Things to do in Halifax

Dartmouth Online Ordering

In order to best accommodate social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Downtown Dartmouth businesses are offering online ordering to optimize the reduction in contact with others.

Things to do in halifax

Visiting Halifax, but tired of the usual, dusty forts, corporate chain stores and generic office towers that make it just like every other city's downtown?

Prepare yourself for what some refer to as the Brooklyn of Halifax.

— go to —
Dartmouth!

Dartmouth has a downtown of beautiful old-world charm with an unprecedented quantity of locally-owned stores including boutique clothing, tattoo artists, art galleries, and coffee shops.

Just minutes from the downtown core is beautiful Sullivan's Pond, followed by a chain of lakes that make up the start of the Shubenacadie Canal. Fantastic for walking, running, biking, portaging, you name it!

But don't just take our word for it... watch the video!

"I really believe in [Dartmouth] and the people in it and so I just think, well, if I'm in a position to contribute [...] and bring more energy, more activity, and more people to the street, then it could be sort of a win-win."

~ Joel Plaskett

How to get to Dartmouth

Transit

Make your way to the Halifax waterfront, then walk on over to the Ferry Terminal, hop the ferry, and catch a beautiful ride across the harbour. You'll get stunning views of Halifax City and Harbour along the way!

The ferry costs just $2.50 for adults and $1.75 for seniors and children. If you plan to return to Halifax within an hour or two, don't forget to grab a transfer as you enter the terminal! That'll ensure your return fare is FREE.

Have a car?

Drive over the Angus L. MacDonald Bridge, then turn right. Follow the street to the end, then turn left at the lights. Once down the hill, you're in Downtown Dartmouth! That's really all there is to it 🙂

Note: You'll need $1 cash fare to cross the bridge.

Have questions? We'd love to help!

The Shubie Canal Greenway

The greenway is our absolute favourite Dartmouth trail for walking, biking, or even to traverse by car and make frequent stops! You'll find dozens of historical plaques, monuments and museums, parks, ponds, beaches, stunning scenery, and shopping destinations along the way.

Alderney Ferry Terminal

Home to a theatre, large-scale stage, and our personal favourite: the Farmer's Market! It's bustling on Saturday mornings and a nice steady pace on Sundays.

Ferry Terminal Park

"[Ferry Terminal Park is...] a good spot to enjoy a beautiful view of the harbour and downtown Halifax.

Kids part of your life? There is a playground and lots of grass on which to play.
More museum-inclined? The World Peace Pavilion has stones from all around the world." - Kirk Furlotte review on Yelp

SHOPPING DETOUR

Like to shop? Eat? Drink Coffee? Detour to the shops of Downtown Dartmouth for some of the best of all of the above that Halifax has to offer.

SHOP IN DARTMOUTH

Sullivan's Pond

Continue North East along the Shubenacadie Canal towards Sullivan's Pond. Stop at the newly constructed Canal Bridge along the way at the former Starr manufacturing plant.

Lake Banook

Lake Banook is a great place to go with your whole family or just by your self, the beaches as the best and the scenery is out of this world. They have different types of boat races in the summer and places that you can get lesson from too. -Karen C. [TripAdvisor]

When you reach the circumferential highway, turn left towards Mic Mac Mall and cross the foot bridge. Head straight (ish) and look for the underpass where you'll go under the highway and turn left to start at the Shubie Canal Greenway Trail.

Fairbanks Interpretation Centre

The Fairbanks Centre is located at the main entrance to Shubie Park. It houses a gallery and interpretive center which are open to the public at no charge year-round with exhibits that illustrate the historic Canal Waterway.

The building proudly bears the name of the men who dared to dream of a canal to cross our Province from Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy.

Don't forget to stop at the Lockside Canteen by Lemon Dogs for delicious hand-made tacos, lemonade and freezies! The canteen is located directly beside the Fairbanks Centre and is open Thu - Sunday.