Virgin Voyages' guide to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Perched upon Canada’s rugged Atlantic coastline you’ll find Halifax, Nova Scotia: a fog-draped city rich with Canadian culture, intangible grit, stories of shipwrecks and survival and an alluring charm you can’t quite put your finger on.
A Storied Citadel by the Sea
Unlike most typical port cities, Halifax’s unapologetically authentic vibe blends old-school maritime grit with a modern, Brooklyn-esque heartbeat; effortlessly pairing cobblestone streets and craft beer with a buzzing boardwalk, rocky shorelines and an impressively lengthy history.
In addition, foodies will rejoice to learn that Halifax is a haven for seafood lovers, with fresh lobster, scallops, oysters and everything else you can imagine, served at countless bars, restaurants and breweries slinging everything from the iconic Halifax donair (a uniquely Halifax doner kebab) to expertly brewed beers, handcrafted cocktails and everything in between.
Shore Excursions
Halifax Headliners
Ancient clocks, ocean floor fossils & hallowed history.
An Exploration of Art & Architecture in Halifax
This guided tour starts with a visit to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, known for its fine Italianate facade, before heading to the stunning Gothic St. Mary's Basilica. Then, stroll down Spring Garden Road, voted one of the best places to watch, and see the new Halifax Public Library and Victorian Gardens. On your return walk, stop at the 19th-century Old Town Clock, which commands an impressive view of Halifax Harbour.
Explore The Ocean Floor
Welcome to the Bay of Fundy, the site of the highest tides in the world! Today, visit the spot where the highest recorded tides occur, Burntcoat Head Park, with an extreme tidal range of up to 53.6 feet. Take a 1-hour tour of the ocean floor with a naturalist guide -- tiptoe through the periwinkles, and search for fossils and when the tide is out. You can also choose to enjoy your rustic boxed lunch right on the ocean floor, before returning to your ship.
Titanic & Peggy's Cove
Visit scenic Peggy's Cove and explore the tiny village on your own, checking out art galleries, the harbor, and tasting the local gingerbread. Then head to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place of 121 Titanic victims. During the return trip to the pier, your guide will continue to point out places of interest as you travel.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Watch the ocean waters glow! (No but like…really!)
Halifax Harbor is a hotbed for bioluminescent plankton on the right nights.
A blend of raw edge, harrowed history, natural beauty and an Atlantic swagger that can’t quite be defined, Halifax, Nova Scotia is an excitingly eclectic city just waiting to be explored. Here history collides with salty-aired walks along the boardwalk, labyrinths of cobblestone streets, illuminating lighthouses and sumptuous seafood. From fog-draped mornings to glowing bioluminescent nights, whether you’re here for the stories, the seafood or to soak up the breathtaking harbour views, Halifax is the perfect place to learn what Canada is all about.
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