Free Things to Do in Halifax, NS, Canada
Fun, No-Cost Activities for a Vacation to the Nova Scotia Capital
Sep 8, 2009
Halifax offers visitors many options for entertainment, culture, shopping, history, and exercise. But for those with limited travel funds, adding a few free activities to the itinerary makes a great way to stretch a vacation without stretching the budget.
Enjoy these free indoor attractions and outdoor activities when visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia
Free Things to Do in Halifax – Indoor Activities
As Nova Scotia is a maritime province, the weather can force visitors inside – particularly in the colder months. Thankfully there are free things to do in Halifax that are also indoors. From historic buildings to historic churches, venture out for these free attractions:
- Touring Province House: The provincial legislature welcomes visitors for free tours. Province House (1726 Hollis St.) is the oldest seat of government in Canada.
- Halifax Farmers' Market: This diverse, indoor farmers' market runs weekly on Saturday mornings. Located in the Keith’s Brewery Building, the farmers’ market is great for people watching, part of a Halifax shopping excursion, catching busker performances, and picking up supplies for a picnic.
- Shambala Centre: Visit for the weekly open house on Wednesday evenings and learn about meditation or the large Nova Scotia Buddhist community. The Halifax Shambala Centre is located at 1084 Tower Rd.
- Halifax Churches – free to visit: St. Paul’s Church (in Grande Parade) and St. Mary’s Basilica (1531 Grafton St.) are serene and calming destinations for visitors to Halifax.
Free Things to Do in Halifax – Outdoor Activities
The late spring, summer, and early fall weather makes Halifax a great destination from June through October. There are endless coastal beaches and parks, as well as the summertime festivals in Halifax. All are great for family activities and active travelers:
- Visit Halifax parks: From the expansive Point Pleasant Park to the in-bloom Public Gardens, Halifax has many excellent parks. In Point Pleasant, the historic Martello Tower offers free self-guided tours in summer while a waterfront walk passes fortification batteries and memorials to veterans. At the Public Gardens, a lively duck pond and bandstand draw many warm-weather visitors. A third fantastic park is the Sir Sandford Flemming Park. The park’s Dingle Tower is a Rapunzel-esque stone landmark that memorializes when Nova Scotia established a representative government in 1758.
- Self-guided Halifax walking tours: Whether it's the waterside Harbourwalk or an exploration to find Halifax heritage homes (mostly located in the city's south end), there is plenty to discover.
- Free fun at Halifax beaches: There are countless beaches that make a great Halifax day trip. Family-oriented Lawrencetown Beach, the stunning Martinique Beach, and Point Pleasant’s Black Rock Beach all make fun, free day trips.
- Free Halifax festivals: The summertime Halifax Busker’s Festival welcomes visitors to the waterfront for creative, quirky, and funny shows. Although the festival is free the buskers earn from the generosity of the audience. Likewise, the Halifax waterfront welcomes many impressive vessels for Tall Ships Nova Scotia, the next event being in 2012.
Cheap Activities in Halifax
In addition to free things to do in Halifax, visitors can spend a little to experience a lot. Exhibits and poignant stories at Pier 21 immigration museum, historic reenactments at Citadel Hill, and a live music show at a Halifax bar all offer great value to Halifax visitors.
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