Climb above Halifax Harbour to Halifax Citadel and discover an unblemished example of a 19th Century British Fort. See summer guides don red uniforms to create an interactive and immersive historical experience. Take in panoramic views over the bustling downtown and harbourfront below. Walk the seven Victorian hectares of Halifax Public Gardens, home to ducks, wildfowl, flowerbeds, statues, fountains, and an ornamental bandstand which still hosts concerts every summer.

Amble along the harbour boardwalk and step into shops, galleries, and waterside cafes, or simply admire the historic architecture of the heritage buildings which line the nearby streets. Discover how survivors from the stricken Titanic were brought to safety in Halifax, take a harbour cruise, or visit an island. Climb aboard historic vessels such as CSS Acadia, the first vessel specifically designed to survey Canada's northern waters, and HMCS Sackville, the last remaining Flower Class corvette in the world.

Wander the boardwalk along the length of Halifax’s working harbour as tugs and ferries weave past sailboats and heritage vessels, much as they have for centuries. Take a romantic stroll, pause for a coffee at an outdoor cafe, or enjoy a plate of fresh seafood with a view from one of many restaurant terraces while lively maritime music fills the air. Browse the colourful shops and boutique galleries now occupying the historic properties of the pedestrianised precinct. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Discover Halifax’s rich history of shipbuilding, battle, and as a major immigration centre at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Pier 21’s Canadian Museum of Immigration. Walk the 19th Century halls of Province House, Nova Scotia’s House of Assembly and former Supreme Court, where Joseph Howe’s trial laid the foundations for the free press.

Take a ferry into Halifax Harbour to discover McNabs Island, where 400 acres of woodland are set around the 19th Century walls of Fort McNabs, a counter-bombardment battery in both world wars. Explore beautiful summer homes and visit Maugers Beach Lighthouse, which has stood guardian to Halifax Harbour since 1826.

Hike the island’s trails or take time to spot the many species of native and visiting birds. Journey across the harbour to the neighbouring town of Dartmouth, settled by  Quaker whalers in 1785, and explore Quaker House, the only surviving home from that time. Visit the Shearwater Museum of Aviation and discover waves of beautifully restored vintage aircraft and flight memorabilia, or test your piloting skills in the museum’s own flight simulator.

Halifax enjoys long and pleasant summers with temperatures often climbing over 20°C from June to August. These months also bring regular festivals, including the Scotia Festival of Music, Halifax Jazz Festival, and Halifax Pride Week. Crowds are at their highest in the summer peak and many visitors prefer September and October when the days are still mild and many events continue to take place but the population thins to calmer numbers.

April and May also offer temperatures rising from 5°C to 15°C, but spring rains can make for damp days and muddy countryside. Winters are cold with temperatures below freezing expected from late November to early March, but with the cold comes beautiful snowfalls and opens up adventures on Nova Scotia’s stunning ski slopes.