Situated on the eastern coast of Canada on one of the largest natural harbors in the world, Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and the largest metropolitan area on Canada’s Atlantic Coast.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Halifax?
A popular port of call on Canada and New England cruises, ships dock at piers 20 and 22 near the downtown area — providing passengers convenient ship-to-shore access.
Visitors can easily explore Halifax’s compact downtown area on foot or take public transportation, taxis, or rideshares to the terminal.
If multiple cruise ships are in port, they may dock at lower berths, and passengers will be shuttled to the terminal.
Background/History of Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax has a long history as a military outpost thanks to its strategic position on Canada’s eastern coast. The Mi’kmaq people originally occupied the area and inhabited much of present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
The city was officially established by the British in 1749 and named after George Montagu-Dunk, the 2nd Earl of Halifax.
Halifax is best known for its role in the aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking. At first, it was thought that the damaged Titanic would sail to Halifax since it was the closest major port to the ship.
Within hours of the Titanic sinking, Halifax sent out several of the city’s ships to help in recovery efforts. So the city became the final resting place for many of the Titanic’s victims.
One hundred fifty bodies recovered from the Titanic were buried in three of the city’s cemeteries, all marked with black granite headstones inscribed with the same date, April 15, 1912.
Unfortunately, Halifax was also the site of one of the worst maritime disasters in history. In December of 1917, a French munitions ship collided with a Norwegian vessel in the harbor, and the explosion resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives and leveled much of the city’s northern end.
From the rubble, a prosperous economic and cultural hub was rebuilt, and Fort Needham Memorial Park honors the memory of the victims of this horrific incident today.
Linked with disaster, another tragic accident was Swiss Air Flight 111, which crashed five miles off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on September 2, 1998.
A memorial was erected at the park, paying tribute to the 229 souls that perished that night. Visitors to the monument often lay a rose in front of the stone.
Local Food and Beverages in Halifax
Renowned for its seafood, you’ll find everything from fish and chips shacks to upscale eateries scattered throughout the downtown area. Halifax also has more pubs and clubs per capita than any other city in Canada.
The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is open daily during the summer months and is the longest continuously operated market in North America.
The market is located along the waterfront, just a short walk from the cruise terminal, and features fresh seafood, produce, baked goods, and bread.
There are also vendors serving lobster rolls, seafood chowders, kebabs, and more. You’ll find excellent harbor views from the market’s rooftop patio.
Continue along the Harbourwalk, which, at over 4 kilometers, is one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world. You’ll also find Alexander Keith’s — Nova Scotia’s oldest brewery — right across from the boardwalk, open for tours.
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse is a local favorite and frequently hosts live traditional Irish music sessions.
No visit to Halifax is complete without trying donair, the official food of Halifax. This late-night favorite consists of spiced ground beef, tomatoes, and onions served on a grilled pita and smothered in its signature sugary sauce.
You can find donairs in most pizza shops, and you’ll also find donair-inspired donuts, egg rolls, poutine, and more around town.
Shopping in Halifax
You’ll find plenty of boutique shops and independent retailers downtown and along the waterfront.
For unique Nova Scotian goods, check out the handcrafted gift shops at Pavilion 22 or pick up a rum cake from the Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory.
Halifax is also known for its exquisite mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal. Located along the Halifax waterfront, NovaScotian Crystal is a workshop and showroom where you can watch master craftsmen melting and shaping crystal into fine art.
Cultural Attractions in Halifax
History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum covers everything from the region’s first shipbuilders and tragic shipwrecks to the city’s involvement in the World Wars, the Halifax explosion, and the sinking of the Titanic.
Highlights include artifacts recovered from the Titanic, carved pieces of woodwork found near the wreckage, and a beautiful mahogany cabinet that survived the sinking.
For art lovers, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has an extensive collection of local and Canadian art.
The gallery is the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada and displays historic and modern Nova Scotian paintings, photography, sculptures, and rotating exhibits by international artists.
Another popular downtown Halifax attraction, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, pays tribute to Canada’s immigration history.
Pier 21 was the port of entry for over a million immigrants from 1928 through 1971 and is now a museum featuring photos, personal artifacts, and the stories of immigrants who traveled to Canada during this time.
The center also features a vast library and archives for visitors interested in researching their family history.
Top Halifax Cruise Excursions
Here are some things to do if your cruise ship stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Check out 5 Things To Do in Halifax for more things to do.
Best of Halifax City Sightseeing Tours
Consider booking a guided city sightseeing tour to ensure you see all the top Halifax city sights. Tours visit such area attractions as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the Old Town Clock, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and more.
Tours include convenient round-trip transportation from the cruise port and interesting commentary from a local guide about the city’s historical, cultural, and political significance.
You can also opt for cycling or Segway city tours.
Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove Tours
The picturesque red and white lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s must-see sights. Peggy’s Cove day trip options are plentiful, and you can choose between guided hikes, coastal cruises, and tours that include the Halifax city highlights.
There are also food trucks, a dine-in restaurant, and a coffee shop by the lighthouse so you won’t go hungry.
Annapolis Valley Wine Tours
Nova Scotia’s fertile soil and unique maritime climate make it ideal for wine production. Located only an hour outside Halifax, the Annapolis Valley is home to several award-winning wineries, and wine-tasting tours are available for cruise ship passengers.
Harbour Hopper Tours
Hop onboard one of the amphibious Harbour Hopper vehicles for a tour around Halifax by both land and sea. Landside sights that visitors will see along the way include the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and St. Paul’s Church.
Once the vehicle splashes into the sea, the driver becomes the captain, who takes passengers for a lively ride around the harbor to learn about Halifax’s connection to the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, and the history of the Canadian Naval dockyards.
Sights along the journey include Georges Island, Cable Wharf, the waterfront boardwalk, and the Historic Properties.
An Insider’s Perspective
If you’re looking for more of an off-the-beaten-path experience, head across the Halifax waterfront to Fisherman’s Cove, a quiet and quaint 200-year-old fishing village.
You’ll find a handful of colorful shops along the waterfront, plenty of seafood joints, and ice cream shops. You can even rent a kayak and explore the coast alone or join a guided trip out to McNabs Island.
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