21 Fun Things To Do in Halifax in the Winter 

Winter in Halifax offers plenty of ways to stay active, get cozy and make the most of the season. From outdoor adventures like skating and hiking to cozy indoor spots where you can warm up with a hot drink, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

When we first moved to Halifax, we were surprised by just how much the city has to offer during the colder months—and now, winter has become one of our favourite times to get out and explore.

To help you make the most of the season, I’ve put together this list of 21 fun things to do in Halifax in the winter. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, these ideas will inspire you to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Outdoor Winter Adventures in Halifax

There are so many great ways to get outside and enjoy the winter in Halifax. From skating to snowshoeing, these classic Canadian activities are a great way to enjoy winter – here’s where you can experience them in Halifax.

1. Skate at the Emera Oval

Skating at the Emera Oval is one of the most popular winter activities in Halifax—and it’s completely free. Originally built for the 2011 Canada Games, this massive outdoor rink on the Halifax Common is now open to the public and is one of the best spots in the city for skating in the winter months.

If you don’t have your own skates, no problem. Skates and helmets are available to borrow for free—you just need a government-issued ID. Helmets are required for kids under 12, and while there are no lockers, you can stash your boots under the outdoor benches around the rink. 

The Oval is open daily from late December through mid-March (weather permitting), but it’s a good idea to check the schedule before heading out—they take regular breaks for ice maintenance. 

Fun fact: The Emera Oval is the largest artificial ice surface east of Quebec – it’s about the same size as three NHL hockey rinks. 

2. Go Sledding at Citadel Hill

Sledding is a popular winter activity anywhere in Canada, but when you’re in Halifax, you’ve got to try sledding at Citadel Hill.  This iconic national historic site is the highest point in the city, which is why it was chosen as a strategic location for the Halifax Citadel, and the large wide open hills are one of the best spots to go sledding in Halifax.  

We suggest heading to the side that faces the Wanderers Grounds, as it’s steep enough for a good ride, but there’s also enough room to coast before reaching the sidewalk. (Actually, to be honest, my kids have never made it all the way down the hill – it’s that steep!)

After a fresh snowfall, the hill can be really busy, with many locals coming out to go sledding. And be sure to dress warmly because the wind can really pick up at the top of the hill.

3. Get Outdoors for a Winter Hike

When the snow starts falling, Halifax’s trails take on a magical quality. Snow-covered trees, frozen lakes and quiet paths create a peaceful escape from the city, and are a perfect setting for a winter adventure. Winter hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while staying active, and there are plenty of trails in Halifax to explore.

Some of the best spots for a winter hike include Shubie Park, Chain of Lakes Trail, and Point Pleasant Park. My personal favourite is Shubie Park, located just across the harbour in Dartmouth. This fantastic park offers winding forest trails and beautiful views of Lake Charles. It’s quiet in the winter and perfect for snowshoeing or a brisk morning hike. I love it year-round, but there’s something extra special about it in the winter when you have the trails almost to yourself.

For more trail ideas, check out our guide to the best winter hiking trails in Halifax.

4. Try Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is another great way to explore Halifax’s trails during the winter months. It’s fun, easy to learn, and gives you access to areas that might be too snowy for regular hiking. Trails like Point Pleasant Park, Long Lake Provincial Park, and Frog Pond Trail are perfect for snowshoeing when the snow is deep enough.

If you don’t own snowshoes, don’t worry. Many Halifax Recreation Centres offer free equipment rentals, while Decathlon in Dartmouth rents snowshoes for a small fee.

We’ve found snowshoeing to be a fun way to mix up our winter walks!

6. Chase Frozen Waterfalls

Growing up in Hamilton, ON, which is known as the City of Waterfalls, we explored waterfalls year-round, so of course I had to search out some in Halifax as well. I think they’re even more stunning in the winter, when the water freezes and looks magical. Luckily there are several waterfalls near Halifax that you can explore year-round. 

Johnson River Falls is one of our favourites, where you’ll be rewarded with a partially frozen waterfall after a 30-minute hike. Webber Falls is another good waterfall near the city, with a shorter, easier trail, but it does freeze completely over sometimes, and if you visit after a good snowfall, it may be hard to find the falls! 

Cozy Indoor Activities in Halifax

When the temperature drops, Halifax offers plenty of warm and inviting places to escape the cold. From exploring cultural landmarks to relaxing with a coffee and a view, here are the best ways to stay cozy while enjoying the city.

7. Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada and is one of the top things to do in Halifax any time of year. It’s a great spot to warm up indoors while enjoying a mix of local and international works, including an impressive folk art collection. Don’t miss the famous vibrantly painted house of Maud Lewis, one of Nova Scotia’s most beloved artists. 

The AGNS is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm, with extended hours and free admission on Thursday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.— perfect for a budget-friendly winter outing.

9. Discover the Natural History Museum

For a fun and educational indoor activity, head to the Museum of Natural History. It’s perfect for all ages, but kids especially love it. Gus, the museum’s resident gopher tortoise, has been delighting visitors for over 100 years. He’s a local celebrity and a must-see! 

The museum has a few permanent exhibits, where you can learn all about the natural, cultural and historical wonders of Nova Scotia. One whole area is dedicated to Sable Island, while other areas include exhibits on marine life, reptiles and even the sights and sounds – which are interactive for kids – of Nova Scotia’s forests.

The musuem often hosts temporary exhibits as well, so there’s always something new to discover. Recent exhibits have included a dinosaur exhibit, the annual Bricks by the Sea and the excellent Body Worlds Vital, which came to Halifax in 2023. 

The last time we visited, we even got to see the snakes being fed, which was fascinating to see – especially for my kids. Be sure to check about any live programming – Gus goes for a walk every day at 3 pm – or any other special events through the week. 

For even more ideas on where to stay warm and dry, check out our guide to the best indoor things to do in Halifax.

10. Shop at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

Halifax’s Seaport Market is North America’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market, and it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend morning. The market is indoors, so you can browse local vendors without worrying about the weather.

Pick up freshly baked goods and a locally roasted coffee to sip on while you browse the vendors. There’s everything from tasty snacks and warm meals to local honey, cider and kombucha. If you’re a fan of hot sauce, be sure to stop by Rudi’s and try their unique small-batch blends – my go-to is the Mellow Mojo Verde, but we also like the Habanero Lime Punch. 

The market is open Saturdays from 8 am – 2 pm, and Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm. 

11. Catch a Mooseheads or Thunderbirds Game

For a different type of indoor activity, head to the Scotiabank Centre to catch a Halifax Mooseheads hockey game or a Halifax Thunderbirds lacrosse match.

Hockey is Canada’s national winter sport, and the Mooseheads’ games are full of energy and excitement—perfect for an evening out. The Thunderbirds, part of the National Lacrosse League, also play out of Scotiabank Centre, and if you’ve never watched lacrosse before, the fast pace of a game might surprise you. Both teams play through the winter season, and tickets are reasonably priced.

We’ve been to both Mooseheads and Thunderbirds games, and they’re always such a fun night out. Mooseheads games, in particular, are great for families, with a lively but family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re visiting Halifax for the first time, it’s a great way to experience a bit of Canadian winter tradition while staying warm indoors. 

👉 Check for ticket prices and availability here

13. Discover Halifax’s Craft Brewery Scene

Halifax is known for its craft beer scene, and winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a pint of something seasonal. Many local breweries create limited-edition winter beers featuring festive flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark chocolate.

Top spots to check out include Garrison Brewing for their Winter Warmer ale and Good Robot Brewing Co., which has a quirky, cozy indoor vibe perfect for a cold day.

For those who don’t drink beer, like me – I’m gluten-free, there are also winter cider options. Bulwark is my recommendation – their Winter Cider is delicious, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, making it perfect to warm up on a a chilly day. It’s only available during the colder months, and they even offer an alcohol-free version, which is just as tasty. 

15. Stroll Along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air, even in the winter months. Spanning almost 4 kilometres along Halifax Harbour, the boardwalk offers stunning views, open spaces to explore, and public art installations to admire.

While many shops, food kiosks, and attractions close for the season, some remain open—perfect for grabbing a warm drink or snack as you wander. Even if you’re just there to hang out in one of the iconic Adirondack chairs or enjoy the crisp harbour breeze, the boardwalk is a peaceful and scenic escape from the bustle of the city.

It can get chilly along the waterfront in the winter though, so be sure to bundle up with warm layers to stay comfortable.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Halifax year-round.

17. Relax at a Nordic Spa

A winter visit to a Nordic spa is the ultimate way to unwind and embrace the season. Just a short drive from Halifax, SENSEA Nordic Spa in Chester offers outdoor hot baths, saunas, and cold plunges—all surrounded by a tranquil forest setting.

Oceanstone Seaside Resort, located just a few minutes from Peggy’s Cove, is another great choice. While not a traditional Nordic spa, their cozy seaside accommodations and on-site hot tubs offer a relaxing escape with beautiful ocean views.

Plan your visit to SENSEA on a snowy day for the full winter spa atmosphere, or combine a trip to Oceanstone with a visit to Peggy’s Cove, which is up next on this list!

For more ideas on where to escape this winter, see our guide to the best winter getaways in Nova Scotia.

18. Take a Winter Day Trip to Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic destinations, and it’s just as stunning in the winter as it is in the summer. The snow-covered rocks, the rugged coastline, and the famous lighthouse standing against the frosty Atlantic make for incredible photos.

The best part? Winter means fewer crowds, so you can explore this picturesque fishing village at your own pace. Each time we’ve visited in the winter, we’ve been one of the few people, if there’s even been anyone else at all! Be sure to bundle up though —the ocean winds can be biting in the colder months.

After exploring, warm up with a bowl of chowder or a hot drink at the Sou’wester Restaurant, located right next to the lighthouse.

Seasonal Events in Halifax

Halifax has fun events all year long, and winter is no exception. Here are two great ones to check out during the colder months.

19. Dartmouth Ice Festival

Dates: January 31 – February 2, 2025

Held on the last weekend of January, the Dartmouth Ice Festival brings downtown Dartmouth to life with stunning ice sculptures, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities like mini curling and juggling workshops. Some local businesses also get in on the fun with warm drinks, special treats, and giveaways.

We go to this festival every year, and one of the most interesting parts is watching the artists carve the ice sculptures. Some use chainsaws to shape the initial blocks of ice, which is fascinating to watch. One year, we saw a squirrel carved from start to finish, transforming from a solid block of ice to an intricate piece of art. The designs are incredible and always different—you’ll see everything from a fish to a wolf, a beer mug, or even Mi’kmaq-themed designs.

Part of Portland Street is closed to cars during the festival, so you can wander freely, admiring the sculptures on either side of the street without worrying about traffic. It’s completely free to attend and makes for a fun, festive day out for all ages.