
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.
You may like:Winter in Nova Scotia
I. Outdoor Winter Activities & Adventures in Halifax
Emera Oval
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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