25 minute read
Attractions
ATTRACTIONS
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Alderney Landing 2 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth 902-461-4698 / alderneylanding.com On the Dartmouth waterfront, where the Halifax Transit ferries dock, this community cultural centre features a theatre, outdoor events plaza, weekend market, art gallery, and more.
Atlantic Splash Adventure 1200 Lucasville Rd., Hammonds Plains 902-865-1025 / splashadventure.ca Six new waterslides, plus go-carts, mini putt, and action rides. Open late June–early September. Phone for fall hours. Pay-as-you-play with attraction tickets and bracelets.
Bicentennial Theatre 12390 Hwy. 224, Middle Musquodoboit 902-384-2819 / bicentennialtheatre.ca Hosts the annual Kirk Logan Old Time Fiddling Contest in late September, plus other musical and stage acts. Open year-round for special events and viewing by appointment.
Bishop Park 15 Shore Club Rd., Hubbards Across from Saint Luke’s Anglican Church. Gazebo, interpretation panels, picnic tables, benches, a short walking trail, and a variety of shrubs and trees. Operated and maintained by the Hubbards Heritage Society. Open year-round. Free admission.
Casino Nova Scotia 1983 Upper Water St., Halifax / 902-425-7777 888-6GAMES6 / casinonovascotia.com On the waterfront. 500+ slot machines, electronic table games, off-track betting, and table games including black jack, roulette, craps, and poker. Dining, live entertainment. Open Monday–Thursday, 10am–4am; weekends, open 24 hours. Must be 19+ with government-issued photo ID.
Dartmouth Common Bordered by Alderney Drive, Nantucket Avenue, Victoria Road, and Park Avenue Originally reserved in the 18th century for settlers to graze livestock, the Common is now a popular park. A cairn commemorates the 1750 landing of 353 settlers from the ship Alderney and the founding of the original town of Dartmouth. Just across Thistle Street from the Halifax Transit bus terminal.
Fisherman’s Cove 4 Government Wharf Rd., Eastern Passage (off Rte. 322) 902-465-6093 / fishermanscove.ns.ca Craft shops, an art gallery, seafood restaurants, and a heritage centre providing exhibits and local information for visitors. Free admission.
Georges Island gc.gc.ca/gerogesisland From the Halifax Waterfront, look south toward the harbour entrance: Georges is the grassy island with the small lighthouse. From the mid-18th century to the Second World War, it was a key part of the harbour’s defensive network. Opening for visitors in 2020.
Granville Mall North end of Granville Street, Halifax Destroyed by fire in 1859, the buildings on this block at the end of Granville Street were rebuilt in the Italianate style. It features a variety of restaurants, pubs, and shops with an attractive pedestrian plaza with a fountain and benches.
Halifax Central Library 5440 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax 902-492-4043 ext. 101 / halifaxpubliclibraries.ca Making a striking architectural statement, Halifax’s flagship library has drawn acclaim from around the world. Extensive collection, free Wi-Fi, publicuse computers, and spectacular views of the city. Halifax Public Libraries has 15 branches within the municipality.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Entrance off Sackville Street, Halifax 902-426-5080 / parkscanada.gc.ca/halifaxcitadel One of Canada’s most visited National Historic Sites. Featuring two historic regiments, the restored Citadel offers hands-on immersive programs for visitors of all ages, period exhibits, guided tours, Army Museum, ghost walks inside
the fort (mid-July–October), and one of the world’s oldest continuous noon-day cannons (fired every day except Christmas). Gift shop and coffee bar. Admission charged May 7–Oct. 31. Programming runs 9am–5pm in May, June, September, and October; 9am–6pm in July and August. Grounds open year-round.
Halifax Common Between Robie and North Park streets, Cunard Street and Bell Road / 311 / halifax.ca Historic green space at the heart of the city, home to ball fields and a year-round skating Oval (ice in winter, inline in summer). Oper year-round.
Halifax Public Gardens South Park Street at Spring Garden Road, Halifax 902-490-4000 / halifax.ca The finest original formal Victorian Public Garden in North America. Public washrooms, bus tour dropoff area (on Spring Garden Road), and Horticulture Hall. Photographers welcome, no appointment required. Café on site. No wedding ceremonies, pets, bikes, or smoking. Summer hours, 7am–30 minutes before sunset; winter hours 8am–4pm.
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market Pier 20, Marginal Road, Halifax halifaxfarmersmarket.com Local and seasonal produce and food products, handcrafted gifts, local beverages. Vendor attendance varies daily; check website for schedule. Full market on Saturdays. Open year-round.
Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures 1840 Hammonds Plains Rd., Hammonds Plains 902-835-5676 / 1-877-835-5676 / hatfieldfarm.com With 20+ horses and 12 kilometres of woodland trails, offers a variety of “cowboy-themed”
activities, including wagon/sleigh and trail rides, a petting pen, cookouts, overnight adventures, all-inclusive weddings, birthday parties, and corporate meetings. Open year-round.
Hemlock Ravine Park 40 Kent Ave., Bedford / 902-798-6700 Walking trails run through an 80-hectare forested habitat. Open year-round. No winter maintenance on trails. Off-leash area for dogs. Free admission.
Historic Properties 1869 Upper Water St., Halifax 902-429-0530 / historicproperties.ca This National Historic Site is comprised of three square blocks of restored heritage buildings, now home to shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and more. Open daily.
The Hydrostone Market 5515–5547 Young St., Halifax / hydrostonemarket.ca Designated a National Historic District, the Hydrostone community rose from the rubble of the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Finishing in 1920, workers built 328 houses from concrete blocks known as “hydrostones.” Stylish neighbourhood includes unique shops and restaurants in a European-style market. Market open daily, year-round. Picnic tables.
McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park Halifax Harbour / 888-544-3434 / parks.gov.ns.ca Accessible by ferry from Eastern Passage and Halifax, McNabs features some 22 kilometres of trails, a variety of forested and coastal settings, historic sites, and limited day-use facilities (bring your own food, water). Explore Fort McNab National Historic Site, built between 1888 and 1892. Best accessed May–October. Lawlor Island is not open to the public. ATTRACTIONS
Neptune Theatre 1593 Argyle St., Halifax / 902-429-7070 800-565-7345 / neptunetheatre.com Atlantic Canada’s largest professional theatre with several shows on two stages: musicals, comedies, dramas, a family-friendly holiday special, and new Canadian works. Dinner and hotel packages available. Year-round.
NovaScotian Crystal 5080 George St., Halifax / 902-492-0416 888-977-2797 / novascotiancrystal.com See molten crystal being mouth-blown and hand cut, using techniques and tools that have not changed for centuries. See craftsmen on site and visit the showroom of Canada’s only crystalmakers. Showroom open year-round, glassworks hours vary seasonally. Worldwide shipping available.
The Old Burying Ground Barrington Street at Spring Garden Road, Halifax 902-429-2240 A National Historic Site and registered Provincial Heritage Property. Some 12,000 people are buried here, although only about 1,300 headstones remain. Notable names include British Major General Robert Ross, who burned Washington in the War of 1812 and died in battle a few days later. Open May–October. Free admission, guided tours (June–August), donations welcome.
The Old Town Clock Brunswick Street at the top of George Street, Halifax Located at the base of Citadel Hill, this landmark has watched over the city ever since its workings arrived from England in 1803. The Duke of Kent, head of the garrison at Halifax from 1794–1800 and eventual father of Queen Victoria, designed the timepiece that’s now a Halifax icon. Operated
2020 Play & Stay Packages
Two Night Stay, Three days of unlimited golf with a car
Sunday to Wednesday 1 person @ $305 2 People @ $275 per person 3 people @ $250 per person 4 to 6 people @ $225 per person
Thursday to Saturday 1 Person @ $335 2 people @ $305 per person 3 People @ $280 per person 4-6 People @ $260 per person
ATTRACTIONS
and maintained by Parks Canada, the original clockworks are still intact and in use. Extensively restored in 2019.
Pennant Point Coastal Heritage Park 20 min. from downtown Halifax, on Rte. 349 In 1990, 26 historic sites were recorded at the park, the majority of which are cellar depressions associated with the late 18th-century–early 20th-century fishing community of Coote Cove. The park is home to three white sand beaches, popularly known as Crystal Crescent Beach, and a 10-kilometre coastal and inland trail system. Open year-round from dawn until dusk.
Point Pleasant Park Entrances at the south end of Tower Road and the south end of Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax / 902-490-4700 This expansive 75-hectare park covers the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula, jutting into the mouth of the harbour. Features include 39 kilometres of walking trails, picnic areas, canteen, supervised beach, and the ruins of several forts. Open daily, 6am–midnight, year-round. Limited winter maintenance.
Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site Point Pleasant Park, Halifax / 902-426-5080 pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/prince This Martello tower, the first of its type in North America, was built by order of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1796–97 to help protect British gun batteries in Halifax. Today, interpretive panels portray the tower’s history, architectural features and significance as a defensive structure. Grounds open year-round.
Province House 1726 Hollis St., Halifax / 902-424-4661 / nslegislature.ca Canada’s oldest seat of government and home to Nova Scotia’s legislature. Open July and August: weekdays 9am–5pm, weekends and holidays 10am–4pm. Remainder of the year: weekdays 9am–4pm. Free admission. Guided tours in summer.
Shore Club 250 Shore Club Rd., Hubbards 902-857-9555 / shoreclub.ca The Shore Club has been welcoming visitors to Nova Scotia’s South Shore since 1946. Hosts traditional Maritime lobster suppers and dances with live music. Doors open for Saturday dances at 9:30pm. Lobster suppers from mid-May–midOctober, weekends only until June 1. Wednesday to Sunday, 4pm–8pm (Saturday–7pm). Reservations recommended.
Shubie Park 54 Locks Rd., Dartmouth / shubenacadiecanal.ca One of the region’s largest urban wilderness parks, including sections of the Great Trail (previously known as the Trans Canada Trail, two lakes, islands, woodland trails, and the partially restored locks of the historic Shubenacadie Canal. In summer, the park offers a supervised beach and campground. Off-leash dog areas. Limited trail maintenance in winter. Access from many locations including Waverley Road, Dartmouth Crossing, Locks Road, and John Brenton Drive.
Sir Sandford Fleming Park (The Dingle) Dingle Road, off Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax / 902-490-4000 Walking trails, an unsupervised sandy salt water beach with public wharf and boat launch into the Northwest Arm. Tower open in summer. Picnic tables available. No winter maintenance on walking trails. Free admission.
SS Atlantic Heritage Park and Interpretation Centre 180 Sandy Cove Rd., Terence Bay 902-852-1557 / ssatlantic.com Interpretation Centre showcases artifacts from the worst transatlantic-passenger-ship disaster prior to the Titanic. The park is the burial site for 277 victims. Boardwalk follows the shore. Shop features local crafts. Light refreshments available in the Interpretation Centre. Open mid-May–end of October. Park is wheelchair accessible and open year-round (no winter maintenance). Free admission.
World Peace Pavilion On the waterfront in Dartmouth’s Ferry Terminal Park. Conceived by Metro Youth for Global Unity, the triangular-shaped monument incorporates rocks and bricks from countries all over the world. Contributions on display include a 90-kilogram piece of the Berlin Wall.
York Redoubt National Historic Site Purcell’s Cove Road (Rte. 253), 25 min. from downtown Halifax / 902-426-5080 / pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/york Overlooking the entrance to the harbour and McNabs Island, York Redoubt was part of Halifax’s extensive defence system. Parts of the fort date from the 1790s to the Second World War, while the large cannons are from the 1860s. Panoramic views of Halifax Harbour, picnic grounds. Washrooms available June 25–Labour Day. Grounds open year-round, no winter maintenance.
HISTORIC CHURCHES
Cathedral Church of All Saints 1330 Cathedral Ln., Halifax 902-423-6002 / cathedralchurchofallsaints.com Opened in 1910, this South End landmark is a textbook example of Gothic architecture. Usually open Monday–Friday, 9:30am–3pm, plus Sunday worship.
Christ Church 50 Wentworth St., Dartmouth 902-466-4270 / christchurchdartmouth.com The oldest church in Dartmouth (built in 1817), this registered heritage building exemplifies Georgian architectural design. The weather vane atop the steeple depicts Halley’s Comet. Visit by appointment.
Little Dutch (Deutsch) Church National Historic Site of Canada 2393 Brunswick St., Halifax / 902-423-1059 roundchurch.ca The first Lutheran church in Canada, built in 1756 and extended in 1761. Graveyard open year-round. Tours by appointment: contact St. George’s Parish Office 902-423-1059 or office@ roundchurch.ca.
New Horizons Baptist Church 5457 Cornwallis St., Halifax 902-429-5573 / cornwallisstreetbaptist.ca This heritage property (formerly Cornwallis Street Baptist Church) is considered the mother church
ATTRACTIONS
of the African United Baptist Association. Since its founding in 1832 by Richard Preston, a former slave, this church has been a touchstone for Halifax’s Black community. Worship service Sunday at 10:45am. Visit other times by appointment.
Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel Holy Cross Cemetery, South Park and South streets, Halifax 902-423-4116 / ccchalifax.com Known as “the Church Built in a Day,” this Gothicstyle chapel stands near the entrance of Holy Cross Cemetery, the city’s oldest Catholic cemetery. In the early morning on August 31, 1843, 1,800+ people gathered at St. Mary’s Basilica and, after mass, walked in procession to the new cemetery. By 7pm, the new chapel was complete.
St. George’s Round Church / Round Church National Historic Site of Canada 2222 Brunswick St. at Cornwallis St., Halifax 902-423-1059 / roundchurch.ca St. George’s was built in 1800 to accommodate the growing congregation of the Little Dutch Church (see listing above). It was designed under the supervision of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (father of Queen Victoria). The church is an elegant wooden example of a circular Palladian church. Open for tours in July–August, weekdays11am–4pm or by appointment.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Spring Garden Road at Barrington Street, Halifax 902-429-9800 / stmbasilica.com When construction began in 1820, the design was for a much smaller, Georgian church. In the 1860s and ’70s, the building was transformed inside and out to the grand Victorian Gothic style. Acclaimed New York architect Patrick Charles Keely designed highly embellished façade. The original windows were destroyed in the Halifax Explosion. The upper portion of each window reflects New Testament scenes from the life of Christ and His Mother Mary, while the lower portion reflects corresponding events from the Old Testament. A small museum is located at the back of the altar. Open year-round, tours by appointment.
St. Matthew’s United Church 1479 Barrington St., Halifax / 902-423-9209 stmatts.ns.ca Beginning in 1749, Protestant Dissenters were permitted to worship in St. Paul’s Church (Church of England) until they had their own place of worship. In 1754, they moved to Mather’s Church at the corner of Hollis and Prince streets. After fire destroyed the building in 1859, the congregation moved to its present site on Barrington at Spring Garden. Guided tours by appointment. Sunday worship at 10:30am.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church 1749 Argyle St., Grand Parade, Halifax 902-429-2240 / stpaulshalifax.org Founded in June 1749, this was the first Anglican cathedral outside of England. The original diocese stretched from Newfoundland to Ontario. The crypt holds the remains of illustrious British colonials. Visitors can worship with the congregation on Sundays and Wednesdays, or simply meditate in the pews throughout the week. Open weekdays year-round; weekdays and Saturdays in summer. Parish liturgies open to visitors Sunday and Wednesday (see website for times). Genealogical services available for a fee.
MUSEUMS AND SCIENCE CENTRES
Acadian House Museum / L’Acadie de Chezzetcook 79 Hill Rd., West Chezzetcook (Rte. 207) 902-827-5992 / 902-827-2893 / acadiedechezzetcook.ca A 20-minute drive from downtown you can experience Acadian life as lived in the Chezzetcook area. Built in the 1850s, the museum houses displays on local heritage, complete with a period kitchen. The grounds feature artifacts, plus a cabano, an outdoor oven, and a wooden outhouse. Call for special occasions and weekly events. Wheelchair accessible with restrictions. Open July 1–Aug. 31, Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4:30pm. Admission charged. Other times by appointment. Gift shop and picnic tables available.
Army Museum Cavalier Barracks of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site 902-422-5979 / armymuseumhalifax.ca This museum presents hundreds of artifacts reflecting Atlantic Canada’s military heritage. Open daily May 5–Oct. 31, off-season by appointment. Also open with free admission on Remembrance Day (Nov. 11). Admission included with entrance fee to Halifax Citadel.
Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum 20 Sky Blvd, Goffs, Exit 6, Hwy. 102 (across the highway from Halifax airport) / 902-873-3773 / ACAMuseum.ca The most comprehensive collection east of Ottawa: some 20 aircraft and three simulators, including a full-size replica of the first aircraft to fly in Canada (the Silver Dart), the oldest homebuilt plane in Nova Scotia, and a CF-101 Voodoo.. Also showcases hundreds of historical artifacts and displays, including engines, weapons, uniforms,
the perfect travel companion Visit one of our two locations and choose from our impressive selection of seafood – including lobster, shrimp, scallops and more! Going somewhere? Our Halifax Airport location will pack your purchase for travel, or shop online and we’ll ship to your door.
ATTRACTIONS
artwork, and aviation memorabilia. Free admission ($8 donation per adult recommended). Wheelchair accessible. Gift shop and picnic tables. Open daily 9am–5pm from mid-May until the end of September. Off-season tours on request.
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia 10 Cherry Brook Rd., Dartmouth 902-434-6223 / 800-465-0767 / bccns.com Museum, culture, and education centre dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of African Canadian history in Nova Scotia, the birthplace of Black culture in Canada. The site offers self-guided tours with two floors of cultural exhibits and a gift shop. Open Monday–Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm; noon–4pm on Saturday. Admission charged.
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 1055 Marginal Rd., Halifax / 902-425-7770 / pier21.ca In a National Historic Site at the Halifax seaport, Canada’s sixth national museum shares the ongoing story of immigration to Canada. Exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Guided tours. Open year-round. Admission charged, group rates available.
Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum 471 Poplar Dr., Dartmouth 902-434-0222 / coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca Community-run museum featuring heritage buildings, agricultural and household artifacts, gardens, and farm animals. Open May 15–Oct., Monday–Saturday, 10am–4pm; Sunday and holidays, noon–4pm. Tearoom on site. Museum services available by appointment year-round, including inquiries, tours, and events. Admission by donation.
Dartmouth Heritage Museum Evergreen House, 26 Newcastle St., Dartmouth 902-464-2300 / dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca Exhibits interpreting the heritage of the Dartmouth area. Events and children’s programs yearround.The historic house was owned by Helen Creighton, folklore archivist and author of Bluenose Ghosts. Guided tours of the main floor feature Victorian furnishings and décor. Rotating exhibits in the top and lower floor galleries. Open year-round, Tuesday–Saturday (Sunday from June–August), 10am–5 pm. (Closed 1–2pm weekends). See website for off-season hours. Free admission. Gift shop.
Discovery Centre 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax 902-492-4422 / thediscoverycentre.ca Atlantic Canada’s premier science centre features four floors of interactive, educational exhibits, including an Innovation Lab and Dome Theatre planetarium. Offers fun interactive learning experiences for all ages. Bird’s Nest Café and retail shop. Wheelchair accessible. Admission charged. Open daily.
Fairbanks Centre/Shubenacadie Canal 54 Locks Rd., Dartmouth / 902-462-1826 shubenacadiecanal.ca This Shubenacadie Canal (built 1824–1861), moved steamboats and barges between Halifax Harbour and the Bay of Fundy. The centre is next to the reconstructed Lock 3 of the canal system. From here, take a self-guided historic walking tour. Features include 19th-century locks and an 1820s workers’ camp. From the Fairbanks Centre you can enter the Trans Canada Trail, the Shubie Park trail system, and trails connecting shopping areas such as Dartmouth Crossing and Mic Mac Mall. Fairbanks Centre walking tour and park open daily
FINEST CANADIAN CRAFTS - CAPES - POTTERY - YARN - MOHAIR SOCKS PRESERVES - BLANKETS - JEWELLERY - SHEEPSKIN & LEATHER ITEMS FIRST NATION CRAFTS - SCOTTISH & IRISH PRODUCTS AND MUCH MORE!
year-round. Museum open year-round, Monday– Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm. Free admission. Picnic tables, washrooms.
Fisherman’s Life Museum 10309 Hwy. 7, Jeddore Oyster Pond 902-889-4209 / fishermanslife.novascotia.ca Built in the early 1900s, this house was home to Ervin Myers, wife Ethelda, and their 13 daughters. They made their living off both the land and sea, fishing throughout the summer and working the woods in the winter. Open daily June, Wednesday to Sunday, 9am–4pm; July–October, Tuesday to Sunday, 9am–4pm.. Parking, picnic tables, washrooms on site. Bus tours welcome. Admission charged.
Fultz House Museum 33 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville 902-865-3794 / fultzhouse.ca Located in a house dating back to the 1860s, this museum displays photographs and artifacts relating to Sackville and surrounding communities. On the property are blacksmith and cooperage shops with tools, and an 1855 horse-drawn hearse. Open weekends in June, daily July 1–Aug. 31, 10am–5pm; by appointment year-round. No admission fee (except for special functions), donations welcome. Gift shop.
HMCS Sackville Sackville Landing (off Lower Water Street), Halifax 902-429-2132. Off-season: 902-427-2837 hmcssackville-cnmt.ns.ca Sackville is the last of Canada’s 123 Second World War corvettes and the last Flower Class corvette in the world. Commissioned into the Canadian navy in 1941, it escorted convoys from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Londonderry, U.K. from 1942–1944. Post-war, it was a research vessel until 1982. Restored to its 1944 appearance, Sackville is now Canada’s National Naval Memorial. Open for tours late June–late Oct. Check website for admission and hours.
MacPhee House Community Museum 22404 Main St., Sheet Harbour / 902-885-2092 Artifacts from the late-19th–mid-20th centuries. Exhibits show the impact of the world wars on local people and life on the Eastern Shore from the 1850s onward. In a community park. Accessible visitor-information centre and washrooms (museum upstairs). Free Wi-Fi. Open daily midJune–late September, off-season by appointment.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax 902-424-7490 / 902-424-749 maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum. Featuring: Halifax Wrecked: The Halifax Explosion and Titanic exhibits, plus the Robertson Ship Chandlery and museum ship CSS Acadia, open from May until October. Open year-round (closed Monday Nov. 1–April 30). Admission charged (free Tuesday from 5pm–8pm).
Memory Lane Heritage Village 5435 Clam Harbour Rd., off Hwy. 7, Lake Charlotte 902-845-1937 / 877-287-0697 / heritagevillage.ca Award-winning living-history museum depicting coastal rural life in Nova Scotia in the 1940s. Eighteen interactive buildings with costumed animators, period artifacts, audio soundscapes, and traditional skills demonstrations. Self-guided tour via mobile device. Traditional cookhouse meals. Eastern Shore Archives and Genealogy Research Centre open by appointment. Gift shop, public washrooms, free Wi-Fi. French and German spoken. Electric vehicle charging station. Open daily June 1–Oct. 4, 9:30am–4pm. Off-season by appointment. Admission charged. Senior and group discounts available. Children under 5 free.
Moose River Gold Mines Museum 6990 Moose River Rd, Moose River Gold Mines, Eastern Shore / 902-384-2484 Gold mining artifacts and first-hand information about the infamous mine disaster of 1936. Open July 1 –Aug. 31, daily 10am–5pm. Other times by appointment. Donations welcome.
Musquodoboit Railway Museum 7895 Hwy. 7, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-889-2689 / mhrailwaymuseum.com Housed in the former Canadian National Railway Station (circa 1918). Exhibits tell the story of Nova Scotia’s railways and the community’s dependence on rail travel at the turn of the century. Part of the
ATTRACTIONS
former rail line has been transformed into a 15-km trail. Gift shop. Open in summer. Free admission, donations welcome.
Naval Museum of Halifax Admiralty House, CFB Stadacona, 2725 Gottingen St., Halifax / 902-721-8250 navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/navy-life/history-museums.page History of the Royal Canadian Navy, especially in Halifax. Collection includes 50,000+ volumes, archives, and historical artifacts including model ships, weapons, photos, and medals. Open Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. Closed on holidays. Admission by donation. Gift shop.
Nova Scotia Archives 6016 University Ave., Halifax 902-424-6060 / archives.novascotia.ca Records of government departments and corporate bodies (churches, businesses, and organizations), personal papers, a 50,000-title library, newspapers, genealogical sources, documentary art and photographs, maps and architectural plans, sound recordings, and moving images. Open Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm, Wednesday–9pm; Saturday 9am–5pm. Closed Sunday, holidays, and holiday weekends. Free admission.
Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History 1747 Summer St., Halifax / 902-424-7353 / 902-424-6548 naturalhistory.novascotia.ca Explore Nova Scotia’s forests, oceans, and more. Visit Gus the gopher tortoise, who is nine decades old. Gift shop, parking, and picnic tables. Open year-round, 9am–5pm, Wednesday 9am–8pm. Admission charged.
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame 1800 Argyle St., Halifax (entrance via Scotiabank Centre box office) / 902-421-1266 / nsshf.com Highlights the stories of Nova Scotian athletes, builders, and teams. Exhibit dedicated to hockey superstar Sidney Crosby. Multi-sport simulator. Open year-round, Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm and before Scotiabank Centre events. Open weekends in July and August, noon– 4pm. Free admission.
Quaker House 55–57 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth 902-464-2253 / dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca Within a two-minute walk of the Halifax Transit ferry terminal is one of the oldest houses in the city, built by Quaker whalers in 1786. Costumed guides give interpreted tours. The newly revitalized heritage garden features plants used by the Quakers over 200 years ago. Open June 1–Aug. 31, Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–1 pm, 2pm–5pm. Free admission.
Scott Manor House 15 Fort Sackville Rd., Bedford 902-832-2336 / scottmanor.ca A Dutch colonial manor, this provincial heritage site features hand-hewn beams, wishbone chimneys, and a hand-dug cellar. Built circa 1770 by Joseph Scott, it now serves as a centre for community
ATTRACTIONS
heritage. Tearoom serving homemade oatcakes and fresh seasonal berries, open 2pm–4pm (cash only), plus a well-stocked reading and research room. Open daily July–August, 10am–4pm; Wednesdays–8pm; other times by appointment.
Shearwater Aviation Museum 34 Bonaventure Ave., 12 Wing Shearwater (take Rte. 322 toward Eastern Passage) 902-720-1083 / shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca Displays Canadian military aviation as it evolved at Shearwater. Restored historic aircraft. Open year-round. Wheelchair accessible. Gift shop. Admission by donation.
Experience Atlantic Canada’s largest art museum.
Daily tours at 2:00 p.m.
Visit: artgalleryofnovascotia.ca
Waverley Heritage Museum 2463 Rocky Lake Dr., Waverley 902-861-1436 / waverleycommunity.ca Exhibits on gold mining and the Acadia Powder Mill Company, photographs of past residents, and scenes chronicling Waverley’s history. Located in the old St. John the Baptist Church, noted for its nautical style architecture, evoking the impression of an upside-down ship’s hull. Open Monday– Friday, 9am–4pm from June 1–late August. Free admission. Off-season by appointment.
GALLERIES
Argyle Fine Art 1559 Barrington St., Halifax 902-425-9456 / argylefineart.com One of Halifax’s most progressive galleries, showcasing contemporary art by established and emerging Canadian painters, photographers, sculptors, and fibre artists. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5:30pm. Other times by appointment.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia 1723 Hollis St., Halifax 902-424-5280 / artgalleryofnovascotia.ca Atlantic Canada’s largest art museum, with 17,000+ works in the permanent collection, plus touring exhibitions. Open daily in summer, Tuesday–Sunday year-round. Admission charged. Free access or by donation Thursday 5pm–9pm.
The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing 2 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth 902-461-4698 / alderneylanding.com On the Dartmouth waterfront next to the Halifax Transit ferry terminal. Hosts exhibitions by a variety of local professional and amateur artists. Open Tuesday–Friday, noon–5:30pm; Saturday, 9am– 5pm, Sunday, 11am–3pm. Free admission.
Dalhousie Art Gallery Dalhousie Arts Centre, 6101 University Ave., Halifax 902-494-2403 / artgallery.dal.ca Contemporary and historic art exhibitions, curated film screenings, artist and curator talks, free guided tours, offsite programming. Free admission. Open Tuesday–Friday, 11am–5pm; weekends, noon– 5pm. Elevator access from main entrance.
Eyelevel Gallery Suite 101, 5663 Cornwallis St., Halifax 902-425-6412 / eyelevelgallery.ca A not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to presenting, developing, and promoting contemporary art. Exhibitions, performances, special projects, and workshops provide a forum for discussion and education. Free admission. Open weekdays, noon–5pm.
Mary E. Black Gallery Suite 140, 1061 Marginal Rd., Halifax 902-492-2522 / craft-design.ns.ca Gallery in the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design. Hosts exhibitions of contemporary and
traditional fine craft. Public classes offered in six studios. Designer Craft Shop features local handmade craft. Free admission. Open Tuesday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Saturday–Sunday, 11am–4pm.
Mount Saint Vincent University Art Gallery Seton Academic Centre, 166 Bedford Hwy., Halifax 902-457-6160 / msvuart.ca Reflects the university’s educational mission by emphasizing the representation of women as cultural subjects and producers. Exhibitions explore various forms of cultural production, highlighting the achievements of Nova Scotian artists and themes relevant to the university’s academic programs. Open Tuesday–Friday, 10am–4pm, Saturday–Sunday, 12pm–4pm. Free admission.
Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery Loyola Building, 5865 Gorsebrook Ave., Halifax 902-420-5445 / smuartgallery.ca Focuses on contemporary art, featuring emerging and established artists. Five to eight new exhibitions yearly. Hosts panels, lectures, and artists’ presentations. Open Tuesday–Friday, 11am– 5pm; weekends, noon–5pm. Free admission.
Secord Gallery 6301 Quinpool Rd., Halifax 902-423-6644 / secordgallery.com Ongoing exhibitions, including oil, acrylic, and mixed-media paintings, works on paper (including original prints and photos), plus sculpture and ceramics. Open Monday–Thursday, 9:30am– 5:30pm; Friday, 9:30am–7pm; and Saturday, 10am–5pm. Summer and holiday hours vary.
Studio 21 Fine Art 5431 Doyle St., Halifax 902-420-1852 / studio21.ca Contemporary works in a variety of media by established and emerging artists. Free admission. Open Tuesday–Friday, 11am–6pm; Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday and Monday by appointment.
Viewpoint Gallery 1459 Brenton St., Halifax 902-420-0854 / viewpointgallery.ca Halifax’s only contemporary photography gallery. Local and international exhibitions. Artists’ talks, print reviews; workshops and classes from Photoworkshops.ca. Free admission. Open Thursday–Sunday, noon–5pm.
Zwicker’s Gallery 5415 Doyle St., Halifax 902-423-7662 / zwickersgallery.ca Founded in 1866, Halifax’s oldest commercial art gallery. Features a broad selection of fine art in many categories and styles. Open Tuesday–Friday, 9am–5pm; Saturday, 10am–5pm. Monday by appointment only
