The water sparkled in the sunshine as we walked along the waterfront in Halifax, a city deeply connected to the sea. We were there for a couple of days as part of a week-long road trip around Nova Scotia. Halifax’s downtown area is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore.

The sea’s influence was evident with lobster and scallops featured on every menu. A fortress on the hill overlooked the harbor, from where ships once sailed to war and brought immigrants to Canada. Despite having just a day, we managed to see a lot. Here are 10 fun things to do in Halifax that we enjoyed and recommend.

Staying at the Westin Nova Scotian, our first stop was the Halifax Farmers Market, a short walk from the hotel. The market, established in 1750, moved to its current modern building on the Seaport in 2010 and now hosts 250 vendors. We saw beautifully presented fresh fruits, vegetables, and seasonal specialties like asparagus and rhubarb. The market also offered pickles, wines, locally produced crafts, creams, and jewelry, reflecting Halifax’s history as a major seaport and immigrant gateway.

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is a great place to experience local food specialties. You can have lunch on the upstairs patio with views over the water. From the market, we joined the Halifax boardwalk, a popular spot for walking, jogging, cycling, and enjoying the sea air and harbor views. The boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, and places to relax, with plenty of boats to admire.

We passed a beach volleyball court and considered renting bikes but opted for the Harbour Hopper tour instead. This tour, in an amphibious vehicle, offers a unique perspective of the city and harbor. The guide provided fascinating commentary, including the story of the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

After the tour, we continued to the historic quarter. The Fort on Citadel Hill, established in 1749, protected the port and offers views of the city. The star-shaped fort never came under attack but is now a place to learn about military history, with soldiers in period costumes and daily cannon firings.

We also visited the Halifax Public Gardens, a Victorian park with a boating lake, statues, floral borders, and a bandstand. Nearby, the Halifax Central Library, a modern community hub, impressed us with its design and rooftop terrace offering city views.

Our final stop was the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which tells the story of immigration in Halifax and Canada. The museum, located at the historic immigration point, offers guided tours that bring to life the experiences of immigrants arriving in Canada.

Halifax is also known for its seafood. We enjoyed meals at several restaurants, including the upscale Five Fishermen and Seaport Social at the Westin Nova Scotian. Both offered delicious seafood dishes and a great dining experience.

For beer lovers, Halifax has a vibrant craft beer scene. We visited Garrison Brewery and Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery, both offering tours and tastings. The Halifax Distilling Company on the waterfront also offers tastings of their fine rum and spirits.

We stayed at the Westin Nova Scotian, a historic hotel with a great location near the waterfront. Our spacious, comfortable room had a fantastic harbor view. The hotel is ideal for exploring Halifax, with easy access to all the sights.

Halifax offers a rich blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia.