4-Day Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is a major destination for conventioneers (modern facilities, well-priced accommodations, centrally located for delegates from both North America and Europe), and in this regard, you may find yourself wanting to hang around for a few days when the last meeting wraps up on Friday. Or, for leisure travelers, many flights to other parts of Atlantic Canada are routed through Halifax, so it will cost little or nothing to have a stopover before continuing to Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, or elsewhere. This itinerary covers both scenarios, and you don’t have to worry about driving.

Day 1

After arriving in town from the airport, or swapping your convention hotel for your weekend lodgings, join the after-work crowd at the Seahorse Tavern, and then plan on dining next door at the Economy Shoe Shop.

Day 2

Visit Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to get a feel for the city’s colorful history, then take the 10-minute walk over to the Public Gardens.

After lunch, learn about the Titanic tragedy at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic before visiting the graves of some of the victims at Fairview Cemetery.

Day 3

Book ahead with local tour company Ambassatours for an excellent full-day trip along the South Shore. It hits the highlights—scenic Peggy’s Cove and the beautiful waterfront churches of Mahone Bay—while also allowing time to wander through the historic streets of downtown Lunenburg, where there’s time for shopping and lunch.

You’ll be back in Halifax in time for dinner at 2 Doors Down, which features lots of fresh seasonal produce.

Day 4

Check the sailing schedule of the Bluenose II and make reservations for a morning cruise if this grand old lady is in port.

Alternatively, start out with breakfast at the Italian Market, followed by shopping at downtown stores such as Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory. Golfers may want to squeeze in a tee time at Glen Arbour Golf Course, which is on the way out to the airport.

Related Travel Guide

Moon Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada: With New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

by Andrew Hempstead

by Moon Travel Guides

Catch a glimpse of the world’s rarest whales, hike through lush forests, or wander around quaint historic towns: the very best of the northeast is yours with Moon Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada.

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Andrew Hempstead

About the Author

Wandering the streets of St. John’s, hiking in Terra Nova National Park, and driving the Irish Loop—Andrew Hempstead has done all of this and more.

 

As a professional travel writer, Andrew spends as much time as possible out on the road. During his travels, he experiences the many and varied delights of Newfoundland and Labrador the same way his readers do.

 

Since the early 1990s, Andrew has authored and updated more than 60 guidebooks, and supplied content for regional and national clients like Expedia and KLM. His photography has appeared in a wide variety of media, ranging from international golf magazines to a Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum.

 

Andrew and his wife Dianne also own Summerthought Publishing, a Canadian regional publisher of nonfiction books. He is a member of The Diners Club® World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. Andrew has also spoken on travel writing to a national audience and has contributed to a university-level travel writing textbook.

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