Things to do in Halifax: top 5 coastal adventures

Halifax, Nova Scotia was named as one of the Top 10 Global Destinations on the rise in TripAdvisor's 2018 Travellers' Choice Awards. According to site visitors who’ve travelled to Halifax, tourist destinations such as the Public Gardens, Central Library, Citadel National Historic site and Peggy’s Cove are best seen on foot. However, when looking for things to do in Halifax, consider putting on your sea legs and enjoying some of the best experiences this maritime destination has to offer. Here are five ways to answer the call of the sea, plus examples of how travel insurance can help keep your visit on an even keel.

Whether or not you’re a fan of Moby Dick, a tour aboard a whale watching boat can be a thrill. Some of the spots where you’re almost guaranteed to see as many as 12 different species of whales include Digby Neck, Brier Island and Cape Breton. For this activity, be sure to pack a good pair of binoculars to help you get a better view.

Venture out on your own or take a guided tour in and around the many bays, inlets, islands and shorelines in the Halifax Harbour and surrounding region. Watch for birds and other wildlife, including seals, porpoises, eagles and cormorants. If you go ashore, enjoy a seafood picnic and experience glamping overnight under the stars of Halifax.

Try your hand at catching “The Big One” fishing for game shark at the mouth of the Halifax harbour. While you won’t get to take home what you catch, you will be contributing to oceanographic research through tag, catch and release programs, which can make for some truly unique memories of your time in Halifax.

Halifax is a top surf destination year round. Popular spots where you can “hang ten” include Lawrencetown Beach and Martinique Beach Provincial Parks, both of which are within just a 30 and 45-minute drive from Halifax.

Scuba diving in the Halifax area offers underwater adventures that enable you to see distinctive ocean flora and fauna, including fish and crustaceans, sea kelp and algae. With more than 4,500 shipwrecks along Nova Scotia’s coast, you might even spot the shell of centuries-old vessels on the ocean floor. Cooler water temperatures mean high visibility that’s ideal for capturing your discoveries on video or film.

When taking part in water activities, especially those involving the sea or ocean, always remember: safety first. Weather conditions can change at any moment, tides can turn suddenly, reeling in your catch can lead to a pulled muscle, and too much time on deck could result in a nasty sunburn. For situations such as these, the medical and trip protection that travel insurance offers can be a real life – and trip – saver.

Learn more or get a travel insurance quote.

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