Halifax, Nova Scotia - Cruise Port on foot
Fall Edition
Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city that’s incredibly compact and walkable—well, mostly. Halifax offers tons of things to do within walking distance, and here are the details to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant Canadian port city.
About Halifax
Halifax is located in southern Nova Scotia, facing the North Atlantic. As the capital of the province, it’s home to a rich variety of attractions, from the famous Citadel to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where many Titanic victims are buried. You'll also find numerous museums and parks to explore. For those with extra time, a trip to the picturesque village of Peggy’s Cove is a must. About an hour’s drive southwest, this charming spot adds about 3-4 hours to your trip, either on your own or via a guided tour.
Halifax Port Overview
Halifax’s port is located at the foot of the city, offering a long, sprawling facility that integrates with nearby museums, shopping areas, galleries, offices, and the expansive Harbor Walk.
The main berths are Pavilions 20 and 22, with Pavilion 22 being the most central and always in use. Pavilion 23 serves smaller vessels and hosts a popular farmer’s market on weekends. We landed at Pavilion 22, which surprised us with its large and well-equipped facilities. There are numerous shops, food options, clean restrooms, and plenty of seating, with taxis, private tours, and rideshare pickups directly in front of Pavilion 21.
From the dock, you can easily walk to a variety of stores and restaurants, or take the hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) buses, which can be caught a short walk north.
Top 5 Things to Do in Halifax on foot
1. Harbor Walk and Halifax Waterfront
Start by walking right from the port and heading north. It’s a flat, 10-minute stroll past the terminals to the start of Harbor Walk and the Halifax Waterfront. This beautiful space is a great introduction to the city. It’s wide, modern, and filled with funky art, great harbor views, bike and scooter rentals, and clean restrooms. There are also several restaurants along the way. I tried poutine (fries, gravy, and cheese curds)—not my favorite, but I’m glad I gave it a go.
This area is perfect for kids, with attractions like the Science Discovery Center, the Sea Turtle Center, and the Maritime Museum. For an adult, it’s a pleasant spot to spend a few hours, grab a snack, and explore. Families with kids might want to stay much longer!
2. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Head out of the Waterfront, turn left onto George Street, and walk two blocks to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. This beautiful space houses the works of Maud Lewis, one of Canada’s most famous folk artists, who overcame rheumatoid arthritis to create her unique paintings. The gallery also features interesting works by native artists. With two buildings to explore, art lovers will find this stop well worth 1-2 hours.
3. The Citadel
Continue up George Street, through the park, and hike to the top where the Old Town Clock faces the Citadel, the city’s top attraction. Be warned—the hike up is a bit challenging, so you might want to take an Uber or taxi if you’re not up for the walk. The Citadel is a star-shaped fort built in the late 1700s to defend the coast, offering great views of the city. The barracks, ramparts, and tunnels are fascinating to explore, but there are steep gravel slopes and lots of stairs—wheelchair access is limited. Still, the historical context and fun exploration make it worth 1-2 hours if you’re in good shape.
4. Halifax Public Gardens
Walk south and west for a block to find the Halifax Public Gardens, a lovely Victorian-era oasis in the heart of the city. Established in 1867, these 16-acre gardens boast manicured flower beds, statues, and peaceful walking paths. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, this park offers a quiet retreat. You can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour here, or longer if you grab a sandwich and enjoy the small lake.
5. Canadian Museum of Immigration
Head down Spring Mountain Road, turn right onto Barrington Street, and you’ll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This museum tells the fascinating story of immigration to Canada, especially between 1928 and 1971 when most European immigrants passed through Halifax—similar to Ellis Island in the U.S. The museum features interactive displays that focus on personal stories of immigrants from all over the world. Spend 1-2 hours here to get a deep understanding of Canada’s immigrant history.
Final Thoughts
Halifax is one of the most conveniently laid-out and attraction-dense ports I’ve visited. With so much to explore within walking distance, you won’t be disappointed by what this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you’re soaking in history, strolling through gardens, or enjoying the waterfront, Halifax is a must-see destination. I’ll definitely be back for another trip!