Emera Oval

Come visit the largest outdoor skating rink east of Quebec, right in the heart of Downtown Halifax!  Located on the Halifax Common, this rink is the size of 3 NHL hockey rinks! Plus, it offers free skate and rollerblade rentals so you can skate all year round! In the winter, we like to grab a hot chocolate from a café on Quinpool road and sip while enjoying a skate with friends or family. 

Best for: Family, Adventure, Couple, Outdoor, Winter, Summer, Active, Free

located in Halifax, NS

Dakeyne Farm

Looking for the perfect picture for your Instagram feed? Come get lost in a field of sunflowers! Located just outside Windsor, NS about an hour from Halifax, this sunflower maze is sure to amaze you with its beauty. The historic farm also features butterfly releases at certain times throughout the year. A unique and photo-worthy day trip!

Best for: Snapping Pictures, Adventure, Couples, Solo, Spring, Summer, Fall, Active, Family

located in Windsor, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

HFX e-Scooters

A unique and adventurous activity to do with a group of family or friends. E-Scooters allow you to experience more of downtown Halifax and the waterfront, all while enjoying the fresh air. You can pick up and drop off scooters throughout the city, making this a fun convenient choice for exploring the city.  

Best for: Spring, Summer, Fall, Family, Active, Couples, Solo, Outdoor

located in Halifax, NS (Halifax Waterfront)

SENSEA Nordic Spa

Nova Scotia’s first Nordic spa is a must visit, no matter the season! Relax and renew while you experience outdoor hot baths, saunas and steam baths nestled on a lakefront property an hour from downtown Halifax. Bathrobe and sandal rentals are available onsite and massages, facials, body treatments and more are available for an additional fee.

Best for: Solo, Couples, Relaxation, All Season, Outdoor, Snapping Pictures

located in Chester, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

Halifax Public Gardens

A beautiful Victorian style botanical garden located in the heart of the busiest shopping district east of Montreal. The gardens have thousands of species of flowers, trees and shrubs, numerous fountains, a lake and various bridges, swans and a grand bandstand where you may catch a show! A popular spot for wedding and prom photos, the gardens are beautiful year round including in winter when they feature a holiday light show. 

Best for: Solo, Couples, Family, Snapping Pictures, All Season, Outdoor, Free

located in Halifax, NS

Victoria Park

Chasing waterfalls? This 3000 acre urban park has plenty, plus a heated outdoor pool, live music in the summer, baseball, picnic spaces and more. If you are feeling like hiking, climb the 175 steps to the top of Jacob’s Ladder and enjoy the old growth Eastern Hemlock forest. 

Best for: Solo, Family, Couples, Snapping Pictures, All Season, Outdoor, Free, Active

located in Truro, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

The Harbour Watercraft

Where are all my thrill seekers at? Rent a sea-doo, kayak or jet-boat and explore the city from a unique perspective. You can take a tour around major historic sites like Georges Island, McNabs Island, the Halifax Waterfront and the Bedford Basin, or explore the harbour at your own place by booking a guided rental. This is an experience you won’t forget!

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Adventure, Outdoor, Summer

located in Halifax, NS (Halifax Waterfront)

McKinnon Kayak Tours

Feeling adventurous? Look no further than McKinnon Kayak Tours. Paddle along the beautiful coastline of Inverness while experiencing breathtaking views and great company.

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Adventure, Outdoor, Active

located in Inverness, NS (approximately 3.5 hours from Halifax)

Halifax Jazz Festival

Summer time in Halifax is a VIBE and the TD Halifax Jazz Festival is an event you don’t want to miss! Formerly known as the Atlantic Jazz Festival, the HJF is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada! Last year, we heard performances from local African Nova Scotian artists including: Reeny Smith, Aquakultre, Zamani and Eriana Willis.

Save the date: July 11th-16, 2023

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Snapping Pictures, Outdoor, Summer, Cost/Free, Music Lover

located in Halifax, NS (Halifax Waterfront)

Halifax Waterfront

One of the most visited destinations in Nova Scotia for a reason! With over 4 km of boardwalk, you will find shops, restaurants, ice cream stands,  farmers markets, museums and more to explore.  Take a tour of the harbour on a tall ship, a jet ski or even the public ferry that runs from Halifax to Dartmouth  on the half hour. A must visit destination in Halifax.

Best for: Solo, Couples, Family, Snapping Pictures, Spring, Summer, Fall, Free, Active

located in Halifax, NS

Peggy’s Cove

Visit one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Built in 1915 and nestled in a picturesque fishing village, you can explore the rocky coastline, enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurant onsite, and visit the seaside shops. 

Best for: Family, Couples, Family, Solo, Snapping Pictures, Spring, Summer, Fall, Free, Active

located in Peggy’s Cove (approximately 50 minutes from Halifax)

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

A historic fortress in the heart of the city. Completed in 1856, the fortress was a central part of the development of the city of Halifax and was built in part by Jamaican Maroons. A living history museum, you can experience a tour by a guide in period dress, learn about the life of a solider or witness the firing of the noon gun, which still happens today!

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Snapping Pictures, Outdoor, Summer, Cost/Free

located in Halifax, NS

Riverbreeze Farm & Cornmaze

If you are looking for a place to enjoy Nova Scotia’s delicious produce, look no further.  Take a group of friends or family to pick strawberries or pumpkins depending on the season. Navigate your way through the largest corn maze in Nova Scotia, which turns into a haunted Halloween maze in the fall!

Best for: Family, Couples, Snapping Pictures, Outdoor, Spring, Summer, Fall, Active

located in Truro, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

Ski Martock

Whether you have never skied before or are a downhill pro, Ski Martock has something for everyone. Martock is 600 foot high mountain with seven trails including a terrain park, riglet park, beginner bowl, quad chairlift, T-bar lift and a magic carpet. Skiers, snowboarders and first timers are all welcome. Private and group lessons are offered onsite and equipment rentals are available.

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Outdoor, Active, Winter

located in Windsor, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

Mahone Bay

Named one of Canada’s top ten most beautiful towns by culturetrip.com, Mahone Bay is known for its sailing culture, photogenic three churches and delicious bakeries. Only about an hour from downtown Halifax, this town on the south shore of Nova Scotia is a must visit destination for foodies and day-trippers alike!

Best for: Solo, Couples, Family, All Season, Snapping Pictures, Art Lover

located in Mahone Bay, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

Noggin’s Corner Farm

Located in the valley, this farmers market has delicious seasonal produce and offers a variety of activities, such as apple or pumpkin picking, a family fun area and a seasonal corn maze. Take a tour of the cider room or packing house to learn more about agricultural life. 

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Spring, Summer, Fall, Outdoor, Snapping Pictures

located in Wolfville, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)

Gypsum Mine Quarry & Trail

A gem on Cape Breton Island, this hiking trail leads you through 2.6 kms of beautiful forest. At the top of the ridge you will find go through two small hills and find a beautiful swimming spot, an old gypsum quarry. Visit the surrounding village of Cheticamp to get a taste of local Acadian cuisine. 

Best for: Couples, Solo, Family, Spring, Summer, Fall, Active, Snapping Pictures, Outdoor, Adventure, Free

located in Cape Breton, NS (approximately 4 hours from Halifax)

Mulgrave Park Murals

A public outdoor art gallery, the Mulgrave Park Murals were the brainchild of Jeremy Williams, a resident of the park. His ‘Paint the Park’ project began as a memorial for a friend he lost, Tyler Richards and has since transformed into a way to reflect the spirit of the park to the community. Over 15 murals and public art installations can be found throughout the park, painted by international and local artists 

Best for: Solo, Family, Couples, Spring, Summer, Fall ,Winter, Snapping Pictures, Outdoor, Art Lover, Free

located in Halifax, NS

I Heart Bikes

Located on the Halifax waterfront, I Heart Bikes allows you to rent lightweight electric, hybrid and standard bikes to explore Halifax in an active way.  There are offerings for children and youth as well as adults, making this a great family activity. 

Best for: Solo, Family, Couples, Spring, Summer, Fall, Outdoor, Active

located in Halifax, NS (Halifax Waterfront)

The Floatation Centre

Looking for some inner peace? The Floatation Centre offers a variety of unique treatments including massage therapy, infrared saunas, acupuncture, dietetics and of course, floating. Floating allows you a chance to be fully immersed in peace and relaxation, something we can all benefit from!

*discounted price for Black, Indigenous and People of Color*

Best for: Solo, Relaxation, All Season

located in Halifax, NS

True North Destination Domes

Sleep under the stars in a geodesic dome by the sea. Located in Pleasant Bay on Cape Breton Island, True North Destination offers unique accommodations, with a variety of glamping choices and experiences offered. There are lots of domes and packages to choose from including a Nordic Spa Dome with your own private hot tub, cedar sauna and shower. An incredible experience perfect for a relaxing solo or couples getaway. 

Best for: Couples, Solo, Relaxation, All Season, Outdoor

located in Pleasant Bay on Cape Breton Island (approx 4.5-5 hours from Halifax)

The Quarterdeck Resort

Unwind and unplug at this luxury resort on Nova Scotia’s south shore. About two hours from downtown Halifax, this seaside resort offers a variety of lofts, suites and beach villas. The resort also features a seafood restaurant and grill, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, fitness centre and theatre, everything you need for an amazing getaway. 

Best for: Families, Couples, Solo, Relaxation

located in Port Mouton, NS (approximately 2 hours from Halifax)

Harbour Hopper Tours

Ribbit Ribbit! Explore the city by land and sea on this amphibious vessel. The Harbour Hopper tour boat can travel on land by wheels and then transition into the water. Visit major historic sites like Grand Parade and Citadel Hill, as well as George’s Island and the Halifax Waterfront. This tour is fun for everyone and is a hit with young and old alike. 

Best for: Family, Couples, Solo, Adventure, Outdoor, Snapping Pictures

located in Halifax, NS (Halifax Waterfront)

Lunenburg

Visit the historic town of Lunenburg, one of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in North America. Built in the colonial tradition of settlers from the 18th and 19th centuries, Lunenburg’s colorful buildings, history of boat-building and rum-running will charm you. A must visit for foodies as well, as Lunenburg boasts incredible restaurants, breweries and cafes!

 Best for: Solo, Couples, Family, History, Foodies, Adventure, Free, Outdoor

located in Lunenburg, NS (approximately 1 hour from Halifax)