From colorful waterfront streets and historic landmarks to rugged Atlantic coastlines and mouthwatering lobster dishes, Nova Scotia has a little bit of everything. And if you’re a seafood lover, Halifax might just be your kind of place.
We spent a long weekend exploring the area with our two daughters, making stops in Lunenburg, downtown Halifax, and the iconic Peggy’s Cove. Along the way, we enjoyed lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, and an impressive seafood tower that was almost too beautiful to eat.
If you’re planning a quick trip and wondering what to see and do in Halifax in 24 hours, here’s a look at the highlights, our favorite food stops, and a few other restaurants worth adding to your list.
1. Start in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Our Nova Scotia adventure began in Lunenburg, one of the province’s most charming coastal towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in 1753, Old Town Lunenburg is recognized for its remarkably well-preserved historic architecture and original colonial street layout. Walking through town feels like stepping back in time, with colorful wooden buildings, historic homes, independent shops, and a picturesque harbor that reflects its long maritime heritage.
It’s also incredibly photogenic. Almost every street seems to offer another beautiful view, and the waterfront is the perfect place to slow down and take it all in.
If you’re visiting, give yourself time to wander through Old Town, browse the local shops, and enjoy the harbor views. Even a short visit gives you a wonderful taste of Nova Scotia’s coastal charm.
Lunch at Grand Banker Bar & Grill: Lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese
Naturally, we couldn’t visit a historic fishing town without making seafood a priority!
We stopped at Grand Banker Bar & Grill, right on the Lunenburg waterfront. With its maritime atmosphere and harbor views, it was a fitting place to enjoy some classic East Coast comfort food.
We ordered lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese, two dishes that were calling our names from the menu. The lobster rolls are a quintessential Nova Scotia choice, while the lobster mac and cheese brings together rich, comforting flavors with a taste of the Atlantic.
And really, can you go wrong with lobster and cheese?
The restaurant and surrounding waterfront may also look familiar to fans of The Amazing Race Canada, so it’s worth looking into if you’re a fan of the show.
For us, Grand Banker was a delicious introduction to Nova Scotia’s seafood scene—and a great way to fuel up before continuing our road trip.
2. Explore the Historic Halifax Citadel
After Lunenburg, make your way to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital, where maritime history meets a lively downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions.
One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Perched on a hill overlooking downtown and Halifax Harbour, this star-shaped fort offers a fascinating look at Halifax’s military past, along with panoramic views of the city.
Even if you’re not usually someone who seeks out historic sites, the Citadel is worth a visit. You can explore the fortifications, learn about military life, and experience some of the traditions that have been part of the site for generations.
One highlight is the famous noon gun, fired daily during the operating season. We also got to witness the Changing of the Guard, which made the visit even more memorable.
Traveling with kids? Here’s a bonus: admission is free for youth aged 17 and under when visiting with a parent or guardian. That makes the Citadel a particularly worthwhile stop for families exploring Halifax.
Check the official Parks Canada website for current admission information, seasonal opening dates, and the schedule for demonstrations before your visit.
3. Take a Stroll Along the Halifax Waterfront
After exploring the Citadel, head down to the Halifax Waterfront, one of the city’s most enjoyable places to walk, eat, shop, and take in the harbor views.
The waterfront boardwalk stretches along Halifax Harbour, passing restaurants, cafes, shops, public art, historic buildings, and plenty of places to stop for a break.
It’s an easygoing place to explore without a strict itinerary. Watch the boats, browse the shops, grab a coffee, or simply enjoy the fresh ocean air. If you’re traveling with family, it’s also a nice way to spend time together without needing to plan a big activity.
The waterfront is particularly appealing to seafood lovers, with several restaurants offering everything from casual fish and chips to more contemporary ocean-inspired dishes.
You can also look into harbor cruises if you’d like to see the city from the water.
For us, the waterfront was an essential stop—not just for the scenery, but because some of the restaurants we’d been eyeing were right there.
And speaking of restaurants, this is where our seafood adventure really continued!
4. Halifax Seafood Restaurants You Don’t Want to Miss
If there’s one thing Halifax does exceptionally well, it’s seafood. From traditional lobster rolls to creative seafood towers, there are plenty of places to satisfy your cravings for fresh Atlantic flavors.
Sea Smoke Restaurant & Bar: Go Big with a Seafood Tower
Located at Bishop’s Landing along the Halifax Waterfront, Sea Smoke Restaurant & Bar was one of our must-visit stops.
We had to try the tall seafood tower, and it certainly made an impression! With its impressive presentation and assortment of seafood, it was the kind of dish that makes you pause for a moment before reaching for your camera.
It was perfect for sharing and a highlight of our food adventures in Halifax. After enjoying lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese in Lunenburg, this was another delicious reminder of just how much variety the city’s seafood scene has to offer.
We had a long list of other dishes and restaurants we wanted to try, but unfortunately, there are only so many meals you can squeeze into a short getaway!
More Halifax Restaurants to Add to Your List
We couldn’t visit every restaurant on our list, but these three are worth considering for your own Halifax food adventure:
- The Narrows Public House – A cozy pub in a historic house on Gottingen Street, serving Maritime-inspired comfort food in a welcoming setting. Check its schedule for evening live music, including traditional Maritime sounds and fiddle performances.
- Water Polo – Add this spot to your Halifax dining shortlist for a waterfront-area dining experience. It’s another option to explore while strolling around the city, especially if you’re looking to discover more local restaurants beyond the usual seafood stops. Check the current menu and opening hours before visiting.
- Black Sheep – Located near the waterfront at Bishop’s Landing, Black Sheep offers a contemporary dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and globally inspired flavors. It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for something beyond traditional fish and chips or a classic lobster roll.
With so many options, Halifax deserves a spot on any seafood lover’s travel list. Just remember to arrive hungry!
5. Explore Peggy’s Cove and Its Iconic Lighthouse
From Halifax, wrap up your Nova Scotia road trip by visiting Peggy’s Cove, one of Atlantic Canada’s best photographed destinations.
You’ve probably seen pictures of its iconic lighthouse standing beside the rugged Atlantic coastline, surrounded by enormous granite rocks and the rolling ocean. Seeing it in person is a different experience altogether.
Peggy’s Cove is an active fishing village, and its appeal goes beyond the lighthouse. The coastal scenery, weathered buildings, and sweeping ocean views capture the rugged beauty that makes Nova Scotia so special.
Take your time exploring the village, enjoying the views, and snapping a few photos. The contrast between the pale granite, deep blue water, and historic lighthouse makes this one of the most photogenic stops on the trip.
A quick safety reminder: The coastline can be dangerous, even when the weather looks calm. Waves can arrive unexpectedly, and exposed rocks can be slippery. Stick to designated paths and viewing areas, follow posted signs, and stay away from the water’s edge. The designated viewing areas offer beautiful views without needing to venture onto the rocks.
Peggy’s Cove is a fitting final stop after exploring Lunenburg’s colorful streets and Halifax’s historic landmarks and lively waterfront. It brings together everything that makes this part of Canada so memorable: charming coastal communities, maritime history, dramatic scenery, and the unmistakable feeling of being beside the Atlantic Ocean.
And after all that exploring, we’d say there’s only one thing left to do on your next visit to Nova Scotia: find another great seafood restaurant and order a little more lobster!
Final Thoughts: Halifax Is Worth Visiting for the Views—and the Seafood
Our Nova Scotia getaway reminded us how much you can experience in a short amount of time. From the colourful streets and lobster rolls of Lunenburg to Halifax’s lively waterfront and the rugged coastal beauty of Peggy’s Cove, every stop offered something different.
And then there’s the seafood! Between the lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, and Sea Smoke’s impressive seafood tower, we barely scratched the surface of what Halifax has to offer. We’ve already got a few more restaurants on our list for next time.
Whether you’re planning a quick 24-hour visit or a longer Nova Scotia road trip, Halifax is a wonderful mix of coastal scenery, maritime history, charming towns, and incredible food.
Our advice? Bring your camera, arrive hungry, and leave room for one more lobster dish. 🦞