Guidebook for Halifax
Food Scene
Great restaurant only two blocks from our house! Put your name on the waitlist and have a glass a wine at home while you wait!
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Edna
2053 Gottingen StGreat restaurant only two blocks from our house! Put your name on the waitlist and have a glass a wine at home while you wait!
Best breakfast in town. Go early before they open at 9:00am to snag a seat.
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The Coastal Cafe
2731 Robie StBest breakfast in town. Go early before they open at 9:00am to snag a seat.
The best Italian food in the city right on the water. Call ahead.
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The Bicycle Thief
1475 Lower Water StThe best Italian food in the city right on the water. Call ahead.
There are two Wooden Monkey Locations, one in Halifax and one in Dartmouth. We suggest grabbing the ferry (the cheapest way to see the Harbour) over to the Dartmouth location. It is right on the water with beautiful views of downtown Halifax. Offers many vegetarian and vegan options.
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The Wooden Monkey
40 Alderney DrThere are two Wooden Monkey Locations, one in Halifax and one in Dartmouth. We suggest grabbing the ferry (the cheapest way to see the Harbour) over to the Dartmouth location. It is right on the water with beautiful views of downtown Halifax. Offers many vegetarian and vegan options.
Serving tasty desserts but also the only way to access Noble, a secret underground speakeasy serving delicious cocktails. You will need a password (ask Mark) to enter and your server will help you navigate through the various passageways to the speakeasy.
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The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar
1563 Barrington StServing tasty desserts but also the only way to access Noble, a secret underground speakeasy serving delicious cocktails. You will need a password (ask Mark) to enter and your server will help you navigate through the various passageways to the speakeasy.
Located in one of the city's oldest historic stone structures dating back to 1759. If you are looking for a formal Halifax meal this is the place. Best oysters in the city! Pricey but worth it! They have live jazz music on weekends.
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The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar
5218 Prince StLocated in one of the city's oldest historic stone structures dating back to 1759. If you are looking for a formal Halifax meal this is the place. Best oysters in the city! Pricey but worth it! They have live jazz music on weekends.
enVie A Vegan Kitchen
5775 Charles StDelicious vegan food!
Heartwood
6250 Quinpool RdVegetarian and vegan options
Delicious menu close by. There is also a brand new rooftop patio serving drinks and light snacks.
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Agricola Street Brasserie
2540 Agricola StDelicious menu close by. There is also a brand new rooftop patio serving drinks and light snacks.
Our favorite place to grab a quick healthy breakfast and a coffee. In a hurry? Ask for a chicken sandwich to go- Yummy!
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Steve O Reno's Cappuccino
1536 Brunswick StOur favorite place to grab a quick healthy breakfast and a coffee. In a hurry? Ask for a chicken sandwich to go- Yummy!
Smith's Bakery & Cafe
2525 Agricola StLittle known local restaurant offering delicious breakfast and dinner. If you go for breakfast order the egg's benny in a crepe. So good! There is a cute little patio out front.
Chi Bistro
5687 Charles StLittle known local restaurant offering delicious breakfast and dinner. If you go for breakfast order the egg's benny in a crepe. So good! There is a cute little patio out front.
Willy’s
5239 Blowers StStop here after a night on the town for the best poutine in the city!
Chabaa Thai Restaurant
1546 Queen StOur favorite place for Thai Food in the city
Friendly neighborhood coffee shop serving coffee, pints and nachos, etc. 2 minute walk down to Gottingen.
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The Nook on Gottingen
2118 Gottingen StFriendly neighborhood coffee shop serving coffee, pints and nachos, etc. 2 minute walk down to Gottingen.
Literally right around the corner. Famous for their ice cream however they also serve coffee and light snacks. Try the breakfast burritos!
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Dee Dee's Ice Cream
5668 Cornwallis StLiterally right around the corner. Famous for their ice cream however they also serve coffee and light snacks. Try the breakfast burritos!
Right on the boardwalk, the best ice cream in Atlantic Canada! Lineups can be long but worth it!
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COWS Halifax
1891 Upper Water StRight on the boardwalk, the best ice cream in Atlantic Canada! Lineups can be long but worth it!
All Day breakfast and the best deli style sandwiches in town!
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Hali Deli - Old World Delicatessen
2389 Agricola StAll Day breakfast and the best deli style sandwiches in town!
Scanway Catering & Pastry
1505 Barrington StDonuts!
Armview Restaurant & Lounge
7156 Chebucto RdWhere the locals go for breakfast.
Drinks & Nightlife
Located in Historic Properties on the water. There is a live band 7 night a week. Our favorites, Signal Hill play every Sunday night and usually one or two weeks during the summer! Sit outside on the patio or share a picnic table inside and get to know the locals or fellow tourists.
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The Lower Deck
1887 Upper Water StLocated in Historic Properties on the water. There is a live band 7 night a week. Our favorites, Signal Hill play every Sunday night and usually one or two weeks during the summer! Sit outside on the patio or share a picnic table inside and get to know the locals or fellow tourists.
Good Robot Brewing Co.
2736 Robie StOur favorite local Brew Pub! New patio out front!
Field Guide
2076 Gottingen StCocktails!
The best, most lively rooftop patio on a hot summer day. Great live music- go on a Saturday afternoon!
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Your Father's Moustache
5686 Spring Garden RdThe best, most lively rooftop patio on a hot summer day. Great live music- go on a Saturday afternoon!
The Carleton
1685 Argyle StLive shows nightly!
Our favorite winery located in the Annapolis Valley. Stop here to taste local wine and enjoy a delicious meal on their outdoor patio with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy
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Luckett Vineyards
1293 Grand Pré RdOur favorite winery located in the Annapolis Valley. Stop here to taste local wine and enjoy a delicious meal on their outdoor patio with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy
Lobster dinner with all-you-can eat salad served in a festive venue hosting dances with live bands.
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Shore Club
250 Shore Club RdLobster dinner with all-you-can eat salad served in a festive venue hosting dances with live bands.
Café by day, lounge by night. If you are in need of a space to do some work there are tables designated strictly for laptops.
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Lion and Bright
2534 Agricola StCafé by day, lounge by night. If you are in need of a space to do some work there are tables designated strictly for laptops.
Brand new restaurant located right beside the Bicycle Thief just off the boardwalk. Have a drink and appy on the patio while you wait for your reservation next door.
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Little Oak Bar
Brand new restaurant located right beside the Bicycle Thief just off the boardwalk. Have a drink and appy on the patio while you wait for your reservation next door.
Just down the street from us. Fill up a growler and go! Usually open during storm days : )
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Propeller Brewing Company
2015 Gottingen StJust down the street from us. Fill up a growler and go! Usually open during storm days : )
Across the street from the Farmers market. Visit the market and then stop by Garrison to sit on the patio and enjoy a flight of beer!
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Garrison Brewing Co.
1149 Marginal RdAcross the street from the Farmers market. Visit the market and then stop by Garrison to sit on the patio and enjoy a flight of beer!
Head here at the end of the night to listen (or dance) to the live band. Open late until 4am.
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Halifax Alehouse
1717 Brunswick StHead here at the end of the night to listen (or dance) to the live band. Open late until 4am.
If you want to get in with the locals head to this neighborhood bar
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Charlie's Club/Bar
5580 Cunard StIf you want to get in with the locals head to this neighborhood bar
The Stubborn Goat Gastropub
1580 Grafton StBusy gastropub that often has live music.
Beer Garden serving local brews right on the water! They also serve pretty good snacks. Perfect on a hot day!
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Stubborn Goat Beer Garden
1599 Lower Water StBeer Garden serving local brews right on the water! They also serve pretty good snacks. Perfect on a hot day!
Halifax's newest beer garden serving local brews just off Spring Garden Road. Check out the Dairy Bar for ice cream on a hot day.
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Stillwell Beergarden
5688 Spring Garden RdHalifax's newest beer garden serving local brews just off Spring Garden Road. Check out the Dairy Bar for ice cream on a hot day.
Ask to sit in the Atrium and enjoy amazing cocktail by two Halifamous bartenders- Jeff and Shane.
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Lot Six
1685 Argyle StAsk to sit in the Atrium and enjoy amazing cocktail by two Halifamous bartenders- Jeff and Shane.
Wine bar with a cute little patio downtown. Our favorite place to get charcuterie in the city.
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Obladee, a Wine Bar
1600 Barrington StWine bar with a cute little patio downtown. Our favorite place to get charcuterie in the city.
Belgian-inspired, craft beer. Proudly brewed in Halifax. Visit their storefront just down the street to buy/refill your growlers or pick up some special brews in smaller bottles.
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North Brewing Company
899 Portland StBelgian-inspired, craft beer. Proudly brewed in Halifax. Visit their storefront just down the street to buy/refill your growlers or pick up some special brews in smaller bottles.
You haven't truly done Halifax unless you have sat on the patio during Power Hour at The Spit Crow. $2.50 glasses of Molson Canadian 4:30 to 5:30 Saturdays. Live music nightly.
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The Split Crow
1855 Granville StYou haven't truly done Halifax unless you have sat on the patio during Power Hour at The Spit Crow. $2.50 glasses of Molson Canadian 4:30 to 5:30 Saturdays. Live music nightly.
Parks & Nature
16 acres of beautiful gardens right in the middle of downtown Halifax.
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Halifax Public Gardens
Summer Street16 acres of beautiful gardens right in the middle of downtown Halifax.
Located at the Southern end of the peninsula offering forest walks and views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic.
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Point Pleasant Park
5530 Point Pleasant DrLocated at the Southern end of the peninsula offering forest walks and views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic.
Lawrencetown is probably one of the most well known beaches in Nova Scotia, primarily gaining popularity for it’s sometimes world-class surfing (rentals available). Lawrencetown is also the quintessential Nova Scotia beach, featuring sand, rocks, cliffs, beach grass, big surf and surrounded by wildlife. Whether you come here to surf, swim, soak up the sun, walk the dog, or just sit and breath in the ocean air, Lawrencetown is a must visit.
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Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park
Nova Scotia 207Lawrencetown is probably one of the most well known beaches in Nova Scotia, primarily gaining popularity for it’s sometimes world-class surfing (rentals available). Lawrencetown is also the quintessential Nova Scotia beach, featuring sand, rocks, cliffs, beach grass, big surf and surrounded by wildlife. Whether you come here to surf, swim, soak up the sun, walk the dog, or just sit and breath in the ocean air, Lawrencetown is a must visit.
Definitely one of the most popular “beach bum” spots on a hot summers day. Located 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, Rainbow Haven is tucked away in a cove which can often mean less wind, and thus more heat from the sun. On a hot summers weekend, make sure to get there early!
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Rainbow Haven Beach
Cow Bay RdDefinitely one of the most popular “beach bum” spots on a hot summers day. Located 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, Rainbow Haven is tucked away in a cove which can often mean less wind, and thus more heat from the sun. On a hot summers weekend, make sure to get there early!
Considered the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, Martinique Beach stretches over 5km long and is a popular surfing spot (rentals available). In addition to the amazing sandy beach, there are plenty of boardwalks and wooded areas to explore. It is about a 1 hour drive from downtown Halifax.
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Martinique Beach
Martinique Beach RdConsidered the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, Martinique Beach stretches over 5km long and is a popular surfing spot (rentals available). In addition to the amazing sandy beach, there are plenty of boardwalks and wooded areas to explore. It is about a 1 hour drive from downtown Halifax.
Not only is Crystal Crescent a beautiful white sand beach (actually three beaches), it also features a great hiking trail along a diverse coastline. The trail takes you on a 13km loop mostly along the ocean, through some wooded areas and massive ocean rocks (similar to Peggy’s Cove). Located just 35 minutes from downtown Halifax, this is a must see area. As you are lying on the beach and soaking up the sun, you can see the Sambro Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse in North America (1759).
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Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
220 Sambro Creek RdNot only is Crystal Crescent a beautiful white sand beach (actually three beaches), it also features a great hiking trail along a diverse coastline. The trail takes you on a 13km loop mostly along the ocean, through some wooded areas and massive ocean rocks (similar to Peggy’s Cove). Located just 35 minutes from downtown Halifax, this is a must see area. As you are lying on the beach and soaking up the sun, you can see the Sambro Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse in North America (1759).
Home of the annual “Sandcastle Competition” (August), Clam Harbour features a long white sand beach with a unique shallow tide stream that often means warmer water for swimmers. A true gem, located just 1 hour from downtown Halifax.
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Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park
158 Beach RdHome of the annual “Sandcastle Competition” (August), Clam Harbour features a long white sand beach with a unique shallow tide stream that often means warmer water for swimmers. A true gem, located just 1 hour from downtown Halifax.
One of Nova Scotia's best day hikes located along the Bay of Fundy. This easy hike is about 3 to 4 hours depending on how fast you move. The first 30 minutes are uphill and then it evens off.
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Cape Split Trailhead
One of Nova Scotia's best day hikes located along the Bay of Fundy. This easy hike is about 3 to 4 hours depending on how fast you move. The first 30 minutes are uphill and then it evens off.
Carters Beach is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. It is essentially three beaches in one, with three crescent areas one after another. All three are made up of soft white sand. The parking area for this beach is not large so it can appear crowded even when the beaches are not. There are no change areas or washrooms at Carters Beach.
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Carters Beach
89 Carters Beach RdCarters Beach is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. It is essentially three beaches in one, with three crescent areas one after another. All three are made up of soft white sand. The parking area for this beach is not large so it can appear crowded even when the beaches are not. There are no change areas or washrooms at Carters Beach.
Arts & Culture
Performances include both Shakespearean and more recent plays during the summer months. Check http://www.shakespearebythesea.ca/index.html for the latest schedule. Tickets by donation. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.
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Shakespeare by the Sea
5480 Point Pleasant Drive Performances include both Shakespearean and more recent plays during the summer months. Check http://www.shakespearebythesea.ca/index.html for the latest schedule. Tickets by donation. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.
Get close to a life-sized whale, soaring eagles, moose, a puffin colony, models of dinosaurs and hundreds of colourful mushrooms. This site is particularly fascinating for visitors interested in flora and fauna of Nova Scotia and First Nations artwork. Features of the museum include a butterfly pavilion, a nature centre with live critters and a bug bistro. Remember to say hi to Gus, the 83-year-old tortoise.
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I-Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
1747 Summer StGet close to a life-sized whale, soaring eagles, moose, a puffin colony, models of dinosaurs and hundreds of colourful mushrooms. This site is particularly fascinating for visitors interested in flora and fauna of Nova Scotia and First Nations artwork. Features of the museum include a butterfly pavilion, a nature centre with live critters and a bug bistro. Remember to say hi to Gus, the 83-year-old tortoise.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a collection which includes artifacts, images, charts and plans detailing the marine history of Nova Scotia. You can also see one of the world's best collections of artifacts from the 'Titanic.
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I-Museum ye-Maritime ye-Atlantic
1675 Lower Water StThe Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a collection which includes artifacts, images, charts and plans detailing the marine history of Nova Scotia. You can also see one of the world's best collections of artifacts from the 'Titanic.
http://www.neptunetheatre.com for tickets. Day of tickets usually available.
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Itheater ye-Neptune
1593 Argyle Sthttp://www.neptunetheatre.com for tickets. Day of tickets usually available.
The new library opened in December 2014 and has become a highly popular gathering place. In addition to a book collection, the new building houses a wide range of amenities including cafés, an auditorium, and community rooms. The library won a Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in Architecture for 2014. Check out the view of Halifax from the rooftop terrace.
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Halifax Central Library
5440 Spring Garden RdThe new library opened in December 2014 and has become a highly popular gathering place. In addition to a book collection, the new building houses a wide range of amenities including cafés, an auditorium, and community rooms. The library won a Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in Architecture for 2014. Check out the view of Halifax from the rooftop terrace.
Shopping
Bustling weekend farmers market. Best day to go is Saturday.
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Isitolo sase Halifax Seaport Farmer's
961 Marginal RdBustling weekend farmers market. Best day to go is Saturday.
House of Moda
5431 Spring Garden RdSelling Halifax's must have jewellery items
The Independent Mercantile Co.
2091 Gottingen StPretty store just down the street...
Sweet Pea Boutique
1542 Queen StAll the pretty dresses!
Heading to the darkside? Check out Brightwood Brewery, our favorite vendor, at the Aldreney Landing Farmers Market every Saturday morning!
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Alderney Landing
2 Ochterloney StHeading to the darkside? Check out Brightwood Brewery, our favorite vendor, at the Aldreney Landing Farmers Market every Saturday morning!
Essentials
Our favorite grocery store. Shop here to buy fresh seafood and produce. Save other grocery items for bigger chains though. Amazing deli, smoothie spot and salad bar for quick lunches on the go.
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Pete's Fine Foods
1515 Dresden RowOur favorite grocery store. Shop here to buy fresh seafood and produce. Save other grocery items for bigger chains though. Amazing deli, smoothie spot and salad bar for quick lunches on the go.
To Go Fast Fresh Food
1801 Hollis StGrab a quick healthy bite on the run in downtown Halifax
Sobeys North &Windsor
2651 Windsor StAtlantic Superstore
6141 Young StThe closest Liquor Store. Usually closed by 10pm and not open on holidays so plan ahead!
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NSLC
2559 Agricola StThe closest Liquor Store. Usually closed by 10pm and not open on holidays so plan ahead!
Amazing wine selection! They also will refill your beer growlers at their filling station. Open until 10pm Monday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday closes at 8pm.
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Bishop's Cellar
1477 Lower Water StreetAmazing wine selection! They also will refill your beer growlers at their filling station. Open until 10pm Monday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday closes at 8pm.
Sightseeing
Stop by Murphy's to book various sightseeing tours including whale watching, booze cruises and of course the Harbour Hopper!
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Murphy's on the Water
1751 Lower Water StStop by Murphy's to book various sightseeing tours including whale watching, booze cruises and of course the Harbour Hopper!
Short drive from Halifax showcasing the uber famous Peggys Point Lighthouse. Don't step on the black rocks!
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Peggys Cove
Short drive from Halifax showcasing the uber famous Peggys Point Lighthouse. Don't step on the black rocks!
The best place to see the world's highest tides. If you can it is best to go once at low tide and once at high tide. If you can only make it once, go for low tide when the fishing boats are literally sitting on the ocean floor. Check the tide schedule here: http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng/station?sid=305
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Halls Harbour
The best place to see the world's highest tides. If you can it is best to go once at low tide and once at high tide. If you can only make it once, go for low tide when the fishing boats are literally sitting on the ocean floor. Check the tide schedule here: http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng/station?sid=305
Public footpath located on the Halifax Harbor waterfront. Always fun for people/boat watching. Head straight down to the water from here and follow the boardwalk all the way to the Farmers Market. Stops along the way include, Cow's Ice Cream, Food Shacks, Stubborn Goat Beer Garden and much more!
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Halifax Waterfront
Lower Water StreetPublic footpath located on the Halifax Harbor waterfront. Always fun for people/boat watching. Head straight down to the water from here and follow the boardwalk all the way to the Farmers Market. Stops along the way include, Cow's Ice Cream, Food Shacks, Stubborn Goat Beer Garden and much more!
Walkable street painted to look like an argyle sweater. Tons of pubs/patios located here!
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Argyle Street
Argyle StreetWalkable street painted to look like an argyle sweater. Tons of pubs/patios located here!
The Halifax Citadel National Historic site is open year-round, from 9 am to 5 pm (6 pm in July & August), and admission varies with the season. Guided tours are available May through October. For more information, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site website. And don't freak out if you hear a cannon fire- they shoot it off everyday at noon!
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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
5425 Sackville StThe Halifax Citadel National Historic site is open year-round, from 9 am to 5 pm (6 pm in July & August), and admission varies with the season. Guided tours are available May through October. For more information, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site website. And don't freak out if you hear a cannon fire- they shoot it off everyday at noon!