Guidebook for Halifax

Carlye And Mark
Carlye And Mark
Guidebook for Halifax

Food Scene

Great restaurant only two blocks from our house! Put your name on the waitlist and have a glass a wine at home while you wait!
169 locals recommend
Edna
2053 Gottingen St
169 locals recommend
Great restaurant only two blocks from our house! Put your name on the waitlist and have a glass a wine at home while you wait!
Best breakfast in town. Go early before they open at 9:00am to snag a seat.
61 locals recommend
The Coastal Cafe
2731 Robie St
61 locals recommend
Best breakfast in town. Go early before they open at 9:00am to snag a seat.
The best Italian food in the city right on the water. Call ahead.
171 locals recommend
The Bicycle Thief
1475 Lower Water St
171 locals recommend
The best Italian food in the city right on the water. Call ahead.
There are two Wooden Monkey Locations, one in Halifax and one in Dartmouth. We suggest grabbing the ferry (the cheapest way to see the Harbour) over to the Dartmouth location. It is right on the water with beautiful views of downtown Halifax. Offers many vegetarian and vegan options.
62 locals recommend
The Wooden Monkey
40 Alderney Dr
62 locals recommend
There are two Wooden Monkey Locations, one in Halifax and one in Dartmouth. We suggest grabbing the ferry (the cheapest way to see the Harbour) over to the Dartmouth location. It is right on the water with beautiful views of downtown Halifax. Offers many vegetarian and vegan options.
Serving tasty desserts but also the only way to access Noble, a secret underground speakeasy serving delicious cocktails. You will need a password (ask Mark) to enter and your server will help you navigate through the various passageways to the speakeasy.
17 locals recommend
The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar
1563 Barrington St
17 locals recommend
Serving tasty desserts but also the only way to access Noble, a secret underground speakeasy serving delicious cocktails. You will need a password (ask Mark) to enter and your server will help you navigate through the various passageways to the speakeasy.
Located in one of the city's oldest historic stone structures dating back to 1759. If you are looking for a formal Halifax meal this is the place. Best oysters in the city! Pricey but worth it! They have live jazz music on weekends.
25 locals recommend
The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar
5218 Prince St
25 locals recommend
Located in one of the city's oldest historic stone structures dating back to 1759. If you are looking for a formal Halifax meal this is the place. Best oysters in the city! Pricey but worth it! They have live jazz music on weekends.
Delicious vegan food!
62 locals recommend
enVie A Vegan Kitchen
5775 Charles St
62 locals recommend
Delicious vegan food!
Vegetarian and vegan options
19 locals recommend
Heartwood
6250 Quinpool Rd
19 locals recommend
Vegetarian and vegan options
Delicious menu close by. There is also a brand new rooftop patio serving drinks and light snacks.
93 locals recommend
Agricola Street Brasserie
2540 Agricola St
93 locals recommend
Delicious menu close by. There is also a brand new rooftop patio serving drinks and light snacks.
Our favorite place to grab a quick healthy breakfast and a coffee. In a hurry? Ask for a chicken sandwich to go- Yummy!
13 locals recommend
Steve O Reno's Cappuccino
1536 Brunswick St
13 locals recommend
Our favorite place to grab a quick healthy breakfast and a coffee. In a hurry? Ask for a chicken sandwich to go- Yummy!
15 locals recommend
Smith's Bakery & Cafe
2525 Agricola St
15 locals recommend
Little known local restaurant offering delicious breakfast and dinner. If you go for breakfast order the egg's benny in a crepe. So good! There is a cute little patio out front.
Chi Bistro
5687 Charles St
Little known local restaurant offering delicious breakfast and dinner. If you go for breakfast order the egg's benny in a crepe. So good! There is a cute little patio out front.
Stop here after a night on the town for the best poutine in the city!
8 locals recommend
Willy’s
5239 Blowers St
8 locals recommend
Stop here after a night on the town for the best poutine in the city!
Our favorite place for Thai Food in the city
14 locals recommend
Chabaa Thai Restaurant
1546 Queen St
14 locals recommend
Our favorite place for Thai Food in the city
Friendly neighborhood coffee shop serving coffee, pints and nachos, etc. 2 minute walk down to Gottingen.
48 locals recommend
The Nook on Gottingen
2118 Gottingen St
48 locals recommend
Friendly neighborhood coffee shop serving coffee, pints and nachos, etc. 2 minute walk down to Gottingen.
Literally right around the corner. Famous for their ice cream however they also serve coffee and light snacks. Try the breakfast burritos!
63 locals recommend
Dee Dee's Ice Cream
5668 Cornwallis St
63 locals recommend
Literally right around the corner. Famous for their ice cream however they also serve coffee and light snacks. Try the breakfast burritos!
Right on the boardwalk, the best ice cream in Atlantic Canada! Lineups can be long but worth it!
9 locals recommend
COWS Halifax
1891 Upper Water St
9 locals recommend
Right on the boardwalk, the best ice cream in Atlantic Canada! Lineups can be long but worth it!
All Day breakfast and the best deli style sandwiches in town!
31 locals recommend
Hali Deli - Old World Delicatessen
2389 Agricola St
31 locals recommend
All Day breakfast and the best deli style sandwiches in town!
Donuts!
Scanway Catering & Pastry
1505 Barrington St
Donuts!
Where the locals go for breakfast.
36 locals recommend
Armview Restaurant & Lounge
7156 Chebucto Rd
36 locals recommend
Where the locals go for breakfast.

Drinks & Nightlife

Located in Historic Properties on the water. There is a live band 7 night a week. Our favorites, Signal Hill play every Sunday night and usually one or two weeks during the summer! Sit outside on the patio or share a picnic table inside and get to know the locals or fellow tourists.
75 locals recommend
The Lower Deck
1887 Upper Water St
75 locals recommend
Located in Historic Properties on the water. There is a live band 7 night a week. Our favorites, Signal Hill play every Sunday night and usually one or two weeks during the summer! Sit outside on the patio or share a picnic table inside and get to know the locals or fellow tourists.
Our favorite local Brew Pub! New patio out front!
88 locals recommend
Good Robot Brewing Co.
2736 Robie St
88 locals recommend
Our favorite local Brew Pub! New patio out front!
Cocktails!
83 locals recommend
Field Guide
2076 Gottingen St
83 locals recommend
Cocktails!
The best, most lively rooftop patio on a hot summer day. Great live music- go on a Saturday afternoon!
22 locals recommend
Your Father's Moustache
5686 Spring Garden Rd
22 locals recommend
The best, most lively rooftop patio on a hot summer day. Great live music- go on a Saturday afternoon!
Live shows nightly!
23 locals recommend
The Carleton
1685 Argyle St
23 locals recommend
Live shows nightly!
Our favorite winery located in the Annapolis Valley. Stop here to taste local wine and enjoy a delicious meal on their outdoor patio with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy
86 locals recommend
Luckett Vineyards
1293 Grand Pré Rd
86 locals recommend
Our favorite winery located in the Annapolis Valley. Stop here to taste local wine and enjoy a delicious meal on their outdoor patio with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy
Lobster dinner with all-you-can eat salad served in a festive venue hosting dances with live bands.
33 locals recommend
Shore Club
250 Shore Club Rd
33 locals recommend
Lobster dinner with all-you-can eat salad served in a festive venue hosting dances with live bands.
Café by day, lounge by night. If you are in need of a space to do some work there are tables designated strictly for laptops.
86 locals recommend
Lion and Bright
2534 Agricola St
86 locals recommend
Café by day, lounge by night. If you are in need of a space to do some work there are tables designated strictly for laptops.
Brand new restaurant located right beside the Bicycle Thief just off the boardwalk. Have a drink and appy on the patio while you wait for your reservation next door.
15 locals recommend
Little Oak Bar
15 locals recommend
Brand new restaurant located right beside the Bicycle Thief just off the boardwalk. Have a drink and appy on the patio while you wait for your reservation next door.
Just down the street from us. Fill up a growler and go! Usually open during storm days : )
45 locals recommend
Propeller Brewing Company
2015 Gottingen St
45 locals recommend
Just down the street from us. Fill up a growler and go! Usually open during storm days : )
Across the street from the Farmers market. Visit the market and then stop by Garrison to sit on the patio and enjoy a flight of beer!
25 locals recommend
Garrison Brewing Co.
1149 Marginal Rd
25 locals recommend
Across the street from the Farmers market. Visit the market and then stop by Garrison to sit on the patio and enjoy a flight of beer!
Head here at the end of the night to listen (or dance) to the live band. Open late until 4am.
15 locals recommend
Halifax Alehouse
1717 Brunswick St
15 locals recommend
Head here at the end of the night to listen (or dance) to the live band. Open late until 4am.
If you want to get in with the locals head to this neighborhood bar
11 locals recommend
Charlie's Club/Bar
5580 Cunard St
11 locals recommend
If you want to get in with the locals head to this neighborhood bar
Busy gastropub that often has live music.
30 locals recommend
The Stubborn Goat Gastropub
1580 Grafton St
30 locals recommend
Busy gastropub that often has live music.
Beer Garden serving local brews right on the water! They also serve pretty good snacks. Perfect on a hot day!
29 locals recommend
Stubborn Goat Beer Garden
1599 Lower Water St
29 locals recommend
Beer Garden serving local brews right on the water! They also serve pretty good snacks. Perfect on a hot day!
Halifax's newest beer garden serving local brews just off Spring Garden Road. Check out the Dairy Bar for ice cream on a hot day.
37 locals recommend
Stillwell Beergarden
5688 Spring Garden Rd
37 locals recommend
Halifax's newest beer garden serving local brews just off Spring Garden Road. Check out the Dairy Bar for ice cream on a hot day.
Ask to sit in the Atrium and enjoy amazing cocktail by two Halifamous bartenders- Jeff and Shane.
47 locals recommend
Lot Six
1685 Argyle St
47 locals recommend
Ask to sit in the Atrium and enjoy amazing cocktail by two Halifamous bartenders- Jeff and Shane.
Wine bar with a cute little patio downtown. Our favorite place to get charcuterie in the city.
44 locals recommend
Obladee, a Wine Bar
1600 Barrington St
44 locals recommend
Wine bar with a cute little patio downtown. Our favorite place to get charcuterie in the city.
Belgian-inspired, craft beer. Proudly brewed in Halifax. Visit their storefront just down the street to buy/refill your growlers or pick up some special brews in smaller bottles.
34 locals recommend
North Brewing Company
899 Portland St
34 locals recommend
Belgian-inspired, craft beer. Proudly brewed in Halifax. Visit their storefront just down the street to buy/refill your growlers or pick up some special brews in smaller bottles.
You haven't truly done Halifax unless you have sat on the patio during Power Hour at The Spit Crow. $2.50 glasses of Molson Canadian 4:30 to 5:30 Saturdays. Live music nightly.
10 locals recommend
The Split Crow
1855 Granville St
10 locals recommend
You haven't truly done Halifax unless you have sat on the patio during Power Hour at The Spit Crow. $2.50 glasses of Molson Canadian 4:30 to 5:30 Saturdays. Live music nightly.

Parks & Nature

16 acres of beautiful gardens right in the middle of downtown Halifax.
234 locals recommend
Halifax Public Gardens
Summer Street
234 locals recommend
16 acres of beautiful gardens right in the middle of downtown Halifax.
Located at the Southern end of the peninsula offering forest walks and views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic.
295 locals recommend
Point Pleasant Park
5530 Point Pleasant Dr
295 locals recommend
Located at the Southern end of the peninsula offering forest walks and views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic.
Lawrencetown is probably one of the most well known beaches in Nova Scotia, primarily gaining popularity for it’s sometimes world-class surfing (rentals available). Lawrencetown is also the quintessential Nova Scotia beach, featuring sand, rocks, cliffs, beach grass, big surf and surrounded by wildlife. Whether you come here to surf, swim, soak up the sun, walk the dog, or just sit and breath in the ocean air, Lawrencetown is a must visit.
139 locals recommend
Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park
Nova Scotia 207
139 locals recommend
Lawrencetown is probably one of the most well known beaches in Nova Scotia, primarily gaining popularity for it’s sometimes world-class surfing (rentals available). Lawrencetown is also the quintessential Nova Scotia beach, featuring sand, rocks, cliffs, beach grass, big surf and surrounded by wildlife. Whether you come here to surf, swim, soak up the sun, walk the dog, or just sit and breath in the ocean air, Lawrencetown is a must visit.
Definitely one of the most popular “beach bum” spots on a hot summers day. Located 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, Rainbow Haven is tucked away in a cove which can often mean less wind, and thus more heat from the sun. On a hot summers weekend, make sure to get there early!
64 locals recommend
Rainbow Haven Beach
Cow Bay Rd
64 locals recommend
Definitely one of the most popular “beach bum” spots on a hot summers day. Located 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, Rainbow Haven is tucked away in a cove which can often mean less wind, and thus more heat from the sun. On a hot summers weekend, make sure to get there early!
Considered the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, Martinique Beach stretches over 5km long and is a popular surfing spot (rentals available). In addition to the amazing sandy beach, there are plenty of boardwalks and wooded areas to explore. It is about a 1 hour drive from downtown Halifax.
91 locals recommend
Martinique Beach
Martinique Beach Rd
91 locals recommend
Considered the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, Martinique Beach stretches over 5km long and is a popular surfing spot (rentals available). In addition to the amazing sandy beach, there are plenty of boardwalks and wooded areas to explore. It is about a 1 hour drive from downtown Halifax.
Not only is Crystal Crescent a beautiful white sand beach (actually three beaches), it also features a great hiking trail along a diverse coastline. The trail takes you on a 13km loop mostly along the ocean, through some wooded areas and massive ocean rocks (similar to Peggy’s Cove). Located just 35 minutes from downtown Halifax, this is a must see area. As you are lying on the beach and soaking up the sun, you can see the Sambro Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse in North America (1759).
122 locals recommend
Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
220 Sambro Creek Rd
122 locals recommend
Not only is Crystal Crescent a beautiful white sand beach (actually three beaches), it also features a great hiking trail along a diverse coastline. The trail takes you on a 13km loop mostly along the ocean, through some wooded areas and massive ocean rocks (similar to Peggy’s Cove). Located just 35 minutes from downtown Halifax, this is a must see area. As you are lying on the beach and soaking up the sun, you can see the Sambro Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse in North America (1759).
Home of the annual “Sandcastle Competition” (August), Clam Harbour features a long white sand beach with a unique shallow tide stream that often means warmer water for swimmers. A true gem, located just 1 hour from downtown Halifax.
57 locals recommend
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park
158 Beach Rd
57 locals recommend
Home of the annual “Sandcastle Competition” (August), Clam Harbour features a long white sand beach with a unique shallow tide stream that often means warmer water for swimmers. A true gem, located just 1 hour from downtown Halifax.
One of Nova Scotia's best day hikes located along the Bay of Fundy. This easy hike is about 3 to 4 hours depending on how fast you move. The first 30 minutes are uphill and then it evens off.
78 locals recommend
Cape Split Trailhead
78 locals recommend
One of Nova Scotia's best day hikes located along the Bay of Fundy. This easy hike is about 3 to 4 hours depending on how fast you move. The first 30 minutes are uphill and then it evens off.
Carters Beach is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. It is essentially three beaches in one, with three crescent areas one after another. All three are made up of soft white sand. The parking area for this beach is not large so it can appear crowded even when the beaches are not. There are no change areas or washrooms at Carters Beach.
51 locals recommend
Carters Beach
89 Carters Beach Rd
51 locals recommend
Carters Beach is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. It is essentially three beaches in one, with three crescent areas one after another. All three are made up of soft white sand. The parking area for this beach is not large so it can appear crowded even when the beaches are not. There are no change areas or washrooms at Carters Beach.

Arts & Culture

Performances include both Shakespearean and more recent plays during the summer months. Check http://www.shakespearebythesea.ca/index.html for the latest schedule. Tickets by donation. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.
19 locals recommend
Shakespeare by the Sea
5480 Point Pleasant Drive
19 locals recommend
Performances include both Shakespearean and more recent plays during the summer months. Check http://www.shakespearebythesea.ca/index.html for the latest schedule. Tickets by donation. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.
Get close to a life-sized whale, soaring eagles, moose, a puffin colony, models of dinosaurs and hundreds of colourful mushrooms. This site is particularly fascinating for visitors interested in flora and fauna of Nova Scotia and First Nations artwork. Features of the museum include a butterfly pavilion, a nature centre with live critters and a bug bistro. Remember to say hi to Gus, the 83-year-old tortoise.
113 locals recommend
Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
1747 Summer St
113 locals recommend
Get close to a life-sized whale, soaring eagles, moose, a puffin colony, models of dinosaurs and hundreds of colourful mushrooms. This site is particularly fascinating for visitors interested in flora and fauna of Nova Scotia and First Nations artwork. Features of the museum include a butterfly pavilion, a nature centre with live critters and a bug bistro. Remember to say hi to Gus, the 83-year-old tortoise.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a collection which includes artifacts, images, charts and plans detailing the marine history of Nova Scotia. You can also see one of the world's best collections of artifacts from the 'Titanic.
164 locals recommend
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
1675 Lower Water St
164 locals recommend
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a collection which includes artifacts, images, charts and plans detailing the marine history of Nova Scotia. You can also see one of the world's best collections of artifacts from the 'Titanic.
http://www.neptunetheatre.com for tickets. Day of tickets usually available.
74 locals recommend
Neptune Theatre
1593 Argyle St
74 locals recommend
http://www.neptunetheatre.com for tickets. Day of tickets usually available.
The new library opened in December 2014 and has become a highly popular gathering place. In addition to a book collection, the new building houses a wide range of amenities including cafés, an auditorium, and community rooms. The library won a Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in Architecture for 2014. Check out the view of Halifax from the rooftop terrace.
124 locals recommend
Halifax Central Library
5440 Spring Garden Rd
124 locals recommend
The new library opened in December 2014 and has become a highly popular gathering place. In addition to a book collection, the new building houses a wide range of amenities including cafés, an auditorium, and community rooms. The library won a Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in Architecture for 2014. Check out the view of Halifax from the rooftop terrace.

Shopping

Bustling weekend farmers market. Best day to go is Saturday.
196 locals recommend
Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market
961 Marginal Rd
196 locals recommend
Bustling weekend farmers market. Best day to go is Saturday.
Selling Halifax's must have jewellery items
House of Moda
5431 Spring Garden Rd
Selling Halifax's must have jewellery items
Pretty store just down the street...
21 locals recommend
The Independent Mercantile Co.
2091 Gottingen St
21 locals recommend
Pretty store just down the street...
All the pretty dresses!
13 locals recommend
Sweet Pea Boutique
1542 Queen St
13 locals recommend
All the pretty dresses!
Heading to the darkside? Check out Brightwood Brewery, our favorite vendor, at the Aldreney Landing Farmers Market every Saturday morning!
48 locals recommend
Alderney Landing
2 Ochterloney St
48 locals recommend
Heading to the darkside? Check out Brightwood Brewery, our favorite vendor, at the Aldreney Landing Farmers Market every Saturday morning!

Essentials

Our favorite grocery store. Shop here to buy fresh seafood and produce. Save other grocery items for bigger chains though. Amazing deli, smoothie spot and salad bar for quick lunches on the go.
48 locals recommend
Pete's Fine Foods
1515 Dresden Row
48 locals recommend
Our favorite grocery store. Shop here to buy fresh seafood and produce. Save other grocery items for bigger chains though. Amazing deli, smoothie spot and salad bar for quick lunches on the go.
Grab a quick healthy bite on the run in downtown Halifax
To Go Fast Fresh Food
1801 Hollis St
Grab a quick healthy bite on the run in downtown Halifax
78 locals recommend
Sobeys North &Windsor
2651 Windsor St
78 locals recommend
226 locals recommend
Atlantic Superstore
6141 Young St
226 locals recommend
The closest Liquor Store. Usually closed by 10pm and not open on holidays so plan ahead!
27 locals recommend
NSLC
2559 Agricola St
27 locals recommend
The closest Liquor Store. Usually closed by 10pm and not open on holidays so plan ahead!
Amazing wine selection! They also will refill your beer growlers at their filling station. Open until 10pm Monday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday closes at 8pm.
15 locals recommend
Bishop's Cellar
1477 Lower Water Street
15 locals recommend
Amazing wine selection! They also will refill your beer growlers at their filling station. Open until 10pm Monday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday closes at 8pm.

Sightseeing

Stop by Murphy's to book various sightseeing tours including whale watching, booze cruises and of course the Harbour Hopper!
19 locals recommend
Murphy's on the Water
1751 Lower Water St
19 locals recommend
Stop by Murphy's to book various sightseeing tours including whale watching, booze cruises and of course the Harbour Hopper!
Short drive from Halifax showcasing the uber famous Peggys Point Lighthouse. Don't step on the black rocks!
349 locals recommend
Peggys Cove
349 locals recommend
Short drive from Halifax showcasing the uber famous Peggys Point Lighthouse. Don't step on the black rocks!
The best place to see the world's highest tides. If you can it is best to go once at low tide and once at high tide. If you can only make it once, go for low tide when the fishing boats are literally sitting on the ocean floor. Check the tide schedule here: http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng/station?sid=305
38 locals recommend
Halls Harbour
38 locals recommend
The best place to see the world's highest tides. If you can it is best to go once at low tide and once at high tide. If you can only make it once, go for low tide when the fishing boats are literally sitting on the ocean floor. Check the tide schedule here: http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng/station?sid=305
Public footpath located on the Halifax Harbor waterfront. Always fun for people/boat watching. Head straight down to the water from here and follow the boardwalk all the way to the Farmers Market. Stops along the way include, Cow's Ice Cream, Food Shacks, Stubborn Goat Beer Garden and much more!
173 locals recommend
Halifax Waterfront
Lower Water Street
173 locals recommend
Public footpath located on the Halifax Harbor waterfront. Always fun for people/boat watching. Head straight down to the water from here and follow the boardwalk all the way to the Farmers Market. Stops along the way include, Cow's Ice Cream, Food Shacks, Stubborn Goat Beer Garden and much more!
Walkable street painted to look like an argyle sweater. Tons of pubs/patios located here!
16 locals recommend
Argyle Street
Argyle Street
16 locals recommend
Walkable street painted to look like an argyle sweater. Tons of pubs/patios located here!
The Halifax Citadel National Historic site is open year-round, from 9 am to 5 pm (6 pm in July & August), and admission varies with the season. Guided tours are available May through October. For more information, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site website. And don't freak out if you hear a cannon fire- they shoot it off everyday at noon!
318 locals recommend
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
5425 Sackville St
318 locals recommend
The Halifax Citadel National Historic site is open year-round, from 9 am to 5 pm (6 pm in July & August), and admission varies with the season. Guided tours are available May through October. For more information, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site website. And don't freak out if you hear a cannon fire- they shoot it off everyday at noon!