Top Rated Attractions in Halifax

Found on the Bluenose Coast by the picturesque St. Margaret's Bay, Peggy's Cove is a popular day-trip destination for travelers in Nova Scotia. The area boasts a rustic appeal; it is famous for having beautiful beaches, colorful bird life, plentiful whale watching opportunities, scenic trails, and fun kayaking spots. Enjoy renowned Nova Scotia seafood, stroll the beach, or shop for local souvenirs. Outdoor enthusiasts are guaranteed a good time at Peggy's Cove, and everyone will enjoy a tour of the iconic Peggys Point Lighthouse.

Point Pleasant Park offers a sight of squirrels, blue jays, woodpeckers and a good 74.8 hectares (185 acres) to explore. Although it is located a few minutes from downtown, it feels like being in the country. You can walk by the water or through the forest; there are a variety of paths. Bring a picnic lunch or barbecue a few hot-dogs; the park has pits for cooking and plenty of tables. Spend a relaxing day exploring the old forts, watching for seals or mingling with the dog walkers and joggers.

To walk through the iron gates of The Halifax Public Gardens is to step back a century; Canada's first public gardens have that effect. Since 1867, visitors have enjoyed the flowers, trees, fountains, a pond and winding paths. Sit on a bench near the Victorian bandstand and listen to the music and marvel at the beauty of a huge Rhododendron in bloom. Bring lunch, you'll want to stick around. one thing to remember while visiting the park is that opening times vary in the winter and summer seasons.

The Halifax Waterfront is your gateway into the rich and vibrant cultural arena of Halifax. Set against the backdrop of the shimmering, ocean waters and the graceful masts of the ships at port, a walk along Halifax Waterfront will take you past some of the city's most popular attractions. Alongside museums like the Canadian Museum of Immigration and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, you will find numerous charming boutiques and inviting restaurants to explore. You can also stock up on local specialties at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, or explore the historic warships moored here. With its breathtaking scenery and cultural bounty, the Halifax Waterfront is, not surprisingly, a popular venue for festivals, fairs, concerts and other major events. Stroll here with a loved one early in the morning to watch the sunrise and light up Dartmouth and Georges Island in Halifax Harbour. Experience the best of what Halifax has to offer and keep your finger on the pulse of the city with a visit to the Waterfront.

In Eastern Passage there is a village that you must see. Restored to its original look and feel, Fisherman's Cove is a place where residents still fish for lobster. Wander the boardwalk and explore the little shops for some local art and crafts. Have lunch at one of the smaller take-outs or indulge in a larger meal at Boondocks Dining Room and Lounge. As the sun comes down, Fisherman's Cove becomes a perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer while you take in the beautifully painted evening sky.

Uniacke Estate was built between 1813 and 1815 as the summer home and garden of Attorney-General Richard John Uniacke. Located on the shore of Lake Norman and Lake Martha, this country estate is a paragon of Canadian-style Georgian architecture. Stepping into the estate is like setting foot on the sets of a Jane Austen movie, and the museum inside reveals much about the life and habits of the landed gentry in early 19th Century. The country house itself is surrounded by 930 hectares (2298 acres) of woods, with trails meandering through lush green forests, lake shores, historic mansions and archaeological sites. Eight of them are marked and allow hikers to discover both the beauty of landscaped gardens and nature's bounty in central Nova Scotia. The country house and museum are open only seasonally but the trails can be accessed throughout the year.