With 150 years under our country’s belt, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the Canada’s capital cities. While Quebec City, Victoria and Toronto are all popular destinations, Halifax is rich with history and also offers plenty of Maritime charm. This coastal city is home to a citadel, a 200-year-old fishing village and many other attractions. Centered on its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax is the ultimate nautical experience. Read on for some of the best this East Coast city has to offer for Summer 2017. 

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Visit Fisherman’s Cove

This restored fishing village is two centuries old and offers visitors a glimpse into the cove’s past and activities of today. Only 20 minutes from downtown Halifax, Fisherman’s Cove boasts a picturesque boardwalk, seafood restaurants and shops filled with Maritime crafts. Check out the local art at Fisherman’s Cove Gallery, or rent a chartered boat and try your hand at deep-sea fishing.

Tour the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada

If you’re a history buff, the Halifax Citadel is a must-see during your visit. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, this fortress was built by the military to protect the Empire. Today, the Citadel and Clock Tower is a popular tourist spot and also serves as a piece of the city’s rich history. You can tour the site or be a ‘soldier for a day’ and find out first-hand what it was life was like for a soldier during the era that Canada was emerging into a nation.

Take a ride on the Ferry

Toronto may have the TTC, but Halifax has the oldest running saltwater ferry service in North America! While it only offers routes between Halifax, Dartmouth and Woodside, it’s a fitting way to travel from these Nova Scotian cities. Integrated into the city’s bus service, the ferries serve as a symbolic link to Halifax’s history.

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Strike a pose at Peggy’s Cove

A trip to Halifax is incomplete without a quick drive down to Peggy’s Cove. Located less than an hour south of the city, it is known for its scenic view and iconic lighthouse.  Though Nova Scotia is home to over 160 lighthouses, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse seems to be the most photographed. Though it was built over 100 years ago, it still functions and watches over the ocean waves and lobster boats.

Indulge in a Lobster Dinner

For many Canadians, lobster is a luxury, but for Halifax natives, it’s a way of life. Nova Scotia as a whole is known for its lobster fishing community. One popular place to check out is Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound, where you can pick a fresh lobster and have it cooked for you right on location. Foodies looking for something a bit more upscale can head over to Shore Club, where they have been serving traditional lobster suppers for over 78 years.