Halifax 
Photo Credit: Brett Ryan
Summer fun is almost endless in Halifax. No matter if you are a local or just visiting Halifax for the first time, there is something that you will enjoy in the city or surrounding areas. To get the summer fun started, here are 50 things to do in Halifax to help you be ready for fun in the sun.
Ride the Harbour Hopper
Go from driving around the city to exploring the harbour on the Harbour Hopper. This is one of the most popular ways of seeing the city and it is definitely worth the ride, even if you have lived in Halifax your whole life.
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Go Rollerskating at the Emera Oval
The Emera Oval is a popular location during the winter for ice skating, but the fun does not end in the spring. During the summer, the Oval becomes a roller rink. If you don’t own a set of rollerblades, you can always rent a pair at the Oval.
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Hike to the top of Citadel Hill
Citadel Hill has some of the best views of Halifax. The hike to the top can be challenging at times but the spectacular view makes the climb so worthwhile. It is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch with your family and friends.
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Kayak in the Harbour
Get a different perspective of Halifax and Dartmouth when you book a tour with Kayak Halifax. There are three guided tours of the harbour that visitors can choose from. Kayaking in the harbour is a great way to get on the water and learn how to kayak.
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Test your mini-golf skills at The Putting Edge
Play a round of mini-golf under the black lights at The Putting Edge. Before or after your game of mini-golf, you should try the interactive arcade. You can enjoy playing all summer long with their awesome summer pass.
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Camp on McNabs Island
This island can be spotted in the Halifax Harbour, and is easy to reach. You can book the camping site by contacting The Friends of McNabs Island Society. If the campsites are booked, you can still visit the island during the day and have a fun time.
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Visit Atlantic Splash Adventure
Feel like a kid again by spending a day at Atlantic Splash Adventure. You can cool off at the water park. You can also race your friends or family at go-karting or test your gaming skills and have fun all day. Also new this year is Runaway Mine Train Coaster. In addition, Coming Soon are Laser Tag, Mini Go Kart Training Track, and RC Car Racing!
Visit the Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is fun for all ages, and a great place to visit all summer long. You can check out the feature exhibit. The Dome Theatre is a must-see because the full dome has live star shows and full dome films that allow you to explore the vastness of space, discover the ancient remnants of a star or have the best seats in town to watch an amazing meteor shower!
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Watch a Shakespeare By The Sea Show
Point Pleasant Park is home to the famous Shakespeare By The Sea. These shows are new and exciting ways of experiencing Shakespeare and other classic authors.
Explore the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is open every day of the week, but the best time to visit the market is on the weekend. You can find everything from locally grown produce to locally made crafts and fresh flowers. If you get hungry, there are many options available.
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Ride the Ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth
Harbour cruises can be expensive, but there is another way of seeing the harbour, the Halifax Transit Ferry. The ferries depart every 15 minutes and are only $2.75 for adults and $2.00 for children and seniors, plus you can ask for a free transfer to travel on buses or get back on the ferry. For the best visit, climb the stairs to the upper open level and enjoy the view.
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Explore Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The most popular museum in Halifax, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is home to over 30,000 artifacts. The most notable is the Titanic exhibit, which tells the story of Halifax’s grim role in the recovery efforts. It can take hours to fully explore the exhibits in Canada’s largest maritime museum.
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Try the Official Food of Halifax
The Donair has long been proclaimed as the official food of Halifax. Luckily if you are on a budget, the Donair is an inexpensive meal and available just about everywhere. The King of Donair has been open almost 45 years and is still a popular stop.
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Checkout the Buskers at the Waterfront
There is something for everyone at this festival with fire breathers, acrobats, comedians, magicians, street performers and so many other great entertainers. This year, there will be buskers on both sides of the harbour.
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Try the Best Poutine in Halifax at Willy’s Fresh Cut
Many Haligonians claim that the best poutine in Halifax is from Willy’s Fresh Cut. They also have delicious handmade hamburgers and are known for staying open late. It is a few blocks from the waterfront, and is located on Pizza Corner.
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Tour the City on a Bike
If you love cycling, the I Heart Bikes City Tour is for you. The most popular tour is 2 hours long and will take you to many of the famous locations in Halifax. Their other tours are 4 and 6 hours long and let you explore more of the city. The tours take place rain or shine, and you will be provided a bike to ride.
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Become a Cowboy at Hatfield Farm
Just minutes outside of Halifax is the Hatfield Farm, where you can enjoy wagon rides, mini golf, and indoor inflatable games. There are also pony rides, playgrounds and a petting zoo for the kids. If you want to spend the weekend outside the city, they have cozy cabins and bunkhouses that you can stay at.
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Eat at the Oldest Drive-in Diner in Canada
The Chicken Burger is the oldest drive-in diner in Canada, and has been a staple in Bedford for over 70 years. Travel back in time and enjoy a tune on the jukebox while you devour a delicious chicken sandwich. Just behind The Chicken Burger is the Chicken Little, a small ice cream stand that has picnic tables where you can enjoy your meal.
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Customize Your Ice Cream on the Boardwalk
Right on the boardwalk, Sugah Confectionery & Ice Cream Emporium allows you to create your own ice cream with their base flavours and toppings. It is amazing to watch the staff hand mix the ice cream on the marble slab.
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Taste Halifax Food + Beer Tours
This is not the average food tour, so you should be prepared to try everything from traditional Nova Scotian meals to amazing offerings from food trucks. You will learn about the culinary culture of Halifax with a small group of people and a knowledgeable guide on a Taste Halifax Food + Beer Tour.
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See the Man in The Window
St. Paul’s Church is the oldest Anglican Church in North American and is the oldest building in Halifax. If you visit the church, you should look at the second story windows. In one of the windows, there is an image of a man. The story says that the heat and light generated by the Halifax Explosion etched the image of one of the church’s deacons into the window.
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Go Swimming at Chocolate Lake Beach
Chocolate Lake Beach is just a 5 minute drive from downtown Halifax. During the summer, this beach is a popular spot for families because there are lifeguards on duty most days. It is a perfect location to get away from the busy downtown on a hot summer afternoon.
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Walk in the Sand at Conrads Beach
A 25-minute drive from downtown Halifax, Conrads Beach is a gorgeous sandy beach just before Lawrencetown. It is one of the nicest sand beaches near Halifax and a well kept secret. Stoney Beach is just a short walk from Conrads Beach.
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Hike Bluff Wilderness Trail
The Bluff Wilderness Trail is not a very well-known trail, which makes it a great trail to hike if you want to spend some time with nature. It has four loops that total over 30 km of trail that will take you through woodlands and barrens.
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Travel Back in Time at Memory Lane Heritage Village
Memory Lane Heritage Village is a reproduction of a 1940’s rural Nova Scotia village. You can explore the general store, schoolhouse, boat house and gold prospecting complex. During your visit, keep an eye out for animals like lambs, chickens, and kittens that are commonly spotted around the town.
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Visit the Acadian House Museum
West Chezzetcook is a close-knit community on the Eastern Shore that is home to the Acadian House Museum, which is only open in July and August. You can choose to experience what life was like for Acadians in the 1850’s on a walking tour or just explore the town on your own.
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Go Camping at Shubie Park Campground
Right next to Dartmouth’s Shubie Park is the Shubie Park Campground. Being right in the city, you are very close to everything it has to offer. So, pack your camping gear and relax in comfort knowing you can easily pick up anything you may have forgotten at home.
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Explore Porters Lake Provincial Park
Porters Lake Provincial Park is just 45 minutes outside of Halifax and has over 70 campsites available. It is the ideal spot for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and just relaxing on the beach. You can spend a relaxing day or weekend away from the city.
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Hike Blue Mountain Birch Cove Wilderness Area
Blue Mountain Birch Cove Wilderness Area is the newest and most extensive wilderness protection project. It is also one of the Canada’s largest urban parks and is one of 40 designated wilderness areas in the province. If you hike to the top of Blue Mountain, you will be rewarded with a 360 degree view because the peak of the mountain is the highest point of Halifax’s Chebucto Peninsula.
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Explore Hemlock Ravine Park
Hemlock Ravine Park is only a short drive from downtown Halifax and is a hidden gem. The park has a heart-shaped pond at the entrance named Julie’s Pond, which was built by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, for his mistress. The 4-km stacked loop trails offer wonderful hiking and jogging, with one of them being an off-leash trail for dog walking.
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Stop at Kept
You can find both local and international goods at Kept. This little gift and housewares shop sells everything from home décor, paper goods, jewelry, toys and much more. You are never sure what little ‘gems’ you will find at Kept because it is a boutique that has something for everyone.
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Museum of Natural History
You can easily spend the whole day inside the Museum of Natural History, exploring the interesting displays and trying the educational activities. The Science on a Sphere show gives you information about live weather and ocean movements around the world. Don’t forget to say hi to Gus the Turtle.
Explore Halifax Harbourfront
The ‘Historic Properties’ area of Halifax’s downtown has been turned into the Halifax Harbourfront. The Harbourfront is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy. You can easily explore the Harbourfront on foot and is a great way of spending a summer afternoon.
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Visit Pier 21 National Historic Site
Pier 21 was the gateway for over one million immigrants to move to Canada from 1928 to 1971, and it’s now a ‘must-visit’ interpretive center. You can learn what is was like to leave home and travel across the ocean to come to Canada via interactive exhibits. From the large glass windows, you can spot the lighthouse on Georges Island on clear days.
Shop for souvenirs at Made in the Maritimes
Even if you have lived in Maritimes your whole life, shopping for souvenirs should be a part of your summer to-do list. Made in the Maritimes is not the average souvenir shop. Instead of typical postcards, t-shirts, and magnets, you will find high-end items all made in the Maritimes. This is the perfect place to find what makes Nova Scotia special.
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Spend the Weekend at Halifax West KOA
On the banks on the Sackville River is Halifax West KOA, which is a peaceful camping retreat with all the comforts of home. You can go swimming or explore the wooded trails. A great option for those looking to spend time camping without roughing it.
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Challenge Your Friends and Family to Karting or Laser Tag
Kartbahn will keep you busy all day inside with both karting and laser tag. The indoor courses are fun and will test your skills. Kartbahn has fun and challenging activities for kids of all ages.
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Watch a Show at the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre
Experience a unique dinner at the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre. Enjoy a fantastic meal while you are entertained by the great music and comedy. Visitors will also enjoy being served by the performers who do double-duty as the wait staff.
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Relax at The BG
Enjoy amazing food and drinks on Halifax Waterfront at The BG. The former Stubborn Goat waterfront location has been transformed into a two level beer garden. Sip local beers and wines while enjoying meals inspired by Nova Scotia ingredients.
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See the Ducks at Sullivan’s Pond
In the heart of downtown Dartmouth is the lovely Sullivan’s Pond. During the summer, you can watch the cute ducks and the famous large geese floating around the pond. There is also a concert pavilion, a cenotaph, and a large fountain in the pond that visitors can enjoy.
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Mary’s African Cuisine
Travel to Africa without leaving the city. Mary’s African Cuisine has been a downtown staple for those looking for a break from Maritime Cuisine. Make sure to try one of Mary’s homemade bottle juices.
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Tee off at Glen Arbour Golf Course
Go for a short drive outside the city to beautiful Hammonds Plains to tee off at the Glen Arbour Golf Course. Designed for all skill levels, you can pick from the 9 hole executive or the 18 hole course or just practice your swing at their practice facilities.
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Explore the Common
The Halifax Common is the place to be if you are looking for outdoor summer fun in the heart of the city. Home to the Oval, there is also a playground, a skate park, soft-ball fields, a soccer field and lots of green space to enjoy. Pack a picnic lunch and relax on the Commons.
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Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise
During the summer, the lovely Tall Ship Silva sets sail. Climb aboard for an afternoon cruise or an evening cruise. There are a variety of cuisine themes throughout the summer that will delight all ages.
Fortune Doughnut
You never know what flavours are available at Fortune Doughnut. There is a fresh menu each day made up of social media worthy treats. Try one or get a mixed box to try their amazing flavours. They also have amazing merch designs.
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Find some Food Trucks
Across Halifax, amazing food can be found parked on the side of the road. Food trucks are a summer staple in the city. From healthy smoothies to delectable fish n’ chips to spicy Jamaican cuisine, there is something for everyone’s taste buds to enjoy.
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Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour
If you like to have a ‘haunting good time’, you can go on a tour of Halifax with The Halifax Ghost Walk. The 1 hour and 45 minute long tour starts at the Old Town Clock on Citadel Hill and ends behind the Maritime Museum of The Atlantic on the Halifax waterfront. The guides will keep your imagination engaged by telling tales of ghosts, pirates, hauntings, buried treasures, and other baffling stories from Halifax’s long history.
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Canada Games Centre
Head to the Canada Games Centre for some fun exercise in this awesome recreation centre that has a weights and cardio facility, a huge pool, a hot tub and some fun waterslides. If you want to hang out with a large group of family and friends, you can rent time on the basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts and have a mini tourney.
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Get Air
Have a bouncing good time, even if the weather is gloomy at Get Air. Spend the day jumping along trampolines courses, play a game of bouncy Dodgeball, do ninja tricks, and learn how to ‘slackline’.
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Captured Escape Rooms
Can you solve the puzzles and escape the room before the time runs out? Travel across the globe and universe in Downtown Halifax’s Captured Escape Rooms. Pick from 8 themes and test your team work and problem-solving skills with your family and friends.
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Harbourside Ribfest
Atlantic Canada’s largest volunteer run food and beverage festival is back. Four days of live entertainment, a full bar and of course world class ribs are waiting for you on the Dartmouth Waterfront. June 30 – July 3, 2023
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Halifax Pride Festival
From June 20 to June 30, Halifax is home to over 150 events across the city celebrating the history, culture, activism, and perseverance of the queer community. On Saturday, July 23rd, the annual Pride parade will march through downtown Halifax to the Garrison Grounds.
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Nova Multifest 2023
Head down to Nova Multifest at Alderney Landing from July 21st to the 23rd and experience performances, demonstrations, and exhibits from the spectacular multicultural fabric that makes Nova Scotia unique. While you are at this fantastic festival, you can indulge in international culinary delights that will delight your taste buds.
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Halifax Busker Festival
You never know what fabulous acts you are going to see when the Halifax Busker Festival is in town. From August 2 to August 7, 2023, national and international performers take over both waterfronts and turn them into awesome stages where visitors and locals alike can watch fantastic acts.
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For more activities
hi is Gordon me and Natalie living in Halifax this summer that be summer Vacation.
May I suggest doing an Escape Room At Mind Hack Room Escape! lol