Best Outdoor Activities in Halifax

"Explore the forested trails and military monuments at Point Pleasant Park, located at the south end of Halifax. There, you can see old artillery batteries such as the Prince of Wales Tower, the oldest tower in North America. The park’s roots can be traced back as early as the 17th century, and the city of Halifax actually rents the site from the British Government for 1 shilling a year."

"My dog walker Tony takes me here most weekdays with his pack of dogs, and my uncle Andrew usually takes me on Wednesdays and or Fridays."

"It is a 75-hectare wooded park that has 39kms of walking paths. There is also a beach for swimming and an off-leash dog walking area."

"Lawrencetown, Eastern Shore | ~40 mins drive from Downtown Halifax. Lawrencetown is one of the most well-known beaches in Nova Scotia, primarily gaining popularity for its world-class surfing conditions. Lawrencetown is a quintessential Nova Scotia beach, featuring sand, rocks, cliffs, beach grass, big surf and surrounded by wildlife."

"Lawrencetown beach is located 25 minutes away from Halifax by road. It is a popular beach for the local and international surfing community. The beach stretches out for 1.5 km and has beautiful views of the ocean."

"From the Armdale Rotary in Halifax take the Purcells Cove Road. Turn left at the lights on the hill onto Purcells Cove Road. 1.4 km later, turn left onto Dingle Road and then left again."

"A paved walkway along the water, lots of trees and shade, a stone tower, and lots of benches make this spot a wonderful option near the Armdale Rotary."

"Located in Eastern Passage, this is a good circular hike along a boardwalk. You can step off the boardwalk in several places and walk out onto the rocks or beach. The beach is right beside the shops and pier of Eastern Passage, so make sure to stop for a quick bite to eat (the lobster sandwich is great!) or shop for some local souvenirs."

"This beach in Eastern Passage, and located adjacent to the ever popular Fisherman’s Cove. There is a great boardwalk system, and offers views of McNabs Island, Devil’s Island, Eastern Passage, and more."

"Even though the Hatfield Farm is located within HRM, it feels like the city is far away. The Hatfield Farm offers wagon and sleigh rides, pony rides, petting zoo, and much more. So, take the kids and become a cowboy for the day at Hatfield Farm."

"In Porters Lake, Crowbar Lake Hiking Trail system offers an 18 kilometre footpath that follows a small lake. The trail system breaks down into four smaller trails, each offering different views of the scenery surrounding Porters Lake. Each section of the trail allows hikers to return to the beginning of the rail easily, so hikers can customize their walk."

"Visit the Museum of Natural History with the kids and tour the many Galleries such as Archeology, Aquatic life, Geology, mammals and more. The Museum has lots of interesting things to see, especially the forest exhibit with Gus the Tortoise, who is 94 years old. There is a small gift shop and an area in the basement level to relax and eat any snacks you might take with you."

"Halifax’s Museum of Natural History is an institution that depicts the regional geological past and present, through a variety of static and interactive exhibits. Along with rotating exhibitions that feature huge dinosaurs, this museum has galleries that display archaeology, geology, mammals, birds, marine life, ethnology and botany."

"The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History has been open, in one form or another, since 1868. Known for its collection of animal specimens, both living and preserved, it’s a great and inexpensive indoor rainy day activity in Halifax."

"Set in the center of the city is the star-shaped Halifax Citadel which looms over downtown from atop of its prominent hilltop. Such is its strategic position that four forts have been built in the same spot since 1749 with the current citadel having been completed in 1856. Besides wandering around the grounds and fortifications of the National Historic Site, visitors can also stop by its on-site Army Museum."

"One of the not-to-miss things to do in Halifax is to make your way up to the Halifax Citadel. The Halifax Citadel was a fortification that stood guard over the city. This national historic site will take you back in time from its origin in 1856 through World War II and today."

"One really cool food tour we did in Halifax was the Wines on the Water tour aboard Tall Ship Silva. We got to cruise along Halifax Harbour and up the Northwest Arm while enjoying a charcuterie board, grilled lobster tail and scallops, and various white and red wines from Nova Scotia. It was a really fun evening out accompanied by live music and it all ended with a dance party as we pulled back to port."

"As if crisp, tasty cider, and fabulous food coming out the incredibly tiny Unchained Kitchen space weren’t enough, Chain Yard also hosts BYOBB - bring your own baby/kids/family to the bar - events. A section of the taproom is made into a movie theatre during the BYOBB events, with a projection screen, and children can sit in the theatre, or at the table with their parents wearing wireless headphones. With colouring sheets, a kid-friendly menu, and prizes handed out, BYOBB is a no-brainer for parents."