Canada is a wonderful place; from coast to coast, it is a vast and expansive country. Considering it is the second largest country in the world, it is unsurprising that each area is as different from the others as the pronunciation of “sorry” or “about” is. One of the crown jewels of Canadian culture and tourism is the East Coast, the Maritime provinces, with Halifax sitting in the centre as the region’s capital. We’re frequent visitors to the area, albeit exclusively in the summertime, as we as a society have wintertime PTSD. Every time we go, we are overcome with the province’s beauty, the people’s friendliness, and the bustling cultural diversity. Because we are such Canadian tourism enthusiasts, we have compiled a list of our favourite places to stay and things to see, do, and eat in Halifax (and the area) so you can make the most of your next trip.
Brewery Park
When travelling, there is nothing more desirable than a sense of familiarity and comfort in an unknown place; that’s why for us, there is nowhere better to stay than Halifax’s first Boutique Hotel, Brewery Park. Located in Halifax’s hip and bustling North End, the hotel is spacious yet cozy, with 16 guestrooms featuring all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Located on street level is Sidekick Café, which offers up freshly brewed coffee and a wide selection of food, including a pretty good gluten-free menu, local beer and wine, and a great outdoor patio. With great restaurants and shops within walking distance, including our favourite Bar Kismet, Brewery Park is a must-stay.
Bar Kismet
As mentioned above, one of our favourite restaurants and bars in Halifax is Bar Kismet. Voted one of ‘Canada’s 100 Best’ restaurants in 2020, this is the reservation you want to make in advance. We will admit that we have walked up at the opening during the week and been able to grab a spot at the exclusive and limited 9-seat bar, but it is best to play it and book ahead. The bar program is phenomenal, featuring a constantly evolving and refined cocktail program, but the food also stands on its own. The vibe is very on point, with a carefully curated soundtrack leading you toward a good time.
Coffeeology Espresso Co.
Located in downtown Halifax, Coffeeology is a hip third-wave coffee shop founded by Korean coffee veteran Kim Kay. After 20 years in the coffee game and spending five years in Halifax, he opened his coffee shop. Focusing on the craft behind a good cup of coffee, whether a perfectly executed pour-over or a cappuccino with exquisite art crafted in milk foam on top. Selling a wide range of beans, both locally and from across Canada, Coffeeology Espresso Co. is the perfect spot for the perfect cup of coffee or tea!
Nature Folk
Nature Folk is located on the other side of the bay from Halifax proper on the Dartmouth Waterfront, a modern bathhouse, sauna and bodywork spa. Located within walking distance from the Ferry just off the Dartmouth Boardwalk, Nature Folk is a hidden-away space created with a nod to ancient bathing cultures and traditional Nordic spas. Designed with a refined palette of natural stone, white oak, and soft linens, the space instantly welcomes you into an oasis of relaxation with several saunas, dry, wet, and plunge pools, both warm and cold. It’s the perfect way to spend a couple of hours and melt away any stress.
Yeah Yeahs Pizza
Located on the same side of the bay as Nature Folk in Dartmouth, Yeah Yeahs Pizza offers some of the best pizza on the East Coast. Located in a loft-like upstairs section of the coffee shop, Two If By Sea is the no-frills pizza joint Yeah Yeahs Pizza. Featuring a small yet straightforward menu of full pies and slices, the tasty za is made courtesy of local “dough master” Sal Mosca. We highly recommend grabbing a slice while exploring Dartmouth.
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Fawn
There is something just so fun about high tea. Maybe it’s the little bite-sized sandwiches with the crust cut off or seeing a giant tray of delicate sweets and pastries, but high tea is always a fun event and one you must attend at Fawn when in Halifax. Taking a less traditional, more fun route with their selection, it feels more like an Alice in Wonderland high tea than cucumber sandwiches with the crust cut off and classic bonnet high tea. All items are made in-house, with gluten-free and vegetarian substitutions available.
Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises
This one is technically not in Halifax and should be classified under the heading “excursions,” However, one of the highlights of visiting the East Coast is the possibility of seeing some whales up close and personal. While eco-tourism is extremely problematic and something we take very seriously when recommending, Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruise is the gold standard for how you do it. Originally started in 1984, Harold Graham and other researchers began investigating reports of frequent sightings of whales around Brier Island. After a couple of years of research and study, the public was invited to join the cruise in 1986, which allowed the team to raise money to help keep the project going while simultaneously creating public awareness of marine mammals. To this day, they remain Nova Scotia’s premier whale-watching organization, and while you are on the boat, you are technically assisting in the research. How cool is that? Plus there is nothing quite like seeing a whale up close and personal.