whale watching and fishing tours as well as sea kayaking adventures.

Nova Scotia is known for its fresh, succulent seafood and Halifax is no exception. If you go down to Fisherman’s Cove, you can watch them haul in the daily catch. Lobster, mussels, oysters, cod and halibut are all favourites but they’re no cheaper in Halifax restaurants here than they are at home. Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant and Murphy’s on the Water, both located on the harbour, are fabulous for fresh seafood. At the Waterfront Warehouse you can even pick your own live lobster from the tank. If you want an authentic down home meal, try a lobster supper hosted by churches and charity groups, usually in the early summer months. Lobster suppers are cheaper than restaurants, offer a great meal and are a great way to meet new people. You will have to ask around though because they aren’t widely advertised. No matter what you decide to do, your trip to Halifax will be one to remember. Summer to mid autumn is generally the most pleasant time to visit Halifax. The city enjoys warm rather than hot summers and rarely experiences heat wave temperatures. The typical summer temperature averages around 23˚C. It can be quite humid but the ocean breezes tend to cool things off nicely. Nights can be quite chilly, especially near the water. Winter months are cold and most tourist attractions close for the winter months. The average daily winter temperature is -9˚C.