Halifax Historic City Centre Walking Tour

Join us for a fun and entertaining day while exploring the vibrant city of Halifax!
As you walk through the historic city centre, you will see some of the area's most important landmarks such as Halifax Public Gardens, Grand Parade Square, Province House, and the Old Town Clock.

All of our guides are residents of Halifax and will share insights and perspectives on Halifax's culture and history as only a local individual can.

Halifax is built on a very large hill. To minimize the physical impact on our guests, we start at the highest point of the town, at the entrance of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The view of the city from here is amazing!

Meeting Point

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3, Canada

We will meet guests to the left of the main entrance to the Halifax Citadel Historic Site.
FOR CRUISE SHIP GUESTS: There are taxis available at the cruise pier to take you directly to the entrance of the Halifax Citadel. Please ask one of the commissionaires for assistance in securing one.

What's included:

• Guided walking tour throughout historic Downtown Halifax
• Guide

Not included:

• Items of a personal nature.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

5425 Sackville St, Halifax, B3J 3Y3

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a star-shaped fortress overlooking downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. Built in 1856, it played a key role in defending the city and the British Empire’s interests in North America. Today, it offers immersive experiences with costumed interpreters, historic reenactments, and stunning city views. Visitors can explore the fort’s walls, tunnels, and exhibits while learning about Halifax’s military history. The daily firing of the noon gun remains a beloved tradition. A must-visit for history buffs, the Citadel brings the past to life in an engaging and interactive way.

Pass by without stopping

Halifax Public Gardens

Spring Garden Road, South Park St, Halifax, B3J 3S9

The Halifax Public Gardens, established in 1867, are Victorian-era gardens located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, near Spring Garden Road and opposite Victoria Park. Covering 16 acres, they feature formal Victorian landscaping, statues, extensive flower beds, fountains, stone bridges, ponds, and a bandstand for summer concerts. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984, the gardens are open year-round, weather permitting.

Pass by without stopping

Halifax Central Library

5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, B3J 1E9

The Halifax Central Library is the flagship branch of Halifax Public Libraries. Opened on December 13, 2014, the five-story building spans 11,000 square meters and features a distinctive architectural design resembling stacked glass boxes. Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Fowler Bauld & Mitchell, the library offers extensive collections, a 300-seat auditorium, cafés, and community spaces. It has received accolades for its architecture, including the Governor General's Medal in Architecture in 2016.

Pass by without stopping

St Paul’s Anglican Church, Halifax

1749 Argyle St, Halifax, NS B3J 2K4, Canada

St. Paul's Anglican Church, founded in 1749, is Halifax's oldest building and Canada's oldest Anglican place of worship. Consecrated in 1750, its design mirrors St. Peter's Church in London, crafted by James Gibbs. Notably, it became the first Anglican cathedral outside Great Britain in 1787. During the 1917 Halifax Explosion, debris embedded in its walls, a testament to its resilience. Today, St. Paul's remains an active parish, welcoming all to its historic sanctuary.

Pass by without stopping

Halifax City Hall

1841 Argyle St, Halifax, B3J 3Y8

Halifax City Hall, completed in 1890, is a prominent Late-Victorian Eclectic building located in the heart of downtown Halifax. Designed by architect Edward Elliot, it stands as one of the oldest and largest public buildings in the province. Situated at the north end of Grand Parade, a historic military parade square, the building has served as the seat of municipal government since its opening. In 1997, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its architectural significance and role in the city's history.

Pass by without stopping

Province House

1726 Hollis Street, , Halifax, B3J 2Y3

Province House has been the meeting place of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly since 1819, making it Canada's oldest legislative building. This three-story structure is celebrated as one of North America's finest examples of Palladian architecture. Notably, it was the site of journalist Joseph Howe's 1835 trial for seditious libel, a landmark case for press freedom in Canada. In 1996, Province House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its pivotal role in the country's political heritage.

Pass by without stopping

St. Mary's Basilica

1508 Barrington St, , Halifax, B3J 1Z3

St. Mary's Basilica is a prominent Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archdiocese of Halifax–Yarmouth. Constructed from 1820 and consecrated on October 19, 1899, it features the tallest granite spire in North America, standing at 189 feet. The façade and spire are built entirely of locally sourced granite, except for the three portals, which incorporate pink Aberdeen granite. In 1950, Pope Pius XII designated it a basilica. The church is also associated with St. Peter's Cemetery, the oldest Catholic cemetery in Halifax.

Pass by without stopping

Old Burying Ground

1541 Barrington St, Halifax

The Old Burying Ground, established in 1749, served as the city's primary cemetery until 1844. Initially non-denominational, it became affiliated with St. Paul's Anglican Church in 1793. The cemetery houses approximately 1,200 gravestones, including the notable Welsford-Parker Monument, a triumphal arch commemorating British officers from the Crimean War. In 1991, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its significant collection of early gravestone art.

Pass by without stopping

Government House

1451 Barrington St, Halifax, B3J 1Z2

Government House has served as the official residence of Nova Scotia's Lieutenant Governor since its completion in 1805. Designed by architect Isaac Hildreth in the Adamesque Georgian style, the building features timber framing and load-bearing masonry. Over the years, it has hosted numerous royal visitors, including Prince Edward (later King Edward VII) in 1860 and King George VI with Queen Elizabeth in 1939. Recognized for its historical significance, Government House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1982.

Pass by without stopping

Alexander Keith's Brewery

1496 Lower Water St, , Halifax, B3J 3R5

Founded in 1820 by Scottish immigrant Alexander Keith, Alexander Keith's Brewery is one of North America's oldest operating breweries. It gained prominence for its India Pale Ale (IPA), which became Nova Scotia's most popular beer by the 1990s. The brewery's historic facility on Lower Water Street continues to produce beer and offers tours that celebrate its rich heritage. Today, Alexander Keith's operates as part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, with its products available throughout Canada.

Pass by without stopping