Winter has recently become one of our favourite times to travel. There’s a certain magic in the way the season transforms familiar places into winter wonderlands, filling the air with crisp excitement and cozy charm.
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Halifax, with its compact Downtown and Nova Scotian hospitality, was an easy choice for this year’s winter adventure. Having visited Halifax in the summer, we were curious to see how this coastal city transforms in the colder months.
So when an opportunity came up to explore Halifax’s winter charm while staying at the bucket-worthy Muir Hotel, we couldn’t say no! With its unmatched blend of maritime heritage and modern luxury, the Muir provided the perfect haven to warm up after days spent enjoying the city’s winter magic.
This visit gave us a whole new perspective on Halifax. While summer in Halifax brings lively patios and festival energy, winter offers a slower pace, great dining, and a chance to enjoy the city without the crowds. If you’re considering a winter escape, Halifax might just surprise you.
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Without further ado, let’s dive into our recommendations for things to do in Halifax in the winter.
How to Get to and Around Halifax in Winter
By Plane
The Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the main gateway to the city, with direct flights from major Canadian and U.S. cities. It’s about a 30-minute drive to downtown Halifax, accessible by taxi, rideshare services or shuttles.
Muir Hotel organized our shuttle transfer with Atlantis Limousine and it was a very smooth and enjoyable journey.
By Train
The VIA Rail Ocean Line connects Halifax to Montreal and other parts of Atlantic Canada, offering a scenic and cozy train journey during winter.
By Car
If you’re driving, Halifax is well-connected via major highways. From Toronto, it’s a 16-hour drive via the Trans-Canada Highway. Montreal is about 12 hours away, and Boston takes roughly 11 hours via I-95 and Highway 102. For those starting in New York City, the journey takes about 15 hours. Each route offers scenic views, making the drive an enjoyable part of the trip
Local Transportation
Once in Halifax, you can easily explore the city on foot, by taxi/Uber, or using public transit. The downtown Halifax area, including the Halifax waterfront, is walkable even in the brisk winter air – just another reason that makes this city a perfect winter destination.
Best Time to Visit Halifax in Winter
December: Enjoy the holiday season with festive events, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer. The Evergreen Festival, held along the Halifax waterfront, showcases light displays, live entertainment, and local food vendors, making it a must-visit for families and couples alike.
January: Experience quieter streets, fresh snow, and the cozy charm of winter in full swing. It’s the perfect time to explore indoor attractions like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic or the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia if bad weather strikes.
February: Celebrate winter activities like skating at the Emera Oval and indulging in seasonal dishes at local restaurants. Valentine’s Day adds a romantic touch to this month, making it ideal for cozy getaways.
Things to Do in Halifax in Winter
Ice Skating at the Emera Oval
Head to the Emera Oval for some outdoor skating fun – the perfect way to kick off your winter adventure in Halifax. This popular spot offers free skating with a government-issued ID, making it an easy and accessible activity for everyone to enjoy. Note that public skate sessions take place multiple times a day, but be sure to check the schedule to make sure you don’t arrive during one of the planned “ice maintenance” sessions.
The Oval’s central location, just a 15-minute walk from downtown Halifax, means you can easily combine it with other activities in the area. We highly recommend a visit to the Halifax Citadel – just a short walk from the Oval or a stroll along in the North End to admire the charming colourful buildings that line Agricola Street.
Visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Step back in time and explore this historic Halifax Citadel blanketed in snow. While the exhibits are closed during the winter, the grounds are open all year, allowing visitors to witness the iconic noon gun – a daily tradition where a cannon is fired at precisely 12pm.
The sound resonates across downtown Halifax, marking lunch hour in a way that’s both historical and entertaining. It’s a whole production that adds a unique touch to the Citadel experience. The views of the city from the Citadel’s walls are particularly stunning when covered in snow. Admission is free, and you are likely to have the whole place to yourself – a real treat compared to the crowded summer days.
If you are coming up just for the noon canon, be sure to arrive 20 mins before, as the guards do close the entrance to the Citadel in preparation for the firing. For the best views of the canon, head up to the 2nd floor of the Army Museum building and watch the event from the balcony.
Go Sledding at the Citadel
When it snows, the slopes around the Halifax Citadel turn into one of the best (and often overlooked) spots for sledding in the city. The grassy hills surrounding the fortress become a winter playground, offering fun for both kids and adults. Unlike designated sledding hills, the Citadel’s slopes tend to be quiet, making it a great place to enjoy the snow without the crowds.
Bring your own sled, cardboard, or surfboard (yes, that is a thing, apparently) and enjoy the thrill of gliding down against the backdrop of this historic landmark. The best part? When you’re done, you can head into town for a hot cup of tea at one of Halifax’s cozy cafés (recommendations below). Just be sure to check the weather—snow doesn’t always stick around long in Halifax, so take advantage of a fresh snowfall when you can!
Snowshoeing at Point Pleasant Park
If you are lucky enough to be in Halifax after a big snowfall, get outside and enjoy the great outdoors like the locals do. You can rent snowshoes from The Trail Shop (approx. $20/day) and take them to Point Pleasant Park for a fun winter adventure. The park features walkable outdoor trails that wind through snow-covered trees and offer stunning views of the Halifax waterfront.
The spot is worth visiting even without the snow to get a dose of nature in the heart of Downtown.
Explore the Halifax Waterfront
During our visit in January, we spent a lot of time at the Halifax waterfront. Even without the seasonal attractions like intricate ice sculptures and pop-up markets, which are best enjoyed during the holiday period, the waterfront had a quiet charm that made it worth exploring.
We enjoyed many walks along the boardwalk, taking in the views of George’s Island and the boats docked in the harbour. The crisp winter air made it feel refreshing, and when the snow started falling, the whole area took on a magical quality.
One of the biggest perks of visiting in winter was the lack of crowds – no waiting for a table at waterfront restaurants, no packed walkways, just a relaxed atmosphere where we could enjoy the scenery at our own pace.
If you’re visiting in winter, pop into one of the local cafés or restaurants along the boardwalk to warm up. Places like The Bicycle Thief and Drift offer cozy spaces to enjoy a meal while watching the harbour.
Enjoy the Queen’s Marque District
This newly revitalized Queen’s Marque District is the perfect place to soak in winter vibes. The area boasts boutique shops, art installations, and restaurants. Even on cold days, the district’s modern architecture and waterfront setting make for a scenic stroll. Plus, with fewer crowds in winter, you can take your time browsing the local shops or finding a cozy spot to warm up indoors.
Don’t miss the Tidal Beacon, a fascinating public art installation that reflects the movements of the ocean. Watching the light shift and pulse in rhythm with the tides is a mesmerizing experience, adding an interactive touch to the district’s waterfront atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a meal, this area is home to some great dining options (recommendations below)
Warm Up with a Brewery Visit
Halifax is home to a thriving craft beer scene, making a stop at a brewery an excellent winter activity – and one of our favourites! Check out the iconic Alexander Keith’s Brewery, where tours start at $25 and include a fascinating look at brewing history. Or opt to sample some hyper-local varieties at Good Robot Brewing or 2 Crows Brewing.
If you want a chance to sample a bit of everything, head to Stillwell on Barrington Street. This cozy bar has one of the best-rotating craft beer selections in the city, featuring the top brews from Nova Scotia and beyond. Be sure to come a bit hungry so you can try their Tokyo or Okonomiyaki fries – arguably the best fries in all of Halifax. Grab a seat by the window and linger until sunset to watch the snowflakes swirl under the streetlights, settling on rooftops and sidewalks. It doesn’t get any more cozy than that!
Cozy up in a Local Cafe
Speaking of cozy, Halifax is brimming with cozy cafes perfect for warming up on a cold day.
The Daily Grind, located at Bishop’s Landing on the waterfront, has a great atmosphere with cute and cozy decor, excellent coffee, and even matcha lattes on the menu. It’s a welcoming spot, ideal for both a quick coffee break and a relaxed lunch.
Café Lara, in the North End, is a charming and popular cozy cafe to work or just hang out. They serve loose-leaf tea which was a welcomed surprise and a variety of coffee and baked goods.. Plus, sitting by the window while watching the snowfall is a perfect way to warm up after a stroll along Agricola Street.
For a Parisian-inspired experience, Café Lunette, located at Queen’s Marque, offers a beautifully designed space with a standout brunch menu and classic French bistro dishes. Note that while the Cafe serves drinks and pastries from 7am onwards, their kitchen doesn’t open until 10am. So plan to arrive after 10am to sample their brunch specials.
Cabin Coffee embraces a lake-country cabin theme with comfortable leather couches and a quiet, laid-back vibe. While the food options didn’t look overly exciting, and the tea was just ok, it’s a peaceful place to cozy up for a while.
Explore Indoor Attractions on Bad Weather Days
If the weather turns harsh, Halifax has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is an excellent spot to learn about the city’s seafaring history. Alternatively, we also enjoyed a visit to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia for more of a cultural experience.
Time Your Visit to Attend the Evergreen Festival
Celebrate the season with the Evergreen Festival, a highlight of winter in Halifax that typically runs from late November through December. The festival features twinkling light displays, live entertainment, and local food vendors showcasing everything from sweet treats to hearty winter fare. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy holiday cheer. Since we visited in January, we missed this seasonal event, but it’s one to plan for if your trip aligns with the holiday period.
Take a Trip to Peggy’s Cove
Even in winter, Peggy’s Cove remains a must-visit destination. The iconic lighthouse, surrounded by snow and crashing waves, offers really picturesque scenery.
Peggy’s Cove is about 45 minutes from Halifax by car, so it’s not easily accessible if you don’t plan to rent one, but it can be accessed using public transit via a combination of local buses and shuttle services. Be sure to dress warmly and check the weather forecast before your trip, as conditions can change quickly.
Go Ice Wine Tasting in the Annapolis Valley
A winter visit to Halifax isn’t complete without a day trip to the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s renowned wine region. Just an hour’s drive from the city, the valley is home to some of the province’s best vineyards, and winter is the perfect time to experience ice wine tasting.
The colder temperatures allow local wineries to produce this intensely sweet and complex dessert wine made from naturally frozen grapes harvested in the depths of winter. Vineyards like Benjamin Bridge and Domaine de Grand Pré offer cozy tasting rooms where you can sip on ice wine while learning about the delicate process behind it. Pair it with local cheeses for the ultimate indulgence before heading back to Halifax.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Halifax
Muir Hotel
Situated on the scenic Halifax waterfront in the Queen’s Marque District, the Muir Hotel is a destination in and of itself. The luxury property marries maritime heritage with a commitment to sustainability and has been an icon on the city’s waterfront.
It’s unassuming on the outside but is a true gem on the inside. Staying here felt like stepping into a space thoughtfully designed to reflect Nova Scotia’s natural beauty and culture.
Its location was perfect for our winter visit, with the waterfront just steps away and many of Halifax’s top attractions, like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Bishop’s Landing, within easy walking distance.
The hotel features 109 beautiful guest rooms and suites that are clean, spacious, and designed with intention. We loved the custom furnishings and the use of natural materials that gave the space a warm, inviting feel. Our King Room offered an ideal setting for our stay. The room featured a comfortable king-sized bed, a very modern en suite bathroom with a rainfall shower, a couch area and a long desk suitable for working. The mini bar was stocked with local goodies and high-quality teas and coffee – a detail we particularly appreciated. From our window, we enjoyed views of the harbour, which felt extra special on frosty winter days.
While the Rooms are Muir are lovely, for us, it was the hotel facilities that made this stay that much more special. We enjoyed the ability to keep up with our fitness routine in their well-equipped wellness centre. There were plenty of machines, weights and even a separate women’s workout area with mirrors and a space to practice yoga. The indoor pool and saunas offered much-needed relaxation after a day of exploring in the cold. We particularly enjoyed their Halotherapy Salt Room.
Muir’s impact on the community did not finish with the hotel itself. Over the years, the hospitality group added a selection of restaurants to the Queen’s Marque area that really revitalized the district. On site, there was Drift serving great breakfast with locally inspired meals in a casual setting. Not far is Mystic – perhaps one the most famous spots in the area, offering an elevated dining experience with inventive dishes rooted in Nova Scotia’s culinary traditions. The list goes on to include a number of others, which we mention in the restaurants section below.
What stood out most to us about the Muir was how seamlessly it combined luxury with sustainability. Knowing the hotel prioritized eco-friendly practices made our stay even more meaningful. For anyone visiting Halifax, especially during the winter months, Muir offers the perfect base while exploring the city.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Halifax
Best Restaurants in Halifax
For such a compact city, Halifax boasts a surprising number of excellent restaurants both Downtown and in Dartmouth, just across the river. We didn’t make it across the river during this visit, but we had a chance to try a few of the best restaurants in downtown Halifax. Here are our favourites:
Downtown Halifax
Bicycle Thief: You can’t come to Halifax and not go to the Bicycle Thief, and visiting in January means that you can actually get a table without a reservation. We rocked up on a Monday night to find the restaurant packed, but after a short wait at the bar, we were seated at the cutest table with a view of the water. The menu is amazing – this spot serves up some of the best food in Halifax. Any pasta or risotto dishes are a great choice. We indulged in fresh lobster risotto as well as local Digby scallops and a divine burrata salad. For dessert, get the butterscotch cake. It’s rich and delicious – worth taking to go if you didn’t leave enough room to enjoy after your meal.
Darya: This is one of the restaurants recommended by Muir and it did not disappoint. Darya offers Middle Eastern flavours with a modern twist. A dimly lit Morocco-inspired setting right on the waterfront, this spot was one of our favourites during our visit. Their flatbread and dips are renowned – the bread is baked fresh on a bed of hot rocks and is amazing. We also got their lamb tagine, which was a hit!
Peacock: A cute vibrant spot right across from Muir Hotel, this creative restaurant focuses on hyper-local and seasonal flavours. Their menu changes with the season, and many of the ingredients are sourced locally from small farmers in the area. The wine selection is extensive and pairs well with the seasonal menu. We had their seasonal special – a fondue for two, which was an indulgent meal that transported us straight to Europe.
Café Lunette: A French-inspired bistro with a charming atmosphere and an ever-changing menu of seasonal dishes. It’s a perfect place for brunch or a more classic French bistro-style dinner. Note that while they open at 7am, their breakfast menu doesn’t begin until 10am. Drinks and croissants are, of course, available at any time of the day. The pastry is as fluffy and delicious as you’d expect from a Parisian cafe.
Drift (at Muir): A more casual option inside Muir Hotel that emphasizes maritime flavours. Their seafood chowder is hearty and perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s day. We also really enjoyed their breakfast offerings, like the Eggs Benedict serves on cod fishcakes instead of English muffin and an indulgent Monte Cristo Breakfast Butty.
Mystic (at Muir): We didn’t get to dine at Mystic ourselves, but it was highly recommended by Muir staff and locals. Mystic brings fine dining to the Queens Marque District with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Expect an elegant presentation, excellent seafood and a warm atmosphere.
The Press Gang: This was another highly recommended restaurant that we didn’t get a chance to check out. Set in one of Halifax’s historic properties, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and is known for its fresh oysters, seafood dishes, and succulent steaks. A great spot to get a taste of Nova Scotia’s seafood heritage. Note that in the winter, the restaurant is only opened Thursday to Sunday.
Tony’s Donairs: this spot is a local institution. It’s a hole in the wall that’s been serving the Nova Scotian take on Middle Eastern donairs for decades. Cheap and cheerful – a great spot to grab a bite to eat during the day or after a big night out.
Halifax in winter pleasantly surprised us! The city offered a magical blend of coastal charm, historic sites, and cozy experiences. From skating at the Emera Oval to enjoying seasonal dishes at downtown Halifax’s finest restaurants, this city offers something for everyone.
We were hesitant about visiting Halifax in the winter but found plenty of fun things to do to enjoy the weather or cozy up and enjoy some of the region’s incredible seafood.
If you are going to plan a trip to Halifax in the winter, we’d recommend planning your visit for the weekend, when the city lights up, and more restaurants and attractions are open for your enjoyment.
Have you ever visited Halifax in the Winter? What else would you recommend adding to this list of things to do in the colder months?
Disclaimer: Our visit to Halifax was organized for us courtesy of Discover Halifax and Muir Hotel. But as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own.
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