Experience Downtown
Downtown Halifax represents the true essence of a port city - a place where a distinct history meets a new world. Unique stories are born here from the constant inflow and outflow of people, goods and services. It's a place where constant change lives hand-in-hand with a strong sense of our past.
Our streets and architecture are rich in history and alive in character. A somewhat colourful and gritty history of barmaids and sailors echoes through the historical buildings that now set the stage for a thriving and modern business community. Many of the buildings still house their original occupants, such as The Bank of Nova Scotia on Hollis Street and the Brewery Market. Built in 1820, the brewery building is a fine example of the industrious spirit of Nova Scotia. Today, it is home to Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery; modern office suites, restaurants and shops. Every Saturday, it hosts North America's oldest Farmers' Market.
The living waterfront is a daily reminder that Halifax was born as an international port of sail. From the Historic Properties to the Seawall and Pier 21 Museum, the Waterfront continues to be the gateway from which the Maritimes meets the world.
The Historic Properties are comprised of buildings that once housed the portside coppers, rope-makers and warehouses that supplied the ships that began sailing into Halifax Harbour more than 250 years ago.The retail heart of the Downtown is Barrington Street, where independent retailers inhabit a remarkable stretch of heritage properties that are the signature of what Downtown Halifax was and will become. Downtown Facts and Stats There are nearly 200 bars and restaurants in Downtown Halifax. You can experience a myriad of tastes when dining Downtown including: Canadian, Indian, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Thai, Japanese and Belgian. Halifax has the highest number of bars per capita of any city in Canada. There are also two cabarets - The Dome and Reflections Cabaret, which are open until 3:30 am. During the summer, you can dine in the fresh air at any of the 60 Downtown sidewalk cafés. FRED, the free shuttle bus, transports residents and visitors around the Downtown. FRED runs from beginning of July to the end of October, seven days a week from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The Downtown boardwalk is over 4 kilometres long and runs along the Halifax Waterfront. Walking on the boardwalk, you can enjoy the scenery, take a tour of the Harbour or dine and shop. The Halifax International Buskers Festival takes place every August. Street performers from around the world come to town for this 11-day event. Downtown Halifax hosts Canada's oldest Farmers' Market at Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery, 1496 Lower Water Street. Halifax had the first democratic seat in the Canadian government in 1758. Approximately 20,000 people work in the core of Downtown Halifax. Located in the heart of historic Downtown Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) brings the visual arts and people together in an environment that encourages exploration, dialogue and enjoyment. Pier 21 Museum, located at 1055 Marginal Road, is one of Canada's newest National Historic Sites. Pier 21 has several interactive displays, photos and details the immigration history of over one million immigrants.lit anim id est laborum.
Big Day Downtown
Learn about the eclectic variety of activities and topics Downtown Halifax has to offer through our Big Day video series and local bloggers who have shared their stories.
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