Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city that perfectly blends a rich history, coastal charm, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, or, you're a local planning a staycation, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year to experience this East Coast gem. From exciting events to hidden local favourites, here’s why Halifax should be on your travel list this year.
Exciting Events & Festivals
Natal Day Celebrations: August 4, 2025
Join in the festivities marking Halifax's birthday with parades, fireworks, and family-friendly activities throughout the city.
Wine Fair Halifax: October 4, 2025
A unique opportunity to explore and celebrate local and global wines that align with values of fairness and sustainability.
KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025 celebrations: July 1, 2025
Developed in close collaboration with Indigenous communities, KANA’TA: Canada Day 2024 offers programming that honours the traditions of the Mi’kmaw Nation and celebrates pan-Indigenous communities that call the municipality home.
45th Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition: August 24, 2025
Attracting over 10,000 attendees annually, this sandcastle and sand sculpturing contest offers cash prizes across various categories.
Halifax Pride Festival: July 17–27, 2025
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at one of Canada's largest and oldest LGBTQ+ festivals, offering parades, concerts, and community events.
Halifax International Busker Festival: July 30 to August 4, 2025
Watch incredible street performances from acrobats, musicians, and entertainers along the waterfront.
Halifax Jazz Festival: July 15 to 20, 2025
Enjoy live performances from renowned and emerging artists in scenic outdoor venues.
These events provide unique experiences that go beyond Halifax's annual festivals, offering visitors diverse opportunities to engage with local culture, industry, and community celebrations in 2025.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you want to go beyond the typical tourist stops, here are a few unique things you could do in Halifax:
Visit York Redoubt National Historic Site
York Redoubt sits high on a bluff overlooking the entrance to Halifax Harbour at Fergusons Cove, Nova Scotia. It was constructed in 1793 and helped protect this historic port through three centuries of Canadian history. It is part of the Halifax Defence Complex.
Explore, Canoe & Kayak in Shubie Park
Wildwood Water Sports offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals at Shubie Park near the Fairbanks Centre Check them out!
This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Check out the Craft Beer & Cider Scene
Skip the mainstream bars and check out local favourites like Darty Brewing (opening spring 2025), Chain Yard Cider and Coldstream Clear.
Incredible Local Dining
Halifax is a paradise for food lovers, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood and local flavours. Some must-visit spots include:
With a focus on fresh handmade pasta, meats and cheeses cured in-house, and wines that flow as freely as laughter around a family dinner table, we invite you to join us on a journey of Italy’s rich food culture and la dolce vita! https://www.rcr.ca/restaurants/pazzo-italian-ristorante/
A historic setting with an upscale seafood-focused menu.
Take the ferry to Dartmouth for this cozy bistro known for fresh, locally inspired dishes.
A vibrant mashup of flavours and a whirlwind of global influence – they're a cross-cultural chaos.
A favourite for brunch and inventive East Coast cuisine.
A staple for locally roasted coffee, perfect for starting your Halifax mornings.
Specializing in elegant custom cakes, delightful afternoon tea experiences, and artfully crafted charcuterie boards, they bring sophistication and flavour to every occasion.
Getting Here
By air: Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) offers direct flights from major North American and European cities, making it a convenient entry point.
By land: If you’re traveling into Nova Scotia by ferry (Bar Harbor, Maine, USA to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia) you will travel to Halifax via the Trans Canada Highway 103. Otherwise, you’ll travel in via the Trans Canada Highway 102 and/or Nova Scotia Highway 118.
By sea: For a unique travel experience, consider arriving by cruise ship, as Halifax is a popular port of call for numerous cruise lines. You can even visit by boat or yacht.
Where to Stay
Situated along the scenic Halifax waterfront, we offer easy access to the shops and restaurants along the boardwalk as well as the Historic Properties.
Located in the Halifax Seaport District and minutes from Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Scotiabank Centre, and Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.
At this Marriott Hotel you will not find a traditional front desk, we replaced that with a check-in at the bar where your first drink - our signature cocktail is included in your rate.
A luxury hotel on the waterfront, offering contemporary design and top-notch amenities.
The Sutton Place Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown, it provides elegant rooms and easy access to major attractions. https://www.suttonplace.com/halifax
Signature dining and individually appointed guest-rooms make The Halliburton Hotel a favourite downtown retreat.
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
Overlooking the Public Gardens, this historic hotel blends classic elegance with modern conveniences.
Easy Exploration
Halifax's compact and walkable downtown makes it easy to explore on foot. Stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or relax in the Public Gardens. For day trips, consider visiting Peggy's Cove for its iconic lighthouse, Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colourful architecture and maritime history or a wine tour in the Annapolis Valley.
With its many scheduled cultural events, oodles of hidden treasures, mouthwatering delectable dining, and welcoming locals, a visit to Halifax in 2025 is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Halifax adventure now!
