Lola Augustine Brown

Lola Augustine Brownhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/lola-augustine-brownLola Augustine Brownhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-halifaxA local shares her tips on the top events, bars and eateries, off-the-beaten-track experiences and festivals in Halifax.2017-10-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-halifaxhttps://www.worldnomads.comVisiting Halifax from <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/climate-and-weather-whens-the-best-time-to-travel-in-canada" target="_blank">spring right through late fall</a> is lovely, and offers a myriad of experiences that cater to all tastes and interests. Typical, touristy things to do like wandering the beautiful <a href="halifaxpublicgardens.ca" target="_blank">Victorian Halifax Public Gardens</a>, learning about the history of Canadian immigration at <a href="pier21.ca" target="_blank">Pier 21</a>, and hiking <a href="pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/Halifax" target="_blank">Citadel Hill</a> to explore the old fort are well worth doing. But, here are some of the many other things to see while you’re here. <ul> <li><a href="#food"> Where to grab a drink & bite to eat in Halifax </a></li> <li><a href="#local"> Off-the-beaten-track Halifax </a></li> <li><a href="#events"> Events & festivals in Halifax </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="food">Where to grab a drink & bite to eat in Halifax</h2> Love lobster? You’ll find it on the menu everywhere and incorporated into dishes at fancy restaurants and pubs (lobster poutine anyone?). There are tons of great restaurants at every price point. Spanish-inspired tapas place <a href="http://highwaymanhfx.com/" target="_blank">The Highwayman</a> was voted one of the best restaurants in Canada, <a href="http://fieldguidehfx.com/" target="_blank">Field Guide</a> offers amazing small plates perfect for sharing, and grabbing a Halifax Donair at <a href="http://johnnyksdonair.com/" target="_blank">Johnny K’s</a> is a cheap and tasty must when you’re here too. Halifax is home to seven degree-granting institutions, which means that there’s a huge student population and, consequently, there's always plenty of evening revelry. There are tons of bars here, but the <a href="lowerdeck.ca" target="_blank">Lower Deck</a> is a must for first-time visitors – it’s got a huge patio on the water and live music with a Celtic twist most nights. <a href="themiddlespoon.ca" target="_blank">The Middle Spoon Bar and Desserterie</a> <g class="gr_ gr_69 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="69" data-gr-id="69">has</g> a speakeasy-style hidden bar downstairs, and you’ll need to find out the password for access. There are plenty more bars in the downtown core, many can be found along or around Argyle Street, so that’s a good place to start your evening. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/argyle-street-halifax-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption> Argyle Street is famous for its trendy bars and restaurants. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="local">Off-the-beaten-track Halifax</h2> Looking for things to do most visitors have no idea about? Walk up Agricola Street to explore Halifax’s once-sketchy North End to find sweet boutiques, cool restaurants like <a href="http://lionandbright.com/" target="_blank">Lion and Bright</a>, <a href="goodrobotbrewing.ca" target="_blank">Good Robot Brewing</a> and its awesome beer garden, the <a href="http://chainyardcider.com/" target="_blank">Chain-Yard Urban Cidery</a>, or <a href="http://facebook.com/guspubandgrill/" target="_blank">Gus’ Pub and Grill</a> for a live show.  Kayak out to historic McNabb's Island with <a href="http://kayakhalifax.com/" target="_blank">Kayak Halifax</a> to explore abandoned forts and ruins, and see deer, foxes, and other <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/canadas-best-destinations-for-wildlife-encounters" target="_blank">local wildlife</a> along the way. Get the public ferry across the harbor to super-cool Dartmouth for amazing views back over Halifax, and eat the best sandwich of your life at <a href="thecanteen.ca" target="_blank">The Canteen</a> or great coffee and big-as-your-face croissants at <a href="twoifbyseacafe.ca" target="_blank">Two If By Sea Café</a>. Getting around Halifax is easy – it isn’t a big city so you can walk most places. The Halifax Transit buses will get you to most places you want to go, plus taxis are plentiful. ###CanadaGuideCallout### <h2 id="events">Events & festivals in Halifax</h2> Throughout the summer, Halifax Waterfront is buzzing. There are many festivals in the city, including <a href="http://halifaxjazzfestival.ca/" target="_blank">TD Jazz Festival</a>, which brings huge artists to the city each July; <a href="http://buskers.ca/" target="_blank">Halifax Busker’s Fest</a>, which brings 300 acts from the world over to the city each August; and <a href="http://halifaxpopexplosion.com/" target="_blank">The Halifax Pop Explosion</a> music festival, which brings 200 bands to 20 venues in the city every October. There are also many foodie events. <a href="http://ribfesthalifax.ca/" target="_blank">Ribfest</a> takes over the Waterfront on Canada Day weekend, then the massive <a href="http://seaportbeerfest.com/" target="_blank">Halifax Seaport Beerfest</a> takes over in August before passing the baton to the <a href="http://oysterfest.ca/" target="_blank">Halifax Oyster Festival</a> in September. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/halifax-boardwalk-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption> Halifax boardwalk. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure>iStock/garett_mosher 0470576181 iStock Halifax Waterfront at Dusk