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When to visit

Rich maritime history, breathtaking coastline, and fresh seafood - what more could you ask for on holiday? How about live music, festivals, lighthouses, and a rich melting pot of cultures? Halifax has it all.

The best time to fly to the capital of Nova Scotia is between May and October thanks to warm weather - it's the best season to take advantage of the area’s beaches, parks and trails. The autumn is also beautiful, with crisp temperatures and colourful foliage. And of course, winter is ideal for winter sports lovers, with plenty of skiing and snowboarding on offer.

Before you sample the salty Atlantic air of the Canadian Maritimes, how about comparing the weather in Reykjavík? When you book flights to Halifax from the UK with Icelandair you can add a Stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare – what are you waiting for?

Exploring Nova Scotia

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, the province in the easternmost part of Canada. It’s almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is known as ‘Canada’s Ocean Playground’.

Nova Scotia's neighbours include New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Collectively, these three provinces are known as the Maritime provinces, or simply 'the Maritimes'. There’s no end of coastline to explore, sandy beaches, lighthouses to admire, and fresh seafood to sample in the area.

Halifax itself a gateway to some fantastic natural wonders – from the Bay of Fundy (famed for high tides and remarkable fossils) to the beautiful Cape Breton Island – and can be a great base for day trips.

However you decide to spend your time in Nova Scotia, you’ll find delights at every corner.

Halifax attractions

Standing guard over the large, deep natural harbour and downtown skyline, Halifax's remarkable Citadel is a star-shaped 19th-century fortress that's worth investigating. Meanwhile the Halifax Town Clock which was completed in 1803, and has been restored several times since, is another icon of the city.

As a historic port city, Halifax has always been tightly connected to its waterfront, and the boardwalk is a hive of activity. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 honours all the immigrants (over a million) who arrived here to start a new life in Canada.

Another worthwhile stop is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which details seafaring stories connected to the city, including the 1912 Titanic sinking. Ships from Halifax were involved in the rescue efforts and a number of victims of the disaster were buried in the town.

Other favourite places to explore are the pretty Halifax Public Gardens, and the award-winning Central Library, a beautiful piece of modern architecture.

Day trips from Halifax

Everyone's favourite day trip from Halifax is to Peggy’s Cove, a fishing village 28 miles (45km) southwest of the capital.

Peggy’s Cove is one of the most-visited (and photographed) fishing villages in Canada, and it's easy to see why with its iconic red-and-white lighthouse perched on boulders and small coves are full of boats.

Further afield (62 miles or 100km from Halifax) is delightful Lunenburg, a World Heritage site recognised for its preserved seafaring heritage. Established in 1753, wander among its narrow streets and brightly painted wooden buildings to step back in time. Don’t forget to take a scenic boat trip on a storied sailing vessel (schooner).

Another popular option is a day trip to the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia's wine country. Sample a range of wines and be sure to try out the signature appellation wine Tidal Bay.

What to eat

Seafood is everywhere in this maritime city. UK tourists can try fish and chips good enough to rival their own national dish, and you can't really go wrong with any meal featuring local oysters, scallops and lobster.

Great homegrown flavour is found at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, which dates back to 1750, making it one of the oldest in North America. Browse what's local and seasonal, or pick up treats for a picnic if the weather is good.

The official snack of Halifax is the donair, similar to a kebab or gyro, filled with sliced meat (typically beef) with tomato, onions and topped with donair sauce.

This Greek-style sandwich is best eaten late at night after a few drinks, and we recommend checking out a branch of the King of Donair chain if you want to eat like a local.

Leisure Hotspots

Downtown Halifax and the North End host the lion's share of eating options. North End in particular has some great spots, plus on-trend cafes and microbreweries, especially along Agricola Street.

In downtown, the boardwalk is a 2-mile (4km) harbourside adventure area of stores, beer gardens, museums, restaurants, tours, playgrounds, and public art.

A cluster of old warehouses sits towards the northern end of the boardwalk, known as the Historic Properties, and you’ll find some tasty options there.

Also downtown, Argyle Street has come to be known as Halifax’s entertainment epicentre.

Stretching over three blocks, this street is home to live theatre, bistros, pubs, restaurants, and bars, with patios that spill out into the street during the summer months. It’s also a great place to stop and try a pint or two of Halifax’s local craft beer.

Getting around the city

Renting a car is a great way to explore Nova Scotia.

The province is home to more than 8,000 miles (13,000km) of coastline, thousands of lakes, lush valleys, three national parks, six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the world's highest tides, and good whale-watching opportunities.

There are also golf courses, stellar hiking trails, lots of beaches, and quality kayaking and canoeing.

We recommend driving the famous Cabot Trail, voted one of the world's most scenic drives, as it weaves 186 miles (300km) through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Foodies might also like to tap into more local routes, such as the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail, a route with stops at wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. For seafood fans, there's even a Nova Scotia Lobster Trail with spots to eat local dishes.

Beyond Halifax

Renting a car is a great way to explore Nova Scotia.

The province is home to more than 8,000 miles (13,000km) of coastline, thousands of lakes, lush valleys, three national parks, six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the world's highest tides, and good whale-watching opportunities.

There are also golf courses, stellar hiking trails, lots of beaches, and quality kayaking and canoeing.

We recommend driving the famous Cabot Trail, voted one of the world's most scenic drives, as it weaves 186 miles (300km) through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Foodies might also like to tap into more local routes, such as the Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail, a route with stops at wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. For seafood fans, there's even a Nova Scotia Lobster Trail with spots to eat local dishes.