Things to Do this Winter in Halifax

Credit: Discover Halifax

Halifax is the place to be in the winter if you love food, drinks and a good time. While it is cold outside, HRM comes alive with snow fun outside and inside. Here are just 25 things to do this winter in Halifax.

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I. Outdoor Winter Activities & Adventures in Halifax

Emera Oval

Spend the day skating on the largest outdoor, artificially refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City. During the winter, The Emera Oval transforms into a skating trail. The ice surface is open every day as long as the weather is clear.
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5775 Cogswell Street, Halifax

Ski Martock

Just a short drive from Halifax is Nova Scotia’s most popular ski resort. The fun does not stop at dusk, as the lights turn on the snow fun continues as the stars come out.
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370 Ski Martock Road, Martock

Halifax Commons

If you are just starting to snowshoe, try the flat terrain at the Halifax Common. The Emera Oval offers free equipment rentals, which includes snowshoes. All you need is government issued photo ID to use the equipment.
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5775 Cogswell Street, Halifax

Sir Sandford Fleming Park

Sir Sandford Fleming Park is well maintained for a variety of winter activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park is has 2.8 kilometres of trails that will take you along the Northwest Arm of the Harbour.
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Dingle Road, Halifax

Shubie Park

Shubie Park is a popular park, located on the north side of Lake Micmac. The park is open during the winter. There are three main routes around the park. There is always plenty of people around the park.
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54 Locks Road, Dartmouth

MacDonald Sports Park

A popular location for cross-country skiing, MacDonald Sports park offers almost 5km of trails to explore, with picnic areas to stop at. The trails take you through natural forest, and open fields. Expect to share the trails in this park.
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1390 Cobequid Road, Waverely

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail

South of Highway 103 near Timberlea is a lovely trail. The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail is popular hiking trail, year round. The trail rewards hikers with views of rock faces, waterways and protected forest. This trail is not for the inexperienced as you can easily get lost.
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2890 St Margarets Bay Road, Timberlea

The Pit

Merv Sullivan Park is home to one of the best tobogganing hills in HRM. The Pit requires you to wear a helmet when sliding down the hill. It is a steep hill so be prepared for a fast ride and a long climb to the top.
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3791 Novalea Drive, Halifax

Citadel Hill

One of the tallest hills in Halifax, Citadel Hill is one of most popular tobogganing hill. If you decide to go tobogganing here, avoid sliding into the roads. Be prepares for bumps along the way.
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5425 Sackville Street, Halifax

Ashburn Golf Course

On the West End of Halifax, the Ashburn Golf Course hill are a local favourite for tobogganing. It is a smaller, family-friendly hill. It is not the most popular spot, so it is less crowded.
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3250 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax

Gorsebrook Park

A popular location to toboggan and known for its varying levels of steepness, and long landing area. On the corner of Robie and Inglis Street, Gorsebrrok Park is conveniently located. There is enough room and varying steepness in the hill to keep kids of all ages entertained.
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Gorsebrook Park, Lundys Lane, Halifax

Oakfield Provincial Park

Just Fall River is Oakfield Provincial Park. The park is very popular in the summer for swimming. In the winter, the grassy hill turns into a great spot for tobogganing. You will have to park at the gate and walk into the park to the hill.
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366 Oakfield Park Road, Grand Lake

Sleight Rides at Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures

Once there is snow on the ground, sleight rides start at Hatfield Farm Cowboy. If there happens to not be enough snow down, wagon rides are offered in place.
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1840 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains

II. Winter Festivals in Halifax

Credit: Savour Food & Wine Festival

Halifax Celtic Festival

Celebrate Halifax’s Celtic culture over the first weekend of February. There are free events at the Halifax Forum.
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January 29 to February 2, 2020

Halifax Forum Multipurpose Centre, 2901 Windsor Street

Dine Around

Halifax is home to great food. During February, dozens of restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus that are only available for the month. Taste your way around Halifax without going broke.
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February 1 to 29, 2020

Halifax

Imbibe: A Cocktail Event

Nova Scotia’s best mixologists come together for one night. Sample over 30 cocktails, while learning how to make them at home. Snacks will be provided to enjoy and give you ideas on what pair with the drinks.
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February 6th, 2020

Lord Nelson Hotel, 1515 South Park Street, Halifax

Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival

Celebrate the winter at the annual Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival. This year, the festival has grown to three days. There are free family fun events every day of the festival.
Get outside and celebrate the winter at the annual Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival. This year, the festival has expanded to three days. Free events including live ice sculpting, live music, hot chocolate and much more.
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February 7 to 9, 2020

Dartmouth

Craft Beer Cottage Party

If the cold weather has you missing the warm days of summer, the Craft Beer Cottage Party is the best to be. Sample some of Halifax’s best craft beers while overlooking the Halifax. Enjoy beer-friendly food, play some summer games or relax at a picnic table.
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February 8, 2020

Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax

Sackville Snow Days Festival

Back for its 6th year, the Sackville Snow Day Festival is four days packed with family fun events to get you out in the snow. Events include skating, crafts, parades, and the snowman photo contest.
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February 14 to 17, 2020

Lower Sackville

Savour Food & Wine Festival

Savour Food & Wine Festival is returning for its 17th year, this event is showcasing over 70 of Nova Scotia finest wineries, beverages, and restaurant. Sample the finest wines, legendary cocktails and delectable food.
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February 20, 2020

1650 Argyle Street, Halifax

NSLC Festival of Whisky

Back for its 9th year, the NSLC Festival of Whisky is bigger and better then ever. Experience three days of whiskey sampling and themed events. Vendors will also be offering bottles for you to buy and take home with you.
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February 26 to 29, 2020

Halifax

Rare and Fine Wine

Over 40 wines from around the world are available to sample at this event. Sample these amazing wines while relaxing to live jazz while overlooking Halifax Harbour.
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February 28, 2020

Casino Nova Scotia, 1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax

Sackville Sandwich Week

Restaurants around Sackville have been working on their best sandwiches. Taste your way around Sackville, and enter to win great prizes.
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March 7 to 14, 2020

Sackville

Nova Scotia Craft Beer Festival

Celebrate craft beer this March at the Nova Scotia Craft Beer Festival. Sample some of Nova Scotia’s best craft beers and learn about the local craft beer scene.
March is Nova Scotia Craft Beer Festival, and there is no better way to celebrate than going to the Nova Scotia Craft Festival. All the beers are 100% Nova Scotian and come from local breweries.
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March 21, 2020

Cunard Centre, 951 Marginal Road, Halifax

$35 to $60

III. More Fun Things to Do

Taste Halifax Food and Beer Tours

Pick from four different driven tours that will take you around Halifax. On the tour, you will visit local food trucks, trendy restaurants, wine bars, cideries, breweries, bars and more. Enjoy wonderful food, locally made beers, wines and spirits at Halifax’s culinary hot spots.
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depends on the tour you take

Citadel Hill, Barrington Street, Halifax

from $49 to $149

Discovery Centre

A visit visit location, The Discovery Centre makes learning fun for all ages. Their five state-of-the-art exhibits allow you to have a hands-on learning experience.The centre hosts travelling exhibits, so there is also something new to check out.
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1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax

$10 to $40