Chart your course to visit one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.
Waterfront parking is where downtown begins.
Here are some additional ways to access our waterfront.
A bustling seaside playground where people of all ages and backgrounds come to explore and experience the best of Nova Scotia.
A seaside destination for the entire family.
Where cultural and seafaring experiences meet a new ocean economy.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nova Scotia’s seafaring history comes to life.
See what’s happening on the waterfront.
Four unique waterfronts filled with experiences for all ages.
A waterfront view makes everything taste better.
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi.
Learn more about recent waterfront developments.
Harnessing the potential of our waterfronts.
Learn more about Nova Scotia’s waterfronts.
News from the water’s edge.
Follow along and share your experiences.
Learn more about the mix of projects and events on the waterfronts.
Need more information? Get in touch with us.
Together, we are building waterfronts that are experiential and economic hubs for all Nova Scotians.
Building on the greatness of the ocean since 1976.
Meet the Waterfront Development team.
Meet our Board of Directors.
Become a steward of a rising tide.
From sun-drenched patios to quaint harbour walks and rides, you’ll love exploring this urban waterfront nestled in a growing downtown core.
Experience Halifax’s heritage firsthand at Historic Properties on Halifax’s waterfront. A designated National Historic Site in the heart of downtown Halifax, Historic Properties is the first restoration project of its kind in Canada, featuring three city blocks of Canada’s oldest surviving group of waterfront warehouses and some of North America’s finest Victorian-Italianate façades dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. Charming historic buildings offer modern boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and true East Coast entertainment.
Welcome to the new Discovery Centre, now located at 1215 Lower Water Street, just minutes from the beautiful Halifax Waterfront. The Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit registered charitable organization whose mission is to bring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to life through fun, interactive learning experiences.
Canada has been profoundly shaped by immigration. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 located on the Halifax waterfront aims to inspire and enable Canadians to explore their relationships with those migrations.
The Halifax Seaport is a vibrant arts and cultural district found at the south end of the Halifax waterfront. Extending from Piers 19 to 23, you will find artisans, retailers, cruise terminals, event facilities, cafés, galleries, offices, a museum, a university and a farmers’ market. This district has been redeveloped to showcase local talent and is now a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Canada’s oldest and largest Maritime Museum is located on the Halifax waterfront. The Museum is a valuable historical, cultural and educational institution. It is the largest site in Nova Scotia that collects and interprets various elements of Nova Scotia’s marine history. Visitors are introduced to the age of steamships, local small craft, the Royal Canadian and Merchant Navies, World War II convoys and The Battle of the Atlantic, the Halifax Explosion of 1917, and Nova Scotia’s role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is an anchor of Nova Scotia’s cultural tourism, home to iconic artworks that reflect Nova Scotia’s culture to the world, as well as a showcase for temporary exhibitions that highlight the art of this region and this country. Home to over 17,000 artworks and host to numerous exhibitions and events annually, the Gallery is a hub of cultural activity in the community. The Halifax gallery is located near the waterfront in the downtown core.
The Piazza at Bishop’s Landing includes a wonderful variety of boutique shops, exceptional dining, and unique services.
Shop for handcrafted jewellery, home decor, tableware, and collectibles inspired by nature and our coastal surroundings.
Murphy’s The Cable Wharf is the largest seasonal tour boat and year-round restaurant operator in Halifax. Home to the Harbour Hopper, whale watching tours, the Harbour Queen, and more. Enjoy a Luckett Wine on the Water Tour where you’ll sample delicious Nova Scotia food and wine pairings. Visit the gift shop or dine in Murphy’s Restaurant and enjoy an unparalleled view of the harbour.
As Canada’s only maker of mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal, our mission is to preserve the ancient craft, innovate designs and create art that is functional. Crowds gather at our Glassworks door on the Halifax Waterfront to watch master craftsmen turn molten crystal into stunning wine glasses, bowls, vases and other works of art. Next door in our Showroom, discover a variety of beautifully finished pieces. The Glassworks operates Monday through Friday, and the Showroom is open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience. Closed Sundays in winter.
Explore almost 4-kilometres of boardwalk, complete with views of the harbour and seawall, as well as opportunities to dip into waterfront cafes, shops, and museums. From here, you can also explore by sea and enjoy harbour views, go whale watching, or head to McNabs Island, one of Halifax’s best kept secrets.
Open year-round on the Halifax waterfront, Casino Nova Scotia is Atlantic Canada’s largest gaming and entertainment destination. The combination of exciting gaming, top-notch entertainment, and delectable dining ensures an unforgettable experience.
Sea Dome at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, is a 50 ft geodesic dome, featuring immersive, 360° cinematic experiences.
Located on the boardwalk near the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Submarine Playground, Rosie’s Face Painting is a popular stop during your visit to the Halifax waterfront.
Each tour is specifically designed to meet guests needs. J Farwell Sailing focuses on creating memories for customers and delivering one off experiences that only the J Farwell crew can deliver.
Souvenir tee shirts, hoodies and salt water taffy for the whole family. Open on the Halifax waterfront. Free Taffy with every tee!
New Scotland Clothing Co. has two seasonal locations on the Halifax waterfront. One location is at “New Place” and the other near the Historic Properties.
Walking on the deck of the majestic Bluenose II transports you back to a time when fishing schooners were alive with activity, sailing the waters of the North Atlantic. The chance to see and experience Bluenose II is not to be missed.
Learn about Nova Scotia’s marine wildlife and the local efforts to conserve sea turtles – particularly the leatherback turtle. Merchandise is also available for purchase with proceeds going towards research.
The Lost Cod is a clothing company specializing in unique Nova Scotia-based designs that celebrate traditional Nova Scotia industry and highlight some of our current treasures.
Located at Sands at Salter, HFX Beach Volleyball offers a safe, fun, friendly, and challenging environment for new and elite players.
Located at Sands at Salter, Kayak Halifax is a locally-owned company with a passion for healthy living. Guides are outgoing, engaging, and fully certified to provide you with both instruction and knowledge, ensuring your experience on the water is one you won’t forget.
Segway Nova Scotia is the only Segway-authorized dealer and tour operator in Nova Scotia, providing Segway sales, service and rentals, and offering guided tours and rides.
I Heart Bikes offers bicycle tours, bike rentals, and date packages from their small retail shop housed in a recycled shipping container on the waterfront.
Looking for a family-friendly option? Take the kids for a play date at the Haida Playground.
Photo Credit: Halifax Regional Municipality
Stroll, bike, run, or rollerblade along the beautiful Bedford Harbourwalk Trail. Stretching 3.8-kilometres, you’ll take in breathtaking views of waves, ocean-smooth rocks, and a beautiful public park.
Test out the new seasonal beach volleyball courts. Just bring your own ball and enjoy. Nearby picnic tables and BBQ grills make it easy to relax over a meal or catch up, seaside.
The Dartmouth waterfront offers amazing harbour views, plenty of trails, and many unique local shops and services to explore. Visit Explore Dartmouth.
Check out the interactive downtown Dartmouth map for retail, dining, recreation and health spots to visit.
Hike the Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail, which traces a 3.8-kilometre path from Alderney Landing to the Woodside Ferry Terminal, and includes the Shubie Bridge.
Alderney Landing promotes community and cultural programming and is recognized as a unique destination and venue for business, arts and entertainment in Nova Scotia. Alderney Landing Theatre, One Light Theatre, The Craig Gallery, local businesses and a farmers’ market also call Alderney Landing home.
Visit the Peace Pavilion, a unique triangular structure that represents equality, unity, order, and reason.
While you explore the Dartmouth Harbourwalk, be sure to check out the mural art project at Dartmouth Cove. The annual Hopscotch Urban Arts Festival sees local and international talents showcase their work on the various “walls” in Dartmouth Cove.
Take a self-guided tour along the beginning of the Shubenacadie Canal. Historical tours and re-enactments are also offered along this 115-kilometre long inland waterway. Start near the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal and look for the “Canal” signs.
One of 14 library branches in the City of Halifax, Alderney Gate Public Library is located on the Dartmouth waterfront, and connected to Alderney Landing.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has lots to do for seafarers and landlubbers alike. Museums and whale watching. Tours and shopping. Schooners and ships. Whatever type of activity you’re looking for, the Lunenburg waterfront offers the opportunity for exciting new experiences at the water’s edge. Visit Explore Lunenburg for more shops, services, galleries and ideas.
Always on the lookout for new and exciting product lines from Canada and around the world, MOSAIC has established a reputation as one of the finest shopping destinations on the South Shore.
A micro-distillery located in the old port of Lunenburg, crafting their spirits with the same love of traditional methods and attention to detail. Drop by their distillery shop and enjoy a taste.
Visit the shop where the iconic Grand Banks dory and other traditional wooden watercraft have been built for close to a century.
Providing visitors with an educational and fun introduction to the history, architecture, and culture of this fascinating community. Both daytime and evening tours available, along with options to personalize your experience.
If you’re a diver, check out one of our guided tours of the Saguenay, a decommissioned 112-metre Canadian Navy destroyer, which was sunk to create an underwater marine park. Check out the calendar of events.
An exciting, three-hour whale watching tour of the North Atlantic. The whales are magnificent. Sometimes so close, you can touch them. Catch a glimpse of fin, pilot, minke and the favoured humpback whales, plus birds, seals and more.
Enjoy a 35-minute tour from the waterfront to the top of town and down again. Commentary, legends, and special stories will accompany the world-renowned historical views.
Sail the same majestic waves as the proud schooner, Bluenose II. Explore the Lunenburg harbour. Discover the sea caves of the famous Oven Natural Park. Or just bask in the sun and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.
A three-masted tall ship based in Lunenburg, but best known for adventurous sail training voyages around the world. The ship’s mission is deep-ocean sail training and long-distance education.
This fishing/sightseeing vessel comes fully equipped for any outing in Lunenburg’s famous harbour. Whether it’s a short 45-minute experience with a historical perspective or trying your luck fishing for Mackerel.
A picturesque, 9-hole golf club that presents golfers with a challenging game. Small greens and uneven lies offer great views of beautiful Lunenburg.
The ultimate waterfront experience for the entire family! Activities, a fascinating aquarium, a fishing schooner and trawler, boats, films, and exhibits. Visitors can have a yarn with Old Salts, have a delightful meal, shop, and experience the best of Lunenburg. It’s also the home of the Bluenose II.