Halifax Things to Do

Arrival in Halifax: A Smooth Start to Our East Coast Adventure

We arrived in Halifax on an evening Air Canada flight, where our Budget rental car was waiting. As Budget RapidCar members, the process was seamless—our paperwork was ready, and within minutes, we were loading our bags into a new Nissan Rogue with just 7,000 km on the odometer. With our destination already mapped on my iPhone, we cruised onto the highway and crossed the MacDonald Toll Bridge into the city. A $1 loonie tossed into the basket, and just like that, we were in Halifax—ready for a week of exploring.

Our Home Away From Home: A Downtown Halifax Condo

We arranged a home exchange with a local couple, Debbie and Bruce, who lived on the 10th floor of the Martello, a sleek glass high-rise condo right in downtown Halifax. They greeted us warmly and showed us around the condo, offering helpful tips about the building and local area before setting off on their own trip around Cape Breton.

The condo was modern and comfortable: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and white cabinetry. The open-concept living room featured a gas fireplace and a glass dining table. It was the perfect home base for slow travel in Halifax.

First Meal Out: A Seafood Welcome

Once settled, we set out to find our first lobster dinner in Halifax. The food app led us to the Five Fishermen Grill and Bar, which had great reviews. Though it was busy, we grabbed seats at the bar and ordered seafood chowder, mussels, and lobster appetizers—delicious, but at $80 for three small plates and two drinks, it was more than we wanted to spend. We made a note to find more budget-friendly seafood options later in the week (which we did!).

First Night Out: Fiddles and Foot Stomping at the Old Triangle

Excited to dive into Halifax’s famous live music scene, we walked further down the hill to the Old Triangle Irish Pub, a downtown institution that’s been around for over 50 years. It was bustling even on a Sunday night, filled with locals, students, and travelers.

We were lucky to grab a table near the musicians—two seasoned performers whose photos on the wall showed them playing together since the 1970s. Their long white hair and easy camaraderie added to the charm as they played foot-stomping fiddle reels that had the whole room toe-tapping. No lyrics, just pure, joyful East Coast sound.

The walk back up the hill to our condo reminded us of Halifax’s hilly terrain. We needed a breather halfway up—and noticed others doing the same! We shared a wave and a laugh with fellow hill climbers. By the end of the week, we had built up enough stamina to conquer the hill without stopping.

Touring Halifax and the Surrounding Area

The rest of our week was spent exploring Halifax and nearby sights. We loved the Halifax Waterfront—especially the Seaport District and the lively Harbourwalk, where we often saw foreign navy sailors strolling in dress whites. During our stay, a tall ship from Italy was docked, and the air was filled with Italian voices and a distinctly festive vibe.

Halifax is a youthful city, thanks to its five universities and many colleges, plus the Royal Canadian Navy base. The streets were always alive with students, military personnel, and visitors, creating a fun, energetic atmosphere.

We took the harbour ferry to Dartmouth for just $2.75, offering a fantastic view of the city from the water. We also explored several museums and historic landmarks, strolled through the Halifax Public Gardens—one of the last surviving Victorian gardens in Canada—and sampled food and drink at an incredible range of restaurants, pubs, and lounges.

There’s no doubt about it—Halifax is walkable, welcoming, and full of charm. From live music and theatre to happy hours and heritage sites, this city captured our hearts.