10 Best Things To Do Alone In Halifax, Canada - Updated 2024

things to do alone in halifax
Gertrude
Gertrude 
Updated
| 6 min read

Halifax, the provisional capital of Nova Scotia, is famous for its maritime history. Halifax has managed to attract visitors from all over the world thanks to its several tourist spots including the Citadel, a star-shaped fort built in the 1850s, and the Waterfront Warehouse which recalls the days Halifax used to be a major trading hub for privateers. It also helps that there are vacation rentals and hotels with an in-room balcony in Halifax that offer amazing stays. Other than its attractions and accommodation options, visitors also flock to Halifax to experience their culture and the good weather. There are just so many things you can do in Halifax, whether you’re touring with friends or family or even if you’re travelling solo. In case you get bored during your visit, check out the best things to do alone in Halifax, Canada

1. Visit the bustling Halifax Farmers’ Market

Posted by Halifax Seaport Farmers Market on Friday, 2 August 2019

If you are a foodie, Halifax has got you covered. Instead of getting bored at home, head out to Halifax Farmers’ Market and explore all that the 250 vendors have to offer. Established in 1950, Halifax Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in North America. The market has been hosted in several different places in the city but moved to the Halifax Seaport in 2010 and switched its name to the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. The best thing you will love about this market is that most of its products are handmade and local. When you are satisfied with your shopping you can hang around and get to know the local food producers and artisans, or just sit and chat as you enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.

Halifax Farmers’ Market

Address: 1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4P8, Canada

Website: Halifax Farmers’ Market

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 7am - 3pm; Sun: 9am - 3pm

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2. Stroll along Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Halifax boardwalk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SimonP used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you travel the world, you will never find a waterfront like the Halifax Waterfront. You will fall in love with everything you see around including Stubborn Goat Beer Garden, a hub of snack shacks, and a row of hammocks to enjoy lounging on. Apart from sightseeing, the 4 km ( 2.4 miles) Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk stroll will give you the opportunity of discovering various local attractions, activities, food, vendors, and music. Some of the must-see sights you should watch out for include the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, Waterfront Patios, the “Drunken Lampposts”, the floating boardwalk, and the murals which are located next to the Marriott Harbourfront

Halifax Waterfront

Address: Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3H 4P8, Canada

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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3. Check out the Titanic artefacts at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Posted by Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Saturday, 3 November 2018

If you think you have fully explored this historic city of Halifax, you might be wrong. Have you discovered the Titanic artefacts at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic yet? If not, you can head to this fascinating museum where you can view up to 20,000 artefacts that tells the story of Titanic’s creation and demise while also drawing out the role that Halifax played in the disaster. During your visit here you will get to learn more about the life aboard the Titanic from the passengers travelling in the first-class style to the immigrants in third class, to the crew stoking the boilers.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Address: 1675 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S3, Canada

Website: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

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4. Enjoy the views from Citadel Hill

Posted by Halifax Citadel on Friday, 2 November 2018

Attracting visitors from all over the world, Citadel Hill is that one place you have to visit each time you come to Halifax. Citadel Hill is a strategic hilltop location that has a commanding view of the Halifax harbour. While exploring the place, you will fall in love with the Citadel’s star-shaped architecture which is equally as impressive from the inside and out. A tour to Citadel hill will give you the opportunity of discovering the history of both the fort and the soldiers stationed at the Citadel. Make sure you pay a visit to the Halifax Citadel Army Museum where you will learn a lot about the Canadian military history from the First World War to modern-day conflicts.

Citadel Hill

Address: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3, Canada

Website: Citadel Hill

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

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5. Ride on Harbour Hopper

We can't wait to be back out Hopping the Harbour with YOU on board! Until then, we'll continue our hibernation like many of our amphibious friends!

Posted by Harbour Hopper on Wednesday, 2 January 2019

Are you looking forward to exploring Halifax in a unique and fun way? Book your space at Harbour Hopper and explore the city by sea or land. Harbour Hopper is a renovated amphibious vehicle that was used during the Vietnam War era. With the help of your knowledgeable guide, you will be able to spot some of the city’s attractions including St. Paul’s Church, Citadel Hill, and Halifax Public Gardens. During your tour, you will also get to enjoy waterfront views of navy submarines and ships as your guide entertains you with interesting tales of the naval history. The whole experience usually takes around one hour.

Harbour Hopper

Address: 5050 Salter St, Halifax, NS B3J 1T3, Canada

Website: Harbour Hopper

Opening hours: 10:15am - 8pm (daily)

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6. Tour Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Posted by Canadian Museum of Immigration / Musée canadien de l'immigration on Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Halifax has something for everyone. If you are a history buff, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is the place you should be. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 tells the story of immigrants from both the past and present. Here you will get to experience the moving journeys that many immigrants underwent so as to start a new life in Canada. Some of the things that will capture your attention while you are discovering the 400 years of immigration history include a recreation of an ocean vessel’s cabin and dining room and cabin, and a scaled recreation of a Colonist Train Car.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Address: 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7, Canada

Website: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

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7. Take a leisurely stroll around Halifax Public Gardens

Posted by Halifax Public Gardens on Sunday, 18 August 2019

Are you tired from exploring Halifax, head to the Halifax Public Gardens and catch your breath as you plan where you shall visit next. Located at the heart of Halifax, the Halifax Public Gardens is the best example of a Victorian Garden located in North America. The garden is located on 17 acres (7 ha) of land which is enclosed by a wrought iron fence with a set of ornamental gates. The garden features several floral displays including both exotic and semi-tropical ornamental species, monuments, fountains, and wrought iron gates.

Halifax Public Gardens

Address: Halifax, NS, Canada

Website: Halifax Public Gardens

Opening hours: 7am - 7:30pm (daily)

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8. Explore the beaches at Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

2016 Crystal Crescent Beach 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ben MacLeod used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you just want to relax and enjoy a beautiful environment, then get ready to be blown away with Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park. Located in Sambro Creek, the park features three white-sand crescent beaches, boardwalks that connect the first two beaches and two vault-toilet facilities. The park also features a 10km (6 miles) trail that is perfect for hiking, biking, or exploring the area’s wildlife including bird watching. For those who are planning to visit this remote area, please note that a good deal of preparation is required. Proper hiking shoes, navigation aid, water, and a first aid kit are just some of the things you should bring along. Also, keep in mind that the temperature and weather are bound to change drastically at any moment.

Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

Address: 220 Sambro Creek Rd, Sambro Creek, NS B3V 1L8, Canada

Website: Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

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9. Grab a drink at Economy Shoe Shop Cafe Bar

Posted by Economy Shoe Shop on Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Whenever you are visiting Halifax, you have to make sure to stop by The Economy Shoe Shop. Inspired by a local art designer, The Economy Shoe Shop first opened its doors in 1995 and since then the bar has become internationally acclaimed and one of the most iconic bars and restaurants in the area. The bar is located on Argyle Street and it offers live entertainment, both locally and internationally crafted beers, and a menu with delicious treats. Given the fact that it is home to monthly celebrations of local art and the city’s longest-running live jazz night, Economy Shoe Shop has managed to attract visitors all over the world.

Economy Shoe Shop Cafe Bar

Address: 1663 Argyle St, Halifax, NS B3J 2B5, Canada

Website: Economy Shoe Shop Cafe Bar

Opening hours: 11am - 2pm (daily)

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10. Try stand-up paddle boarding at Long Lake Provincial Park (from USD 24.0)

Are you searching for a creative activity to indulge in during your visit to Halifax, Canada? You should consider participating in stand-up paddle boarding at Long Lake Provincial Park. Located only a 10-minute drive from downtown Halifax, Long Lake Provincial Park gives both locals and tourists a chance to explore all that Long Lake has to offer including the two islands, the countless inlets, and the dam that gave Long Lake Provincial Park its current shape two centuries ago. To have the full experience, book a session with Long Lake Adventure Company, which provides customized tour packages with one-hour, two-hour, half-day, and full-day adventures.

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Adult Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental

Duration: 1 hour

Discover all the gems in Halifax, Canada

Whether you are here with company or on your own, Halifax, Canada has so much to offer. You will love exploring all the city’s hidden gems. For things to do during your stay here, check the list above.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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