Halifax Regional Municipality

Urban vibe meets historic hub

Performances, tours, museums, sports, food, drink and fun. That about sums it up for Halifax this summer. If you’re looking for stunning views with cosmopolitan groove, you’ve come to the right place

By Alec Bruce

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia

What’s hot this summer

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is back (June 25–July 2). The Tattoo’s motto, “We stir the heart and call you home,” is a welcome call for those looking to return to one of the summer’s biggest events. This year, all kids’ tickets are free with the purchase of an adult/senior ticket. Later, Lake Banook also hits the global stage, attracting the world’s most powerful paddlers to Dartmouth for the 2022 ICF

Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships (Aug. 3–7). Prince Albert Road will be closed to traffic for a festival where spectators can watch the races free of charge. Check out Discover Halifax’s complete event listings here: discoverhalifaxns.com/events/list/?tribe_ event_display=list&tribe_paged=3

The 36th annual Halifax Jazz Festival will be held July 12–17.

Photo: Discover Halifax

The Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts plans to include a three-day plein air painting event.

Photo: Develop Nova Scotia / Thandi Munro

Already a highly anticipated event locally, the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts (July 6–17) is putting the area on canvas, and it’s a must-do for visitors.

Two events will highlight the festival: Paint Peggy’s Cove, a three-day plein air painting event with over 40 local and international artists participating; and Studio Tour, including more than 70 artists, galleries and art groups welcoming visitors through their doors. Then, come back to the city for the 36th annual Halifax Jazz Festival (July 12–17), offering a range of free and ticketed performances and musical programming throughout the city.

A month later, the Halifax Fringe Festival (Sept. 2–12) includes theatre, music, circus, dance, comedy, education, and more in 10+ venues, with 55+ productions mounting 350+ individual performances. All performances take place in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, with venues spread across the downtown and North End neighbourhoods, allowing audiences to easily jump from one venue to the next while also reaching multiple communities.

The Fin Atlantic International Film Festival is scheduled to run Sept. 15–22.

Photo: Chris Geworsky

The 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships are planned for Lake Banook in Dartmouth Aug. 3–7.

Photo: Discover Halifax

Busker FEST

The Halifax Busker Festival gets underway with the best street performers and musicians in the hood (July 27–Aug. 1). With hundreds of shows over six days, the festival highlights performances on multiple stages — from the unique to the sublime. Audience members will be taken on a ride of shock and awe, laughter and storytelling, fun and frivolity. Don’t miss out on the mid-way and carnival rides, and enjoy the international vendors offering food, clothing, jewelry and more.

Typically, the unofficial capper to summer’s frivolities in the capital city (and the herald of autumn’s activities) is the Fin Atlantic International Film Festival. The event will turn the city into an international mecca for the arts, abuzz with film lovers and filmmakers alike (Sept. 15–22).

For lots of kid-specific travel advice, check out: discoverhalifaxns.com/kids/. This family-friendly guide provides all the info you need to plan your vacation and enjoy the unexpected — Halifax will take care of the rest. Browse for inspiration and ideas for family-friendly activities and attractions. It offers all the important information you need to create your own unforgettable family adventure in Nova Scotia’s capital.

Old friends and new favourites

Speaking of the kid in all of us, there’s a new signature exhibition at pc.gc.ca/ en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/activ/visite-autoguide-self-guided-tour. Check out the grand opening of Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict. Delayed due to COVID until this year, the exhibit chronicles the history of Halifax from before European contact to the 21st century. The multi-room exhibit offers a comprehensive and immersive display of the history of Halifax in one location. It’s a must-see. Also, don’t miss the Halifax Citadel Ghost Tours. As the gate swings open, a tour guide in full period uniform stands on the drawbridge holding a glowing lantern. It’s all a thirsty business, so while there, take in the Halifax Citadel Distilled Experience. Three unique Compass Distillers spirits are aged in oak barrels onsite. Enjoy a quick tasting experience or embark on the grand tour with tasting tutorials from a professional distiller. There’s plenty more to see and do at this iconic historic site this summer.

The Discovery Centre is an interactive science museum in Halifax.

Photo: Discovery Centre

Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict is the largest and newest exhibit at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Photo: Aaron McKenzie Fraser

The Halifax Citadel Ghost Tours offer a nocturnal journey into the site’s haunted history.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Acorn Art & Photography

Halifax PRIDE

Halifax Pride Festival (July 14–24) is an 11-day celebration of Halifax’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, featuring over 150 events, including youth hangouts, dance classes, drag shows, comedy, sports and various panels and community gatherings. Halifax Pride creates safe opportunities and spaces for persons of diverse sexual and gender identities to come together and flourish, not just during the festival, but throughout the year. The Halifax Pride Parade is scheduled for July 16.

Photo: Discover Halifax

The Halifax waterfront has much to offer visitors in the summer.

Photo: Discover Halifax

Located in the heart of Halifax Harbour, the place the Mi’kmaq called Kjipuktuk or “The Great Harbour,” Georges Island National Historic Site offers scenic views from a new perspective. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Halifax. Discover how this small island and its fortifications played a large role as a prison, as an internment camp for Acadians, in the development of Nova Scotia and in the defense of Canada. Discover the underground complex beneath Fort Charlotte on Georges Island. This maze of cold brick tunnels once housed the ammunition for the fort’s powerful guns in bomb-proof security. It’s easy to get lost in these cramped passages, so a guide is essential. Book transportation to Georges Island with Ambassatours Grayline, by private boat, canoe, or book a kayak with Harbour Watercraft Tour and Adventures.

Of course, if you’re in Halifax, you know you’ve entered a foodie’s paradise. Restaurants, pubs, eateries, food trucks and more abound. While you’re here, why not check out the rest of Nova Scotia’s culinary offerings. For 30 years, Taste of Nova Scotia has been inspiring you to eat, drink and explore the province. Now, the mobile app makes that so much easier (get it here: tasteofnovascotia.com/taste-of-nova-scotia-mobile-app/). For more details, visit the Nova Scotia Culinary Trails sites, Good Cheer Trail, Chowder Trail and Lobster Trail.

The Halifax Citadel Distilled Experience offers up three unique Compass Distillers spirits, which are aged in oak barrels onsite.

Photo: Acorn Art & Photography