Mesmerizing Scenic Views to Experience in Halifax, Nova Scotia

What makes Halifax a favorite for those wanting a change of scenery? Check out the following sightseeing spots and see for yourself.

Located far away in Northern Canada, Halifax does a great job of combining urban appeal with fantastic scenery.

Whether it’s overlooking the ocean, the islands, or the lush parkland surrounding the city, many scenic viewpoints in Halifax are just impossible to beat.

Check out those that you won’t want to miss.

1. The View from Citadel Hill

If you want to experience one of the best views in Halifax, head to the top of Citadel Hill. It’s one of Canada’s most visited historic sites. It also happens to offer a breathtaking view of the city and its impressive harbor. 

You won’t even have to go out of your way to get there. Citadel Hill is in downtown Halifax, easily accessible by any means of transportation, including walking.

2. Relaxing in the Halifax Public Gardens

Want another scenic view without having to leave the city grounds? Halifax Public Gardens is one of the best sights to see in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Located in the heart of a bustling city, this relaxing oasis offers picturesque views. While the gardens opened in 1867, it remains a Victorian-style garden to this day. It’s one of the oldest of its kind in all of North America.

The perfectly manicured lawns and gardens create fantastic backdrops for photo sessions. Many appreciate the variety of flowers that cover a wide range of climates, as well as the towering trees. The gardens even have desert cactus, which is impressive given the regional climate.

3. A Trip to McNabs Island

One of the top Halifax tourist attractions, McNabs Island is also the largest island in the harbor. Peter McNab, the island’s namesake, settled here in 1780 but people abandoned the island by the time World War II ended.

A boat trip to the island takes around 25 minutes. On the island, you can check out military forts and an old soda factory. 

But the biggest reason why you need to go here is that McNabs Island provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Halifax and its surroundings due to its location and hilltop elevation.

You can truly take in most of what the region has to offer and take unforgettable photos, whether true your camera or phone or just save a mental image of it.

4. The Coastal Ecosystems of Point Pleasant Park

Exploring Point Pleasant Park gives you some of the best views in Halifax if you don’t mind the locals and their dogs, hikers, or people having picnics.

The park spans 190 acres, so there’s plenty of room to find some solitude and take in the scenery. Unobstructed views of the ocean and a location that’s away from the noise of the city make for a perfect afternoon in this park.

5. Halifax’s Most Famous Lighthouse

When you do visit Halifax, stop by the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. It was built in 1915 on Peggy’s Cove and it still watches over the fishing village located on Halifax’s southern shore.

Massive granite rocks surround the old lighthouse and these create a fascinating formation. The view of the ocean from the top of Peggy’s Cove is also awe-inspiring and worth the trip.

But, be sure to bring a jacket as it can get windy and chilly, even during the summer.

6. The Overlook at Ferguson’s Cove

Once you finish your trip to Peggy’s Cove, head to the York Redoubt. It’s in the same region and is considered a National Historic Site of Canada. York Redoubt is near Purcell’s Cove Road and is a high overlook that offers a great view over both McNabs Island and Halifax Harbour.

Take a guided tour or explore the area yourself. 

The journey to the overlook is also a good workout and a great experience to share with a furry companion. You can also sit there and watch all the sailboats and ships coming in and out of the harbor.

7. Stretch Your Legs on Martinique Beach

Located on the eastern shore region, Martinique Beach offers some of the best sights in Halifax. It’s the province’s longest beach, which makes it ideal for long walks and other outdoor activities.

The gorgeous seaside backdrop looks terrific on a sunny day and it’s perfect on a clear night, too. 

Note that the area is also a protected wildlife sanctuary. That means it’s undisturbed, so you can see natural beauty at its finest all around you.

8. The Quiet Wright’s Cove

If you’re looking for hidden gems, Wright’s Cove is one of them. It’s among the quietest places to go in Halifax when you’ve had enough of the bustle of the Industrial Park.

Wright’s Cove sits on the Bedford Basin and offers some of the most scenic views in the region. The seaside oasis overlooks the ocean, part of the harbor, and provides glimpses of the Halifax parkland.

It also connects to a hiking and cycling trail system, which means it’s easy to continue exploring the area from there.

9. The Popular Halifax Waterfront

There’s a good reason why it’s one of the busiest places in Halifax – the waterfront offers some of the best views in Halifax, hands down. 

You can easily see the ocean and all the neighboring islands. But on a clear night with no fog, you can see for miles ahead as shops, bars, and homes light up in the distance.

Of course, there’s another reason why people choose sightseeing on the waterfront. It’s a huge hub for entertainment, food, and drinks, and interacting with the locals after all.

If you don’t mind stargazing or sightseeing in a crowd, the Halifax Waterfront is an excellent spot to visit.

Stay for the Views, And Everything Else

It’s hard to find a reason to want to leave Halifax. The city has rare attractions, including singularly spectacular views, that are unmatched anywhere else.

While the weather may not be the most inviting throughout the year, catching a clear sunny day means it’s time for some exploration. Check out the overlooks, waterfront, islands, and many viewpoints around the city.

Each location can provide a nearly endless supply of postcard-worthy photos and memories.