Top Things to do in Halifax
Top 10 Museums in Halifax, Halifax Region
Travelers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax's rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax's great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.
Restaurants in Halifax
1. 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Located at 5523 Young St in the Halifax's historic Hydrostone Market, we showcase contemporary Canadian artists and are thrilled to bring you pieces that are high quality, smart and engaging. Please join us in our mandate of supporting working artists.
2. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
Experience an exciting part of Canada's history by visiting this 19th-century fort with a sweeping view of downtown Halifax. Between May and October, the Citadel is brought to life by two historic regiments of the British Army - the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery thrill visitors daily with live re-enactments. The skirl of the bagpipes mixes with the crack of a rifle and the assembly of recruits for the next foot drill. There's no shortage of authentic experiences to view and participate in! Kids will love the Xplorers Program - an activity book just for them. When the sun sets, it's time to experience the other side of the Citadel - join the Citadel Ghost Walk and experience the dark and errie lore from the early 1800's. Tours start mid-July and run every Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30pm until the end of October. Cash at the front gate.
Reviewed By SophiaIneson - Exeter, United Kingdom
I visited the Citadel as a solo traveller. I went on a free guided tour which was very informative and interesting, they have demonstrations throughout the day of shooting the rifles and the canon which goes off at noon. I would advise people to visit in the morning to make the most of it. They also have many exhibitions you can visit to warm up a bit of the weather is poor. The whole site is well maintained and all of the staff are in traditional costume which is really cool.
3. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,164 reviews
Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.
Reviewed By B1698RKmichaelh - Burke, United States
This museum has some of the most beautiful ship models, sailboats of unique designs from the Maritime region and artifacts of the wrecks so abundant on the shoreline of Nova Scotia. And to add to this is actual artifacts from the Titanic! Including an actual deck chair. Great displays and fund for the whole family
4. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,880 reviews
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.
Reviewed By rayp775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Visited here on our first full day in Halifax and a short walk from our stay. Would certainly recommend the guided tour and our guide George, an immigrant who passed through Pier 21 added immensely to our enjoyment, being able to bring to life the process and hopes and fears of all those who journeyed to a new world. With many artefacts donated by families this offers a great insight into the development of both Halifax and wider Canada and its multi-cultural make-up today. Great visit.
5. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Art museum focusing on provincial and Canadian artwork in various mediums.
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
There's so much here to like! We love how they used two of the historic buildings in downtown Halifax and joined them underground to make one larger gallery - possibly inspired by the Louvre. All the exhibits we saw on our visit in October were well thought out, and presented in a contemporary way. The highlight of our visit was the Maude Lewis exhibit, where they brought in the actual house she lived in, as well as an astounding collection of her work. What a tribute to an amazing artist! The other exhibits were interesting as well, especially a gigantic work by Ken Monkman. There's even a convenient, on-site restaurant. Having experienced how well they do what they do here, we would unreservedly recommend this for any visitor to the city with an hour to spare.
6. MSVU Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
hrough its exhibitions and programs, the Gallery functions as a visual arts resource for Mount Saint Vincent University, communities served by the University, Metro Halifax residents and art publics everywhere. Admission is always free of charge.
7. Maritime Command Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By A3471TLpaulf - Eastern Passage, Canada
Took a senior group out to this gem of a museum twice. Once in November and again in January 2020. We had an excellent opening presentation by the director on the origins and history of Admiralty House. The other tour volunteers were thorough in their knowledge of the many display rooms and the history behind the artifacts. The topics on the main floor and basement included but not limited to a history Admiralty House and its role as a hospital; thorough history of the WRENS, the story behind the many ships bells on display, extensive collection of ship's plaques, the engagement with submarines since 1914, and marine communications strategies. Newly renovated, most of the upstairs are new displays. In January we went upstairs where the themes were: Admiralty House serving as Hospital during the Halifax Explosion HMCS Niobe – Canada’s 1st Atlantic Navy Ship Battle of the Atlantic and POWs World War I room North of 10: RCN Arctic Expedition; RCMP New Passage Age of Sail Highly recommended to anyone interested in the Canadian Navy or Halifax history. There were a lot of stories about individuals bringing a sense of engagement to the displays.
8. Africville Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By rayp775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
We actually walked from the Fairview cemetery to this museum which was an interesting experience alongside the main highway with little or no footpath coverage at times and took us approx 45 mins. Even on our way out it was good 25 min + walk through the adjacent park and then a small overgrown cinder covered path which would render access to many difficult if not impossible, which is a shame as this is a great museum charting events of the 60's when town planning destroyed a whole community. The staff at the museum are friendly and knowledgeable and with some artefacts and stories to listen to this is an important part of Halifax's history however unpalatable it may be. Access by car is much easier and there is ample parking on site although you will need to keep an eye out for the small direction signs as it adjoins a very industrial area. There is seating outside if you wish to enjoy a picnic lunch. The whole museum is housed in the one room and will take approx an hour to fully enjoy, and an adult ticket is just under Cnd$6.
9. Karl Penton Gallery
10. Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
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