Halifax Harbourfront

Halifax Harbourfront is a vibrant and bustling area that perfectly captures the essence of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The waterfront buzzes with energy, offering a blend of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you're here for a fun, fast-paced adventure or a leisurely stroll along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, the Harbourfront is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Halifax.

What to Know

The Harbourfront of Halifax is not just an aesthetic place to visit but it is an entry point to the city’s historical and cultural past. Facilities include the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and historic buildings of the 18th century at the Harbourfront. Regardless of whether you have an interest in immigration history at Pier 21 or in the naval history of HMCS Sackville, there is much to do and to see. 

How to Get There 

Sited in downtown Halifax, the Harbourfront can be accessed on foot, by car, or by public means. If you are a guest of the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel then you are in the heart of it all. As for the drivers, there are a lot of parking spaces that one can take advantage of. For those who don’t own a car, there are many bus lines within close proximity to the Harbourfront and it is relatively easy to get there if you are a tourist. 

Highlights

History:

Halifax played a major role in Canada's maritime history, and the Harbourfront is a treasure trove for history lovers. Explore the star-shaped Citadel Hill, a fort dating back to the 1800s, and learn about Halifax's role in the War of 1812. For a glimpse into immigration history, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a must-visit. Here, you'll discover the stories of millions of immigrants who passed through Halifax on their journey to a new life in Canada.

Cruises:

No trip to the Halifax Harbourfront would be complete without a dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean. Hop on a thrilling Harbour Tour and cruise past historic ships, or get your adrenaline pumping with a kayaking adventure. Feeling peckish? The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is the place to be. Here, you can savor fresh seafood, local produce, and all sorts of delicious treats.

Land and Sea:

The Halifax Harbourfront caters to all taste buds. Grab a steaming cup of joe (or a fancy latte) at Balancing Rock Coffeehouse, or refuel after your adventures with some classic pub fare at the lively Harbourstone Pour House. For a truly unique experience, try some gator bites (yes, you read that right!) at the Gator Grill. Just don't worry, these gators are safely on display (phew!).

Sweet Endings!

No exploration is complete without a sweet reward, and the Halifax Harbourfront doesn't disappoint. Grab a scoop (or two) of your favorite flavor at Cows Creamery, a local ice cream shop with locations right on the waterfront. They even have some flavors inspired by the sea, like "Beach Plum" or "Lobster Tracks" (intriguing, right?).

Features

The Halifax Harbourfront has a good number of restaurants and other establishments which includes bars and other places of entertainment. Sample some of the local food at the Harbourstone Pour House which is a casual restaurant with delicious food made from fresh produce from the region or take coffee at Balancing Rock Coffeehouse, a good place to grab a coffee and watch people. For the lovers of games of luck, the Casino Nova Scotia offers the best place for gambling and dancing. 

For leisurely strollers, the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk offers a good opportunity to watch the bustle of the harbor activity. It spans over 3. 5km and is a very popular tourist attraction with shops, cafes art installations, and a spectacular view of the Halifax Harbour.

Best Time to Visit 

It is recommended that one visits Halifax Harbourfront in the summer months when the weather is nice and there is much activity. This is also the time when most of the city's festivals and events are held, such as outdoor concerts, farmer markets, and food festivals. But the Harbourfront is not a seasonal place; it is open all year round, and every season is beautiful in its own way.