50 Date Ideas in and around Halifax

Photo Credit: Communications Nova Scotia/Len Wagg

Need ideas for a fun date in Halifax? Whether you are planning your first date or your fiftieth, a romantic date night or a super fun one, you will find something in this list to have fantastic day out!

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Chives Canadian Bistro: Enjoy great cocktails and microbrews at this cozy, casual restaurant with that special someone. The chic and intimate atmosphere in this restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic date. The delicious food is made with locally sourced ingredients and their ‘Sticky Toffee Pudding’ is famous in HRM.
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Rollerskating or Skating on the Emera Oval: Spend an afternoon or evening with your partner skating or roller skating (depending on the season) at the Emera Oval. The Oval is open year round! So, enjoy a free public skate with that special someone.The Oval also has skates and helmets available for people to use at no charge.
. Check out an art exhibition at the Kyhber Centre For The Arts: If your partner is a non-traditional art lover, take them to the Kyhber where traditional gallery conventions are challenged.The Kyhber presents contemporary visual art by emerging local, national and/or international artists, which exists in a wide variety of disciplines. Both of your imaginations will be peaked by the images you see.
Get messy at Hypersportz Paintball : Have a fun time getting messy with your date at HyperSportz Paintball in Lower Sackville. They have 3 fields ranging from Woodsball, Speedball or SplatMaster for you to hunt down your date and cover them in multicolored paint. So, if you’re looking for an exciting excursion then head to Hypersportz Paintball with your date.
Play a Game of Billiards at Locas: Head on down to Locas with your partner to play a game of snooker or pool. You can enjoy a tasty snack and a beverage in the relaxed atmosphere. You can always watch the action from the bar or join in on the action with a game of darts, crib or chess.
Tempo Food + Drink – Bar: Take your date out to Tempo, the trendiest bar in Halifax. The Tempo Food + Drink bar is a modern, urban open kitchen restaurant that offers scrumptious fresh regional cuisine, made with the locally sourced ingredients. They have a lively ‘Happy Hour’ and delicious appetizers that the two of you will enjoy.
Neptune Theatre: What’s more romantic than taking that special someone to see a play? Neptune Theatre’s intimate space is the perfect place to share some laughs and some tears while enjoying some of Halifax’s most talented actors perform great plays.
Explore The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: Spend an afternoon or evening with your sweetheart exploring the Art Gallery and enjoying one of the many exhibits. While you are there you can choose from over 17,000 works of art to view. The Gallery has works from visual artists with strong ties to Nova Scotia, such as Maud Lewis, along with Canadian artists, both historical and contemporary and International visual artists that complement the Permanent Collection.
Bluenose II Restaurant: Take your partner out to a well-loved Halifax landmark for a delectable meal. The Bluenose II Restaurant offers fresh Nova Scotia seafood, lobster, and charbroiled steaks, along with vegetarian and Greek specialties. It is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart.
Agricola Street Brasserie: This is a great place for couples to go for a romantic, relaxed meal where they can watch the chefs do their craft. The atmosphere is welcoming and the lighting is subtle and romantic. So, bring your sweetheart out for a wonderful meal and enjoy a beer from an excellent selection of local craft beers and ciders.
Sweet Hereafter Cheesecakery : If you like to indulge in the culinary delight of sweet, creamy cheesecake and are okay with spending $8 for a slice of heaven, then this is the place for you. It has beautiful with damask patterned wallpaper and a taffeta covered larger than life-wall length backed chair where you and your date can snuggle up while enjoying decadent artisan cheesecake.
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Obladee – Wine Bar : Impress your date with an afternoon tete-a-tete at this casual wine bar in Halifax’s downtown core. The menu at Obladee changes frequently because it is seasonally-driven & regionally-sourced. Everything is made in-house except when otherwise noted, and each menu item is designed with a specific wine in mind.
The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar: It’s said that oysters are an aphrodisiac, so take your date or significant other to the Press Gang Restaurant and try out their famous oysters or other choice seafood if oysters aren’t your favorite food. The atmosphere is great because the restaurant has beautiful old stone walls, a cozy bar, and tables that are sprinkled throughout the rustic space.
Stories Casual Fine Dining: Do you want to impress your date with an exceptional gastronomic experience? If so, then make a reservation at this establishment located in The Halliburton Halifax Hotel. Stories has a romantic atmosphere where you and that special someone can enjoy cocktails and high-end cuisine while getting to know each other better.
Shakespeare by the Sea: Taking in a play at Shakespeare by the Sea is a great date night event. So, take advantage of their new ‘Sweet Seats’ option to reserve seats for you and your partner and get a bottle of water free. You should book just a few days in advance, so you will get some of the best seats in the (outdoor) house, usually in the front row centre.
Putting Edge- Bayers Lake: Spend an evening playing golf at the Putting Edge with your date. It offers glow-in-the-dark mini golf in its uniquely painted course. The mini-golf course is 18-holes and there are great tunes that you and your date can bogey to.
Pier 21 National Historic Site – Waterfront: Explore Pier 21 with your sweetheart and learn how it was the gateway for nearly 1 million immigrants from 1928 to 1971, and is now a national museum. There are hands-on activities and first-person stories available, so you both can learn about how immigrants moved to Canada.

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Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market: This farmers’ market is located right inside of the Alderney Landing Community Centre and ferry terminal. The market is open every Saturday, and offers some of the best local produce, art, and premade food.
Clay Café – Halifax: Paint your own pottery studio where you and your partner can drop in and try painting even if you have no experience. There are over 300 shapes to pick from, so there is always something new for you to choose from to paint. Paint your own mug, plates, and bowls, the best part is that they are microwave and dishwasher safe.
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Kartbahn Racing – Bayers Lake
For over a decade Kartbahn Racing has been fulfilling Halifax’s need for speed. So, challenge your date to a race and see who can get around the track the fastest. They will either have to go fast or move over.
Action Laser Tag:
You and your date can either fight against each other, or work together to win a match at Action Laser Tag. There are 6,000 square feet to run, hide and play in. You can also have personalized dog-tags made right on the spot. They also have overnight locked in nights.
Get Air Nova Scotia –Burnside: Get Air is one of Halifax’s most popular indoor playground and birthday party locations. There is a trampoline court, ball pit, fidget ladder, and slack line. There are also cool activity nights that you and your sweetheart can enjoy.
The Boardroom Café – Halifax & Bedford: The only board-game café in the Maritimes, and they have over 500 board games to pick from. You and your date can enjoy a cold beer, espresso, or snacks while playing a board game. If you need help, there are game experts on hand.
Discovery Centre- Waterfront: The Discovery Centre is a state-of-the-art facility with four floors of hands-on learning experiences. There are new displays and experiences added regularly. Every Wednesday evening is free and is open late, so it the best time to explore the centre.
Get Brunch at Ardmore Tea Room: There are times when getting a thick milkshake with brunch is a perfect idea. The Ardmore Tea Room opens at 5am, and serves classic diner fare all day long. This is a great date spot, especially if you are looking for something to do with your sweetheart in the early morning.
Pavia Gallery & Espresso Bar
If you are looking to get out of the city, Pavia Gallery and Espresso Bar in Herring Cove is the definite place to take your date. Take some time to visit their fine art gallery which features works from local and international artists. Then enjoy some of the best coffee and house-made sweets in HRM.
Halifax Citadel Ghost Walk: This may not sound romantic to some people, but the Citadel Hall has its own ghost walk around the historical site. There are lost love stories that will tug at you and your date’s heartstrings. Citadel Hill overlooks the city, so take in the sights and enjoy the ghost walk.
Tobogganing at The Pit: The Pit is one of the best tobogganing hills in Halifax. The slopes are at the Marv Sullivan Park in Halifax’s North End. There is a handy path to the back to the top. It is recommended that all tobogganers wear a helmet because the slopes are steep.
Stargaze at the SMU Observatory:
Enjoy and evening with that special someone stargazing. Every second and fourth Friday of each month at 7pm, the SMU observatory offers free shows of the constellation visible from across Nova Scotia. This is a great way of seeing the stars with your sweetheart.
Take a Romantic Stroll Through Point Pleasant Park: Take a stroll through the park’s trails with your sweetheart. You will get to see the beautiful sights and explore the secret spots littering the park, so you are sure to see some breathtaking views, and we’re not just talking about your significant other. For an extra romantic outing, pack a picnic basket and bring a blanket for comfort.
Head to the Argyle for Free Wings: Enjoy amazing wings with your date at the Argyle or just relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the live music at one of Nova Scotia’s premier music venues. No matter if it’s for lunch or supper, the Argyle is a cozy place to have a romantic date with that special someone.
Climb the Dingle Tower: In Sir Sandford Fleming Park, you’ll find a large tower guarded by two giant bronze lions. The Dingle Tower was built in the early 1900s to commemorate 150 years of representative government in Nova Scotia. When you and your date climb to the top you will see some amazing views of the Northwest Arm. The Dingle Tower is surrounded by a park complete with walking trails, a gazebo, picnic tables, a small beach, and a kid’s playground. So, pack a picnic, a bottle of wine and make an afternoon of it!
Captured Escape Room: Do you want to experience an unconventional date idea that will challenge the way you and your partner work together as a couple? Then spend an hour trying to escape one of the seven rooms in the building.Whether you escape or you’re still captured by the time the clock runs out, this activity is sure to get your heart racing.
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Bike n’ Bean : Before the St. Margaret’s Bay Trail, pop into the Bike n’ Bean for a drink or to rent a bike. The building is the historic French Village Train Station, which has been turned into a café and bike shop. They also offer repair services if your bike needs a little work.
York Redoubt: This national historic site was part of the same network of forts to guard the harbour as the Citadel and today features the World War II Command Centre.It’s built right at the entrance to the Halifax Harbour and offers much of the same sense of visiting an historical site as Citadel Hill, but it’s free! Plus, there are some stunning views from the top walkway (and creepier views from the tunnels below).
Duncan’s Cove Hiking Trail: There are tons of great hiking opportunities outside the city, and Duncan’s Cove is at the top of the list. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but worth it. It’s 4 km each way and with the rough terrain it can take a few hours to hike the full trek. This cove guards the entrance to Halifax Harbour, and was thus guarded during WWII. There are two WWII bunkers along the route, one near the start of the trail and one near the end.
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37. Maxwell Plum Breakfast for only $3.00 – Halifax
Take your partner out for a delicious breakfast for only $3.00 with purchase of a drink. But that still puts you under $10 per person, and you get an excuse to order a beer with brunch. This is just one of a number of really great food deals at Maxwell. Maxwell’s also has an amazing beer line-up with the largest selection in the city, along with a fun, casual atmosphere.
Cool Off At Dee Dee’s Ice Cream: Dee Dee’s ice cream is made right here in Halifax using local milk and cream, organic fair-traded raw cane sugar, real fruits, nuts, European chocolate, and other real ingredients. So, take your date out for an ice cream date and try the Mexican Chocolate, a rich chocolate ice cream with a kick of cayenne, the tart haskapa, curry cashew, or one of the other fun flavours crafted by Dee Dee’s!
Rent a Bike from I Heart Bikes and Explore the Boardwalk: I Heart Bikes is a cute rental and tour shop located in a repurposed shipping container along the Halifax Boardwalk. It’s a really fun experience, and a good way to test your communication skills with a date or your partner. Rentals start at $12 per hour, and are a fast way to explore the Halifax Boardwalk and surrounding area. You can also rent a “bicycle built for two”, a tandem bike ($12 each).
Climb the Walls at Seven Bays Bouldering: Seven Bays Bouldering is a great addition to the rapidly growing North End of Halifax. It has a 120 ft long bouldering wall, and the course changes weekly to keep things interesting. An early bird day pass (before 2 pm) is just $11.30. There’s a licensed cafe on-site, too!
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Tee Off Into The Halifax Harbour: $10.00 – H2O Golf – Halifax
Halifax is home to the only floating ocean golf green in North America. Purchase golf balls and see if you can hit a hole in one in the Atlantic! Part of the proceeds go to charities within the community, plus you can win prizes, including $500 for a hole in one!
Garrison Patio : Enjoy a $2.00 tasting glass on the Garrison patio while you people watch market shoppers and cruise ship passengers. Garrison brews on-site, and you can indulge in flagship favourites like their raspberry wheat, or try one of their regularly rotating taps. Garrison is also a dog-friendly space, making it a personal favourite to soak up summer with friends.
Bubble Tea at Indochine: Before (or after) heading to The Public Gardens with your sweetheart, visit Indochine. In the summer, few things are better than one of their fruit bubble teas. Rather than a chilled tea with milk and tapioca, they whip up all-fruit smoothies, then fill them with big, delicious tapioca balls.
Explore Halifax’s Haunted History with Tattle Tours : Grab your sweetheart and go spend a haunting evening learning parts of Halifax’s history, plus there are a lot of great ghost stories here. It’s spooky and interesting, and the tour guide, Andy, is a true entertainer. Don’t wait until October! This tour is great for a warm summer evening exploring the city on foot!
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Play in a Vintage Arcade : If vintage pinball and NBA Jam are more you and your date’s style, then you should head on over to the Daily Sweets, a little corner store on Oxford Street. It looks like your typical convenience shop, but hidden in the back is a corner that is a throwback to the packed video arcades of the 1980s. Game play starts at just $0.25 each. It’s a total homage to many people’s misspent youth and is a must-visit gem in Halifax.
See The Heart Pond and Hike to a Ravine: The whole area around Hemlock Ravine once played host to Prince Edward and his French mistress, Julie St. Laurent. What was once a huge estate, it fell into disrepair in the late 1800s, and was broken up and sold into lots. At Hemlock Ravine, you and your partner can picnic by the ‘Heart Shaped Lake’, which Edward built for his mistress, then walk the series of well-groomed trails.
Kayak the Shubie Canal with Kaynoe Rentals: If you and your date are feeling adventurous, you can Kayak down the historic Shubenacadie Canal. There are 114km of waterway here that have great spots to see beavers, otters, seals or mink. Their pricing includes all necessary equipment, such as a life jacket, paddles, and safety equipment.
Walk across the Macdonald Bridge and get a treat on the other side: It takes a few hours and you will have a great view of the city, and an active way to spend the afternoon with your partner. If you are walking from Dartmouth to Halifax, why not enjoy a hard earned cold beer at The Lower Deck. If you are walking from Halifax to Dartmouth, you should try out Ma Belle’s Cafe on Octeloney St. You and your partner can enjoy a cup of tea in a teacup and saucer, and share a piece of their Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding, it’s sweet and addictive.
Grab a coffee and enjoy a short drive to Peggys Cove for the day. It is a beautiful place where you and your partner can have a gorgeous view the crashing waves on the rocks and you’ll definitely appreciate the chilly breeze on a hot day.
Play Cosmic Bingo at the Halifax Forum: This isn’t ordinary bingo, this bingo is GLOW bingo with great music and TRIVIA that you and your sweetheart can play. The doors open at 10 and bingo goes from 10:30-midnight. One of the best parts is that there’s a bar with really cheap drinks on site. So, you and your sweetheart can drink, dance, AND play bingo all at once.