9 Nifty Unexpected Gems in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Published February 14th, 2025

Photography by Jay Kana

To get a deeper appreciation of Halifax's true allure, it's primarily what's off the popular path that will get you there. Yes, there are the mainstays that attract visitors aplenty from the waterfront, Argyle Street, city tours and more.
To experience the city through a unique lens, put these nine nifty spots on your must-see list as you discover Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs

I’ve been a blues rock guitarist for over 30 years, love playing live and sure do love a plate of chicken wings. Imagine my happiness when these came together as I strolled the streets of Halifax and stumbled upon Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs on Grafton Street!
The wings were spectacular, there are safe gluten-free menu options, the service is superb and the live music had all the toes tappin’!
How often is there live music at Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs? Every. Single. Night.

This place is a happy harmony of music and food, all in the heart of Halifax.

The Emera Oval

Outdoor skating is one of the coolest parts of winter in Canada and in Halifax, the Emera Oval is the largest outdoor rink east of Quebec City. How big is the Emera Oval, you ask? Massive. It’s the equivalent of three NHL sized ice surfaces!
They’re all about accessibility here, so skate and helmet rentals are free, there are public washrooms and an accessible washroom available, accessible parking and wheelchair access on the outside lane of the skating surface.
Located on the Halifax Common, you’ll have a great skate as you slide and glide outdoors.

Watch the Noon Gun Firing at the Citadel

If you time it right, as you walk or drive back from skating at the Emera Oval, you can watch the firing of the Noon Gun at the Citadel. Occurring daily (aside from Christmas Day) for nearly 200 years, you’ll certainly hear it in Halifax. But Jay, where can I watch the firing of the Noon Gun?
I’ve got you! Get to the Cavalier Building verandah, take the stairs to the second floor, get your camera ready and boom, that’s how you do it.
Parks Canada says “Today, these re-enactors perform drill demonstrations on 12-pounder and 32-pounder smoothbore guns, and 7” rifled muzzle-loading guns. They’ve also been known to fire a 32-pounder on some afternoons, simply for your entertainment.”
To be loud and clear, an actual cannon is fired. And it’s loud. If it can be heard by locals across the city, it’ll be loud when you’re on-site. Bring earplugs when you go.

Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market 

Approaching 300 years in operation, the Seaport Farmers’ Market is the longest continuously running Market in North America. Who knew back in 1750 that it’d have such staying power?
With over 100 vendors ranging from food and drink to arts and crafts and more, spend some time here and amble the aisles and soak in the atmosphere.
There’s plenty of parking on-site and if Indian food interests you, Amin’s Indian Cuisine has equally large portions of customer service excellence and flavourful food.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Chances are that you either know or know of someone, or perhaps have a “six-degrees of separation” connection with someone who came to Canada via Pier 21.
Close to a staggering one million immigrants arrived in Canada between 1928-1971 and parts of their journey are documented here.
I put this on the list despite its wide appeal as it’s an important and relevant aspect of Canadian culture.
There’s a lot to unpack here and I invite you to take slower steps and linger longer at as many exhibits as possible.
Also, you can actually get help tracing your routes through the Trace Your Roots at the Scotiabank Family History Centre, which is within the building.

Discovery Centre

Take the two minute drive or better yet, the short, 10 minute walk from the Farmer’s Market to arrive at the Discovery Centre. Aptly named “Nova Scotia’s hands-on Science Centre” it’s not quite a hidden gem (it’s a super-sized attraction!) but rather one that’s sometimes overlooked.
There are five fabulous themed galleries for everyone to enjoy, a cool musical staircase that plays different notes depending on which step you’re on, so many interactive exhibits that will satisfy your senses, live demonstrations, feature exhibits that change three times a year and so much more.
Bring the boys, gather the gals or round up anyone you’re with to spend a few hours here.
How welcoming and inclusive is the Discovery Centre?
They’re proudly Rainbow Registered; Canada’s national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive, welcoming and safer spaces for all.
Did I pretend to be a fighter pilot at their Flight exhibit? Maybe but really, yes.
There’s also exhibits for Energy, Health, Oceans, an Innovation Lab, a Dome Theatre and more.
Like my parents said when I was a kid: “go play, have fun and learn something as you do it.”

Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour

A short five minute walk from the Discovery Centre brings you to the Alexander Keith’s Brewery, one of the oldest operational breweries in North America.
Sure, it can be seen as “popular” but it’s the guided tour that’ll fill your proverbial glass.

Yes, the beer served on the tour is good and the tour guides are impressive but more than that, the storied history of the community is highlighted. There are heaps of historical documents, photographs and my tour featured a live musical performance from local musicians.

The hour-long tour takes you through special parts of the building, including part of the production process of one of North America’s oldest working breweries.

So yes, the beer is a tasty attraction but it’s the stories and heritage that seals it. 

Cabin Coffee

Keep those legs moving and take the three minute walk from Alexander Keith’s up to Cabin Coffee, another place I stumbled upon.
It’s cozy, quaint, the displays are lined with mouthwatering baked goods and treats, the coffee is fresh and the vibe is relaxed. Warm up by the fireplace, enjoy the oversized couches as you sip and scroll through both moderntraveller.ca and the Modern Traveller social channels.
The atmosphere embodies a rustic cabin, the staff are friendly and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the fresh cinnamon rolls are delectable. This locally owned business is far better than any chain-style coffee shop.

Evan's Seafood

For some of the best seafood in the area, take the 15 minute ferry ride from Halifax to Dartmouth, stay in the terminal, turn left and walk to the end of the building. Your reward? Evan’s Seafood, which serves up fresh and fantastic seafood. Family owned, the restaurant opened in 2011, there’s a healthy amount of gluten-free offerings, and is named after Evan d’Entremont, a local fisherman for over 20 years.
My lobster roll was a tasty 12/10, the service was also 12/10 and the hand-cut fries are delectable.
A local fisherman catching local seafood and serving it fresh is a happy Halifax trifecta.

To keep exploring and to further discover Halifax, visit their website.