There’s something quietly reassuring about the ease of travel from Montreal to other Canadian cities, a gentle reminder of the vast, yet interconnected, beauty of the country.
As I boarded the plane towards Halifax, for a short 4 days discovery trip with one of my good friends, I found myself reflecting on how accessible these diverse corners of Canada are, each offering its own unique charm.
Halifax, nestled on the East Coast, feels like a gateway to a different rhythm—a city where the echoes of maritime history blend seamlessly with vibrant cultural energy.
It’s a place where the Atlantic’s salty breeze carries stories of the past and promises of discovery, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both reflection and adventure.
Halifax, a city steeped in history and brimming with cultural attractions, provided us with a rich tapestry of experiences that we won’t soon forget. Here’s a glimpse of our journey through some of the city’s most fascinating sites:
We timed our visit perfectly, arriving just in time for Halifax’s Natal Day celebrations, ( first Monday of August ) which coincided with the ever-popular Halifax Busker Festival.
Every summer, Buskerfest lights up the city’s vibrant waterfront, drawing thousands of spectators eager to witness an array of electrifying acts from around the world.
The 38th edition of the Busker Festival was no exception, with performances scattered across multiple stages, including the Halifax Seaport, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Sackville Landing, Foundation Wharf, and Dartmouth’s Alderney Landing.
We were thrilled to catch some of the festival’s top acts, including Halifax’s own Mighty Mike, the USA Breakdancers, and Chris Blaze – The Fire Ninja from Australia.
The waterfront buzzed with energy, with the festival atmosphere enhanced by food trucks, vendors, and the Glow Party Family Fun Zone. It was a perfect introduction to Halifax’s lively summer celebrations.
Cultural Attractions and Museums:
Our cultural exploration began with a visit to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, where we were captivated by Maud Lewis’s tiny painted house, a vivid reflection of the beloved folk artist’s colorful world.
We further admired the thought-provoking ceramics of Leopold L. Foulem and Kent Monkman’s large mural, Miss Chief’s Wet Dream, which reinterprets historical narratives through an Indigenous lens.
Next, we stepped back in time to 1869 at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, an iconic star-shaped fortification where we explored the military museum and reconstructed barracks.
We immersed ourselves in the social and military history of Halifax with the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery. The sounds of bagpipes and drums echoed through the air as we walked the ramparts, and the noon gun firing was a thrilling highlight.
A visit to the Museum of Natural History brought us face-to-face with Gus, the museum’s 101-year-old resident turtle, whose birthday celebrations were just around the corner.
The museum offered a fascinating glimpse into the natural world, with exhibits ranging from ancient fossils to displays of the region’s diverse ecosystems.
The temporary exhibit on Narwhals: Revealing an Arctic Legend, introduced us to the lore and legends associated with this giant, but gentle long tusked marine creature.
At the Discovery Centre, we enjoyed a fascinating journey to space by participating in a Live Star Show under the Dome theater that explored the curiosities of our planet and beyond.
We further indulged our minds by discovering the limits and powers of our human body with hands-on exhibits in the Health gallery. We embarked on an underwater adventure in the Ocean gallery and we took a shot at the goalie net in the temporary exhibit that featured the theme Hockey: faster than ever, celebrating Canada’s favorite sport.
The interactive elements of the museum made it a fun and educational experience, perfect for visitors of all ages.
One of the most moving parts of our trip was our visit to the Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This museum, which tells the stories of countless immigrants who arrived in Canada through this historic port, was a powerful reminder of the country’s rich multicultural heritage.
The artifacts and personal stories on display were both poignant and inspiring especially the temporary exhibit on the enslavement of Black people in Canada running until Jan 5th 2025.
We were also fortunate enough to receive an invitation to Dear Rita, a musical celebration of Cape Breton’s first lady of song, Rita MacNeil, at the Neptune Theatre.
Running from July 30 to August 25, 2024, the show was an emotional journey through Rita’s life and music, brought to life by a talented cast that featured Julie Martell, Lindsay Kyte, with Ian Sherwood, Lisa Nasson and Michelle Yu.
The production, created by Lindsay Kyte and Mike Ross, was a beautiful tribute to MacNeil’s legacy, weaving her songs into new perspectives and inviting her spirit into the room.
It was a fitting close to our cultural immersion in Halifax, leaving us with melodies and memories to hold.
Food and Drink
Our journey also included a variety of culinary stops.
During a visit to the Alexander Keith’s Brewery, (Brewing it right since 1820) we enjoyed an immersive hour long tour and a lively cèilidh with three talented singers and musicians.
Sampling their various brews throughout the tour and in the cellar was a treat, and the experience was a delightful nod to Halifax’s brewing history and legacy left by Mr Keith.
At the family run Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, we savored a delicious lobster roll and haddock bites while enjoying live music, capturing the essence of Halifax’s vibrant dining scene.
As the owners (father and two sons) would say : “Food for the Body, Drink for the Spirit and Music for the Soul.”
A stop at Garrison Brewery allowed us to indulge in a five-taster flight, with the unfiltered wheat Georgia Peach core draft standing out as a refreshing favorite.
And of course, no trip to Halifax would be complete without a visit to COWS ice cream, where we enjoyed numerous scoops of what is often hailed as Canada’s best ice cream.
In just four days, we immersed ourselves in the history, culture, and flavors of Halifax, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Halifax invites you to slow down, immerse yourself in its rich tapestry, and experience the warmth of its people, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply in search of good food and drink, Halifax has something to offer. This city, with its warm hospitality and vibrant spirit, is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel list.
We would like to thank DISCOVER HALIFAX for arranging our visits to the various cultural attractions and museums, and I encourage you to visit their official website to learn more about Halifax and it’s surrounding attractions like Peggy’s cove and nearby scenic beaches, parks and trails.