How to Spend a Budget-Friendly Weekend in Halifax

Planning to travel to Halifax for a weekend and wondering what to do? Here's a perfect itinerary on how to spend a budget-friendly weekend in Halifax! Come discover this wonderful city with the help of this fun filled itinerary. Follow it as much or as little as you prefer, just make sure to have a great time discovering this beautiful city during your vacation getaway! ​​

HOW TO SPEND A BUDGET-FRIENDLY WEEKEND IN HALIFAX

​Friday night on a budget: Brewery or distillery tours 

The activities you will choose to do tonight will be depending on what time you get into the city.  Settle into your accommodations for the weekend and if you have the energy, head out to enjoy a few great local spots for food and drinks. If you're in the city sufficiently early you might opt to try out a brewery or distillery tour! Afterwards, if the night is still young, head downtown and enjoy some live music or dance the night away! ​
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Alexander Keith's Brewery

Cheap Saturday: Downtown Halifax (Farmer's Market, ferry to Dartmouth, Halifax Central Library and Public Gardens) 

Waking up early to enjoy the day, head out to the Halifax Farmer’s Market to enjoy a delicious variety of cuisines for breakfast. Make sure to check out the rooftop view if it’s open! 

Following this, enjoy a walk down the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, and consider taking a short (and cheap) cruise to Dartmouth and back on the Halifax Ferry! This will give you a great opportunity to take in the views of the city from the other side of the Harbor. 

Once back downtown Halifax, take in the downtown core atmosphere while making your way to Spring Garden Road for your next sight: the Central Halifax Library. Located near the intersection of Brunswick St and Spring Garden Rd, this impressive newly built building has seen significant increase in visits from curious passersby’s. Should you choose to go in, make sure to walk around, taking in the great architectural design and make it to the 5th  floor coffee shop’s patio for a nice view of that part of the city. 
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Too warm out to stay in the city? Check out these 6 must see beaches in Nova Scotia!
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Once you’re done here, consider checking out the boutiques in the area, such as the ones on Dresden Row, for great selection of trendy items. If you’d rather skip the shopping, walk a few minutes further down Spring Garden Road to the Public Gardens. Here you can take in the multitude of flowers and impressive variety of plants while walking on the trails. 

Before continuing, make sure to enjoy lunch at one of the delicious restaurants in the Spring Garden area if you’re hungry! ​
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Public Gardens

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site 
Once you’re good to go, head up the hill to the Citadel Historic Site. This is an impressive historical site, as the fort played a vital role of protection for the city. There is typically an admission fee, but as part of the celebrations for Canada’s 150th, the admission is free for all of 2017! Finally, If you’re around the hill at 12pm, make sure to check out as they fire the daily cannon shot! ​
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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

​Is Mother Nature not cooperating with your plans? Have a look at these 16 awesome things to do in Halifax when it's raining!
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For the evening we suggest two options:  Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse or Point Pleasant Park 

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse requires a vehicle but is well worth it. If you can establish transportation, get off your feet after much walking and make the drive down to this renowned destination. Once arrived at this picturesque destination, we recommend parking your vehicle at the Visitor’s Centre to avoid having to drive through crowds of tourists. You will be rewarded with a gorgeous walk filled with picture perfect opportunities (snap away, fish boats and boating houses await!).

​Take your time visiting the area, and the lighthouse, and you might catch the sunset as it set over the ocean behind this beautiful lighthouse, or make it a quick visit to get back in the city before sunset. Regardless your chosen approach, ensure that you are safely taking in the rugged coastline by staying away from the dangerous areas on the rocks as per signage. The ocean’s strength can be misleading and one can quickly find themselves in danger if not careful! 
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Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Point Pleasant Park, on the other hand, is located within bus route of Halifax’s downtown core. Go for a stroll, taking in the breathtaking views and learning about history through the various monuments located throughout the trails. ​
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Walking trail at Point Pleasant Park.

Frugal Saturday Night  
Still have some energy left from the busy day? Consider testing your luck at Cosmic BINGO which occurs weekly on Saturday evenings at the Halifax Forum, or test you wall climbing skills at Seven Bouldering!  ​Other options include Cosmic Bowling, heading to the Board Room Game Cafe for board game fun or simply staying in and resting from the big day!

​Need more inspirations for activities on a budget in Halifax? Check out this list of 16 free activities in Halifax!!  
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Budget-Friendly Sunday: Halifax Commons 
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Following breakfast, start your morning with some physical activity by heading to the Halifax Commons. If you have your own equipment with you, enjoy a game of tennis in the tennis courts, play other games in the vast field, take advantage of the skate park or the public pool. Equipment didn't make the trip? Don't fret, just head over to the Oval (also on the Commons) where you can borrow roller skates simply by providing a government issued ID and enjoy striding away the morning!   ​

Emera Oval

Want more?

If you're around for the afternoon and have some money left in the budget, decide if you'd rather visit a museum (such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic), the Discovery Center (which is especially great for kids) or test your surfing skills at Lawrencetown Beach (transportation required, but well worth it). No money left? Head out to York Redoubt (transportation required) or take in on any of the activities which you may have missed from earlier in the weekend!
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York Redoubt

Keep in mind that this is your weekend road trip; make the necessary modifications to this itinerary in order for your weekend in Halifax to best suits your interests! Just make sure to include many free and low cost activities to ensure you spend a budget-friendly weekend in Halifax!

J&C