Halifax is among Canada's most breathtaking cities. In the incredible maritime coastline to the rich historical landmarks, this east coast city has no shortage of fun items to do and see – plus, it's the ultimate city for history buffs. Here are some of our favorite free activities.
1. Halifax Waterfront
At 2.5 miles, the Halifax Waterfront is the longest boardwalk in the world. Spend each day visiting a number of Halifax's best restaurants, visiting the museums, and relaxing in hammock swings. The waterfront also plays host to events and festivals year-round.
2. HMCS Sackville
The HMCS Sackville may be the last surviving Flower-class corvette of the Royal Canadian Navy, and is now a museum ship situated on the Halifax Waterfront. You can learn all about how the sailors lived and done the ship during WWII. Entrance is free of charge, but donations are welcomed.
3. Halifax Oval
Looking to obtain a little exercise while you are within the city? The Halifax Oval offers roller skating in the summertime and ice skating during the cold months. Originally designed for the 2011 Canada Games, the skating surface is the size 3 NHL hockey rinks. Skate and helmet rentals have the freedom having a government-issued photo ID.
4. Seaport Farmers' Market
The Seaport Farmers' Marketplace is the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in North America. Sample several craft wines and beers, grab some locally made jams and sauces or simply spend some time people-watching and soaking up the hubbub of a thriving marketplace.
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5. Quebec Sport Hall of Fame
If you are a sports fan, you'll want to stop by the Quebec Sport Hall of Fame. The museum includes a lot more than 7,000 artifacts and photos, such as the famous clothes dryer Sidney Crosby practiced shooting in as a kid.
6. Memorial of Nova Scotia
The Memorial of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada, and admission is free of charge on Thursday evenings. There are other than 17,000 works of art from the Atlantic provinces and across Canada.
7. Citadel Hill
While the Citadel itself comes with an admission fee, you can walk around outside and see the historic Halifax Town Clock, more than Two centuries old. It was a gift from Prince Edward, Queen Victoria's father, who apparently had an obsession with being punctual. The time was reconstructed within the 1960's, but the original clockworks are still being used today.
8. Royal Canadian Navy museum
Take a look at weapons, artifacts and documents from the Royal Canadian Navy at the Naval Museum of Halifax. It's situated in Admiralty House, a 200-year-old building once home to British Admirals. It was a museum within the 1970's, but still includes a large amount of the initial interior decor.
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9. Quebec House of Assembly
The Quebec House of Assembly has met at Province House every year since 1819, making it the longest-serving legislative building in Canada. You can watch a sitting of the House of Assembly, have a free tour around the site or wander with the legislative library.
10. Halifax Public Gardens
Take one step into the Victorian times at the Halifax Public Gardens. Established in 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation, it is the oldest Victorian garden in The united states. It offers free horticulture and history tours, and you will even catch a free concert in the summer.
11. St. Paul's Anglican Church
Built in 1750, St. Paul's Anglican Church may be the oldest existing Anglican church in Canada and the oldest building in Nova Scotia. The windows were blown out during the 1917 Halifax Explosion, and there's a piece of a window frame on display in memory of it.
12. Point Pleasant Park
Explore the forested trails and military monuments at Point Pleasant Park, found at the south end of Halifax. There, you can observe old artillery batteries like the Prince of Wales Tower, the oldest tower in North America. The park's roots could be traced back as early as the 17th century, and also the town of Halifax actually rents the site in the British Government for 1 shilling a year.
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13. Halifax Central Library
If you've seen enough historic buildings, stop by the greater modern Halifax Central Library. The architecture both inside and outside is phenomenal, and with its rectangular and glass windows, it contrasts the older buildings in Halifax. Grab a coffee in the outdoor rooftop café during the summer and relish the sun.
14. Sir Sandford Fleming Park
Sir Sandford Fleming Park was founded by its namesake, architect of the Canadian Pacific Railway and also the founding father of timezones. It's a great destination to stroll or perhaps a picnic, with a fantastic look at Halifax's Northwest Arm. Walk up the Dingle tower for even more beautiful views. Visit in autumn to determine the leaves colored in various shades.
15. Fairview Lawn Cemetery
The Fairview Lawn Cemetery may be the final resting host to 121 victims of the Titanic, most of which were never identified. There's a J. Dawson buried here, but his name was actually Joseph – based on filmmaker James Cameron, it is a coincidence his fictional character of Jack Dawson shares exactly the same initial.
