Halifax self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Looking for things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia? Our Tourist Scavenger Hunt will take you from the public gardens to Halifax Harbor and its museums, by way of the Citadel!
You will have to solve challenges at every stop along the way to discover your next destination. At each step, you will learn a little history as well as interesting facts about what surrounds you.
The Port of Halifax Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 4.7 km / 2.92 mi walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 3 hours to complete.
A fun learning experience
See the sights!
Learn some local history
Challenge your knowledge
Fun for all ages, kids included
Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule
Take as little, or as much time as you wish to complete your hunt
Buy 1 scavenger hunt for your party of 1 to 6 people.
Available options
Port of Halifax tour
Different start location: This is the exact same tour, but starting/ending at the Cruise terminal, instead of the Lord Nelson Hotel.
Halifax self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt
What's included
Scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone (data required)
24/7 customer support
22 varied challenges
26 locations seen
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Discover Halifax's Public Gardens and solve a simple challenge to start your activity.
5 minutes here
5 minutes to your next destination
2
Learn about the Canadian Armed Forces' presence in Halifax as you walk past several of their buildings.
Solve challenges while here.
5 minutes here
5 minutes to get to your next destination.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Walk up the hill to admire Halifax's old citadel fortification. Learn about its history and numerous re-constructions. Take in a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. This is the highest point in the city.
Solve a few challenges while you're here.
15 minutes walking around the area.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Walk past the Old Town Clock on your way down to Brunswick St.
Solve a challenge here.
5 minutes
5
Walk by the Scotiabank Centre and learn about the city's sports teams. Solve a challenge here.
5 minutes here
5 minutes walking to your next destination.
6
Admire the many monuments around Grand Parade, a central park in the oldest part of Halifax.
Solve 2 challenges
10 minutes here
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Admire and learn about Halifax City Hall, and solve a challenge.
5 minutes here
8
Cross Grand Parade to see this small white church, and learn about its history.
Also learn about the 1917 Harbor Explosion, of which 1 piece of ship's wood is still embedded inside the church!
Solve a challenge here.
10 minutes here.
5 minutes to your next destination
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Walk by and admire Province House, where the government of Nova Scotia sits to legislate.
Learn about its history, and what Charles Dickens did here in 1841. Solve 2 challenges here.
10 minutes here
10
Across the street, you'll find the province's Art Gallery. Solve a challenge here as well.
5 minutes here
5 minutes to the next destination
11
Walk to the waterfront and solve a challenge about the blue dockyard clock.
5 minutes here
12
Stop 12
Pass by
Walk across a few wharves to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Learn about some of the islands in Halifax Harbor, and solve a maritime flag-related challenge.
15 minutes
13
Approach the warship, the HMCS Sackville, a World War II Corvette. Learn about its history and solve a challenge.
Then pay attention to surrounding monuments to learn about the rich Irish history of this part of Halifax.
15 minutes here.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
Walk by this important brewery and learn about this neighborhood called Irishtown.
Solve a few challenges before returning to the waterfront.
10 minutes
15
Walk along the waterfront to the Seaport farmer's market.
You'll encounter a few monuments, each revealing some part of the city's history, and a different challenge to solve.
16
Stop 16
This is also the cruise ship terminal. Learn about Samuel Cunard, one of the city's most famous sailors, and solve a challenge.
17
Walk to the train station, to solve another challenge and learn about how the railroad reached Halifax.
18
Walk away from the train station through this beautiful park. Learn about its Ukranian monument and solve a challenge.
19
Stop 19
Pass by
Walk 5 minutes north to Government House, the official residence of the province's Lieutenant Governor (the local representative of the King of England).
Solve a challenge while here.
10 minutes
20
Continue walking to the next intersection where you'll find this beautiful cathedral. Learn its history and solve a challenge here.
21
Walk past the old central library on your right, to find the beautiful new one on your left.
Solve a challenge here.
What's not included
You can pause the activity to visit any of the locations along the tour route.
This tour is strictly exterior sightseeing, you need not enter any of the locations seen on it..
Available languages
Written guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Once you're standing outside the Halifax Cruise Terminal, and have completed the transaction with our website, follow the start instructions in the "Order Complete" email.
Important notes
You must convert your voucher on our website before beginning the activity.
To do so, your TripAdvisor/Viator account Must Have your Real Email as we will email instructions to them. These will tell you how to convert your purchase on our website to complete the activity.
About Halifax
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront, and warm local culture. With its picturesque harbors, historic sites, and lively arts scene, Halifax offers a unique blend of urban and maritime experiences.
Top Attractions
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a vibrant, 4 km (2.5 miles) long pedestrian promenade along the harbor, offering shops, restaurants, and scenic views.
Waterfront
2-4 hours
Free to explore, attractions vary
Peggy's Cove
Peggy's Cove is a picturesque fishing village known for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastal scenery.
Natural
2-3 hours
Free to explore, parking fee: $3.00 CAD
Citadel Hill National Historic Site
Citadel Hill is a star-shaped fortress that played a significant role in Halifax's defense. It offers guided tours, reenactments, and panoramic views of the city.
Historical
2-3 hours
Adult: $13.00 CAD, Youth: $7.50 CAD, Children under 6: Free
Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens is a beautiful Victorian-style garden featuring a variety of flora, walking paths, and a bandstand for summer concerts.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic showcases the rich maritime history of the region, including exhibits on the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, and local fishing communities.
Museum
2-3 hours
Adult: $12.00 CAD, Youth: $6.00 CAD, Children under 5: Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Seafood Chowder
A creamy, rich soup made with fresh local seafood, potatoes, and vegetables.
Soup
Contains dairy, seafood
Donair
A Halifax specialty featuring spiced beef, onions, and sweet donair sauce served in pita bread.
Main Course
Contains beef, gluten
Lobster Roll
A buttered bun filled with fresh lobster meat, often served with lemon and butter.
Sandwich
Contains seafood, butter
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Whale watching
Spa treatments
Waterfront dining
Beach lounging
Museum visits
Art gallery tours
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant waterfront activities. Expect crowded attractions and higher prices.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
GMT-4 (Atlantic Standard Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Halifax is generally a safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards.
Getting there
By air
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport • 30 km (18.6 miles) from downtown Halifax
By train
Halifax Station
By bus
Halifax Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Halifax Transit operates a network of buses that serve the city and its suburbs. The system is efficient and affordable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Halifax
North End Halifax
South End Halifax
Day trips
Lunenburg
100 km (62 miles) • Full day
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful buildings, rich maritime history, and the famous Bluenose II schooner.
Bay of Fundy
200 km (124 miles) • Full day
The Bay of Fundy is known for its dramatic tides, which are among the highest in the world. The area offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and whale-watching opportunities.
Annapolis Valley
100 km (62 miles) • Full day
The Annapolis Valley is a picturesque region known for its vineyards, orchards, and scenic landscapes. The area offers wine tasting, hiking, and historic sites.
Festivals
Halifax International Busker Festival • July
Halifax Jazz Festival • October
Halifax Christmas Festival • November to December
Pro tips
- Visit the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk for a taste of local culture, shopping, and dining.
- Explore the historic sites of Halifax, such as the Citadel Hill National Historic Site and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
- Enjoy the vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and live music venues throughout the city.
- Take a day trip to Peggy's Cove for stunning coastal scenery and the iconic lighthouse.
- Try local seafood specialties, such as seafood chowder, donairs, and lobster rolls.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
