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Harbourwalk
Categories: Active Life Parks Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Water StHalifax, NS B3J
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
16 reviews for Harbourwalk
Review Highlights
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"So I was happy to find a great Harbour area here in Halifax." In 7 reviews -
"...the Casino Hotel to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic." In 3 reviews -
"...nights, walking along the boardwalk, make me so happy." In 8 reviews
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16 reviews in English
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Review from Melanie M.
Dartmouth, NS
Halifax's Waterfront is lovely and totally fits the bill for today's Yelpspiration Challenge - first date destination. Meet for a no pressure stroll along the water and take in all the sights and sounds. You get the chance to chat and get to know each other better. As you stroll you can always grab a casual bite to eat from one of the many vendors in the area - anything from a hotdog to ice cream to fish and chips. If things seem to be going really well, you could pop into any number of downtown/waterfront pubs for a post-stroll drink. And if you want to spend even more time with your date, you can suggest a boat cruise. Murphy's on the Water offers cocktail cruises and tall ship sailings that last only an hour to an hour and a half. But just be aware that you are losing an easy exit strategy if things get awkward or go south. Unless you're cool with jumping ship.
Listed in: May Day!
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Review from Ben B.
It's simple: the Halifax boardwalk is the city's favourite summer past time outside of day-drinking. And why wouldn't it be?? It's free, it's sunny, it's an easy stroll that brings you by countless places to eat (and day-drink), and it's the best people watching in the city outside of maybe closing time at The Dome.
If that weren't enough, the Harbourwalk hosts some of the best festivals and events of the year including the International Busker Fest, Tall Ships, Al Fresco Film Festo, and even this year's World Junior Beach Volleyball championships. Combined with optional activities like a harbour tour on the Tall Ship Silva, the land and sea combo deal on the Harbour Hopper, Pier 21, Casino Nova Scotia, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and so many more, this ain't your average tourist trap, folks. This is a local destination for all your summer action in the city.
Or, of course, you can just day-drink and stare at the pretty people like a local. -
Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
Seriously, I have only one thing to say...what is there NOT to love about Harbourwalk?
Okay, so I guess I have more than that to say, but it pretty much sums up my feelings about the Halifax Boardwalk. For one thing, like a true maritimer, I love the water, so anything that brings me closer to it is a good thing in my books. Also, on a warm sunny day, there's nothing more enjoyable than going for a stroll along the waterfront, taking in the sights, meandering through the small shops scattered alongside it, maybe enjoying one of the many treats it has to offer, possibly a COWS ice cream cone (MMMM, Moo York Cheesecake) or a BeaverTail?
Alternately, I also love walking alongside the water here at night, when the stars are out, after having romantic meal with the hubby-to-be, or a few drinks out with friends. It can be very peaceful and relaxing. -
Review from Kirk F.
When I moved to Calgary a few years ago, I didn't realize how much I would miss the water. On return visits, I realized that I may have overblown it in my mind.
Thankfully, there's been a lot of investment in the Harbourwalk. It now extends from the Casino all the way down to Pier 21. It makes for a great stroll during the summer with lots of great places to stop and grab a bite to eat. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
My father, at least once every two months, laments that I left my old apartment. "It was small, it was cramped, it had no character, I didn't like it," I will argue and he will retort, "but it's so close to the Harbourwalk."
And in a lot of ways he wins the argument.
The Harbourwalk, known by everyone else in the world as a board walk is the nicest thing about Halifax Harbour. Forget for a moment that it's polluted and smelly and take this lovely walk and see it in a different light.
Summer, Winter, morning, noon, night, weekday, weekend, there's always something to see on the Harbourwalk. It's filled with character and characters, shops and restaurants, buskers and artists and motor bikers and, of course, Theodore Tugboat.
On Saturday morning the Farmer's Market is small jump up to the next street and if you walk from beginning to end you can be rewarded with a trip to the Casino, which is always a blast.
The Harbourwalk is probably the most enjoyable spot to hang out in the city, especially if you're looking for an authentic Halifax experience. For some reason, to me, it defines what Halifax is about. If you're a tourist you must check it out, if the city is old hat to you, come back an have another walk.
Dad continues to believe I am crazy for giving up my apartment by the Harbourwalk, and while I don't entirely agree, it is what I miss most about living in the south end. -
Review from Laura P.
Harbourwalk is just what the doctor ordered.
The past few days have been complete heat-waves, and as I fight my way through a high-pitched fever, there is nothing more to do but lie on my bed in a silk dress lining with a cold face-cloth on my head. Times of lesser health can leave the mind wishing, and today I imagine how lovely the Harbourwalk would be.
Dog days of summer can drown energy and ambitions, but Halifax's harbourfront has a steady breeze and awesome buzz. Always filled with folks, the wooden paneling lies wide for optimum space and flows up, down, and all around shops, stands and restaurants.
Its a great scene for those casual adventures, and offers great views with infectious buzz. A staple for the hot ones, Harbourwalk offers a cool down and relaxer. -
Review from Joel K.
I love the boardwalk. Warm summer nights, walking along the boardwalk, make me so happy. Adorable and fun shops along the way and the prettiest scenery.
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
I have a personal requirement when it comes to moving to a new town and it basically consists of a NEED to be near water. That's right, need.
For this reason, I am a big fan of the Halifax Harbourwalk. This would be called a pier, boardwalk or seawall in other places but I like that Halifax has come up with its own distinct name for this windy little walkway along the Halifax shore.
Great for bike rides, dog walking, boat watching and any number of other outdoor activities. The Buskers Festival takes place here every August as well! -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
The Harbourwalk is usually a pretty peaceful place to stroll and take in a closeup view of the Halifax Harbour. Just don't look too close at the water lapping up against the support beams, despite the recent efforts to clean the Harbour, it is still pretty questionable. To stay on the safe side don't linger too close to the edge and take care if you decide to board a boat from the dock.
Waste management aside, the Harbourwalk remains my favorite way to trek through the city from Pier 21 to Casino NS, and it's a good way to get 3km of walking in.
The Harbourwalk is host to many shops, restaurants, galleries, and historical sites located in Bishops Landing, Historic Properties and some accessible from the boardwalk itself. It is also home of the infamous Wave that despite signs that say to keep off, begs to be climbed.
The only other downside to relaxing on the Harbourwalk is that during the best weather for enjoying the ocean view you wont be alone in your idea to come here. It can get pretty busy on holidays and can be difficult to manoeuvre through crowds (especially Canada Day) but can be worth it to see the fireworks displays set off in the harbour.
Hot Hint: The Halifax International Busker Festival which run through August, has acts at a number of stages located along the 3km Harbourwalk stretch.Listed in: Night Moves
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Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
The Harbourwalk is one of Halifax's worst-kept secrets. Everyone knows that the best place to be on a sunny afternoon is the waterfront, and specifically the Harbourwalk.
The main part of the walk stretches from the Casino Hotel to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Sprinkled throughout are vendors both large and small. The ferry terminal building is adjacent to the building housing Stayner's Wharf, Perks Coffee and a number of stores featuring Nova Scotian crafts and woolens. Further down the walk is Beavertails, a Canadian institution. Depending on the day and the weather, you'll also find independent stalls set up on the walkways, offering everything from henna designs to jewelry, and much more besides.
The only downside to the Harbourwalk is the congestion; on a hot day, there will be crowds upon crowds of people, all in search of the same thing you are: salty breezes and people-watching. I'm not a fan of the crowds, so we try to go at off-peak times -- but this also means that you may miss out on some of the vendors. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
I guess coming from Montreal, via Toronto, I expect Harbour areas perfect for tourists and those locals who want to be. So I was happy to find a great Harbour area here in Halifax. From fine dining to street or make that boardwalk vendors of beaver tails, fried clams and hot dogs, there's lots to eat (a biggie in my books) and I must mention two very different ice cream options at either end of the boardwalk.
If that's not enough, there are of course, myriad boats and ships to ogle, a great Maritime Museum and most times in the summer, music and busker fests to keep us all amused for hours.
Seriously, I even enjoy a walk on the boardwalk in the middle of winter when there are a few other hardy souls out taking in the air and view. Now if they can only get it cleaned up, we'll all be in heaven. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
The Halifax Waterfront, how can you not go there at least once and walk it. It is amazing how much you can take in from a walk that is impossible from a car.
If you are lucky enough to take this stroll at summertime then you are in for a treat. Maybe you are looking for a tour of the harbour on one of the sailing boats or a great meal by the water watching the water traffic.
Stop by the museum or grab a coffee and enjoy the scenery.
There is something for everyone here. -
Review from Lacey H.
Water: check.
Boardwalk: check
Coffee/Ice cream shops: check
Suggestion: Grab a cuppa-joe or a cone, take a breath, and embark on a stroll.
This lovely, albeit often cold edge of town is a great place to shuffle along while hearing the waves lap at the shore. I know, the water can be a little ick. And yes, the view of the oil refiner leaves something to be desired, but it really is a nice way to spend a morning or afternoon.
The sun bleached wooden walk stretches quite a distance, and is a great place to take visitors when you want to enjoy the city but also indulge in nature. The surrounding construction and busy summertime hordes can be a little distracting, but why not relax and take it all in anyway. I bet you won't regret a visit to this maritime sea-walk. -
Review from Brian S.
a nice place
for a walk
along the
harbour
Harbourwalk is a boardwalk that extends for over a mile along the water in Halifax and is frequented by locals and tourists all year long.
Beautiful views of the harbour with it's ships, lighthouses and islands are visible along the entire length and the scenery and sights are always changing with the time of day and time of year. People have told me that they have walked here for years and never get tired of it. That's certainly not difficult to believe because it is such a cool and invigorating place.
A multitude of shops, restaurants, breweries and interesting things are accessible from the boardwalk including the incredible Nova Scotia Crystal glass blowing shop, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Pavilion 22 mall, Canada's Immigration Museum and of course the indomitable ship HMCS Sackville. The Canadian obsession with monuments and statues is obvious with plaques and displays scattered through the walk.
The west end of Harbourwalk is where the massive cruise ships dock and numerous street performers are singing, playing or dancing when the ships are present. A pleasant breeze is always wafting off the water to keep the area cool even in the warmest weather and lots of fascinating people are always around to talk to. Harbourwalk is a very cool place to shop, walk, learn or just hang out.
A nice place
for a walk
along the
harbourListed in: In the wild, wild north
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
I've always lived in waterfront cities; once a river, once a bay and now a harbour. Halifax's waterfront is by no means the nicest, but at least it's got one. I find it really calming to walk along the uneven wooden planks and stare out over the water, and judging by the amount of people around it is clear that others enjoy it as well. Right now there's a ton of construction going on in the area that detracts a great deal from the ambience of the harbour front, but that will pass in time. The Harbourwalk is not too long, but during the summer you can entertain yourself down there for quite some time thanks to the artists and food vendors who make locate their businesses there. In the fall and winter it is subdued and more private, a good place for reflection. And a good place for looking forward for summer.
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Review from Dan E.
A gorgeous way to take in the beauty of Halifax!
