Halifax
KIDS’ GUIDE
HalifaxKids.ca
This guide belongs to: Stay safe and healthy in Halifax Safety first! Your grown-ups will probably want to have a look at this page. Fill in the information before heading out to explore.
Hospitals
Halifax is home to a wonderful children’s hospital called the IWK Health Centre located on University Avenue. They have an emergency department and a wide range of other departments to help your sick or injured child.
Police Station
The Halifax Regional Police Headquarters is located on Gottingen Street between Downtown Halifax and the North End. If you have any issues or require in-person assistance, visit this location. In an emergency, call 911.
Pharmacies
If you require a prescription or medication, there are many pharmacies across the region, including Lawtons Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobeys Pharmacy, and more.
Walk-Ins
If you need a walk-in doctor immediately, visit this website: ns.skipthewaitingroom.com/city/halifax
Important numbers: Emergency Phone: 911 Kids Help Phone: 1 800-668-6868 Halifax Police (non-emergency): 902-490-5020 Health Information (non-emergency): 811 Halifax Transit: 311
Fill this out in case you get lost Guardian’s name: ___________________________________________ Guardian’s phone number: ___________________________________________ Location your group/family is staying: ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
About THIS GUIDE
We love OUR REGION AND OUR PLANET
This guide was created by locals! The information found in this guide was sourced from a wide collection of local and provincial partners, including NSITEN, Mi’kmaq Resource Centre at Unama’ki College, Cape Breton University, Family Fun Halifax, Halifax Trails, Halifax Regional Municipality, The Coast, Mi’kmaq Online, and more.
Did you know that all the ink used to create this guide is vegetablebased AND the paper is recyclable? As you discover the Halifax region, we encourage you to do what you can to leave no trace, or better yet, leave the place better than you found it! We hope that you will either hang onto this guide forever, or when you are finished with it, recycle it, or pass it along to someone else.
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table of
Contents Welcome
Welcome to Kjipuktuk ......................... 4 Animals of Mi’kma’ki ........................... 6
MAPS
Halifax Region Map .............................. 8 Halifax Waterfront Map........................ 12 Downtown Dartmouth Map ................. 15 Downtown Halifax Map ......................... 52
Get ready for an I-Spy adventure illustrated by talented Haligonian, Janna Wilton! The illustrated icons on the cover of this guide can be found across the Halifax region. See how many icons you can spot throughout the guide! Grab a pen, keep your eyes peeled, and circle all the icons you can find. Happy hunting!
WHERE TO STAY
Family Friendly Hotels ......................... 16
Halifax Facts
Haunted Halifax .................................... 20
WHERE TO EAT
Kid-Friendly Restaurants..................... 22 Ice Cream Shops.................................... 24
THINGS TO DO
CONNECT WITH US #DiscoverHalifax @discoverhalifax /discoverhalifax @discoverhalifaxns DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM
Life can be unpredictable. We encourage you to call ahead or check online before visiting any businesses listed in this guide
Things to Do in Central Halifax........... 10 Things to Do for Every Season ........... 18 Outdoor Activities................................. 26 5 Hikes Under 5KM .............................. 30 Playgrounds .......................................... 32 Beaches ................................................. 34 Splash Pads and Pools ......................... 37 Indoor Activities.................................... 38 Indoor Playgrounds .............................. 41 Kid-Approved Shopping ...................... 43 Halifax BINGO ........................................ 44 Mural Scavenger Hunt ......................... 46 Sensory-Accessible Halifax ................ 50
HALIFAX JOURNAL ............................. 48
to ensure that they are open and accepting visitors.
Cover Illustrations: Janna Wilton
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*
Halifax | Kjipuktuk
Land
Whether we realize it or not, everyone in the land we know as Nova Scotia is travelling over and through ancestral Mi’kmaw places, and we do it every day.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Halifax is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we
Halifax | Kjipuktuk
welcome to
acknowledge them as the past, present, and
p’jilita’q wla
Halifax Kjipuktuk
future caretakers of this land. What is a land acknowledgment? Historically, a land acknowledgment is a traditional practice shared among Indigenous groups to recognize the Indigenous land
P’jilita’q wla Kjipuktuk = ep-chi-lee-dawq / wu-la / ek-g-book-dook Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia. It is
and territory they are visiting. Today, a land acknowledgment remains a way to express gratitude to the Indigenous people for being stewards of the land where we live and work, and to remind us that we are all treaty people.
located on the East Coast of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. The region is known formally as the Halifax Regional Municipality (or HRM), but to keep things simple, we just call it Halifax. Kjipuktuk is the Mi’kmaq way of saying “Great Harbour”. DID YOU KNOW: Traditionally, the Mi’kmaw people do not see land as something to own; it is seen as a responsibility bestowed by the Creator.
Special thanks to NSITEN for their support in the creation of this content.
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MI’KMAQ EIGHT-POINT STAR The eight-point star is a cultural symbol of the Mi’kmaq people. Many Mi’kmaq artists use the star to decorate drums, blankets, moccasins, and baskets. The four colours represent harmony and unity between all people. They also represent the four directions: WHITE (WAPEK) = NORTH (OQWATN) wah-behg = ohk-wa-den RED (MEKWEK) = EAST (UKJIPN) meh-kwehg = uk-chi-ben BLACK (MAQTEWEK) = SOUTH (KP’TE’SN) mahq-tew-ehg = ek-pe-dee-sen YELLOW (WATAPTEK) = WEST (TK’SN) wah-tahp-tehg = et-ke-sen
Learn more at mikmaqonline.org
Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag of the Mi’kmaq Nation
let’s learn about
Mi’kma’ki
The Mi’kmaq (meeg-maw) are the Indigenous people of Mi’kma’ki (meeg-maw-gi), an area that encompasses Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, parts of the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec, and Maine. Archaeological findings have shown evidence of Mi’kmaw presence in and around the area for more than ten thousand years.
Word Guide Hello = kwe gway
Welcome = pjila’si gee-la-see (translation: you are welcome) See you again = n’multes nem-ool-tes
The Mi’kmaq language doesn’t have a word for goodbye, it is always, I’ll see you.
Thank you = we’la’lin weh-lah-lin
(translation: you do something good for me)
I love you = kesalul ge-sa-lul My name is _____ = n’in teluisi _____ neen deh-loo-wisi
MAP PROVIDED BY PARKS CANADA
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Animals of Mi’kma’ki • Waisisk Mi’kma’kikewaq
Illustration: Aaron Googoo
These animals are indigenous to Mi’kma’ki, and are featured throughout Mi’kmaq teachings and stories. Can you find all the animals in the forest?
@hopebloomshfx
FIDDLEHEAD FERN
The fiddlehead fern is a symbol often found on traditional Mi’kmaq clothing, baskets, and art, emphasizing the importance of the plant to the people of the Mi’kmaw Nation. The design shows the way that the fiddlehead fern curls just before a person eats it. You split it as you put it in your mouth to enjoy the richness of its flavour.
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Draw an animal you saw on your trip to Halifax
Search and find the English names for each animal! Each animal’s name is listed below in English, Mi’kmaq, and French.
Beaver
Porcupine
Kopit Castor
Deer
Lentuk Cerf
Bear
Matues Porc-épic
Ours
Turtle
Coyote
Muin
Mikjikj Tortue
Eagle Kitpu Aigle
U’lukwej Coyote
Raven
Wjika’qaku Corbeau
L E D F L O E P E A G L E S N I N S I D D S K C I T N Q W P P D O W E I F U D O F D W I E U T B G I B P S L E N G I B E A R S M B N C V E Z K S L A J D I U E Y G T S G P O Q I W A E R U R Y T G S L Y B K U A D E S T L N V S N E I S L S E G I S L R O O T O R I U E N M K L G H T L Y B U S T E N O K D B I R A V E N V C Y S Q K S N L P E Y N B I S L E N D R C L E I A P W Q E P S O I E O P C I D E W I D P E A I E O S S L C I B N W L B E E N B I Z M W L A P W K C K W E L O C D I W P O R C U P I N E S H E S D K L N J D S B A S D K J B B A B J E E For help with the proper pronunciation of these animals in the Mi'kmaq language, try the L’nui’suti: Mi'kmaq Words and Phrases app by Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey at kinu.ca/app/lnuisuti. Always ask a parent or guardian for approval before downloading a new app.
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Halifax Regional Municipality Airport Area
Musquodob Valley
Bedford Sackville
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Dartmouth - Cole Harbou North End Halifax Downtown Halifax West End Halifax
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Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is the capital of Nova Scotia, and the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada. It is made up of more than 200 unique communities in nine regions ranging from Hubbards in the Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region, all the way up to Ecum Secum on the Eastern Shore.
More than 480,000 people live in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
can you find things to do
in each region?
boit Eastern Shore
Airport Area Zoom over to the Airport Area, where planes take off and land. See if you can spot one in the sky! Bedford-Sackville Visit Bedford-Sackville’s pond shaped like a heart and watch the ducks! You might even spot a frog hanging out on a lily pad. Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Discover Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, home to Lake Banook. Kayakers love it, and you might see some geese floating around, doing their goose thing. Downtown Halifax Stroll through Downtown Halifax and find the Public Gardens, a cool park with beautiful trees and flowers. And keep your eyes out for the ducks!
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West End Halifax Head to Halifax’s West End to see lots of murals and the Dingle Tower! It’s a tall tower with a great view and a funny name. Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Visit Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region and see Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. It’s famous! Don’t forget to try a lobster roll and spot a seagull! Musquodoboit Valley Take a drive to the Musquodoboit Valley, where you’ll see lots of farms and animals. Keep your eyes peeled for shaggy Highland cows! Eastern Shore Head to the Eastern Shore to spend a day at the beach! Build a sandcastle or maybe give surfing a try. The Halifax Regional Municipality occupies 5,490 square kilometres, which is about the same size as Prince Edward Island!
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Woozles Children’s Bookstore
Citadel Hill Emera Oval
things to do in Central Halifax Skate year-round on the Emera Oval. Skaters can borrow inline and roller skates, bikes, and scooters during the summer months, and ice skates throughout the winter. Helmets are mandatory for youth when using the Emera Oval and can be brought from home or borrowed for free. To borrow equipment, you must present a government-issued photo ID. Note: The Emera Oval includes an accessible washroom, accessible parking, and wheelchair access on the concrete/ice in outside lane only.
Swim at the brand-new Halifax Common Aquatics Facility! This new facility is free to access and offers a 25 metre, five-lane outdoor pool, three climbing walls, beach entry with play features, and large universal change rooms. The pool offers adaptive equipment including lifejackets, pool lift, and an aquatic wheelchair.
Meet Gus, the 101-year-old Gopher Tortoise at the Museum of Natural History. If the weather is nice, you can find Gus out for a stroll in the museum’s backyard. On cold or rainy days, Halifax Common Aquatics Facility
he likes to explore the museum galleries. Gus’ favourite foods are organic romaine lettuce, clover, dandelions, bananas, and he enjoys a nice treat of juicy berries.
Browse the books at Woozles Children’s Bookstore. As Canada’s oldest bookstore for kids, Woozles is a beloved Halifax institution. They celebrate their 46th birthday on October 14, 2024!
Grab a snack and enjoy a picnic on the Commons. Cool off with a cone at Dee Dee’s Ice Cream, or snack on a donair, the official food of Halifax, at Tony’s Famous Donair.
Tony’s Famous Donair
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What type of photos does a turtle love to take? Shellfies!
Colour the Old Town Clock and draw your family playing on Citadel Hill.
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discover the
Did you know that Halifax is home to one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks?
Halifax Waterfront Hollis St
PARKING Are your grown-ups looking for a place to park? Look out for the symbol on Lower Water Street!
Salter St
Bishop St
Morris St
The Halifax waterfront is a beautiful place to visit. Walk the boardwalk from end to end to discover delicious treats, cool murals, and boats of every shape and size!
Lower Water St Marginal Rd
Sa Cunard District
Bishop’s Landing
Seaport District
Georges Island
Landmarks ART MURAL WALL
“DRUNKEN LAMPPOSTS” HALIFAX FERRY TERMINAL
OBSTACLE COURSE
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SALT YARD SHOPS
SUBMARINE PLAYGROUND
WATERFRONT HAMMOCKS
THE WAVE
Attractions CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21
HALIFAX SEAPORT FARMERS’ MARKET
CSS ACADIA
HALIFAX BREWERY FARMERS’ MARKET
DISCOVERY CENTRE
GEORGES ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
HMCS SACKVILLE MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC
This content was produced in partnership with Build Nova Scotia.
@buildnovascotia @mywaterfrontns #MyWaterfrontNS
Prince St
George S t
Granville St
Bedford Row Historic Properties
alt Yard
Queen’s Marque
l es Is eorg G o t Ferry
and
u rtmo Woodside (Da Ferry to
Treats BEAVERTAILS BLACK BEAR ICE CREAM COWS ICE CREAM THE FOG COMPANY PEACE BY CHOCOLATE SUGAH CONFECTIONERY & ICE CREAM EMPORIUM
Fe rry to Ald ern ey La nd ing
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Tours & Rentals AMBASSATOURS EXPERIENCES
(Do wn tow n
Dar tmo uth)
Legend
HARBOUR WATERCRAFT TOURS & ADVENTURES
WASHROOM PARKING
CITY HARBOUR CRUISES
I
♥ BIKES
SHOPPING DISTRICTS
HALIFAX HARBOUR TOURS
J FARWELL SAILING CO.
HALIFAX HARBOUR WALK
HARBOUR HOPPER TOURS
SEGWAY NOVA SCOTIA
FREE WIFI FRENCH SERVICES AVAILABLE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS OR DOCUMENTATION IN FRENCH
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Sullivan’s Pond / Lake Banook Playground
The Back to the Sea Centre
Dartmouth Common Portland Street Crêperie
The Back to the Sea Centre
Alderney Landing Alderney Landing
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Sullivan’s Pond Sullivan’s Pond
Ochterloney Street
kid-friendly places in
BRIGHTWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Slayter St.
Sho
Halifax Transit Bridge Terminal
Zatzman Sportplex
Dartmouth Common Skatepark
Thistle St.
Thistle St.
Bicentennial School Playground
Gea
ry S
t.
Leighton Dillman Park
Tulip St.
Oak St.
Beech St.
Maple St
Dartmouth Common
Pine St.
Victoria Rd.
Rose St.
Cric
Park Avenue Community Pizza Oven
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ue
Birch Cove Beach
Banook Ave.
Dahlia St.
LAKE BANOOK
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Bolton Terr.
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Hawthorn School Playground
rray Hill
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Punamu’kwati’jk is the Mi’kmaq name for the area known as Dartmouth. It means, ‘at the tomcod place’. (a tomcod is a type of fish!)
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Dartmouth Cove Murals
es S
m
Jam
Evergreen House Museum
Su
Ha
Kings Wharf Pl.
Daffodil Garden for Cancer Survivors
Ca
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t.
Rd.
Kiwanis Playground at Ferry Terminal Park
Ellio
y Dr. Pl
The Back to the Sea Centre
ve
Dunolly St.
rne Alde
Sil
Ha
Ers
Green St.
St. kine
St.
St. son
Cafe The Trainyard Goodluck
Highwood St.
r
Sinclair St. Berwick St.
be
Findlay Community Centre Park
Camden St.
Al
mp
Strange Adventures
Nowlan St.
.
ce
.
Eaton Av
Dundas St.
Victoria Rd.
in
.
Wentworth St.
Pr
Rd
King St.
School Chair Sculpture
d tR
wn
Stone Pizza
Super Duper Soups
hto
World Peace Pavilion
Portland Street Creperie
Portland St.
Prince St.
DAY DOCKING
Alderney Gate Public Library
Prince Albert Road
Ochterloney St.
Iris
FERRY TERMINAL
ve
Pine Street Park
Two if By Yeah Yeah’s Sea Cafe Pizza
Queen St.
nA ich
to
North St.
Cr
Quaker House
SULLIVAN’S POND
Tho
North St.
Myrtle St.
Historic Cemetery
Maple St.
Church St.
Pine St.
DARTMOUTH MARINA
Edward St.
Park Ave.
Alderney Dr.
DOWNTOWN HALIFAX
Victoria Rd.
Shirley’s Splash Pad
Win
re R
dm
d.
ill R
d.
MACDONALD BRIDGE
Wyse Rd.
Downtown Dartmouth
Did you know that there are 13 word murals with positive and uplifting messages placed around Downtown Dartmouth? Next time you’re in the area, look up! You might see something that makes you smile.
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Legend WASHROOM PARKING TRAIN TRACKS
SHOPPING DISTRICT PARK FREE WIFI
HARBOURWALK TRAIL
Sullivan’s Pond
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour This little park is well known for its famous geese that live here during the warmer months. With a playground nearby and lots to explore, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
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Canterbu
Camping Around the
family-friendly
Dollar Lake Provincial Park
Halifax has plenty of fantastic accommodations, no matter what you’re looking for. From pools and waterslides to pet-friendly accommodations, find your perfect Halifax home base.
Halifax Region Musquodoboit Valley
E&F Webber Lakeside Park Eastern Shore
Halifax West KOA Bedford-Sackville
Places To Stay DOWNTOWN HALIFAX THE BARRINGTON HOTEL Downtown Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Tempo Food + Drink CLOSE TO: Halifax waterfront, Scotiabank Centre •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Hubbards Beach Campground & Cottages Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
King Neptune Campground Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Laurie Provincial Park Airport Area
Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean Eastern Shore
Norse Cove Seaside Camping Eastern Shore
Porters Lake Provincial Park Eastern Shore
Shubie Campground
CAMBRIDGE SUITES HOTEL HALIFAX Downtown Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Canvas Resto Lounge CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Citadel Hill ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON HALIFAX Downtown Halifax CLOSE TO: Halifax waterfront, Harbour Hopper ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HALIFAX MARRIOTT HARBOURFRONT HOTEL Downtown Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Harbourstone Pour House CLOSE TO: Halifax waterfront, Halifax Ferry Terminal ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HAMPTON INN BY HILTON HALIFAX DOWNTOWN Downtown Halifax CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Citadel Hill ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HOTEL HALIFAX Downtown Halifax
ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Harbour City Bar & Grill
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Halifax waterfront •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Wayside Camping Park
THE LORD NELSON HOTEL & SUITES Downtown Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: The Arms Public House CLOSE TO: Halifax Public Gardens ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• THE PRINCE GEORGE HOTEL HALIFAX Downtown Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Gio Restaurant, LevelBar CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Halifax waterfront, Citadel Hill •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Dollar Lake
k
Par Provincial
THE WESTIN NOVA SCOTIAN Downtown Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Seaport Social CLOSE TO: Halifax waterfront, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, Discovery Centre
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Legend Pet-Friendly
Breakfast Included
Pool
Parking Included
Waterslide
rge Hotel Prince Geo BEYOND THE DOWNTOWN CORE BEST WESTERN PLUS CHOCOLATE LAKE HOTEL West End Halifax ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Lakeside Bar & Grill CLOSE TO: Chocolate Lake, Chain of Lakes Trail •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HALIFAX DARTMOUTH Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: The Bistro CLOSE TO: Dartmouth Crossing, Cineplex Dartmouth Crossing •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
COASTAL INN HALIFAX Bedford-Sackville CLOSE TO: Bayers Lake Shopping Centre, Long Lake Provincial Park •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
DELTA HOTELS DARTMOUTH Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Pitch & Pivot Social Room CLOSE TO: Dartmouth Crossing, Shubie Park
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES HALIFAX – BEDFORD Bedford-Sackville CLOSE TO: Hemlock Ravine Park, Bayers Lake Shopping Centre ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BEST WESTERN PLUS DARTMOUTH HOTEL & SUITES Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Trendz Gastropub CLOSE TO: Spectacle Lake Park, Dartmouth Crossing
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HAMPTON INN BY HILTON DARTMOUTH Dartmouth-Cole Harbour CLOSE TO: Dartmouth Crossing, Shubie Park ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES HALIFAX – DARTMOUTH Dartmouth-Cole Harbour CLOSE TO: Spectacle Lake Park, Dartmouth Crossing
Why did the witch stay in a hotel? She heard they had great broom service!
More
Pet-Friendly Hotels •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Alt Hotel Halifax Airport Airport Area
Atlantica Hotel Halifax West End Halifax
Chateau Bedford Hotel & Suites Bedford-Sackville
Wilson’s Coastal Club Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
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fun things to do
For Every Season
rnational Tattoo Royal Nova Scotia Inte
No matter the time of year, there’s always something fun to do in Halifax!
Winter
Spring
Things To Do
Things To Do
o sledding on Citadel Hill or skate on the G Emera Oval! et a hot chocolate from a local café. G See page 25 for a list of delicious hot chocolates. Take in a show at Neptune Theatre. Catch a Halifax Mooseheads hockey game (October-March) or a Halifax Thunderbirds lacrosse game (December-April). hill out at the Downtown Dartmouth Ice C Festival! (January)
ind the ducks! Sullivan’s Pond and Shubie Park F in Dartmouth, and Frog Pond Trail in Armdale are all great places to see ducks and geese. Visit the Halifax Public Gardens to see the spring blooms. hen the weather gets rainy, head to a Halifax W Public Libraries branch and dive into a good book! The Alderney Gate Public Library in Dartmouth and the Keshen Goodman Public Library in Clayton Park are two great libraries for kids, but every Halifax Public Libraries branch offers something special for visitors of every age! ave a picnic! Stock up on snacks and head to the H Halifax Common or the Dartmouth Common for a picnic and people-watching.
What do you call a snowman in August? A puddle!
Emera Oval
atch a Halifax Wanderers FC soccer game at C the Wanderers Grounds. (May-November)
DID YOU KNOW that the Halifax Central Library building was designed to look like a stack of books? Lower Sackville
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y
ntral Librar
Halifax Ce
Georges
toric Site
ional His
Island Nat
sant Park
Point Plea
Dollar Lake Beach
Georges Islan
d National His
toric Site
What time do ducks get up?
Summer
Fall
Things To Do
Things To Do
ead to the beach! See page 34 for great beaches H for families. isit Fisherman’s Cove, a 200-year-old working V fishing village with colourful shops along the boardwalk. coop up an ice cream. Go to page 24 for a list of S Halifax’s coolest cones. o for a swim in the outdoor pool at the new G Halifax Common Aquatics Facility. E xperience Nova Scotia’s premier summer spectacle, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. (June/July) e part of one of Halifax’s most beloved annual B events, the Halifax Pride Parade during the Halifax Pride Festival. (July)
At the quack of dawn.
ee the changing leaves on a crisp fall hike. S Some of the best places to see fall colour include: Shubie Park in Dartmouth, Sir Sandford Fleming Park, and the Musquodoboit Valley. See page 30 for a list of five kid-friendly Halifax hikes. rave the Halifax Citadel B Ghost Tour... if you dare! Wander the city streets during Nocturne, Halifax’s free, nighttime outdoor art festival. (October) et geeky with friends. Sci-fi and fantasy lovers G will love Hal-Con, the biggest sci-fi convention in Atlantic Canada! (November)
ake in a live outdoor performance from T Shakespeare by the Sea in Point Pleasant Park. (July-September)
xperience music, comedy, acrobatics, and more E waterfront magic at the Halifax Busker Festival. (July/August)
ly a kite on Citadel Hill F at the East Coast Kite Festival.
Hal-Con
Halifax Busker Festival
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Halifax is a pretty old city—it was founded all the way back in 1749! And because of our long history, there are plenty of ghost stories floating around. (Pun intended.) Whether it’s mysterious shipwrecks, pirates who were captured here, those lost in the Halifax Explosion, or our many historic military forts and towers, Halifax has its fair share of haunted places to explore… if you dare! St. Paul’s Anglican Church The oldest building in all of Halifax, St. Paul’s Anglican Church is located right in our downtown square called Grand Parade. It was completed in 1750, just one year after the city was founded. To this day, the mysterious shape of a man’s head can be seen in one of the windows! According to legend, on the morning of the Halifax Explosion, the shadow of a church deacon’s profile was permanently etched into the glass from the intense heat and light. They say no matter how many times the glass is cleaned— the shadow remains. To see for yourself, stand on Argyle Street and look at the second-floor church windows.
The Five Fishermen Restaurant
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Right across the street from Grand Parade, a popular seafood restaurant called the Five Fisherman is one of the most storied haunted buildings in Halifax! Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1817, the building ended up being a funeral home for a while and held victims of the Halifax Explosion and the sinking of the Titanic. Those who have worked in the restaurant over the years say they hear unexplained noises, see floating dinner plates, moving shadows, and more spooky stuff!
The Halifax Citadel, sitting atop the big hill in the middle of our city, is a former British military fort circa 1856, complete with dungeons and cannons! So of course, there are many spooky stories to be told there. The fort used to help guard the harbour from enemy ships, and some real prisoners were held there. Over the years, there have been many ghost sightings at the Halifax Citadel! One of the most famous stories is about the Grey Lady, a spirit who’s been seen wandering the historic site, mourning a lost love, smelling of roses, and wearing a 19thcentury dress.
Why are ghosts terrible liars? Because you can see right through them.
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Where do ghosts buy their clothes? At a boo-tique!
See for Yourself! So, you’re looking to see some ghosts? (Maybe?) Lucky for you, there are a few options for guided walking tours of the spookiest stuff in Halifax! Here are a few ideas:
Halifax Ghost Walk This guided tour starts at the Old Town Clock, at the base of Citadel Hill, at 8:30 PM and takes you through Downtown Halifax, learning tales of ghosts, spirits, and more along the way. These tours take about 1 hour and 45 minutes and end at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, on the waterfront. Book ahead! Tours typically run from May to October.
Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour Not for the faint of heart, the Ghost Tour at the Halifax Citadel is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! The guide wears a costume from the 1800s and leads you through the fort by candlelight! Yes, it’s as spooky as it sounds. This 70-minute tour takes visitors through historic tunnels and prison cells, plus you’ll hear real tales and unexplained mysteries about the fort. Tours start at 8:30 PM and run from July to October. Purchase your tickets online in advance!
Other super old buildings in Halifax include: Province House opened in 1819 (205 years old in 2024)
Halifax Town Clock was completed in 1803 (221 years old in 2024) The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was completed in 1868 (156 years old in 2024)
Note: These tours are best for older kids.
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kid-friendly
Restaurants
What makes a restaurant kid-friendly? A kids’ menu! Big booths! Activity sheets! All this and more can be found at the following Halifax restaurants.
THE ARMVIEW RESTAURANT & LOUNGE West End Halifax The Armview is a local landmark – it’s been open since 1951!
COZY OLD-SCHOOL DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, milkshakes, booths,
views of the boats in the Northwest Arm FOR GROWN-UPS: Nostalgic old-school diner décor, spiked milkshakes. BLUENOSE II RESTAURANT Downtown Halifax
Bluenose II Restaurant
HOMESTYLE FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Booths, ice cream sundaes FOR GROWN-UPS: Local history (the
restaurant opened in 1964!), convenient downtown location, space to park a stroller MUST-TRY: Chocolate Turtle Brownie
BOONDOCKS RESTAURANT Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
THE CHICKENBURGER Bedford-Sackville RETRO FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ combos, milkshakes, retro diner décor, working jukebox, Chicken Little ice cream parlour around back FOR GROWN-UPS: Delicious diner classics in a fun environment
CHKN CHOP North End Halifax CHARCOAL CHICKEN JOINT FOR KIDS: Freshly baked cookies, mac n’ cheese, local sodas FOR GROWN-UPS: Family combos, local beer on tap
DARRELL’S RESTAURANT Downtown Halifax LOCAL FAVOURITE BURGER JOINT
ducks hidden around the restaurant, views of the Halifax Harbour, outdoor patio FOR GROWN-UPS: Fresh seafood, explore the Fisherman’s Cove Village after your meal
FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, award-winning oldfashioned milkshakes FOR GROWN-UPS: Cozy setting, quality ingredients MUST-TRY: The Peanut Butter Burger and a milkshake!
CHEEKY NEIGHBOUR DINER West End Halifax
EASY STREET DINER Bedford-Sackville
OCEANFRONT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, search for rubber
Boondocks Restau
rant
NEIGHBOURHOOD DINER WITH A MODERN TWIST
FOR KIDS: All-day breakfast, diner décor
FOR GROWN-UPS: Local ingredients, vegan
options, brunch Caesars, rotating local beers MUST-TRY: Chef’s French Toast Special. Past flavours include chocolate chip cookie monster, s’mores, and strawberry shortcake!
rger
The Chickenbu
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RETRO-STYLE FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, all-day breakfast, milkshakes, retro diner décor FOR GROWN-UPS: Hard milkshakes, dietary restriction-friendly options, quality ingredients, environmentally conscious
Legend Breakfast/Brunch
Kids’ Menu Available
Lunch
Accessible Features
Easy Street Diner
Dinner
Good Day Kitchen & Café
FREEMAN’S LITTLE NEW YORK 4 LOCATIONS: Bedford-Sackville, Downtown Halifax , West End Halifax (x2) NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, colouring & activities, booths
FOR GROWN-UPS: Drink specials, lunch specials, plenty of options for every taste/diet
GOOD DAY KITCHEN & CAFÉ Airport Area SMALL FAMILY-RUN CAFÉ FOR KIDS: “Babycinos” (steamed milk with sprinkles in a cute little mug) FOR GROWN-UPS: Delicious coffee, breakfasts, and baked goods
LOCAL JO CAFÉ & MARKET West End Halifax NEIGHBOURHOOD CAFÉ FOR KIDS: Kids’ play area, delicious baked goods
FOR GROWN-UPS: Fair trade coffee, housemade chai,
local products
MIC MAC BAR & GRILL Dartmouth-Cole Harbour TAVERN-STYLE FAMILY RESTAURANT FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu (features a AAA baconwrapped kids’ steak!), delicious desserts FOR GROWN-UPS: Large portions, and a bustling, noisy atmosphere which means there’s no need to worry about fussy kids disrupting other diners! MUST-TRY: Their delicious steaks!
MORRIS EAST 2 LOCATIONS + SLICE SHOP: Bedford-Sackville, West End Halifax
OJET SUSHI (SUSHI JET) Downtown Halifax SUSHI RESTAURANT FOR KIDS: Robots who take orders and deliver the food! FOR GROWN-UPS: All you can eat sushi, friendly service
RISTORANTE A MANO Downtown Halifax NEIGHBOURHOOD ITALIAN TRATTORIA FOR KIDS: “Bambino menu”, delicious homemade gelato and sorbet FOR GROWN-UPS: Authentic Italian home cooking in a waterfront location
VERNON’S THUNDERBIRD DINER Bedford-Sackville RETRO-STYLE FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Classic treats like sundaes and banana splits, download the walking trail map to explore after your meal FOR GROWN-UPS: Family Bundle Menu, all-day breakfast
THE WOODEN MONKEY 2 LOCATIONS: Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, Downtown Halifax LOCAL FARM-TO-TABLE FARE FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, front row seats to watch the ferry come and go (Dartmouth location) FOR GROWN-UPS: Quality ingredients that are locally sourced and environmentally conscious, and can accommodate dietary restrictions
NEIGHBOURHOOD PIZZERIA
FOR KIDS: Kids-size pizzas, ice cream
FOR GROWN-UPS: Prosecco happy hour
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halifax’s coolest
Ice Cream Shops Scoop up a cone at one of these delicious local ice cream shops.
Better Vibe
Eastern Shore What To Expect: Small-batch ice cream made with local ingredients.
Black Bear Ice Cream
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Old-fashioned homemade ice cream in a waterfront location.
Bubba Magoos
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region What To Expect: Take out window serving creamy Maritime-made ice cream and other savoury snacks.
Booza Emessa
Bedford-Sackville What To Expect: Small-batch Syrian ice cream made with local ingredients.
Cavicchi’s Meats
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region What To Expect: Ice cream served from a takeout window with a cute patio next to St. Margarets Bay Rails to Trails.
Chicken Little Café
Bedford-Sackville What To Expect: Kid sizes and ice cream hurricanes.
The Dairy Bar
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Soft-serve and sundaes made with seasonal ingredients, fun cereals, and junk food. Get your dairy dog a pup cup – and don’t forget to tag @dogsofdairybar on Instagram!
Dee Dee’s Ice Cream
North End Halifax What To Expect: Small-batch homemade ice cream made with local ingredients.
Dee Dee
What’s The
Flynn’s Dairy Bar & Convenience Downtown Halifax | North End Halifax | Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region What To Expect: Tons of flavours of milkshakes, sundaes, and scoops!
The Fog Company
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Imaginative ice cream and cotton candy confections, cookies, and doughnuts.
Jo’s Old Time Candy & Ice Cream Parlour
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour What To Expect: Ice cream, candy, and dessert in a working fishing village.
COWS Halifax
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Scoops, sundaes, and shakes on the Halifax waterfront.
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Taiyaki (たい焼き) TAIYAKI = tie-yaki is a traditional Japanese dessert that looks like a fish-shaped waffle or cake. It comes in different flavours of batter, with different fillings and toppings, like delicious soft-serve ice cream and candy!
What does the ice cream call her girlfriend? Her one and cone-ly.
Note: Many of these businesses operate seasonally, so make sure to check online before heading out to scoop up a cone!
Scoop
Freak Lunchbox
BONUS SHOP
Portland Street Crêperie
Downtown Halifax Dartmouth-Cole Harbour What To Expect: Head to Freak Lunchbox for a huge selection of candy in a quirky and colourful store!
m e’s Ice Crea
Lemonade General Store
North End Halifax What To Expect: Small-batch homemade ice cream made with local ingredients.
The Little Ice Cream Shop
Rousseau Chocolatier
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Homemade softserve and dairy-free options.
Sugah Confectionery & Ice Cream Emporium
Halifax Loves Hot Chocolate When the fog rolls in, nothing tastes better than a cozy cup of cocoa from one of these local cafés.
1. Café Lara
North End Halifax
2. Chicken Little Café Bedford-Sackville
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region What To Expect: Soft-serve, sundaes, and shares with both dairy and vegan options. Tons of toppings available!
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Hand-paddled ice cream made with local ingredients.
3. Dilly Dally Eats
Pane e Circo
Taiyaki 52
Downtown Halifax
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Housemade gelato and sorbet.
Portland Street Crêperie
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour What To Expect: Bubble waffles and ice cream alongside sweet and savoury crêpes. Ask for a dog-sized crepe with peanut butter!
West End Halifax
4. Rousseau Chocolatier
Downtown Halifax What To Expect: Soft-serve ice cream in a crunchy fish-shaped waffle cone.
5. Tart & Soul Café
What’s the Scoop
6. Two If By Sea Café
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour What To Expect Ice cream, treats and dinner menu located in Fisherman’s Cove.
Downtown Halifax
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Rousseau Ch
ocolatier
Legend Pup-Friendly Hidden Gem Services in French upon request
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Things to Do Outside Getting outside means fun for everyone!
ATLANTIC SPLASH ADVENTURE
Bedford-Sackville With eight waterslides, a kiddie splash pool, a Ferris wheel, gokarts, and more, just 20 minutes from Downtown Halifax, this water park is a go-to for familyfriendly summer fun.
COLE HARBOUR HERITAGE FARM
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Dedicated to preserving Cole Harbour’s agricultural past, the museum is home to a wonderful selection of animals, a garden, and tearoom. ADMISSION BY DONATION
HALIFAX WATERFRONT
Downtown Halifax Packed with things to do for families of all ages, the Halifax waterfront is a paradise for families. Kids can play on the Submarine Playground, try different foods from the Salt Yard vendors, see all the ships passing in the harbour, and hang out on the waterfront hammocks.
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Have you heard of something called quiet tennis? It’s like normal tennis but without the racket.
Legend Accessible Features Free Hidden Gem Pet-Friendly Pool Seasonal Waterslide
HATFIELD FARM
Bedford-Sackville Hatfield Farm offers a petting zoo, and a supervised rubber rodeo complete with bounce castles. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides during summer months and sleigh rides in the snow!
FISHERMAN’S COVE
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Only 20 minutes from Downtown Halifax, this 200-year-old restored fishing village looks like it’s straight out of an East Coast postcard. Stroll the boardwalk with an ice cream, visit nearby MacCormacks Beach Provincial Park, or catch a ferry to McNabs Island for a day of exploration.
HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS
Downtown Halifax This 16-acre urban oasis is a perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family. With trails to explore, fairy-tale bridges, stunning flower beds, and ducks paddling in ponds, there is something new to discover around every corner.
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even more
Things to Do Outside HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Downtown Halifax The Halifax Citadel gives visitors the chance to experience life as a soldier in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are plenty of fun family activities on offer, including solving a 100+ year old mystery using a comic book guide, and learning to send coded messages. The Citadel grounds are open and available to explore year-round. FREE ADMISSION FOR YOUTH 17 AND UNDER
ATARAXY FARM
Eastern Shore This mental health therapy farm offers free tours, and sells skin and hair care products made with goat’s milk. Stop by for a farm tour and playtime with the goats!
HARBOUR HOPPER TOURS
Downtown Halifax This top-rated tour travels through historic Halifax before making a splash as the amphibious Harbour Hopper dives into the Halifax Harbour! You’ll learn fun Hali-facts and see the city’s highlights on this iconic tour.
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Legend Accessible Features Free Seasonal French Services Available
PEGGY’S COVE
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Perched on an expanse of rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is an iconic Canadian landmark you’ll want to experience. Kids can enjoy climbing and scrambling over the vast rock formations and looking up at the enormous lighthouse. Just make sure to stay off the black (aka wet) rocks.
GEORGES ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE MEMORY LANE HERITAGE VILLAGE
Eastern Shore This living history museum portrays rural coastal life in Nova Scotia during the 1940s, complete with a working general store, schoolhouse, cookhouse, and workshop. With fewer crowds on the Eastern Shore, you can take your time exploring, playing, and handling all the fun memorabilia.
Halifax Harbour | Downtown Halifax Travel by ferry from the Halifax waterfront to explore this historic harbour island. Explore the underground tunnels and find the massive cannons that were once used to protect the harbour. FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
Every day at noon in Downtown Halifax you can hear the BOOM of a cannon firing at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This daily ritual is known as the Noon Gun and has been happening since 1857!
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5 Halifax hikes
MAYFLOWER
Under 5km Because kids’ legs are shorter than adults’! SHUBIE PARK LOOP TRAIL
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour TYPE: Loop trail through large wooded park LENGTH: 2 KM TRAILHEAD: Paved parking off Locks Road at the south end of the trail. SURFACE: gravel FEATURES: wildlife, lake views, scenic canal
BEACH WALK OR SPRY BAY TRAIL AT TAYLOR HEAD PROVINCIAL PARK
Eastern Shore TYPE: Scenic coastal trails LENGTH: 2 KM (Beach Walk) / 4 KM (Spry Bay Trail) TRAILHEAD: Trails begin at the Taylor Head Provincial Park parking lot SURFACE: rugged natural trails FEATURES: interpretive panels, wildlife, scenic ocean views, white sand beach, picnic tables, change rooms
SIR SANDFORD FLEMING PARK TRAILS
FORGET-ME-NOT
West End Halifax TYPE: Seawall walkway, joins with looping wooded trails LENGTH: 2.8 KM TRAILHEAD: Access from Dingle Tower parking lot or lower boat launch parking lot. Loop section is accessible off Dingle Road SURFACE: crusher dust, paved sections FEATURES: seawall walkway, Dingle Tower, playground, picnic tables, benches trail connects to frog pond trail via dingle road
The Dingle Tower is open between 8 a.m. and dusk from April 1 – October 31. Anyone who can climb all the way up the stairs to the top of the tower will be rewarded with beautiful 360-degree views of Sir Sandford Fleming Park and the Northwest Arm. Can you spot the two giant bronze lions guarding the entrance to the Dingle Tower?
How do trees access the internet? They log in.
WILD STRAWBERRY
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Taylor Head Provincial Park
Dingle Tower
Point Pleasant Park
What type of shoes do frogs like to wear on vacation? Africville Park
SEAVIEW TRAIL AT AFRICVILLE PARK
North End Halifax TYPE: Looping pathway through Africville National Historic Site LENGTH: 1 KM TRAILHEAD: Access from parking lot off of the service road leading under the Mackay Bridge from Barrington Street SURFACE: gravel FEATURES: local history, waterfront views, interpretive panels that tell the stories of Africville, replica of the original Seaview United Baptist Church (now home to the Africville museum)
Open toad shoes!
POINT PLEASANT PARK TRAILS
Downtown Halifax TYPE: Park loop along waterfront and through woods, joined by crisscrossing wooded trails LENGTH: 3.4 KM (perimeter loop), with 39 KM of trails throughout the park TRAILHEAD: Parking lots at the end of Point Pleasant Drive and Tower Road SURFACE: crusher dust, wood chips, partially paved FEATURES: waterfront trail, off-leash dog walking areas, preserved military fortifications, ocean views, picnic tables, benches
Point Pleasant Park
POINT PLEASANT PARK IS OPEN 5AM-MIDNIGHT
Africville National Historic Site of Canada is a site of remembrance for Halifax’s African Canadian community. The park was once the location of a historic Black community, before its residents were forcibly evicted from their homes in the 1960s to make way for industrial development.
Remember to respect these natural areas. Keep dogs leashed and pack out all garbage.
Point Pleasant Park Northwest Arm
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11 must-play
Playgrounds DeWolf Park Playground on the Bedford Waterfront
Bedford-Sackville FEATURES: rubberized surfaces | ship design | waterfront location NEARBY: boardwalk | picnic area
Isleville Playground
North End Halifax FEATURES: interactive games | tube slide | swings NEARBY: splash pad | picnic area | green space
Sullivan’s Pond Lake Banook Playground
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour FEATURES: lookout tower | spider web climber | swings | monkey bars | lakefront location NEARBY: picnic area | walking trails | Sullivan’s Pond (home of the Sullivan’s Pond geese) | Birch Cove Park Beach
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Dingle Playground at Sir Sandford Fleming Park
West End Halifax FEATURES: log tower natural playground | senior & junior play zones | musical instruments | waterfront location NEARBY: Dingle Tower | walking trails & seawall walkway | green space | picnic area | boat launch
Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at George Dixon Centre Park North End Halifax FEATURES: rubberized surfaces | barrierfree access | braille lettering | double wide ramps | static-free slides | musical instruments | We-Saw & We-Go-Round™ NEARBY: splash pad | basketball courts | green space
Upper Musquodoboit Wooden Playground
Musquodoboit Valley FEATURES: castle design | wooden tower | rope climber | puppet theatre NEARBY: Musquodoboit Valley Provincial Park | Musquodoboit River| The Nature Learning and Play Space (a totally natural learning environment for kids)
What has five toes but isn’t your foot? My foot.
Fort Needham Memorial Park Playground Kiwanis Playground
Fort Needham Memorial Park Playground
Grand Lake Oakfield Playground
Kiwanis Playground at Ferry Terminal Park
Submarine Playground on the Halifax Waterfront
North End Halifax FEATURES: natural playground with accessible features | wooden cannon | lookout tower | spider web climber | swings NEARBY: picnic area | off-leash dog park | Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower | sports field | walking trails | hydrostone market
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour FEATURES: rubberized surfaces | rope climbing | carousel | waterfront location NEARBY: Alderney Ferry Terminal | waterfront trail
Airport Area FEATURES: tree house design | climbing tires | rope climber | swings | little kids structure NEARBY: sports fields | picnic area | walking trails | Shubenacadie Grand Lake | Oakfield & Laurie Provincial Parks
Downtown Halifax FEATURES: rubberized surfaces | accessible features | interactive submarine | rope climber | waterfront location NEARBY: rubberized surfaces | accessible features | interactive submarine | rope climber | waterfront location Submarine Playground
Westmount Inclusive Playground Park
West End Halifax FEATURES: rubberized surfaces | wheelchair challenge course | tactile markers and audible cues | ramps | accessible swings | musical instruments | climbable fire truck NEARBY: splash pad | tennis courts | picnic area | green space
COLTSFOOT
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Sand, Sea, and Sustainability Here’s What You Can Do to Keep Our Beaches Beautiful
Keeping our beaches clean and protected is super important, and it’s something everyone can help with! AVOID THE SAND DUNES These are big hills of sand that protect the beach. It’s important that we don’t climb or walk on them because our footsteps can harm the delicate plants that help hold the sand in place. DON’T COLLECT SEASHELLS Collecting seashells is a fun beach activity, but it’s important not to remove them from their home at the beach. Animals like hermit crabs use seashells as homes, so leaving them behind is like giving crabs a cozy place to live. Instead of bringing seashells home, take a photo so you won’t forget them. GIVE WILDLIFE SPACE Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Avoid chasing birds or disturbing nesting areas. Also, ask your grownup to pick up any trash you see, like plastic bags, because it can be harmful to animals. When visiting the beach, be an eco-warrior by keeping it clean and protecting the dunes, seashells, and wildlife that call our beaches home.
best saltwater beaches
for Families Find out why Nova Scotia is known as Canada’s Ocean Playground!
Clam Harbour Beach
Eastern Shore Drive from Downtown Halifax: 75 min Features long sandy beach | walking trails | picnic area | vault toilets | supervised swimming (July-August, weekends only) Great for: building sandcastles
Martinique Beach
Rainbow Haven Beach Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Drive from Downtown Halifax: 30 min Features: sandy beach | supervised swimming (JulyAugust) | picnic area | change rooms | flush toilets Great for: families and flying kites Martinique Beach
Eastern Shore Drive from Downtown Halifax: 55 min Features: long sandy beach | change rooms | picnic area | boat launch | vault toilets Great for: swimming, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching with 5 KM of white sand, martinique beach is nova scotia’s longest sandy beach!
Clam Harbour Beach
Clam Harbour Be ach
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Queensland Beach
Crystal Crescent Beach
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Drive from Downtown Halifax: 35-40 min Features: 3 white sand beaches | walking trails | vault toilets Great for: bird watching and family hikes
Queensland Beach Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Drive from Downtown Halifax: 40 min Features: sandy beach | supervised swimming (July-August) | picnic area | change rooms | toilets | nearby canteen Great for: families
Hubbards Beach
Hubbards Beach Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Drive from Downtown Halifax: 45 min Features: sandy beach | floating dock | change rooms | toilets | showers | $10 parking fee | nearby canteen Great for: families
What do sea monsters eat? Fish and Ships! Crystal Crescent Beach
ch Rainbow Haven Bea
Legend Accessible Features Free Pet-Friendly Hiking Trails
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FIND THE OBJECTS
TE GO AM !
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FIND THE WORDS
1. ARENA 2. PUCK 3. ZAMBONI 4. SKATES 5. SLAPSHOT 6. HELMET 7. POWER PLAY 8. ICE 9. DEFENSE 10. FACE OFF 11. PENALTY 12. REFEREE 13. HAT TRICK 14. GLOVES 15. STANLEY CUP
HOCKEY: FASTER THAN EVER On now at Atlantic Canada’s premier science centre. Explore the wonders of science with four jam-packed floors, featuring our newest exhibition.
www.thediscoverycentre.ca | 1215 Lower Water St. | Halifax, NS © thewordsearch.com
GO TEAM!
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dium
Sackville Sports Sta Isleville Splash Pad
atic Facility
Halifax Common Aqu
summer
SPLASH PADS
Sizzling summer days call for splash and spray play!
Bayers Westwood Splash Pad West End Halifax
outdoor
Captain Willia Community Cem Spry ntre
Pools Cole Harbour Outdoor Pool Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
supervised swimming | splash pad | toddler wading pool | diving board
NEW! Halifax Common Aquatic Facility Central Halifax
supervised swimming | beach-style entry | water plaza | universal change rooms
Cole Harbour Splash Pad Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
George Dixon Centre Splash Pad North End Halifax
Isleville Splash Pad North End Halifax
indoor
Pools
Canada Games Centre Bedford-Sackville
Sackville Splash Pad
shallow tots pool | sprinklers | diving boards | water slides | hot tub
Shirley’s Splash Pad
Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Bedford-Sackville
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Westmount School Splash Pad West End Halifax
Captain William Spry Community Centre
wave pool | slide | climbing wall
Cole Harbour Place
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour slide | pads for babies & toddlers
East Hants Aquatic Centre Musquodoboit Valley
shallow tots pool | waterslide | climbing wall
Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it wasn’t peeling well!
Sackville Sports Stadium Bedford-Sackville
shallow tots pool | small slide | mushroom shower | rope swing
Zatzman Sportsplex Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
shallow tots pool | waterslide | splash pad | rope swing
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kid-approved
Indoor Activities & Attractions
It doesn’t have to be a rainy or snowy day to check out these awesome indoor attractions! Africville Museum
m
ion Museu
ada Aviat
an Atlantic C
Africville Museum
North End Halifax Visit the land where the people of Africville lived, worked, and raised their families for over a hundred years before being forcibly relocated to make way for industrial development in the 1960s. The Seaview United Baptist Church was rebuilt and opened in 2012 as the Africville Museum, a place where locals and visitors can learn the story of Africville and recognize the contribution of the community to Canadian and African diasporic history. FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
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Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Downtown Halifax Atlantic Canada’s biggest art museum has a permanent collection with more than 18,000 pieces of art! Kids will love seeing the famous painted house of Nova Scotian folk artist, Maud Lewis, and the whimsical clay pieces in the Folk/Funk exhibition. FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
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Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum*
Airport Area This airport-adjacent museum is dedicated to the preservation of Canada’s rich civilian and military aviation history. Kids will love the enormous collection of aircraft, weapons, and engines, the flight simulators, and hundreds of aviation artifacts. *Limited winter hours. See website for details. ADMISSION BY DONATION
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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Canadian Museum of
21 Immigration at Pier Discovery Centre
Downtown Halifax This national museum was once the gateway to Canada for over one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. Kids will love exploring the replica ship’s cabin, playing dress-up in period costumes, and seeing the luggage that immigrating children would have carried with them to Canada. FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
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Discovery Centre
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Downtown Halifax With four floors of interactive hands-on learning experiences, the Discovery Centre brings science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to life for kids of all ages. Young kids will love the RBC Someday Street immersive play area and older kids will love diving into the Innovation Lab on the lower level. Don’t miss the live star shows in the immersive Dome Theatre! FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 2 AND UNDER
Maritime Museum of the Atlan
tic
Legend Free Accessible Documentation in French
Halifax Central Library
Services in French upon request
Halifax Central Library
Downtown Halifax The Halifax Central Library offers a variety of kid-friendly spaces. Aside from a vast children’s book collection, there are LEGO® tables, puppet theatres, board games, dollhouses, and many more great ways to keep kids entertained for hours.
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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Downtown Halifax Visit the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada to explore Nova Scotia’s rich seafaring history, from piracy to shipwrecks, small crafts, and naval history. FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
ral History
Museum of Natu
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Museum of Natural History
Downtown Halifax This kid-friendly museum features galleries on archeology, geology, mammals, aquatic life, as well as an exhibit with numerous live specimens native to Nova Scotia. And don’t forget to say hi to Gus, the Museum of Natural History’s 101-year-old Gopher Tortoise. FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER
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Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum
Eastern Shore Discover the story of Nova Scotia’s railways at the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum. Check out vintage posters, tickets, maps, and photographs in this restored Canadian Northern Railway station, built in 1918. There is a nearby food truck, beer garden, and an ice cream stand beside a quiet picnic grove.
Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum
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Neptune Theatre
Downtown Halifax Enjoy live theatre performances year-round at Neptune Theatre. Each season, Neptune offers a selection of kid-friendly shows as well as annual favourites like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. They also offer Pay-What-You-Can Performances on the first Tuesday of each performance, sponsored by Bell Aliant.
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Putting Edge Halifax
Bedford-Sackville This is a black-light lit, 18-hole mini-golf course (make sure to wear white so you glow!) with themes like the ocean, jungle, and outer space.
Neptune Theatre
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a dge Halif Putting E
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What would it be like to immigrate? Immigrants are people who come to live permanently in a new country. What would you pack in your heart and in your suitcase if you had to leave your home for another country? Circle the things you would take. You can draw other things in the suitcase that you might want to take that represent your home, culture or traditions.
Comment ça serait, immigrer? Les immigrants sont des personnes qui viennent vivre de manière permanente dans un nouveau pays. Que mettriez-vous dans votre cœur et dans votre valise si vous deviez quitter votre demeure pour un autre pays? Encerclez les choses que vous emporteriez. Vous pouvez dessiner d’autres objets dans la valise que vous voudriez emporter et qui représentent votre maison, votre culture ou vos traditions.
There’s always something new to learn and explore at the Museum. Enjoy many interactive activities like these and more. Il y a toujours plus à apprendre et à explorer au Musée. Profitez de nombreuses activités interactives comme celles-ci et d’autres encore.
1-855-526-4721 |
pier21.ca |
quai21.ca
awesome indoor
Playgrounds & Play Places Run wild at one of these awesome indoor play places!
Beyond! Indoor Play
Musquodoboit Valley For kids up to 12 years old slides | tunnels | soft play area for babies & toddlers
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Get Air Trampoline Park
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour all ages | kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult trampolines | dodgeball | ninja activities | kiddie court (for jumpers under 46 inches tall) | foam pit | slamball | slackline | fidget ladder | massage chairs
Get Air Trampoline Park
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Hop! Skip! Jump! Indoor Play Space
Bedford-Sackville For kids up to 12 years old ball-blaster arena | spider climbing tower | wave slides | soft climbing wall | zero-gravity ball table | ball pool | dedicated toddler area | café
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Ice Patch Hollow Indoor Playground Bedford-Sackville For kids up to 12 years old jungle gym | slides | ball shooters | arcade games | toddler section
Ice Patch Hollow Indoor Playground
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The Kids Fun Factory
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour For kids up to 13 years old slides | tunnels | ball pit | ball guns | zero gravity machine | ball fountain | soft play area for babies & toddlers | virtual reality
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Playdium
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour arcade games | virtual reality | bowling | eating area
Why don’t sharks eat clowns? Because they taste funny.
The Kids Fun Factory
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The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada’s largest art museum, is the perfect place for fun. Kids will love seeing Maud Lewis’ famous painted house and her whimsical works of art.
902-424-5280 | Downtown Halifax | agns.ca
nting
ts for Pare Nurtured Produc
Agricola Street Books
Fluffy Bottom Babies
kid-approved
shopping Agricola Street Books
North End Halifax An independent bookstore nestled on Halifax’s Agricola Street, boasting a diverse collection of books for all tastes.
Brain Candy Toys
Bedford-Sackville A playful haven for toy enthusiasts, featuring a diverse range of brainstimulating and entertaining toys.
Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles
Bedford-Sackville A haven for comic book and collectible enthusiasts, offering a wide range of merchandise.
The Deck Box
Downtown Halifax Offers a selection of magic cards, Pokemon cards, and video games and systems (new and used) in the city.
Discovery Shop
(Discovery Centre) Downtown Halifax The official store of the Discovery Centre, offering educational and science-themed products and souvenirs.
Fluffy Bottom Babies
Bedford-Sackville Offers high-quality, practical clothing and footwear for children 0-12 years, toys, gifts, and a wide variety of musthaves.
Discovery Shop
Mastermind Toys
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour West End Halifax A well-loved toy store chain providing a vast selection of high-quality toys for children of all ages.
Monster Comic Lounge
North End Halifax A cozy and inviting space for comic book lovers, offering a collection of comics and a comfortable lounge area.
Strange Adventures Comics & Curiosities
Nurtured Products for Parenting
North End Halifax A comprehensive parenting store providing a curated selection of ecofriendly and nurturing products.
Royal Diaperer
Bedford-Sackville Wide selection of high-end baby products and baby toys - the best gifts online for children.
Strange Adventures Comics & Curiosities
Downtown Halifax | Dartmouth-Cole Harbour A longstanding comic book store known for its diverse selection and quirky curiosities.
Twiggz
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour A trendy and stylish children’s clothing store with a focus on quality and comfort.
Woozles Ch Bookstore ildren’s
Woozles Children’s Bookstore West End Halifax A beloved children’s bookstore offering a carefully curated collection of books for young readers.
RIDDLE:
What travels around the world but stays in one corner? ANSWER:
A stamp!
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B I N GO Take a ferry ride across the harbour
Skate or roll around the Emera Oval
Meet Gus at the Museum of Natural History
Visit the Discovery Centre
Try a new (to you) restaurant
Sit on the steps at Queen’s Marque
Get hot chocolate from a local café
Explore the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Explore the Public Gardens
Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Stay at a hotel
Find the big anchor in Point Pleasant Park
Visit a bakery or donut shop
Visit Peggy's Cove
Head to a local farmers' market
Hear the BOOM of the noon gun
Swing on the waterfront hammocks
Visit a beach on the Eastern Shore
Mail a postcard telling someone about Halifax
Play at a playground
Find the Old Town Clock
Read a book at a bookstore or library
Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Find the Wave on the Halifax waterfront
Get out and about for a family adventure to find as many landmarks as you can with a game of real-life Halifax BINGO! And if you see any awesome things on your adventure that aren’t on our bingo card, sketch them out below!
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Halifax Mural Scavenger Hunt How many of these murals can you spot around Halifax?
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There’s No Place Like Home 6408 Quinpool Rd
2 3 4 5
The Best is Yet To Come 6100 Quinpool Rd
Rainbow Tiger 6260 Quinpool Rd
Community’s Flourish 1225 Barrington St
@lizbee9
Marisa 30 Portland St, Dartmouth
6 7 8 9
Warrior Agricola St / Willow St
Blue Jay and Lupins 6432 Quinpool Rd
Flower Bandit Quinpool Rd/Preston St
emories of Quinpool M 6311 Quinpool Rd
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Halifax journal
My adventures in Halifax
Draw a picture of Halifax here.
1. What is your favourite thing to do in Halifax and why?
2. Where did you stay in Halifax? Did you like it?
3. What was the coolest thing you saw in Halifax?
4. What was the most delicious thing you ate in Halifax? What about the weirdest thing you ate?
5. If you could do one thing in Halifax again, what would it be and why?
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Tape your ticket stubs here
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sensory accessible
Halifax
Discovery Centre
Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Museum Of Natural History Every Sunday, you can enjoy all the Museum of Natural History has to offer, with reduced lighting, reduced sound, sensory maps, and social narratives. Presented by Autism Nova Scotia and the Museum of Natural History.
Museum of Natural History
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Halifax Public Libraries Autism Tool Kits
The Halifax Public Libraries have worked with Autism Nova Scotia to create sensory friendly Autism Tool Kits, available at every Halifax Public Libraries branch. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sensory-Accessible Concerts by Cecilia Concerts
This series of classical music concerts is specifically designed to be welcoming, friendly, and accessible for neurodiverse community members of all ages and their families. Concerts are open to the public free of charge on select Sunday afternoons at the Halifax Central Library’s Paul O’Regan Hall. Learn more at ceciliaconcerts.ca. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Relaxed performances at Nepture Theatre
Neptune Theatre offers relaxed performances, designed to welcome audience members who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those with sensory sensitivities, learning differences, autism spectrum disorder, and first-time theatregoers. Learn more at neptunetheatre.com/visit/accessibility. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Access 2 Card program
The Easter Seals Canada Access 2 Card program offers free admission for the companion of those visitors with permanent disabilities who require the assistance of a support person at hundreds of participating entertainment, cultural and recreational venues across Canada. Access 2 participants in Halifax include: • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia • Canada Games Centre • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 • Discovery Centre • Halifax Jazz Festival • HRM Recreation and Pools • Maritime Museum of the Atlantic • Museum of Natural History • Neptune Theatre For more info check out: access2card.ca/ participating-venues
The Trainyard’s Quiet Space
The Trainyard General Store offers a quiet space in the back of their shop for grown-ups who wish to feed, change, or cuddle their little ones in a private place, or for anyone in need of a sensory break.
Halifax Waterfront
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The Trainyard
Staying at the Delta Dartmouth? Bring this completed colouring page with you for a complimentary treat at the make-your-own-sundae bar, available every Friday and Saturday evening from 5:30pm - 7:30pm Don’t wait for adventure to find you - book your family getaway with Delta Dartmouth and create memorable family moments. Enjoy our waterslide, splash pad, and on-site restaurant. 240 Brownlow Ave, Dartmouth | (902) 468-8888 |
deltadartmouth.com
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ATTRACTIONS & VENUES 1 Alexander Keith’s Brewery 2 Art Gallery of Nova Scotia 3 Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 4 Casino Nova Scotia 5 Centennial Pool 6 Dalhousie University and University of King’s College 7 Discovery Centre 8 “Drunken” Lampposts 9 Emera Oval 10 Georges Island National Historic Site 11 Grand Parade 12 Granville Mall Area 13 Halifax Brewery Farmers’ Market 14 Halifax Central Library 15 Halifax Citadel National Historic Site & Army Museum 16 Halifax Common 17 Halifax Common Playground 18 Halifax Convention Centre 19 Halifax Ferry Terminal
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This content was produced in partnership with Downtown Halifax Business Commission.
#downtownhalifax
20 Halifax Public Gardens 21 Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market 22 Halifax Skatepark 23 Harbour Hopper Tour 24 Light House Arts Centre 25 Maritime Museum of the Atlantic 26 Museum of Natural History 27 Neptune Theatre 28 Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) 29 Old Town Clock 30 Peace and Friendship Park & Playground 31 Pizza Corner 32 Point Pleasant Park 33 Saint Mary’s University 34 Scotiabank Centre 35 Submarine Playground 36 Wanderers Grounds 37 Waterfront Hammocks 38 The Wave
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