Seven Reasons to Visit Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s busiest city is a hidden gem of a North American vacation destination.
Don’t let the regular windy weather discourage you from booking a trip. Visiting Halifax can be one of the most relaxing and educational vacation experiences you’ll have so far. It offers you a chance to meet amazing people and try new things.
It’s a city unlike any other in Nova Scotia – one that combines everything a big city lover wants to see with the eclectic touch of a small town near the edge of the world.
Here are the seven top incentives to make you visit Halifax at least once in your life.
1. Great Atmosphere and People
Did you know that one of the best reasons to visit Halifax is the locals? The people there are among the friendliest you can find.
Although it’s not a small city, Halifax retains a small-town vibe. Visitors get fair treatment and guidance and can always get involved in local customs or festivals.
It offers the perfect blend of a bustling hub with a vibrant nightlife and a small town where everyone knows everyone else.
2. The Culinary Scene
When most people think of Halifax, Nova Scotia, they think about seafood. And yes, it’s one of the main reasons to visit Halifax. The city has a fantastic culinary scene, even if it’s slightly heavy on seafood.
But it’s not just the recipes that appeal to tourists. It’s also the prices.
Halifax gets a steady supply of fresh mussels, shrimps, lobsters, and other sea delicacies. As such, they’re much cheaper in the menus, as opposed to more inland cities with vibrant culinary scenes.
3. A Terrific Drinking Culture
People there are friendly, so it’s great if you can mingle and grab a drink with the locals. But the culture itself draws masses of tourists.
One of the best things to do in Halifax is to spend the night out in a bar or nightclub.
Why?
It’s because that’s where you’ll find almost everyone. Halifax has more bars per capita than any other Canadian city. You can also find an overwhelming selection of drinks, from craft beers to fancy cocktails, from any of those bars.
And speaking of craft beer, Halifax experienced a surge in craft breweries. That’s why you’ll hardly run out of fantastic craft beers to try during your trip.
4. The History
You may not know this but Halifax is one of the oldest cities in the country. Naturally, it’s rich in history and has many stories to share.
It also has some interesting museums as a result. For example, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic can give you insight into the city’s early beginnings and the tragedy of the Halifax Explosion. It even has a section dedicated to the Titanic, among other exhibits.
The Citadel Hill is a fortress/military museum right in the middle of the city. But beware of the daily cannon fire that has locals, tourists, and animals shaking in their boots.
You can also take your kids for a more interactive experience at the Discovery Center.
There’s even a museum dedicated to the history of immigration. The building is on Pier 21 and used to operate as an immigration point until the 1950s. Interestingly enough, most workers today tend to be immigrants, too.
If you want an educational trip, Halifax has plenty to offer in this regard.
5. Gorgeous Scenery
Halifax sits in a picturesque location. But it’s not all about what surrounds the city. Even taking a stroll through the city’s many parks is reason enough to visit.
The attention to detail and dedication to landscaping makes the city’s parks some of its most beautiful features.
If you take a trip to the Public Gardens, you’ll see a masterful example of gardening and landscaping. Meanwhile, Point Pleasant Park is a great alternative if you want a more rugged nature experience.
The city allows you to do everything from sightseeing, biking, and hiking to having a picnic with a backdrop where mountains meet the ocean.
6. Best Shopping Spots
When people plan trips to Nova Scotia, they don’t think much about retail shopping options. They know it’s just not that kind of province and options are usually limited.
That’s until you get to Halifax.
If you love a bit of retail therapy and want to combine it with your passion for nature and seafood, know that shopping is one of the top reasons to visit Halifax.
One of the best places to visit in Halifax is the Shopping Center. MicMac Mall is another good choice for brand-name shopping.
Meanwhile, Vintage Row offers a variety of vintage stores with tons of trinkets, clothes, jewelry, and anything else you can think of. Explore the local boutiques for your mementos and other cool things you may find.
7. Superb Accommodations
The variety of hotels, motels, and other accommodations is another one of the reasons to visit Halifax. Bargain hunters should have no problem finding affordable places to stay during their trip. But the city also offers a string of luxury sleeping arrangements.
In the past, Halifax even hosted the Queen of England, not once but twice. If the city’s good enough for royalty, it should be good enough for the rest of us.
Bonus Reason
Should all go well, Halifax may host a big sporting event in 2021. 2020 was supposed to be the year the city held the IIHF Women’s World Ice Hockey Tournament.
Although it’s unclear if the event would get postponed yet again, one thing is for sure: the next world tournament will be in Halifax at some point in the near future.
There Are Plenty of Things to See in Halifax
It may not be at the top of everyone’s list when looking for a vacation destination. However, Halifax is more than meets the eye. And underneath its surface, it’s one of the busiest cities in Nova Scotia.
The atmosphere, culture, and fantastic offering add to the idyllic scenery, making it a ‘can’t miss’ destination. From sightseeing to dining on affordable and fresh seafood, there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
