National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Treaty Day events

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home. It’s also Orange Shirt Day. Wearing orange is one way to show support and remember the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced in residential schools.

Treaty Day on October 1st marks the beginning of Mi’kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia. It recognizes the Peace and Friendship Treaties and celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of the Mi’kmaq.

Here are some places to learn and reflect:

September 28th and 29th events:

Halifax City Hall illuminated in orange (Sept 28th to Oct 2nd)

Flag-raising at Grand Parade in front of City Hall (12pm on Sept 29th)

Baby & Tot Drop in: Celebrate Mi'kmaw History Month (Sept 29th, 10:30am-11:15am) at the Halifax Central Library

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) events:

Indigenous-created film screening: National Film Board of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (10:30am, with the last showing at 4:07pm at the museum) - Admission is free for Indigenous peoples

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Presentation by Raymond Sewell - Bay Days 2026 (10am-11:30am) at Terence Bay Community Hall: A morning of reflecting, listening, and learning in observance of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Join L'nu poet, musician, and university professor Raymond Sewell, who will share his stories, poetry, and music.

Free admission at the Museum of Natural History: see the exhibit Pjila'si - meaning “welcome” in Mi’kmaw. It's an interactive space that celebrates Mi’kmaw language, knowledge, skills, and culture.

Free admission at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: see the exhibit Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are and explore the enduring connection between the Mi’kmaq people and their ancestral lands and waters through personal stories, cultural artifacts, and meaningful works of art.

Treaty Day (October 1st) events:

Mi'kmaw Language Scavenger Hunt (October 1st-31st) at Cole Harbour Public Library

Preschool Storytime: Celebrate Mi'kmaw History Month (10:30am-11:15am) at Halifax Central Library

Mini-Makers: Orange Shirt Day (3:45pm-4:45pm) at Sackville Public Library - for ages 5-9: Indigenous story time and design your own Orange T-shirt

Indigenous Glass Art Painting with Tribal Fusion Art at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (1-4pm) - it’s $185 plus HST per person and must be booked in advance

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 17 days ago

Things to do in October

I put together a list of things to do in Halifax this October. Anything else going on this month that I missed?

1. Celebrate Mi'kmaw History Month

Check out exhibits and experiences at downtown Halifax museums throughout October to learn more about Mi’kmaw history and culture.

Indigenous Glass Art Experience with Tribal Fusion Art | October 1 & 16 | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Pjila’si | Throughout October | Museum of Natural History

Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are | Throughout October | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict | Throughout October | Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l: Confluence | Throughout October | Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Treaty Space Gallery | Throughout October | Anna Leonowens Gallery, NSCAD University

2. The Curio Collective Fall Vintage Show

Browse clothing, accessories, records, home decor, and collectibles from vintage sellers. 2 day event with vendors from across the region.

The Curio Collective Fall Vintage Show | October 3-4 | Light House Arts Centre

3. Attend a live music show

Celebrate African Nova Scotian music at the ANSMA Awards, with live performances by Adina, Jupiter Reign, and more. Catch The Black Keys at the Scotiabank Centre, The Sheepdogs with Braden Lam at the Light House Arts Centre, and Celtic music at the ReJigged Festival.

Shore Club Live Shows | October 2, 3, 10, 24 | Shore Club

28th Annual ANSMA Awards Show | October 8 | Light House Arts Centre

The Black Keys Peaches ’N Kream World Tour | October 14 | Scotiabank Centre

The Sheepdogs with special guest Braden Lam | October 16, 17 | Light House Arts Centre

STYX | October 21 | Scotiabank Centre

ReJigged Festival | October 22–25 | Sanctuary Arts Centre

Alex Cuba & Symphony Nova Scotia | October 23 | Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

LOUD WOMEN Fest Halifax | October 24 | The Seahorse Tavern

Jimmy Rankin - Song Dog: 25th Anniversary Tour | October 30 | Light House Arts Centre

4. Support Halifax's sports teams

Halifax Tides Home Games | October 3, 17 | Wanderers Grounds

Halifax Mooseheads Home Games | October 8, 10, 16, 18, 23, 24 | Scotiabank Centre - October 8th is student night - students get in for $12

HFX Wanderers Home Games | October 12, 25 | Wanderers Grounds

Also lots of Dal games throughout the month. Always worth checking out, plus you get in for free as a Dal student

5. Nocturne

Downtown Halifax, the north end, and downtown Dartmouth become open air galleries during this visual art festival. You can see art installations and performances in the city's streets, shops, galleries, and unexpected spaces.

Nocturne | October 15-18 | Multiple locations

6. Halloween Parties and Nightlife

The Halifax Witches Ball | October 30 | The Sanctuary Arts Centre
Halloween Party with The Relics | October 31 | Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs

7. Check out a new business

Broken Man Cafe | 1149 Marginal Road, Halifax | Now open
Dee Dee’s Ice Cream Scoop Shop | 2777 King Street, Halifax | Now open
Fisherman’s Market | 2781 King St | Now open
Momo Fusion | 6413 Quinpool Road, Halifax | Now open (dumplings!)
Reiyee Clothing | New location, 2876 Isleville St, Halifax, 2nd Floor | Now open (amazing selection of vintage clothing)

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 20 days ago

Dine in and takeout Thanksgiving dinners in Halifax

Here's a list of places you can sit down and eat Thanksgiving dinner, or take one to go. Please comment places you love if they're not on the list!!

Seaport Social, October 11th, 12th, 3-10pm: dine in: cider brinded turkey, mashed potatoes, sage & thyme stuffing, herb roasted turnip and carrots, cranberry apple chutney, pan gravy ($40) apple tarte tatin served with vanilla bean ice cream, whipped mascarpone cream, nut crumble ($15)

To go, pick up on October 11th between 12-4pm: turkey dinner or whole roasted CAB beef tenderloin meal. Full turkey (serves 12-25) $505, half turkey (serves 6-8) $355

Maria's Pantry, Pick up on October 10th from 10-6pm: 12 turkey meatballs ($48), squash mac n cheese (serves 6-8) ($56), 2 pumpkin budinos with salted caramel and a mini maple pecan cookie ($16).

Prince George Hotel, October 11th 12-2pm: butter & sage turkey with chardonnay turkey gravy, brown butter russet puree, orange glazed heirloom carrots, caramelized onion and sage stuffing and cranberry mostarda, plus cheese & leek ravioli with roasted squash, charred brassica, burrata, garlic confit, balsamic and fresh cream

Adults: $80, Kids 6-14: $40, Kids 5 and under: complimentary (prices include tax and gratuity. Brunch reservations are pre sold. Reserve by calling their front desk at 9024251986

Scanway, pick up dates: October 11th 12-2pm, Oct 12th 11-2pm: Thanksgiving turkey dinners: single turkey meal ($54.50), gluten free single turkey meal ($56.50), whole turkey (11-15 lbs) with all fixings ($410), whole turkey (15-18 lbs) with all fixings ($499), whole turkey 11-15 lbs ($240), whole turkey 15-18 lbs ($310)

Jane's Next Door: slow roasted NS free range turkey with cranberry and herb stuffing, and pumpkin pie with creme chantilly. Comes with a late harvest beet, arugula & endive salad with crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, and lemon basil dressing. Available for takeout and delivery

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 21 days ago

10 things to do in Halifax this October

Here's a list of 10 things to do in Halifax this October. Feel free to use this post as a space to share any other things to do or events happening this month!!

1. Celebrate Mi'kmaw History Month

Create your own Indigenous glass art, take part in a smudging ceremony and join a tour of the Welcome to Turtle Island exhibit with Tribal Fusion Art at Pier 21. You can also spend the month checking out local museums with exhibits on Indigenous history and cultures.

Indigenous Glass Art Experience with Tribal Fusion Art | October 1 & 16 | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Pjila’si | Throughout October | Museum of Natural History

Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are | Throughout October | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict | Throughout October | Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l: Confluence | Throughout October | Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Treaty Space Gallery | Throughout October | Anna Leonowens Gallery, NSCAD University

2. The Curio Collective Fall Vintage Show

Browse clothing, accessories, records, home decor, and collectibles from vintage sellers. 2 day event with vendors from across the region.

The Curio Collective Fall Vintage Show | October 3-4 | Light House Arts Centre

3. Spend a day at Memory Lane Heritage Village

Go to the Nova Scotia Forest Festival and learn how Nova Scotians connect to the forest through their livelihoods, housing, recreation, food, and heritage. Watch live horse logging demonstrations, try axe throwing, and watch local businesses compete in the golden axe throwing tournament.

Nova Scotia Forest Festival | October 3 | Memory Lane Heritage Village

Quick & Easy Quilt Workshop | October 15-16 | Memory Lane Heritage Village

Memory Lane Fibre Arts Festival | October 17 | Memory Lane Heritage Village

Eastern Shore Players Presents “Raise the Roof” | October 22-25 | Memory Lane Heritage Village

4. Attend a live music show

Celebrate African Nova Scotian music at the ANSMA Awards, with live performances by Adina, Jupiter Reign, and more. Catch The Black Keys at the Scotiabank Centre, The Sheepdogs with Braden Lam at the Light House Arts Centre, and Celtic music at the ReJigged Festival.

Shore Club Live Shows | October 2, 3, 10, 24 | Shore Club

28th Annual ANSMA Awards Show | October 8 | Light House Arts Centre

The Black Keys Peaches ’N Kream World Tour | October 14 | Scotiabank Centre

The Sheepdogs with special guest Braden Lam | October 16 | Light House Arts Centre

The Sheepdogs with special guest Braden Lam | October 17 | Light House Arts Centre

STYX | October 21 | Scotiabank Centre

ReJigged Festival | October 22–25 | Sanctuary Arts Centre

Alex Cuba & Symphony Nova Scotia | October 23 | Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

LOUD WOMEN Fest Halifax | October 24 | The Seahorse Tavern

Jimmy Rankin - Song Dog: 25th Anniversary Tour | October 30 | Light House Arts Centre

5. Support Halifax's teams

Halifax Tides Home Games | October 3, 17 | Wanderers Grounds

Halifax Mooseheads Home Games | October 8, 10, 16, 18, 23, 24 | Scotiabank Centre

HFX Wanderers Home Games | October 12, 25 | Wanderers Grounds

6. Enjoy some fall dining

Join Terroir & Wild Ecotours for a gather & graze and see forests and shorelines while learning to identify edible plants, mushrooms, seaweeds, and other wild ingredients. Also includes forest bathing and a 6 course seasonal lunch prepared by a local chef and served on the beach.

Later in the month, Lupin is hosting the Eastern Shore Harvest Food Festival. You can wander through the restaurant's garden and sample dishes from 10 chef led food stations with paired beverages.

Gather & Graze | October 11 | Terroir & Wild Ecotours

Eastern Shore Harvest Food Festival | October 24 | Lupin Dining & Pantry

7. Nocturne

Downtown Halifax, the north end, and downtown Dartmouth become open air galleries during this visual art festival. You can see art installations and performances in the city's streets, shops, galleries, and unexpected spaces.

Nocturne | October 15-18 | Multiple locations

8. Halloween events

Family-Friendly Festivals and Markets
Annual Halloween Party at the Museum of Natural History | October 25 | Museum of Natural History
Halloween BRICKSPLOSION 2026 – The Halifax LEGO® Fan Event | October 31-November 1 | Dalhousie Student Union Building

Ghost Tours and Immersive Experiences
Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour: Dare to Be Scared | Call to book | Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Ghost Walk | Every night in October | Begins at the Old Town Clock
Ghosts of Halifax Cruise | October 24, 25 & 30 | Ambassatours

Halloween Parties and Nightlife
The Halifax Witches Ball | October 30 | The Sanctuary Arts Centre
Halloween Party with The Relics | October 31 | Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs

9. Go on a fall hike

See the colours of fall on a hike at Polly Cove, the High Head Trail, the Musquodoboit Trailway, or Point Pleasant Park.

10. Check out a new business

Broken Man Cafe | 1149 Marginal Road, Halifax | Now open
Dee Dee’s Ice Cream Scoop Shop | 2777 King Street, Halifax | Now open
Fisherman’s Market | 2781 King St | Now open
HEAL | Bayers Lake | Open September 26
Hynes Restaurant | 664 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville | Now open
JD Sports | Mic Mac Mall | Now open
Khush Mizaj | Suite 102, 12 Cutwater Pl, King’s Wharf, Dartmouth | Now open
Momo Fusion | 6413 Quinpool Road, Halifax | Now open
Purdys Chocolatier | Halifax Shopping Centre and Mic Mac Mall | Now open - pop-up locations
Reiyee Clothing | New location, 2876 Isleville St, Halifax, 2nd Floor | Now open

u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 22 days ago
▲ 118 r/DiscoverHalifax+1 crossposts

8 Halifax cafes with fall drink menus

Gathered some fall drink menus from local cafes. Here are 8 cafes offering a fall drinks menu. Feel free to comment more if you know of any!!

Byron: apple spice topped with salted caramel whip

Dilly Dally: carrot spice latte

Suda Table: cinnamon bun latte with house made cinnamon syrup and a maple tiramisu topped with mascarpone cream

Cafe Goodluck: Pumpkin spice latte, cereal milk hojicha, and caramel latte

Apartment 3 Espresso Bar: pumpkin spice latte, a classic or spicy chai latte, or their signature drink, "The Sweet Local"

Martinique Desserterie & Delicatessen: date spice latte. Try some of their fall dishes like their street-corn grilled cheese, harvest melt, or chicken and vegan mini pot pies

The Pink Piano Cafe: pumpkin pie latte, campfire latte, sweet gold latte, vanilla pear matcha latte, apple chaider, and white pumpkin bliss

The Osney: pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin spice whipp

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 28 days ago
▲ 78 r/DiscoverHalifax+1 crossposts

Ataraxy Farm

Highly recommend checking out the farm. It's free if you book in advance (5 bucks if you don't). Plus it's not too far from Hope for Wildlife, so you could do both in the same day

Photos by Riaz Oozeer

u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 30 days ago

Best oyster bars in Halifax

Halifax oysters come primarily from farms across Atlantic Canada. Cold northern waters slow oyster growth, which helps develop clean flavour, firm texture, and strong brininess.

Common Atlantic oyster regions include: Nova Scotia's south shore, Malpeque Bay (Prince Edward Island), and New Brunswick oyster farms. Each region produces slightly different flavour profiles, ranging from sweet and buttery to intensely briny.

Here's a list of places to get oysters in Halifax. Which spots are your favourites? Any that should be added to this list?

The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar

EDNA

The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

Shuck Seafood + Raw Bar

Lot Six

The Bicycle Thief

The Ostrich Club

Eliot & Vine

The Five Fishermen

The Canteen

Agricola Street Brasserie

Bar Kismet

Highwayman

Dear Friend

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 1 month ago

What's open on Labour Day in Halifax

Here's a list of businesses open on Monday, September 7th (Labour Day) in Halifax.

Downtown Halifax

Restaurants/bars

Moxies

Split Crow

Quesada Burritos & Tacos

Freshly Squeezed Prestotea & Cheesecake Factory

Garrison Brewing

Harbourstone

Balancing Rock Coffeehouse

Stone's Throw Patio

The Brown Hound

Attractions/things to do

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

FlyteBoat Water Taxi

London Group Tours

The Halifax Ghost Walk

Canadian Sea Turtle Network

Ambassatours Gray Line

Discovery Centre

House of Eights Dance Studio

Halifax Harbour Tours

The Old Burying Ground

Shopping

Atlantic News

Sea House Halifax

Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities

East Coast Lifestyle Clothing

Trident Booksellers & Cafe

Peace by Chocolate

North End Halifax

Restaurants/bars

Lion's Head Tavern

Chain Yard Urban Cidery

The Brown Hound

Cafe Byron

Attraction/things to do

Royal Canadian Naval Association Peregrine Branch

West End Halifax

Restaurants/bars

Dilly Dally Cafe

The Oxford Taproom

The Cannery Kitchen & Social

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Restaurants/bars

Celtic Corner Public House

Churned (plant-based ice cream)

Attractions/things to do

Fisherman's Cove

Shopping

Pumpkin Village

Kismet Design

Peggy's Cove Region

Restaurants/bars

Margaret's Cafe

Hunky Dory

Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant Company

Bubba Magoos

Cafe l'Acadie

Shopping

Spindrift Gallery

ABC: Antiques, Books & Collectibles

Eastern Shore

Attractions/things to do

East Coast Surf School

Lawrencetown Lodge

Bedford-Sackville

Restaurants/bars

Great Roads Brewing

Attractions/things to do

Tours by Town Car

Pass the Keys Driving Services

hop! skip! jump! Indoor Play Space

Shopping

Khush Mizaj Clothing & Accessories

Halifax Airport Area

Shopping

Liquid Assets NS

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 1 month ago

A visit to the Museum of Natural History

Here are some things to see and do at the Museum of Natural History. Feel free to chime in and share what you think of the museum. 

Gus the gopher tortoise is the star of the show and he's the first thing you'll notice about the museum (deservedly at 104 years old). At 3 pm on weekdays you can watch Gus take his slow walk through the museum

To the left and up the ramp past Gus is Pjila’si, an exhibit celebrating Mi’kmaw culture. You’ll hear Mi’kmaw voices sharing stories through sound cones overhead and videos that you can watch and listen to. Learn about Mi’kmaw territory boundaries, the Grand Council, trade, Mi’kmaw art like quillwork, canoes, and basketry, as well as medicine, nature, and cultural belongings from L’nu sites in the Shubenacadie River. 

Learn about herbal medicines and how Mi’kmaw medicinal experts used plants to treat specific conditions. You can learn the names in both Mi’kmaw and English, then press a button to put a spotlight on the plant in its jar. 

The Marine Gallery displays local ecology, the ocean, and nearby species. See exhibits on Sable Island’s wild horses, the Gully (the largest submarine canyon in Eastern North America), seals, sharks, beaches, and interactive games for children. 

The intertidal zone has starfish, crabs, and a rare blue lobster. Watch the live animal feeding at 10 am, where crabs and lobsters use their claws to grab and eat food. 

See live snakes and frogs in the Netukulimk exhibit. The highlight is the live beehive, where a colony of bees produces honey. Watch the bees fly in and out through a tube that connects the hive inside the museum to the outside world. It's honestly so cool to see.  

The museum always has really interesting temporary exhibits, so it's always worth checking out their website and socials to see what they have going on.

Few things to know:

Buy your ticket at the welcome desk

Parking lot is paid parking. It can fill up quickly since many people plan their day around a museum visit (especially on weekends and school vacation times).

u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 1 month ago

10 things to do in Halifax this September

Here's a list of 10 things to do in Halifax this September. Feel free to use this post as a space to share any other things to do or events happening this month!!

1. Prismatic Arts Festival 

The festival showcases work by Indigenous artists and artists of colour from across Canada, with theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts, media arts, and spoken word at venues throughout Halifax.

Prismatic Arts Festival | September 26-October 4 | Multiple locations

2. Get your sports fix

Cheer on the Wanderers and Tides in the final stretch of their seasons, then catch the Halifax Mooseheads as they open their season.

HFX Wanderers Home Games | September 7, 20, 26 | Wanderers Grounds
Halifax Tides Home Games | September 19, 27 | Wanderers Grounds
Halifax Mooseheads Home Game | September 19 | Scotiabank Centre

3. Celebrate Italian and Ukrainian culture

Traditional cuisine, live music and dance performances, plus artisanal goods to buy at Festa Italiana and East Coast Ukrainian Festival.

Festa Italiana | September 11-12 | 2629 Agricola Street, Halifax

East Coast Ukrainian Festival | September 27 | Steele Wheels Motor Museum

4. NHL STREET Harbour Fest

2 day street hockey festival with youth and adult divisions plus food trucks, a beer garden, live music, interactive activities, and opportunities to try the sport.

NHL STREET Harbour Fest | September 12-13 | Emera Oval

5. FamFest Atlantic and Agricola Open Street Sunday

FamFest Atlantic: indie arts festival with live music from national and regional artists, theatre, dance, magic, comedy, circus, silent disco, and hands on creative activities along with local food.

Agricola Open Street Sunday: Local businesses, food vendors, performers, and family friendly activities.

FamFest Atlantic | September 12-13 | Alderney Landing
Agricola Open Street Sunday | September 13 | Agricola Street

6. Halifax Fringe Festival

56 accessible, uncensored performances spanning drama, comedy, musical theatre, clown, dance and multimedia. See established and emerging artists take creative risks at venues across the city.

Halifax Fringe Festival | September 3-13 | Multiple locations

7. Atlantic International Film Festival

See local and international films with emerging filmmakers across Halifax.

Atlantic International Film Festival | September 16-23 | Multiple locations

8. Magnetic World and Halifax Urban Folk Festival

Magnetic World: EDM, hip hop, and R&B performances featuring Sexyy Red, Alesso, Swae Lee, Ne-Yo, Akon, and Khalid

Halifax Urban Folk Festival: songwriter circles and live performances from established and emerging artists at venues around the city

Magnetic World | September 25-26 | Garrison Grounds
Halifax Urban Folk Festival | September 27-October 3 | Multiple locations

9. Surfside Studio Tour

Take one of Halifax's nicest drives along the Eastern Shore on Route 207 and meet local artists. Free and self guided.

Surfside Studio Tour | September 27 | Multiple locations

10. Go to Ataraxy Farm and Hope for Wildlife

Meet rescued wildlife at Hope for Wildlife, then spend time with baby goats and roosters at Ataraxy Farm. Both are free (Ataraxy is only free if you book ahead) but donations are encouraged. Go for a walk along Lawrencetown Beach and get a coffee from Rose & Rooster Cafe or Lawrencetown Beach Cafe.

u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 2 months ago

The history of lobster in Nova Scotia and where to try it

Here's a guide to Nova Scotia lobster. Please feel free to share where you have had the best lobster in Halifax and any lobster facts.

A bit of history:

Long before European settlers arrived, the Mi’kmaq people of Atlantic Canada had been fishing lobster for centuries. Their relationship with Wolum Keeh (lobster in Mi'kmaw) went far deeper than simply catching it for dinner. The Mi’kmaq used every part of the lobster - as a food source, as fertilizer for crops, and for ornamental purposes. A lobster claw for example served as a tobacco pouch. Lobsters were so plentiful in those days that they were regularly found on beaches at low tide and washed ashore after storms.

Before lobster traps came into use, fishermen caught lobster by spearing them in shallow water or luring them out with bait. Wire traps eventually replaced these early methods and became the foundation of the fishery still used today.

Because of its abundance, lobster was not considered a valued commodity for much of early history and was regarded as a poor man’s food. It wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century that the lobster’s status was elevated. Lobsters were so abundant along the Atlantic coastline that they were fed to prisoners, servants, and the poor, and lobster shells around a home were considered a sign of poverty and degradation.

Different ways lobster is presented:

Traditional lobster supper: A whole, freshly steamed or boiled lobster arrives on your plate with melted butter, lemon, and usually a side of potato salad, coleslaw, and a roll. You’re given a bib, a cracker, and a pick. Recommend pairing it with a glass of Nova Scotia Tidal Bay wine

Lobster roll: The cold version is a maritime classic - lobster meat is tossed with mayo, celery, and sometimes a touch of dill, chives, or parsley, and piled into a toasted split-top bun. The hot version is served with warm lobster meat drizzled in drawn butter

Seafood chowder: Creamy broth with lobster, scallops, haddock, and mussels, often with potatoes, celery, and carrots. Biscuit on the side

Lobster cakes: Similar to a crab cake - great appetizer

Lobster poutine: Instead of gravy, the lobster is sauteed in butter with a splash of cream and poured over fries and cheese curds

Lobster mac & cheese

Lobster bisque: A velvety soup made from lobster stock, cream, and a little bit of brandy or sherry

Some of the best places to try lobster:

Shore Club in Hubbards

Shaw’s Landing in West Dover

Bluenose II in downtown Halifax

The Five Fishermen in downtown Halifax

McKelvie’s in downtown Halifax

Water Polo on the Halifax waterfront

The Bicycle Thief on the Halifax waterfront

Evan’s on the Dartmouth waterfront

Tom’s Lobster Shack in Peggy’s Cove

Some random facts about lobster:

The world’s largest lobster ever recorded was caught in 1977 in Nova Scotia. It weighed 20.14 kilograms (44 lbs 6 oz) and measured over a metre in length, making it the heaviest marine crustacean ever recorded, according to Guinness World Records. It was estimated to be over 100 years old at the time of its capture.

Nova Scotia’s fishery is one of the most sustainable in the world. Nova Scotia’s lobster fishing grounds are Marine Stewardship Council certified - a globally recognized mark of responsible, sustainable fishing

Nova Scotia’s cold, nutrient-rich waters slow a lobster’s metabolism, creating the dense, sweet meat Atlantic lobster is known for. Warmer waters speed up metabolism and can result in softer, less flavourful meat.

Nova Scotia lobster is well liked for its sweetness, firmness, hard shells (sign of a high meat yield), claw meat, and being high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids and low in sat fat

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 2 months ago

Is the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum worth visiting?

Here are 6 reasons for why the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum near the airport is worth visiting. Feel free to share what you enjoy about the museum!!

  1. You can book their flight simulator and get a guided session with a pilot. You'll learn how to take off, fly, and land a Boeing 737 from the local airport or around the world. The pilot told me the flight from Switzerland down to Italy is beautiful on the flight simulator, so maybe ask if you can give that a try when you go
  2. You can also climb into a few of the aircrafts and trainer like the Argus, link trainer, and the BAE 146. Really fascinating to see all the controls and trying to imagine what it would be like to fly it.
  3. See 25 different aircrafts such as the F-86 Sabre MK V flown by the Royal Canadian Air Force's Golden Hawks aerobatic team, Second World War bombers, and the Grumman TBM Avenger, which is a torpedo bomber originally built for US Navy aircraft carriers during the second world war.
  4. You can see the replica of the Silver Dart, the first powered aircraft flown in Canada. It's a really interesting piece of Atlantic Canada's aviation history.
  5. The engines are really cool. You can see more than a dozen of them including the OX-5 and the Merlin, which powered the Spitfire and Lancaster, along with a cutaway Wright Cyclone R-3350 radial engine.
  6. They have a great collection of military technology like torpedoes, rockets, missiles, bombs, and sonobuoys.

Admission is by donation. They recommend 10 bucks. Parking is free.

u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 2 months ago
▲ 43 r/DiscoverHalifax+1 crossposts

Halifax artists worth seeing live

Here’s a list of some local artists worth seeing live and listening to with details on their sound, favourite venues, and when their next show is. Feel free to share your favourite Halifax artists or live shows!!

aRENYE: Afrobeats and African pop. His performances are designed to get you moving with messages about creativity, self love, faith and community. His favourite venues to perform at are Paul O’Regan Hall and The MouseTrap at Good Robot.

Next show: October 3rd at The Marquee

Pillow Fite: A queer alt pop and indie folk duo made up of Art Ross and Aaron Green. Their smaller acoustic shows mix banter with emotional songs. In larger spaces they bring a full band to bring more energy while still keeping it loose and fun. They also intentionally create inclusive and community minded spaces. “Whatever venue we’re in, we will make it a gay bar" - Art Ross. Their favourite venues to perform in are The Carleton, MouseTrap, Seahorse Tavern, Lighthouse Arts Centre, and St. Andrew's United Church.

Next Halifax show: November 27th at the Seahorse Tavern

Braden Lam: Modern indie folk with personal songwriting and storytelling. His shows as equally vulnerable as entertaining and are meant to make the audience feel like they have known him for years. His favourite venues to perform at are the Seahorse Tavern, The Carleton, Light House Arts Centre, The MouseTrap, and the Bus Stop Theatre.

Next Halifax show: October 16th and 17th at the Light House Arts Centre

Adina: North Preston artist performing R&B and soul with gospel influences. Her performances capture the full spectrum of emotions with moments of laughter, anger, and sadness. Her goal is to create a space where listeners can release their emotions alongside her. Her favourite venues to perform at are The Marquee and the Lighthouse Arts Centre.

Next show: September 5th at Bearly's

Loviet: 90s influenced indie rock and alternative pop with guitars and catchy hooks. Loviet and her band play every bar like it's an arena and bring rock star energy. Her favourite venue to perform at in Halifax is The Marquee.

Next show: September 12th at Sommo Festival

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 2 months ago

Best things to do in Halifax in August

Here's a list of things you can do on any given August, along with events that happen each year. Feel free to add more to the list!!

Visit Georges Island and take a tour of the underground tunnels at Fort Charlotte

Have a beach day at Crystal Crescent, Rainbow Haven, Queensland, or Clam Harbour beach

Go on a coastal hike at Pennant Point, Polly Cove, or Taylor Head Provincial Park

Take a boat tour with Halifax Harbour Tours on an all electric boat

Go camping at Shubie Park, Porters Lake, or Sunset Inlet Campground

Grab fish and chips at The Narrows

Walk, run, or cycle the Salt Marsh Trail, Chain of Lakes Trail, or Musquodoboit Trailway

Pack a picnic and hang out at the Halifax Common

Celebrate Natal Day with parades, concerts, fireworks, and community events around downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. A very popular event is the Natal Day Road Race

Watch street performers during the Halifax Busker Festival on the Halifax waterfront

Go to the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition

Attend the Halifax County Exhibition and see livestock shows, live music, and magic shows

Catch a Wanderers or Tides match at the Wanderers Grounds

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 2 months ago

Best things to do on the Eastern Shore

Here's a list of things to do on the Eastern Shore. Please feel free to add more!!

Go to a beach: Martinique Beach is the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, which is fantastic for a beach walk especially during the sunset. You can also surf here and take a lesson from Halifax Surf School. Lawrencetown Beach is also fantastic at sunset and known for its surfing. You can take a lesson from East Coast Surf School or Kannon Beach. Or drive up to Psyche Cove Beach. The water is turquoise and the beach has white sand, but the water is damn cold so don't be fooled by how nice it looks!!

Memory Lane Heritage Village: learn about rural Nova Scotia in the 1940s or go on their clam digging experience with an expert.

Learn about the Acadians at L'Acadie de Chezzetcook where you can watch demonstrations of ancestral skills, see artifacts, and try Acadian dishes at La Cuisine de Brigitte.

Go to Steeple Green Books in Musquodoboit Harbour: browse books and hang out with the store's dog, Frank, and cat, Boo. Check out the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum afterward and grab an ice cream from Polar Bear Express.

See Jessie the bobcat, bald eagles, and other local wildlife at Hope for Wildlife. Or hang out with baby goats at Ataraxy Farm.

Where to eat:

For a farm to table meal, go to Lupin. 40 acre homestead with amazing food. Note that you have to book ahead.

Try a Polish dessert along with a coffee from Martininque Desserterie & Delicatessen. Down the road, you can pick up some fresh produce and a crumble bar or scone with a latte from Uprooted.

Take the scenic route 207 and stop by Rose & Rooster for brunch or a coffee. They have a really nice back deck where you can watch the waves roll in. And you can see the occasional deer. Bentley's Burgers & Fries is also along route 207 - their smash burgers are amazing. Note that it's cash only.

Grab a lobster roll from The Mermaid Eatery and sit on their patio with a German beer.

Make the drive up to Sheet Harbour and have Welsh afternoon tea (from 2-4) at the Henley House. Next door is the Sober Island Brewing Co. Try their oyster stout (made with Nova Scotian oysters) in their seasonal beer garden. Then walk along the West River Falls Boardwalk.

Hiking and walking:

Go for a hike on the Musquodoboit Trailway, Taylor Head Provincial Park, or on the Gaetz Brook Greenway. Be mindful of ticks.

You can also see 750+ daylilies at Harbour Breezes Daylilies. Beautiful garden and views of Jeddore Harbour. Also a nice spot to pick up jams and bulbs.

u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 2 months ago

What's open on Natal Day in Halifax?

Here's a list of businesses open on Monday, August 3rd in Halifax.

Downtown Halifax

Places to eat

  • Quesada Burritos & Tacos
  • Monky Funky Cafe
  • White Alley Bubble Tea
  • Harbourstone
  • Balancing Rock Coffeehouse
  • Stone's Throw Patio & Restaurant
  • Baton Rouge
  • The Lower Deck
  • Split Crow Pub
  • COWS Cable Wharf
  • COWS Spring Garden
  • COWS Bishop's Landing
  • Craig's Cookies
  • The BG (The Beer Garden)
  • Salt Yard Social
  • Stubborn Goat Gastropub
  • Antojo Tacos + Tequila
  • Cable Wharf Kitchen & Patio
  • Freshly Squeezed Presotea & Cheesecake Factory
  • Moxies
  • The Brown Hound
  • Matadora Tapas Bar
  • Water Polo
  • Via Condotti
  • The Bicycle Thief
  • Ristorante A Mano
  • McKelvie's
  • Durty Nelly's

Attractions/things to do

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
  • Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
  • Georges Island National Historic Site
  • I Heart Bikes
  • Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
  • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
  • Ambassatours Gray Line
  • The Old Burying Ground
  • The Halifax Ghost Walk
  • Province House - the Nova Scotia Legislature
  • Halifax Harbour Tours Limited
  • Rickshaw Collective Ltd
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Canadian Naval Memorial Trust
  • Art 1274 Hollis Gallery
  • The 7 Virtues Perfume Atelier

Shopping

  • Sea House Halifax
  • Fjallraven
  • Peace by Chocolate
  • Silver Silk
  • Trident Booksellers & Cafe
  • Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities

North End Halifax

Places to eat/get a drink

  • Lion's Head Tavern
  • Propeller

Attractions/things to do

  • Royal Canadian Naval Association Peregrine Branch

Shopping

  • Cahier Stationery & Life Goods
  • West End Halifax
  • The Cannery Kitchen & Social

Halifax Waterfront

  • Sweet n' Salty (ice cream)

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Places to eat

  • Churned
  • Milestones

Attractions/things to do

  • Alpha Travel & Tours
  • Nature Folk

Peggy's Cove Region

Places to eat

  • Cafe l'Acadie
  • Hunky Dory
  • Margaret's Cafe
  • Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant Company
  • Train Station Bike & Bean
  • Bubba Magoos

Attractions/things to do

  • Velvaere Wellness
  • East Coast Outfitters
  • The Schoolhouse

Shopping

  • Cove Gallery
  • Spindrift Gallery
  • Holy Mackerel
  • Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant Company

Eastern Shore

Places for a drink

  • Harbour Brewing Company

Attractions/things to do

  • Ataraxy Farm
  • Sunset Inlet Campground

Halifax Airport

Attractions/things to do

  • Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
  • Cradle&Carry

Shopping

  • Liquid Assets NS

Bedford-Sackville

Places to eat or get a drink

  • Propeller
  • il Mercatio Trattoria
  • Great Roads Brewing Company

Attractions/things to do

  • Fultz House Museum
  • Atlantic Splash Adventure
  • Tours by Town Car
  • hop! skip! jump! Indoor Play Space

Shopping

  • Krishna Collections

Musquodoboit Valley

Things to do

  • Musquodoboit Valley Outfitters
reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 3 months ago

Things to do on Natal Day weekend

Here's a quick list of things to do on Natal Day weekend. Feel free to post more events!!

Buskers Festival (July 30th to August 4th)

Family Fun Day on Georges Island (July 31st)

Million Vibes with aRENYE and Yung St4k at the Halifax Public Gardens (August 1st, 2-4pm) - Million Vibes concerts are always fun. They bring really nice, positive energy to get people moving

Crescendo Fest: Annual festival designed to highlight Black artists in Atlantic Canada. Located at Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park (August 1st, 2-4pm)

Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Harbour Fireworks (August 1st, 10-10:30pm)

21st Annual ANSMA Freedom Festival: African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) will host a concert on the Dartmouth Waterfront on August 2nd from 2 pm to 9:30 pm.

Halifax Wanderers Match (August 2nd, 7pm)

Bridgewalk 2026: join thousands of Haligonians on the Macdonald Bridge as it closes for pedestrians (August 2nd, 2-4:30pm)

Sunday Concert - Zamani: concert at the Halifax Public Gardens. Zamani merges R&B, Neo Soul, and urban jazz

120th Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race (August 3rd, 8 am to 9 pm)

129th Pepsi Natal Day Parade (August 3rd, 10:30 am to 12 pm, Downtown Dartmouth)

Natal Day Family Day: Free family day with crafts, games, food vendors, and more at Sullivan's Pond (August 3rd from 12 to 4pm)

Mike Cowie Booty Boppin' Brass Band: show at the Halifax Public Gardens (August 3rd, 2-4pm)

Halifax Tides game (August 3rd, 3pm)

The Town Heroes Concert: free rock and folk concert at Sullivan's Pond (August 3rd, 6:30 pm to 8 pm)

The Natal Day Lake Banook Fireworks: Fireworks from 9:30 pm to 10 pm on August 3rd at Lake Banook.

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 3 months ago

10 things to do in Halifax this August

Here's a list of 10 things to do in Halifax this August. Feel free to use this post as a space to share any other things to do or events happening this month!!

  1. Celebrate Natal Day: go to a free concert, see a fireworks show on Saturday August 1st over the harbour, do the Macdonald Bridgewalk on Sunday August 2nd and go to the 129th Pepsi Natal Day Parade on Monday, August 3rd.
  2. Go to a Wanderers (August 2nd and 22nd) or Tides (August 3rd and 23rd) soccer match.
  3. Catch the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival: See comedy stars like Matt Rife, Nikki Glaser, and Andrew Schulz over four nights (August 6th-9th).
  4. Sample an assortment of over 400 beers and ciders, plus over 100 seltzers, sodas, and canned cocktails, along with plenty of no-alcohol choices at Halifax Seaport Beerfest & Fizzfest from August 13th to 15th.
  5. Go to a music festival: See Nazareth, Kim Mitchell, and Lee Aaron at Rock The Harbour from August 14th to 16th at Alderney Landing. Or go to Vibrancy Festival, located inside the Halifax Citadel and see Victor Calderone, DJ Stingray 313, DJ Holographic, 1-800 GIRLS, Chippy Nonstop, and LSDXOXO from August 14th to 15th.
  6. See the cosmos at the SeaLight SkyLight Festival on the Eastern Shore. Enjoy live music, workshops, learn about astronomy and oceans, and see the Perseid meteor showers and ocean bioluminescence on August 15th at The Deanery Project.
  7. Go to the Halifax County Exhibition: 4 day celebration (August 19th to 22nd) of the Musquodoboit Valley with a parade, livestock shows and competitions, live music and magic shows, flowers and vegetables, a midway with games and rides, treats, and food vendors.
  8. Build a sandcastle at the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition on August 23rd. Over 10,000 people attend each year. Awesome for families.
  9. Check out a new business:

Slow Mornings | 2193 Gottingen St | Opening August 2
Beleza Ceramics | 1892 Hollis St | Now open
Trackside Social | 873 Bedford Hwy | Now open
Welcome Espresso | 2306 Gottingen St | Now open
Casa di Stefano | 70 First Lake Dr | Now open
Steve O’Reno’s | 5415 Doyle St | Now open
Espresso 46 | 6059 Saint Albans St | Now open
Tsukimi Food Co. | 2867 Isleville St | Now open 

  1. Celebrate 90 years of tradition at the Shore Club: Get a lobster dinner and catch a live show from Lennie Gallant, Skratch Bastid, Ria Mae, Matt Mays with Joel Plaskett, Emergency and Terra Lightfoot, and Arkells.
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 3 months ago

Splash pads and outdoor pools in Halifax

Here's a list of splash pads and outdoor pools in Halifax to go to this summer. Feel free to give your recommendations.

Bayers Westwood Inclusive Playground Park + Splashpad: rubberized surfaces, wheelchair challenge course, tactile markers and audible cues, ramps, accessible swings, musical instruments, climbable fire truck. Nearby picnic area and green space.

Isleville Playground + Splashpad: interactive games, tube slide, swings, and picnic area. Nearby green space and close to the Hydrostone District. The park is fenced in as well.

Jumpstart Inclusive Playground + George Dixon splash pad: rubberized surfaces, barrier free access, braille lettering, double wide ramps, static free slides, musical instruments, we-saw & we-go-round. Nearby basketball courts and green space.

Sackville splash pad + Kinsmen Park: rubberized surfaces, largest splash pad facility in hrm, water jets, geysers, structural loops and tunnels. Waterfront lake location with a sandy, shallow beach with walking trails and a picnic area.

Westmount Inclusive Plaground Park + Splash Pad: rubberized surfaces, wheelchair challenge course, tactile markers and audible cues, ramps, accessible swings, musical instruments, and climbable fire truck. Nearby tennis courts, picnic area, and green space.

Cole Harbour Outdoor Pool + splash pad: supervised swimming, toddler wading pool, and diving board.

Halifax Common Playground + Halifax Common Aquatics Facility: playground has rubberized surfaces, rope climbing, carousel. Pool has supervised swimming, beach-style entry, climbing walls, water plaza, universal change rooms, plus adaptive equipment like lifejackets, a pool lift, aquatic wheelchair, and a person lift (user must provide own sling).

reddit.com
u/Alex_DiscoverHalifax — 3 months ago