05/02/2021
@darcireece
Halifax Harbour
Discovery Centre @juyeong1019 @iwannajamitwidyou
@untamedbrightly
Downtown Dartmouth Weird Harbour Espresso Bar
Shubie Park
Prince George Hotel
Sir Sandford Fleming Park
@nicolle.tonja
A city filled with heart
& soul.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax is a unique region that blends a vibrant city with authentic Maritime culture, creating a perfect balance. Located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and populated by diverse communities, from coastal fishing villages to urban neighbourhoods, Halifax is a place where anyone can fit in and find something to love. Most importantly, it’s a place filled with local pride and Maritime hospitality, ready to welcome each other and someday friends, family and visitors from afar back safely.
Frog Pond
Until then, get inspired by our new winter guide .
Peggy’s Cove
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Thi
n eed t
o k no w
y ou s g n
Public
Health Guidelines How to Experience Halifax Safely As always, we ask locals and visitors to maintain social distancing where possible and wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask in indoor public spaces or when you cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance.
here
Click
for information from the Government of Nova
Scotia on how to stay safe and protect yourself and your community. Visitors to the Halifax region should be aware of travel restrictions and follow all public health and safety guidelines to help keep everyone safe. We encourage you to check ahead with any business you intend to visit to ensure they are open and familiarize yourself with their safety protocols. Know before you go!
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Find the latest information on COVID-19 restrictions at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restriction-updates
Gatherings • Households can have up to 10 people in their home (including those that live there) without social distancing. • Gathering limit for close social groups without social distancing: 10 people • Businesses and organizations are not permitted to host in-person events and activities without social distancing. Gathering limits exist with social distancing in place.
CLICK HERE
• Restaurants are open for dine in and take out.* • Retail is open with restrictions, including max 50% capacity.* • Playgrounds, parks, trails and other outdoor activities remain open. • Select museums and attractions are open.*
for more information.
Travel Restrictions ATLANTIC TRAVEL BUBBLE • Everyone who travels from outside Nova Scotia, PEI or NFLD into NS must self-isolate for 14 days. Nova Scotian’s are being advised to avoid non-essential travel outside NS until further notice.
CLICK HERE
Experience Halifax
for more information.
Mask Recommendations • Wearing a non-medical mask is required in most indoor public places. • Masks are required on public transit. • Children under 2 are exempt. • People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask are also exempt. • Masks are recommended outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
CLICK HERE
for more information.
*Restrictions in place. Businesses must follow the Health Protection Act and their sector-specific plan. DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
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Rediscover
A PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW Welcome to the fourth edition of the Heart.Soul. Halifax! Guide. In this issue you’ll find information on Dine Around, a guide to March Break in Halifax, fun winter activities, new itineraries to inspire your exploration and many more ways to experience the heart and soul of Halifax this winter.
Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park
For those looking for a local getaway or a weekend staycation to relax and recharge, check out the latest hotel packages! Most are available for the entire month of February for the Dine & Stay program, but many are available right into March. Reminder: As information can change quickly, it is always best to check directly with businesses for the latest information. Be aware of travel restrictions and public health & safety guidelines to keep each other and our destination safe. Visit discoverhalifaxns.com for more local tips and new ideas to help you rediscover the heart and soul of Halifax.
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Prospect
your guide
to planning @chargerburgers
08 WHAT’S NEW IN HALIFAX 10 DINE AROUND 14 DINE & STAY HOTEL PACKAGES 15 PLAN YOUR MARCH BREAK 16 FAMILY FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY 17 WINTER PACKAGES 18 OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES 19 EMERA OVAL 2021 UPDATES 21 WINTER ITINERARIES
22 WINTER WILDERNESS 24 THE WINTER UNWINDER 26 CONNECT WITH US Point Pleasant Park
t . r s a o e u l. h a x h alif DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
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WHAT’S NEW
IN HALIFAX
The Halifax region is always changing and evolving, with new restaurants and experiences being offered all the time. This winter, make time for your favourite Halifax must-dos, and try something new as well! NOTE: Before your visit, be sure to check with SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
businesses directly for the most up-do-date information.
New Restaurants THE OSNEY CAFÉ AND SOCIAL 5783 Charles St, Halifax Small restaurant-coffee shop
HERMITAGE
1460 Lower Water St, Halifax A local restaurant where Old World inspiration meets East Coast ingredients
COPPER BRANCH
1474 Lower Water St, Halifax National vegan chain restaurant
MARIA’S PASTA BAR & PANTRY 17 Prince St, Dartmouth Fresh pasta bar and pantry items
BEDFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB
New Cafes & Bakeries
1658 Bedford Hwy, Bedford Sports bar and pub
HOP SCOTCH DINNER CLUB
1537 Barrington St, Halifax Former pop-up turned warm urban bistro
LABOUR DAY PICNIC CAFE
12286 Peggy’s Cove Rd, Glen Haven Cozy coffee shop
CASABLANCA
1532 Queen St, Halifax Authentic Moroccan restaurant
SUGAR & CRUMB BAKE SHOP BY ON THE WEDGE
1595 Bedford Hwy, Bedford (Sunnyside Mall) Traditional Nova Scotian desserts
ANTOINETTE’S CHEESECAKES NEW DARTMOUTH LOCATION
250 Baker Dr, Dartmouth Hand crafted New York Style cheesecakes
TSUJIRI HALIFAX
1605 South Park St, Halifax Premium Japanese matcha café and dessert shop @tsujiri_ns
HARVEST
936 Bedford Hwy, Bedford | 1625 Market St, Halifax Farm-to-table eatery
FLYNN’S DAIRY BAR & CONVENIENCE / FUN AND SHAKES
1365 Hollis St, Halifax Ice cream shop & convenience store
THE DAHLIA BY JUKAI
15 Kings Wharf Pl #104, Dartmouth Asian inspired food & drink
DEAR FRIEND BAR
67 Portland St, Dartmouth Neighborhood wine & cocktail bar
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CHICKING DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
604 Bedford Hwy, Bedford Korean chicken joint
@c
More new businesses YOURS, BY E.
1887 Granville St, Halifax Full-service bridal boutique
PRESS PLAY CAFE
585 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville A boardroom cafe
@theosney
get
1700 Grafton St, Halifax Modern, luxury accommodation
REDCHILLIES BAZAAR
936 Bedford Hwy, Unit 108, Bedford Authentic Indian grocery store in Bedford
ARTHUR’S URBAN MARKET
out a n
e!
1591 Hollis St, Halifax European-style grocery market
or
THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL HALIFAX
d e x pl
chicking4u
The Sutton Place Hotel
THE TARE SHOP – DARTMOUTH
@thetareshop
21 Portland St Unit 1, Dartmouth A package free and bulk store
THE LEMONADE GENERAL STORE 5525 Young St, Halifax A curated and boutique general store
@eunoialifestyleshop
HALIFAX PAPER HEARTS 6061 Willow St, Halifax A stationary store
EUNOIA LIFESTYLE SHOP INC.
5659 Almon St Unit 100, Halifax An aspirational lifestyle shop in North End Halifax
*Please Note: This is by no means an exhaustive list of new businesses in the region, rather a collection of suggestions we recommend checking out. For weekly updates on new businesses opening in Halifax, we recommend subscribing to Halifax ReTales!
@iwannajamitwidyou
@dearfriendbar
@halifaxbridal
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Stubborn Goat Restaurant
Morris East Chop Steakhouse and Bar
Brawta Jamaican Jerk Joint
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
Saké Restaurant & Bar
Bianca Aperitivo Bar
Kyo Kitchen & Bar
Field Guide
Copper Branch
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Antojo Tacos + Tequila
Old Port Pub & Grill
IS BACK!
Eliot & Vine
Take part in Halifax’s tastiest month of the year; Dine Around is the annual foodie event that takes over the city throughout the month of February. Enjoy specially-priced chef-curated menus starting at just $10 – available for dine in, take out or delivery!
Rasa Flavours of India
The Canteen on Portland
DID YOU KNOW: Dine Around supports Feed Nova Scotia, with many participating restaurants donating a portion of the proceeds from each Dine Around menu sold to increase food security for Nova Scotians. Upstreet BBQ Brewhouse
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110
restaurants participating.
Over Here are just a few to get your
mouth watering!
WHAT: Dine Around is a month-long food event in February focused on creative, limitedavailability menus offered by local restaurants, and specially priced at $10, $20, $30, $40 or $50. WHEN: February 1 – 28, 2021 WHERE: Experience Dine Around at restaurants across Nova Scotia, however most participating restaurants are located within the Halifax Region. HOW:
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ith 110+ delicious W menus to choose from, you can dine in (pending restrictions) or take-out with Dine Around! Visit dinearoundhfx.com to discover this year’s menus!
DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
10 MENUS $
Pickford & Black 6 fresh oysters on the half shell (GF/GFO)
Portland Street Creperie “THE ABBY” - Pork slowroasted in Belgian Stout and Anchored Coffee with house-made slaw (GF/GFO)
20 MENUS $
The Cheeky Neighbour Diner Crispy pork belly, sourdough, spicy mayo, beet crisps, cucumber, green onion, cilantro. Comes with fries and a 16oz Garrison or Spindrift.
Harbourstone Pour House Earth Burger - Iron Roast Mushroom Burger, King Oyster “Bacon”, Vegan Queso, House Spiced Ketchup, Phil’s Mizuna, Crisp Lentil Fries (V/VO)
30 MENUS
$
40 MENUS
Noodle Nami Quinpool
2 Doors Down
Dinner for 2 – 2 pieces Vegetable Spring Roll, 5 pieces Pork Dumpling, Chicken Fried Rice, choice of: Ginger Chicken / Beef
3-Course Meal - Includes options such as “Kale Caesar Salad!” as an appetizer, Herb & Garlic Roasted Chicken Breast as an entrée, and Vanilla Bean
or Nami Chicken / Beef
Boondocks Restaurant 3-Course Meal – Selections include Seafood Chowder, Fish and Chips, Homemade Ginger Cake, and more.
50 MENUS
$
(HALIFAX & DARTMOUTH LOCATIONS)
Cheesecake for dessert.
Lot Six Bar & Restaurant
3-Course Dinner – Includes options such as Fried Oyster Slider for an appetizer, Country Fried Chicken Thighs for an entrée, and toasted S’mores Dip for dessert!
$
The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar 3-Course Meal – Options include Atlantic Fish Cake appetizers, a Smoked Salmon Linguini entrée, and a decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake dessert.
Gio 3 Course Meal - includes options such as Beer Carpaccio for an appetizer, Halibut as a main course and Lemoncello Cake for dessert.
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Delta Hotels by Marriott DArtmouth • 1 night accommodation • Starting at $139
• $50 dining credit to the Pitch & Pivot Social Room • Complimentary parking
BOOK NOW
This year make Dine Around an overnight experience! Hotels have teamed up with Dine Around to offer Dine & Stay packages to help you have a fun, safe staycation in Halifax.
Four Points by Sheraton Halifax • 1 night accommodation • Heated underground parking • Starting at $99
+ $20.00 per person prix-fixe menu at Gahan House Nova Centre, brewery tour, and ½ pint of brewers choice small batch beer
BOOK NOW
Here are some of the special packages Halifax hotels are offering this February:
Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown • 1 night stay in a Standard Room • Complimentary continental • Complimentary parking breakfast for 2 • Starting at $99
BOOK NOW Please Note: Terms & Conditions apply, prices do not include tax. Subject to availability. Check the hotel’s website for details on these and other staycation packages.
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Visit dinearoundhfx.com to see all the Dine & Stay packages.
march break
YOUR GUIDE TO A BLISSFULLY BUSY MARCH BREAK While March Break this year may look a little different, it doesn’t have to be any less fun! With many places to stay and ways to get out safely with your family, it’s time to experience that fresh open air we’ve all been craving!
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE Winter beach picnic and play
Eastern Shore Region Bundle up and head to one of the many beaches along the Eastern Shore! Try Rainbow Haven or Martinique Beach for long stretches of sandy shore - potentially snow! Bring along your sandcastle-building tools, a warm blanket and a canister of hot chocolate for a winter day by the Atlantic Ocean!
Winter walk through a Park
Head to Shubie Park in Dartmouth, Musquodoboit Trailway in Eastern Shore or Point Pleasant Park in Downtown Halifax for a family winter walk, dogs allowed (note the areas where leashes are mandatory)! Spot the ducks and birds who decided to stay all year long and walk the beautiful wooded trails!
Nova Scotia’s Largest Wooden Playground
8765 NS-224, Musquodobit Region These giant castle-like structures are begging to be climbed and played on! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the impressive wooden tower, wavy slides and themed sections for imaginative play! Sit back and let your kids play to their heart’s content!
There are TONS of playgrounds across the Halifax Region, including the Submarine Playground on the Halifax Waterfront and the DeWolf Park playground in Bedford! Check out this blog on the Top 10 Playgrounds in Halifax by clicking HERE.
Tobogganing Hills in Halifax
Dust off or pick up some new sleds and head to one of the following hills for a day of tobogganing: • • • •
Citadel Hill, Downtown Halifax Merv Sullivan Park aka “The Pit”, North End Halifax Oakfield Provincial Park, Airport Area Region Ashburn Golf Course, West End Halifax Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park
INDOOR ACTIVITIES Sometimes it’s nice to spend a wintery day inside. We encourage you to check out the March Break offers at key Halifax attractions like the Discovery Centre and Art Gallery of Nova Scotia!
@juyeong1019
@nushab_ardeshir
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@untamedbrightly
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
PLACES TO STAY +MARCH BREAK HOTEL PACKAGES Halifax has plenty of fantastic accommodations, no matter what you’re looking for. From pet-friendly hotels that will welcome your furry family members, to kid-approved amenities like pools and water slides, we’ve got some great options for your March Break stay.
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Prince George Hotel
Hotels with pools & waterslides: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Halifax – Bedford Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax – Dartmouth
Some Dog-Friendly Hotels • Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites • The Westin Nova Scotian • Atlantica Hotel Halifax • Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
For a full list CLICK HERE
Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
Hotels with pools in Downtown Halifax: The Prince George Hotel Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites The Westin Nova Scotian Four Points by Sheraton Halifax Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
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Visit HeartSoulHalifax.com to find even more overnight deals!
packages to enjoy
this Winter Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites Enjoy a one-night stay in the stylishly restored historic Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, and receive a $50 shopping voucher The Fab & Festive package includes: • One night accommodation in a freshly renovated Classic guestroom • $50 shopping voucher for participating retailers and restaurants • Complimentary heated underground parking
• Price: From $169* per night.
BOOK NOW
Raise Your Spirits at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site! With a kilted 78th Highlander as your guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Halifax Citadel to discover the history of alcohol use in the British military. Savour three Halifax Citadel-aged spirits crafted by award-winning Compass Distillers and paired with delicious artisanal cheeses Price: $75 + HST per participant Duration: 75 minutes
LEARN MORE Please Note: Terms & Conditions apply, prices do not include tax. Subject to availability. Check the hotel’s website for details on these and other staycation packages.
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WONDERFUL
WINTER ACTIVITIES Don’t let cool temperatures and snow keep you indoors; embrace winter in Halifax with fun activities to get you out of the house and into the great outdoors!
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Skate the Emera Oval
5775 Cogswell St, Downtown Halifax
The Emera Oval on the Halifax Commons offers free skating equipment rentals (helmets + skates) onsite and is open to all ages and abilities! You can pre-register HERE
Take the ferry to Dartmouth
Board the Alderney Ferry on the Halifax Waterfront, and enjoy the brisk ride across the Harbour. 15 minutes and $2.75 later, you’ll arrive in Downtown Dartmouth, a community bursting with food culture, funky boutiques and urban art!
Own your own
cross-country skis or snowshoes? Check out these awesome trails: McDonald Sports Park, Waverley Shubie Park, Dartmouth BLT Trail/Rails to Trails, Beechville Point Pleasant Park, Downtown Halifax Atlantic View Trail, Cole Harbour
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
72 Peggy’s Point Rd, Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Many people don’t think of Peggy’s Cove as a winter destination, but we’re here to tell you that it’s a winter wonderland and in many cases, winter is an even better time to visit! From fewer crowds to tasting in-season lobster at The Sou’Wester (take-out available!), a winter trip to Peggy’s Cove is an activity not to be missed.
CLICK HERE for more snowshoeing info . CLICK HERE for more cross-country ski info.
Hatfield Farm
Click HEre to Check out
Visit the beautiful Hatfield Farm with friends or family for the ultimate winter activity: a sleigh ride!
Peggy’s Cove at Winter
1840 Hammonds Plains Rd, Hammonds Plains
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5 Reasons to love
Everything You Need to Know About
Skating on the Emera Oval in 2021 It’s a local winter staple; a winter outing to the Halifax Common for a skate on the Emera Oval. Of course, as with many long-standing traditions in the era of COVID-19, traditions must be adapted to ensure that our community stays healthy and safe. Fortunately, the city’s most popular outdoor skating destination has done just that; the Emera Oval is open for the 2021 season – complete with updated health and safety protocols. Read on to find out what’s changed and how you can still enjoy a free skating experience in the heart of Halifax.
COVID-19 Safety Measures • reduced ice capacity • pre-registration • mandatory masks in the building and on the ice
Pre-Registration • Pre-registration is required • Registration will open 48 hours before the desired skate time, meaning if you are hoping to skate at noon on a Wednesday, you can book that as of noon on Monday. Participants can register up to 10 people from the same household. HOW TO REGISTER: 1. Online: REGISTER ONLINE HERE 2. By Phone: Call 902-490-6666 anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
• enhanced cleaning for skate and helmet rentals limited quantities available
Ice Capacity: 240 skaters click here to Read
Everything You Need to Know About Skating on the Emera Oval in 2021
This year, The Emera Oval will have a reduced capacity in accordance with current public health guidelines. As of Jan 27, 2021, capacity is 240 skaters
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Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
Halifax Central Library
Shubie Park
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Citadel Hill The Prince George Hotel
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Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Halifax Citadel Hill at Sackville & Brunswick
inspiring
Itineraries
for your winter getaways Need a little inspiration for fun things to do in Halifax this winter? We’ve got you covered with winter-ready itineraries perfect for your local staycation or weekend getaway.
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long WINTER
WILDERNESS
Explore the edges of the Halifax region in the open air and fluffy snow this winter! This itinerary is best experienced with a family, partner or pal, and is perfect for those who love a little backyard adventure! The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel
WHERE TO STAY • Check into The Westin Nova Scotian, a familyfriend hotel complete with a big pool, bar and on-site restaurant, right in downtown Halifax.
FRIDAY EVENING The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel
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• Head to The Emera Oval for outdoor winter skating under big lights. It’s not as busy, but it’s just as fun and beautiful! Note that the rink closes at 9pm and skaters must pre-register HERE. • Warm up with a big take out dinner and eat right in the room and rent a movie! For a list of familyfriendly eateries, CLICK HERE.
GIVE YOURSELF SOMETHING TO EXCITING TO EXPLORE DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
Rhubarb
@rhubarbrestaurant_
SATURDAY DAY + NIGHT
Peggy’s Cove
• Drive towards Peggy’s Cove and stop in at Rhubarb for lunch in a cozy seaside setting. • Make a pit-stop at Peggy’s Cove for stunning winter views and the Cove virtually all to yourself! • Once you’re back at “The Westin”, warm up with a swim in the pool! • For dinner, we recommend dining-in at the Seaport Social or ordering take out from one of Halifax’s many downtown restaurants
SUNDAY MORNING • Right across the street from “The Westin” is the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, the longest continuously operating farmer’s market in North America! Check out their many vendors and take in some local shopping before heading home.
The Emera Oval
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
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The
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Rediscover Halifax
Unwinder
This winter take time for you - right here in Halifax! Treat yourself to a delicious meal (that you didn’t have to cook), a relaxing facial (that you didn’t have to prepare), and a glorious sleep-in (in a bed you don’t have to make). This itinerary is for anyone looking for some well-deserved ME TIME!”
WHERE TO STAY
Check into the Prince George Hotel, in the heart of downtown Halifax. Complete with pool, hot tub and onsite restaurant!
WE RECOMMENDED YOU PACK • Cozy PJs • A good book or headphones
• Your warmest winterwear • A bathing suit
@princegeorgehotel
FRIDAY NIGHT
@princegeorgehotel
DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
• Set the scene for the weekend and take advantage of the he luxurious pool and hot tub at the Prince George Hotel • Order take-out dinner from their on-site restaurant, GIO. Feb 1-28 take advantage of their special Dine Around prix-fixe menu, available only until Feb 28! • If you book a Crown Service room, take advantage of their lightweight white robes and dine in bed!
@wildflowerhfx @weirdharbour @wildflowerhfx
SATURDAY
• Start your day with a morning walk downtown or along the waterfront • Pick up coffee and pastries from Weird Harbour Espresso Bar on Barrington Street • Make an appointment at Spirit Spa in Downtown Halifax for an afternoon of pampering – whether you want a massage or a facial... or let’s be honest, both!
@spiritspahfx
• Shop for yourself in local boutiques like Biscuit, Wildflower Clothing or Lisa Drader-Murphy • Spend another night in, with take out, a good movie or book, and that soft white hotel robe!
SUNDAY MORNING
• Take your time and ease into the day with a warm bath or a steaming hot tub @spiritspahfx
• Enjoy a full breakfast from GIO. DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
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t . r s a o e u l. h a x h alif
The Heart Soul Halifax Guide is created by Discover Halifax with input from our many tourism and industry partners. Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. As information can change quickly, it is always best to check with businesses directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Discover Halifax assumes no responsibility for error, changes, or omissions.
CONNECT WITH US This guide is produced by Discover Halifax January 2021 Katie Conklin: Lead content creator Annie Rankmore: Lead content editor Lyndsay Belair: Graphic Designer
DISCOVER HALIFAX
CIBC Building 1809 Barrington Street, Suite 1004 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K8 Tel: (902) 422-9334 Toll Free: 1-877-422-9334
#discoverhalifax @discoverhalifax @discoverhalifax @hfxnovascotia discoverhalifaxns.com
Peggy’s Cove
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Emera Oval
@darcireece
Battery Park Beer Bar & Eatery
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk