How to Spend One Day in Halifax According to your Interests

We all have differing activities and things we enjoy doing during getaways. It can be difficult to decide how to spend one day in Halifax, as this city has so much to offer! Located on Canada's east coast, the Nova Scotia city boasts a variety of fun filled activities for all. From shopping to exploring the outdoors or taking in historical knowledge, have a look at our suggested itineraries with recommended top attractions for each! ​

HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN HALIFAX ACCORDING TO YOUR INTERESTS

Halifax Interests Itinerary #1: Shop til you Drop

​It's quite common for people traveling from New Brunswick or smaller Nova Scotian communities  forward to Halifax to be looking forward to a little shopping spree. Various other tourists also flock to the different areas of this city in order to purchase what they are seeking.  
Depending  on what type of items you are seeking or what kind of shopping you are doing, you might want to start with Bayers Lake, as you head into the city, followed by Halifax Shopping Center which is the next nearest location.  
Once you're done there, you may opt to check out the shops and boutiques downtown Halifax (especially around the Spring Garden area, where you'll also find Park Lane Mall). Stores worth mentionning in this area include MEC, Lululemon, Sweet Pea Boutique and Lole.  
If you're wanting to walk around the city outdoors, you can opt to go directly to Mic Mac Mall by taking either of the bridges over to the other side. Or skip the mall and take in the final destination that is Dartmouth Crossing, which offers a few outlet stores, and in a few months will be the sight of the new (and only location in the Maritimes) IKEA! 
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Downtown Halifax

​Planning to spend a full weekend in Halifax and looking for a cheap way to do it? Check out this great itinerary on how to spend a budget friendly weekend in Halifax!
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Halifax Interests Itinerary #2: Enjoying Nature in the City

​Start off your day with a walk at Point Pleasant Park, a 185 acres park that is located by the water, filled with great trails, dogs off leash areas and various historical artifacts. Following that walk, head over to the Halifax Commons where you can opt to go skating on the oval (free skate rentals with government ID), play tennis, take advantage of the skate park or walk around taking in the city life. Next, head down Summer Street towards Spring Garden Road and stop at the Public Gardens to have a leisurely stroll or enjoy a coffee at the coffee shop while people watching. From there, head up Sackville Street and up the hill to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site where you can explore the fort that once stood on top of Halifax as means to protect the city. Finish off the day by taking a stroll on the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, where you can opt to enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many delicious restaurants and bars, or hop on the ferry to Dartmouth for a cheap short 'cruise' to the other side of the Harbor and back! 

Public Gardens

Halifax Interests Itinerary #3: History Buffs 

Halifax is a historical city filled with amazing artifacts and scenery. Start off your day by going for a casual stroll in Point Pleasant Park where you can take in various historical remnants. Once you’re done this walk, head down to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where you will be able to dwelve into the area’s heritage through the collection of elements from its marine history. This museum will provide you with information about the people and events that influenced the area’s experience with the sea. Once you’ve taken  this in, make sure to grab a bite to eat in the many downtown restaurants nearby before walking up the hill to the Halifax Citadel National Historical Site. This renowned attraction is one of Halifax’s most beloved site with bagpipes completing the experience! 
Still have some free time left? Consider heading down to York Redoubt, another great fort, or if you have many hours, try booking a ferry to and from McNabb’s Island where you can explore the island and it’s various forts while walking around in nature! ​
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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

​Limited budget and need activity ideas? Have a look at these 16 free things to do in Halifax!

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Halifax Interests Itinerary #4: Foodies and Drink Enthusiasts

​Consider doing a few brewery or distillery tours, perhaps stopping at a local restaurant where you can enjoy some seafood inspired appis along the way. Some popular options for tours include Alexander Keith’s Brewery, Halifax Distillery Company and Oland’s Brewery. Evidently this option is ideal if you have a Designated Driver, but if that is not the case, you might opt to walk around the downtown area and stop in at different restaurants to try some seafood specials. Make sure to try some oysters, lobster and mussels – these aren’t cheap options, but certainly well worth it! And if you’re looking for a more complete meal, we’d recommend you consider heading over to Dartmouth for some fish’n chips at John’s Lunch! 
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Inside Alexander Keith's Brewery

​Traveling and exploring cities is great, but make sure to follow these 7 ways to stay healthy while traveling!
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​There are many other things to do in Halifax according to your interests, of course, but these highlight the most common sights and experiences offered in the city that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

J&C

What do you enjoy doing the most while on getaways or vacation?
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