Geared towards the folks from away, Historic Properties will leave visitors with lovely impressions…read moreand a taste of Nova Scotian Heritage. While mostly all of these shops are tourist centred, there is a genuine flavour to each and everyone! Take a walk under its strong stoney structures and explore its many outlets. Treats, souvenirs, art and apparel all provide an experience, and its the time to have if you're briefly visiting and looking for a general feel. I will concur with other several reviews on visiting Argyle Fine Art. Its a great run-through of inspired works, and a visual timeline of our city's happenings. Although I rarely tread these grounds, this is a place I will always think fondly of. The waterfront location and complimentary historical properties provide a good, wholesome vibe, and I think visitors would agree.

Historic Properties isn't a shopping centre, it's a group of historically-significant buildings…read moredowntown which house various shops and restaurants. It's a total tourist draw, and one of the places that is absolutely required visiting by anyone new to the city, but it's also a sort of comfortingly-familiar spot for a local like me. There are some interesting and unique shops if you're looking for gifts, shoes, jewellery, or art. And there are all sorts of places to just sit and enjoy the scenery - whether "scenery" implies people-watching, or taking in the view of the harbour. Connected by boardwark to other downtown spots in both directions, Historic Properties is just a nice place for a Sunday stroll, whether you're "from here" or "from away."

Super cool historical landmark in Halifax. The staff were excellent and things were well presented…read more I enjoyed learning what was previously on the land. The gift shop is great with lots of options. They have a Cafe too.

We went to the Citadel looking forward to a nice historic experience, and it was with a couple of…read morekey exceptions. The first thing was that the ticket guy (ginger) seemed to be upset that we walked to the gate instead of driving since he had to leave his seat to open another window to service us. Others walked as well we could see while approaching, but after them he went back to the car window then saw us and went to the pedestrian window again to service us with attitude. We paid two tickets asked for two brochures but he only gave one and slammed the window with a stack (50+) of brochures behind the window. So we proceeded inside and wached & explored everything with interest. Then we identified Gingers supervisor. After explaining the above situation at the gate the supervisor accused us of harassment! So overall the Citadel us excellent and worth the hike / drive up, but they really need to check the hiring practices for public facing staff. Both the personnel we interacted with should not be employed there. The both need some employment years in humble positions like latrine maintenance or refuse collection to bring their egos in check.

First off the staff were so kind & friendly. They offered us a tour which we declined. We were…read moresomewhat pressed for time. It's rather small so if you were to do the tour I doubt it would be very long. Nice to see some of Canada's history!

This is where Nova Scotia Assembly Legislature is housed…read more Visitors are welcome. Climb the stairs and enter from Hollis St. Go through security screening & provide government issued ID. We showed our passports. When the Assembly is in session, you're welcome to watch the proceedings. We were able to walk into several different rooms including the library on the 2nd floor. The first floor provided the history of Nova Scotia and some prominent folks. A free thing to do if you're in downtown Halifax.

This is a beautiful little town and definitely worth the trip. Eat a lobster roll, enjoy the…read morescenery, and grab a souvenir before you leave!

It was a nice day to walk on the rocks. I don't know how often the bag piper player is there, but…read moreit was nice background music. The view is wonderful with plenty of nice people if you want a picture with you in it. This is a must on your bucket list.

Absolutely beautiful place to visit…read more The sea and the lighthouse are a must see, just be careful not to get to close to the water. The place gives you warnings that people can get hurt or die, if you venture to far in. So if you do decide to visit this beautiful place, please follow the rules and be safe!

What an amazing beautiful sunny day we had to experience Peggy's Cove. It is a stunning village…read morelocated right in the waterfront. The Atlantic Ocean can he fierce bit today it was calm and serene. Stunning rocks lead out to a glorious lighthouse. Lots of tourists today of course. It still didn't detract from the beauty. The houses, fishing boats and lobster nets add to the coastal charm & atmosphere. Stunning. Do not miss.

This review is for the City of Halifax. I'm reviewing it as a tourist/visitor and not as a…read moreresident. My husband and I come to Halifax every couple of years, so I feel pretty familiar with the downtown core. I've noticed that the food scene has really diversified in the last few years. I personally come to Halifax for the seafood, so I'm happy with just lobster rolls and fish tacos, lol, but I was happy to see more ethnic restaurants around. Admittedly, most of the shops in the downtown core are touristy, but I'm happy that there are lots of shopping options, ranging from vintage clothes at Elsie's and KingsPier (which recently moved to downtown Halifax from Dartmouth), to high end consignment items at Brilliant, to independently owned boutiques like Sweet Pea and Wildflower (that sell locally made/designed pieces), to Atlantic Canada chain stores like Samuel & Co and Pseudio. I like poking around Park Lane Mall and Spring Garden Place (with its quirky multi-level layout). The waterfront is really pretty. I like the hammocks and Adirondack chairs along the water. I find the water really romantic and it makes me happy to walk along the boardwalk hand-in-hand with my husband while eating ice cream, lol. Growing up in Toronto and now living in Ottawa, I find that Halifax is a bit more laid back. People are not in such a hurry and they are a little bit nicer. I also noticed that there are less douchebag drivers in Halifax than in Ottawa and Toronto, haha. Halifax remains one of my favourite vacation destinations :)

Our cruise ship docked into Halifax on very foggy Sunday morning. Also, because it was a national…read moreholiday, most of the businesses were closed that day. Pretty bummed because I think this city has a lot to offer for the visitor. Halifax has a lot of maritime history, especially with the Cunard ocean line and the Titanic. After we came departed from our ship, we took a half mile walk along the Harbourwalk toward downtown. Even with the fog, it was a very nice walk along the water front. For an industrial port, the water along the edge is so clear, I could see to the bottom. Kids could see jellyfish bobbing on the surface, and starfish at the bottom. Lots of shops and restaurants along this walk and downtown., but as I mentioned earlier, many of them closed. I would like to visit this place again, but hopefully will chose a time when the weather is clear, and when the city is bustling with activity

True story: I've lived just around the corner from this place for five years and every summer I…read moretell myself, "This is the year that I'm going in." Well, after five summers, I finally went in. And... y'know, it's good. I know from observation that this isn't the busiest historical site in HRM. The staff members (high school students) were kind of excited to actually see someone. Even though my friend and I declined the guided tour, our greeter still enthusiastically relayed a ton of information. None of which I retained, of course. Still, for $2, it's a fascinating look into the history of Dartmouth. Who knew Dartmouth was once home to a major whaling industry? The building is also quite cool and most of it is open to the public. You won't spend hours here but it's a good way to spend 30 minutes or so during the summer and learn a little, too.

Located in the middle of Halifax Harbour, Georges Island has been witness to much history, both…read morehuman and natural. This small island was shaped by glaciers many millennia ago and stood watch as generations of Mi'kmaq came to hunt and fish in the woods and waters surrounding it. With the arrival of the European settlers, the island was drawn into the rivalry between Britain and France. For two centuries, Georges Island was the scene of constant military activity, playing an integral role in harbour defense. Visitors can explore Georges Island and learn more about this hidden gem and the fascinating history that surrounds it. Travel to the island via the Georges Island Ferry.

Tunnels lighthouses…read moreand drumlins George's Island is a mysterious place. So close yet so far, it's easily seen from the harbor in Halifax but it's still not open to the public. At least not very often. The cool little island is a drumlin left over from the glaciers of 15,000 years ago and is perfectly situated for the defense of Halifax. The first guns were placed on the island at least at early as 1750 and around 1800 Fort Charlotte was completed. The island served as a prison at various times in the past and in 1875 a cool little lighthouse was constructed. The lighthouse was rebuild in 1917 and although decommissioned, still is an obvious sight on the island. A not so obvious sight are the tunnels that are said to exist under the old fort and most of the island. All kinds of rumors about what exactly are in the tunnels and how many have actually been explored still circulate. Occasionally visitors are allowed briefly on the island but this year there just wasn't enough money to open it up at all. It is said that someday the island will be open as a public park but first money has to be found to construct proper bathrooms and safely features. This might eventually happen or perhaps it never will. But until it does, George's Island will remain a mysterious place. So close yet ever so distant.