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The cold months bring a fresh kind of energy to the city, and the best things to do in Halifax in winter go far beyond just staying warm. You can lace up your skates at the Emera Oval, catch a live show downtown, or dive into snow-covered trails with snowshoes. Halifax blends its coastal charm with a festive winter rhythm, making it easy for you to stay active, entertained, and curious. From historical sights to steamy brewery tours, winter here is anything but still.
Top Things To Do In Halifax In Winter
From snowy parks to cosy theatres, these things to do in Halifax in winter offer something exciting for every kind of explorer.
1. Ice Skating At Emera Oval
Photo: Brian Kyed / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the top things to do in Halifax in winter is to spend a day at the Emera Oval. Set right in the middle of Halifax Common, the rink is open to everyone and is large enough to comfortably hold crowds without feeling cramped. Music plays through outdoor speakers most days, giving the space a light, upbeat atmosphere as people circle the rink. The scene stays lively through the afternoon and early evening, with a steady mix of locals, couples, and families joining in.
Location: Halifax Commons, Cogswell Street
Average Cost: $7 – 10 / 600 – 870
Nearby Attractions: Citadel Hill, Museum of Natural History
2. Explore Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Photo: Dionysos1970 / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Halifax Citadel stands out as one of the most distinctive things to see in Halifax in winter, especially if you’re interested in military history or want a panoramic view of the city. The fortress, designed in a star shape, sits above downtown and stays open throughout the year. Even during the colder months, you can walk the outer ramparts and take in sweeping views of the harbour and the surrounding skyline. Along the way, you’ll find detailed signage that explains the structure’s design and the important role it played in defending Halifax, going back to the mid-18th century.
Location: 5425 Sackville Street
Cost: $8.50 / ₹740 for adults
Nearby Attractions: Downtown Halifax, Emera Oval
3. Visit The Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia
Photo: Skeezix1000 / Wikimedia Commons
Spending time at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is one of the most rewarding things to do in Halifax, especially when the cold calls for an indoor escape with depth. Located in the heart of downtown, the gallery houses more than 18,000 works across multiple media. As you make your way through the gallery, you’ll come across a wide range of works, everything from historical pieces by Nova Scotian artists to contemporary collections from around the world. A major highlight is the Maud Lewis house, carefully rebuilt inside the gallery and painted in her bright, recognisable folk art style.
Location: 1723 Hollis Street
Cost: $12 / ₹1030 for adults
Nearby Attractions: Halifax Waterfront, Province House
4. Snowshoeing In Point Pleasant Park
Photo: Veronika Dee / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Snowshoeing at Point Pleasant Park is one of the calmest and most grounding options for what to do in Halifax in winter, especially if you enjoy fresh air and open spaces without heavy crowds. The park spans over 75 hectares near the coast, featuring wooded trails and open clearings. Many paths remain easy to follow in winter, perfect for a steady, comfortable snowshoe walk. You can bring your gear or rent nearby. Along the way, see tall spruce, pine, old stone towers, and military structures. Trails near the shoreline offer open harbour views and chances to spot wildlife.
Location: 5530 Point Pleasant Drive
Average Cost: $15 / ₹1300
Nearby Attractions: Northwest Arm, Cambridge Battery
5. Discover The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Photo: Gary Butterfield / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Wandering through the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is housed in the Seaport district by the harbour, the market brings together producers, artisans, and food vendors under one roof every weekend, even in the coldest months. You can walk in from the boardwalk and immediately smell baked goods, fresh coffee, and spices wafting through the aisles. Many vendors come in from nearby farms or coastal communities, offering everything from handmade preserves to smoked fish and woollen crafts. It’s not just about food; there are small art booths, local soapmakers, jewellers, and woodworkers set up with tables full of goods you likely won’t see anywhere else.
Location: 961 Marginal Road
Nearby Attractions: Pier 21, Halifax Boardwalk
6. Winter Walks On The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Photo: Charles Parker / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Taking a long walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is one of the most refreshing things to do in Halifax in winter, especially when the harbour is quiet and the crowds thin out. The boardwalk stretches for nearly four kilometres, passing by moored boats, public art installations, and small cafes that stay open even during the off-season. After each snowfall, the boardwalk is cleared by maintenance crews so you can walk without slipping or having to step around icy patches. As you continue along the path, you’ll come across some of Halifax’s best-known spots, like the Historic Properties, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the newer buildings that make up the Queen’s Marque district.
Location: Lower Water Street
Nearby Attractions: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Historic Properties
7. Brewery Tour At Alexander Keith’s Brewery
Photo: CP Hoffman / Wikimedia Commons
Joining a guided tour of Alexander Keith’s Brewery is one of the most engaging things to do, especially if you want something social and indoors with a strong local flavour. The brewery, founded in 1820, operates inside a historic stone building that still carries the feel of the early 19th century. Guides lead the tour dressed in 1800s-era clothing, blending storytelling with traditional songs and bits of Nova Scotia history as they walk you through the original brewing rooms and cool underground cellars. During the tour, you’ll learn about Alexander Keith himself, the methods used to brew his beer, and the way the brewing trade developed across the province.
Location: 1496 Lower Water Street
Average Cost: $28 – 32 / ₹2412 – 2760 (guided tour with tastings)
Nearby Attractions: Halifax Harbour, Queen’s Marque
8. Attend A Live Show At Neptune Theatre
Photo: WayeMason / Wikimedia Commons
Going to a show at Neptune Theatre if you want to spend your evening inside with a story that pulls you in. The theatre sits in the downtown core and has been part of Halifax’s arts scene since 1963. It also holds the title of being the largest professional theatre in all of Atlantic Canada. The winter lineup usually includes a strong mix of popular plays, original Canadian scripts, and seasonal favourites that change each year. Performances take place in both the main auditorium and a smaller studio stage, giving you options depending on the kind of atmosphere you prefer. The seats are well-cushioned, and no matter where you sit, you get a clear view of the stage.
Location: 1593 Argyle Street
Average Cost: $30 – 70 / ₹2590 – 6030
Nearby Attractions: Scotiabank Centre, Grand Parade
9. Discover The Canadian Museum Of Immigration At Pier 21
Photo: Skeezix1000 / Wikimedia Commons
A visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is one of the most powerful things to do in Halifax in winter, especially if you’re drawn to stories about people and the paths they took to build new lives. This is the exact site where over a million immigrants stepped into Canada for the first time, and the building they entered has been thoughtfully restored and turned into a museum that honours those arrivals. Inside, you’ll find interactive displays, archival photos, luggage, letters, and video interviews that trace the journeys of people from dozens of countries.
Location: 1055 Marginal Road
Average Cost: $10 / ₹870 for adults
Nearby Attractions: Seaport Market, Garrison Brewing Co.
10. Sledging At Citadel Hill
Photo: Peter Robbins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sledging down the slopes of Citadel Hill is one of the most classic things to do in Halifax, especially after a fresh snowfall. The open grassy sides of the hill turn into natural runs where you’ll see people of all ages making the most of the season. People usually bring their sledges from home and walk up the hill from nearby streets or bus stops. Some show up early in the morning to get a few runs in before it gets busy. The slope is steep enough to make each ride exciting but still gentle enough that kids can use it without trouble, which is why so many families choose to come here.
Location: Sackville Street, surrounding Citadel grounds
Nearby Attractions: Downtown shops, Emera Oval
You’ll find plenty of things to do in Halifax in winter. The Oval buzzes with skaters, galleries showcase new exhibits, and local breweries serve small-batch pours. Snow blankets parks, but trails stay open. Waterfront markets run, and theatres offer a full schedule. Start outdoors and end your day with warm food or live performances. Halifax’s winter variety keeps your days full and relaxed. Plan your trip with TripXL for the best experience.
Cover Photo: Alvin Matthews / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
