11 Free Things To Do during Winter in Halifax

Traveling during winter season can get pretty expensive (unless you utilize some tips and tricks to score cheap flights from Eastern Canada). It does however get costly as most tourist attractions that are open during the winter have admission fees that are sure to hurt your getaway budget. It is however the perfect time of the year to take in the glistening snow and explore less frequented tourist attractions! Just make sure to be extra cautious with slippery (often ice covered) streets and sidewalks, and dress warmly as it gets very cold in Halifax, especially on the waterfront with the cold wind coming from the water! Here are 11 free things to do in Halifax during the winter months, that are sure to bring you and your budget happy joyful times and warmth.

GUIDE TO HALIFAX:
​11 FREE THINGS TO DO DURING WINTER IN HALIFAX

1. Take a stroll at the Public Gardens

Starting winter 2017/2018, the Public Gardens are now open during the winter months! This is the ideal escape from the bustling city street, exchanging them for a lovely snowy stroll. Take in the sight of the sparkling snowflakes freely falling onto the various trees inside the gardens and enjoy this great getaway from the noise of the city. The Public Gardens are free, easily accessible through it’s different entrances, and is located downtown, on Spring Garden Road.

2. Go skating for free at the Emera Oval

Fresh air, wonderful background music and the possibility of sparkling snowflakes on ice all await you at this great free exercise opportunity! Located on the Halifax North Common, this large outdoor refrigerated ice skating surface offers people of all ages a chance to enjoy the outdoors (weather permitting, of course). Exchange your government ID for free rentals of hockey, figure or speed skates, helmets, sledges or even snowshoes! All children 12 and under are required to wear a helmet, and you are also allowed to bring your own equipment if you have some. Make sure to check out their schedule before heading over!
Parking is available on nearby streets and the building offers a warming room along with indoor bathrooms, and there are food vendors on site that open at certain times. However, keep in mind that there are no lockers, so people typically end up leaving their shoes and other belongings under the benches.

3. Go sledding down Citadel Hill

In the spirits of an all time winter favorite, grab a sled from home (or get one at the dollar store) and head out to the hill from a fun free thrill! Citadel Hill (on the side towards the High School) is a popular spot to enjoy some laughter filled times (just be careful not to hit into the parked cars at the bottom of the hill or to end up on the street with traffic!), but there are many other hills in the area!

Heading to Halifax? Make sure to check out this helpful budget-friendly guide to Halifax!

4. Go for a walk at Point Pleasant Park or on the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

You can head to the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk or the general downtown area and take in the magic of the fresh snow in this historical area. Otherwise, you could also walking on trails inside parks such as Point Pleasant Park or Shubbie Park. Those trails are well used during winter time by people walking their dogs (taking advantage of dogs off leash areas), snowshoeing and skiing.

5. Visit an art gallery for free

Some of the universities in the area, including Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University, feature various exhibits from amazing local artists, and many of these exhibits are free to the public.

6. Take in the Halifax Seaport Market

There are a few markets in the area, of which the Halifax Seaport Market is the biggest and best attended. This market makes for a great place to warm up while walking around, enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of local produce and merchandise.

7. Meditate at the Shambhala Centre

This centre offers free meditation sessions to the public, and given the multitude of proven health benefits of meditation, it would be a shame to miss out on this awesome free activity! Check out their website for up to date schedule information.

8. Visit the Nova Scotia Spots Hall of Fame

Hidden inside the Scotiabank Centre (downtown Halifax), this free attraction is sure to appeal the sports enthusiasts as well as those interested in learning about the province’s athletes. Come on in, warm up and learn something new!

Unsure what to do in Halifax during your vacation? Have a look at our guide on
​how to spend a day in Halifax based on your interests.

9. Take a free tour of Nova Scotia Province House

This is a great option is you wish to gain some knowledge about the province’s political history while warming up inside.

10. Attend a free event

From the public libraries to Lion and Bright Cafe and The Good Robot, there are an endless erray of free events available in the city to meet various interests. Have a quick search, pick something that peaks your curiosity and go deepen your knowledge on a passionate subject, or explore a new-to-you interest.

11. Participate in free Holiday events

If you happen to be looking for ideas prior to the Holidays, check out some of the Christmas Markets as some of them offer free admissions (such as the one at Historic Properties), and for New Year’s Eve and Day consider attending one of the many free events held around the city.

Wanting to visit typical summer-time Halifax attractions? Have a look at these 
6 must see beaches in Nova Scotia!

Whichever free adventure you choose to partake in, ensure that you check the weather before heading out, dress accordingly, and heed the warnings of parking bans (or risk receiving expensive parking tickets, and getting snowed in on the streets by the plow)! Regardless of these conditions, these great indoor and outdoor free activities for the winter time in Halifax are sure to interest both tourists and locals alike, so grab your winter jacket and mittens, and venture off your couch into some new free adventures! 

Recommended Readings:
-https://www.thedimetravelers.com/blogs/perfect-campgrounds-for-every-camper-around-the-halifax-area
-https://www.thedimetravelers.com/blogs/how-to-spend-a-budget-friendly-weekend-in-halifax