Although it’s the largest city in all of Atlantic Canada, Halifax is best described as a big city with a small-town feel. Throughout downtown Halifax you’ll find restaurants, art galleries, museums, historic buildings and beautiful gardens, as well as an impressive variety of entertainment and nightlife.

But for all of its urban charm, Halifax is naturally beautiful, too. On the outskirts of the city you’ll discover sandy beaches, hiking trails, and scenic parks.

Located on the shores of the world’s second largest natural harbour, Halifax was settled in 1749 by the British government. Since then, Halifax has evolved into a modern city that is home to a diverse mix of cultures and people.

Halifax’s reputation as a university town comes honestly, thanks to being the home of some of Canada’s top universities, including Dalhousie, St. Mary’s, University of King’s College, and Mount St. Vincent. From September to May, the city overflows with university students, infusing historic Halifax with a youthful vibe and energy.

With a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, Halifax always seems to have some kind of celebration of art, music, culture, food, sports, theatre or literature going on. The Halifax International Busker Festival, Shakespeare by the Sea, Atlantic Film Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Atlantic Jazz Festival, and Scottish Highland Games are just a few of the city’s annual events.

Did I mention that Halifax is also widely believed to be birthplace of ice hockey? My hockey-loving friends think it’s important that I mention that.

After much debate and discussion with fellow Haligonians (yep, that’s what Halifax residents are called), here are my top five things to see and do when visiting Halifax.

Of course, even if you manage to fit in all of the places listed below into your Halifax visit, there is still so much more to discover in the city. Consider this a starting point for the perfect Halifax vacation. But be warned—after experiencing Halifax’s well-known Maritime hospitality, you may never want to leave:

Explore the Halifax Waterfront

Okay, picking the waterfront as one of the top five places in Halifax might feel a little like cheating. It does encompass 10 or so places into one big place, after all. But it also feels like the perfect choice. Halifax is a port city, so everything and everyone here is drawn to the ocean. Many locals consider this downtown area to be the heart of the city.

Spanning four kilometers, Halifax’s Harbourwalk is the world’s longest downtown boardwalk—so walking this stretch is a must. Lined along the water are many of Halifax’s top restaurants, shops, historic buildings, museums, and tourist attractions.

Stroll Through the Public Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens is a century-old formal garden in the heart of the city. Covering 17 acres, Canada’s oldest public garden first opened in 1867 and still maintains its original character today. The gates to this Victorian-style garden are open to the public from May to November, from dawn until dusk.

Winding gravel paths lead past ponds, beautiful gardens, fountains, statues, huge trees, sprawling green lawns, and a variety of bird life. On many Sunday afternoons, free public concerts take place in a bandstand in the centre of the park.

When I asked friends and family for their favourite things to do and see in Halifax, the Public Gardens came up time and time again. It was also voted “Halifax’s Best Public Space” by local newspapers. It’s that nice.

Climb Citadel Hill

More formally known as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada, the star-shaped Citadel Hill sits high on a hill smack in the middle of Halifax’s downtown core.

The Citadel is an 18th century fortress with the best view of downtown Halifax and the harbour. From May until the end of October, guided tours by costumed actors take you back to 1869, when Halifax was the principle naval station in the British Empire.

You’ll see lots of people in kilts playing bagpipes, and experience the firing of the noon gun, a daily ritual since 1749. Yes, an actual cannon is fired at 12:00 noon every single day in Halifax—that alone is worth the uphill journey.

Adults pay $11.70 to visit the Citadel during peak season, while seniors pay $10.70 and children pay $5.80.

Drink Up at the Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Close to Halifax’s waterfront lies the famous Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery, which dates back to 1820.

Take a guided tour at the historic brewery and museum for $15.95 (seniors and students pay $13.95, children $7.95). Actors in period costumes will take you on a theatrical and interactive tour back in time to learn about the famous beer, the historic working brewery, and life in Halifax in 1863.

Did you know Alexander Keith was once the mayor of Halifax? No wonder his iconic India Pale Ale is so popular around these parts. After the tour, visit the Stag’s Head Tavern, a recreated Victorian taproom for maritime music, games, and samples of Alexander Keith’s finest ales. You may discover the Keith’s slogan is “those who like it, like it a lot” for yourself.

Visitors might also be lucky enough to see the ghost of Alexander Keith himself, as the brewery is said to be haunted. Employees say that his ghost has been seen and heard throughout the building, making sure all is well with his brewery.

(Photo: Loimere)

Take a Daytrip to Peggy’s Cove

Although Peggy's Cove is technically located outside of Halifax proper, I couldn’t leave this place off this list, as it's one of Nova Scotia's most popular sights. When you see a postcard from Nova Scotia, it usually has a little fishing boat moored at an old wood pier, with seagulls and a quaint little village in the background. Chances are this picture was taken at Peggy’s Cove.

A rural fishing village in St. Margaret’s Bay, just 30 minutes from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is famous for its iconic lighthouse, which is located on top of giant granite rocks that have been washed smooth by the pounding waves. The lighthouse is still operated by the Canadian Coast Guard and is one of the most photographed structures in Canada. The village itself still manages to retain its rustic quality and relaxed atmosphere despite its popularity. Here you’ll find souvenir stores, galleries, and restaurants (one word: lobster).

Peggy’s Cove is an ideal place for a family trip, but please pay attention to the signs if you decide to explore the granite outcrop around the shore. The unpredictable waves that crash onto the rocks are powerful and dangerous.