Top Nova Scotia On the Water

Enjoy spectacular waterfront views—and even help hoist the sails—as you take a ride on the Tall Ship Silva along the scenic Halifax Harbour. This schooner gives passengers the opportunity to join the crew in manning the sails, tying knots, or even taking a turn at the helm. If you prefer, you can sit and watch the action while admiring many of the region's top landmarks from the water's edge.

On this Harbour Hopper tour, you'll travel on both land and water aboard a nifty, renovated amphibious Vietnam War vehicle. The unconventional method of transportation gives you an overview of some of Halifax's key landmarks: First, drive by St Paul’s Cathedral, Citadel Hill and Halifax Public Gardens, then splash into Halifax Harbour for panoramic views of the waterfront.

Go sailing in Halifax with this small-group tour designed for families. Meet your captain for a morning sail on a 45-foot yacht to experience a wind-powered adventure. Learn new sailing skills and set out along the coastline. Kids can earn an official crew member certificate during the excursion.

Experience gold and pink-hued skies while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city on this sunset harbor cruise. Take in the views from the upper deck, snap photos of the city from a vantage point most travelers don’t get the chance to see, and relax on board with optionally purchasable wines, beers, and cocktails.

Experience the Caribbean vibe on Halifax Harbour as you board a fully licensed Tiki Boat for a delightful two-hour cruise. Enjoy the ocean breeze while you glide past iconic sights like McNabs Island, Georges Island, and the vibrant Halifax Waterfront. This tour combines stunning views with local wildlife and a taste of Halifax’s rich maritime history. With state-of-the-art Tritoon vessels, you'll have access to amenities like karaoke, Bluetooth speakers, and a licensed bar, clean restrooms ensuring a fun-filled adventure on the water. - Two-hour Tiki Boat cruise showcasing Halifax's waterfront attractions - Depart from Halifax Waterfront, Alderney Marina, or Cable Wharf - Amenities including clean restrooms, karaoke, Bluetooth and a licensed bar. - Perfect for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy summer vibes on the water - Professionally trained and friendly crews - Delicious and refreshing specialty cocktails!

One of Atlantic Canada’s best national parks, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site offers tremendous paddling opportunities—and chances to connect with nature and Mi’kmaw culture. Take a 2-hour guided tour of the Mersey River, the most beautiful spot in the park for a paddle, and you’ll get to hear the secrets of Keji between photographing turtles and swimming squirrels and taking in the majestic views.

The rocky keyholes, archways, and sea stacks of the Cape Chignecto Provincial Park are most impressive when viewed from the water. On this tour, spend a full day kayaking the coastal wilderness of the Bay of Fundy and enjoy close-up views of the famous Three Sisters rocks. Learn more about the unique geology from your guide, and experience the rapidly transforming landscapes of the world’s highest tidal range.

Discover the sights and sounds of Halifax as you sail along its coast on a moonlight cruise. Join a small group and board your yacht, taking in the illuminated skyline while you sail. Enjoy a relaxed evening with your friends and family paired with good music and some of Nova Scotia’s best craft beer, wine, and spirits (for purchase).

Soak up coastline views at the most scenic time of day on this small-group sunset cruise out of Halifax Harbour. Sail down the narrows of the Northwest Arm past George's and McNabs Islands as the sun sets over beautiful homes. Toast the experience with four included Nova Scotian wines—sparkling, Tidal Bay, rose, and red—paired with local cheese boards during a guided tasting.

Let the power of mother nature propel you as you cruise across the harbor on Halifax's only wind-powered sailing experience. This small-group tour is a great introduction to sailing: you can be as hands-on with the sailing process as you like, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Turn your trip to Georges Island into an interactive experience where you’ll learn far more than you could hope to alone on this round-trip ferry tour from Halifax. Hop aboard a vessel along the Halifax waterfront and take in views of the city skyline before disembarking on Georges Island. Learn about the region’s role in both World Wars and navigate historic underground tunnels before heading back to the city.

Shake up your typical happy hour on our Halifax Happy Hour Cruise - a 2-hour cruise along the Halifax Harbour and into the scenic Northwest Arm! Enjoy live music, breathtaking views, and great deals on beverages, all for an unbeatable ticket price. Pair your beverages with a selection of onboard snacks including popcorn, hotdogs and sausages - these can be pre-ordered or ordered when you arrive. This a laid-back, good times only cruise makes for the perfect outing for birthdays, staff get-togethers, or a casual night out with friends. Whether you're sipping your favourite drink on deck, soaking in the city skyline, or dancing along to live tunes, this cruise offers a completely different way to experience happy hour in Halifax. Join us aboard, raise a toast, and let the good times sail!

Spend the day spotting seals on this tour of Pictou Harbour and its nearby seal colony. A small-group tour makes for a more focused experience as you learn about the history of the region from your guide, and cruise along a picturesque shore. Make the most of your time on this tour filled with marine wildlife and stunning ocean views.

Soak in the sights along Halifax's coastline with this scenic sailing yacht tour. The small group size offers a more comfortable experience than crowded boat tours, while offering more savings than a private hire. Sit back and relax, or get some hands-on experience sailing with the crew if you're interested in trying it out for yourself.

Enjoy a kayaking experience conveniently located a short drive away from downtown Halifax. Explore Long Lake at your own pace as you and a partner kayak along the edge of the city and pass by inlets, islands, and even an old dam. Whether you’d like to kayak for a couple of hours or longer, choose the rental that works best for you.

After a day of exploring the city on foot, enjoy Halifax by sea aboard a traditional tall ship with a DJ, dance floor, open deck, and pub. Order drinks from the fully stocked bar while taking in the city skyline and ocean breeze. Dance to live music under the night sky and soak up the salty sea air—a great way to party without having to hit multiple bars.

Grab a kayak and get out on the water with this hassle-free kayak rental at Long Lake Provincial Park. Weave through inlets and islands located just outside the urban core of Halifax, exploring at your own pace on a self-guided excursion. All equipment is included, streamlining the rental and letting you safely enjoy your time out on the water.

Set sail on a 3-hour journey through the stunning St. Margarets Bay, blending sailing excitement with the beauty of Nova Scotia’s coastline. Departing from Shining Waters Marina, this adventure invites you to take the helm or simply soak in the fresh ocean air. Midway, anchor near scenic islands for a swim or exploration. Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking both adventure and relaxation, this immersive experience connects you to the water and the landscape. Enjoy personalized service and breathtaking views on a private charter for up to 12 guests. - 3-hour sailing adventure with island anchoring - Opportunities to explore, swim, or relax on deck - Suitable for families and nature enthusiasts - Private charters available for up to 12 guests

Explore Halifax Harbour like never before with a private sailing charter designed just for you. Whether you're looking to relax, celebrate a special occasion, or explore the coastline, each tour caters to your group's preferences. Enjoy visits to Fisherman's Cove, witness breathtaking coastal scenery, and keep an eye out for local wildlife during your sail. With options for various durations and itineraries, this experience offers a unique blend of leisure and adventure. Don’t miss out on creating unforgettable memories on the water in Halifax. - Private yacht exclusively for your group, accommodating up to 10 guests - Flexible routes and customizable itineraries for all occasions - Duration ranges from 2 to 5 hours, tailored to your preferences - Ideal for families, friends, visitors, and special events like proposals or birthdays

*In order to deliver the best personalized experience, a member will be reaching out to you from the Museum team to gather information tailored to your interests. What's Included: • A personalized experience — before your visit, we'll reach out to learn what brings you to our Museum, whether that's tracing a family connection or exploring a particular chapter of immigration history • Private guided tour through both core Museum exhibitions, tailored around your interests • Dedicated and knowledgeable Interpreter sharing rare stories of the nearly one million people who passed through Pier 21 — and the millions more who arrived at other points of entry across Canada • Keepsake of the Pier 21: A History Book, an engaging history of Halifax’s iconic immigration gateway by Canadian Museum of Immigration historians Steven Schwinghamer and Jan Raska PS Please book 4 weeks in advance for the custom tour. The bookings will not be accepted if made within 4 weeks of the arrival date.

Go stand-up paddle boarding at Long Lake Provincial Park. Long Lake is the centrepiece of Long Lake Provincial Park, a 5000+ acre wilderness oasis that borders on the edge of Halifax’s urban core, only a ten-minute drive from downtown Halifax, and central to the entire city. Long Lake was the City of Halifax’s principal water supply from the mid-1800’s to the 1970’s and a result it has always been protected from adjacent development that could negatively affect its water quality. The result is a 3 km+ long lake on the edge of the city with absolutely pristine water and an uninterrupted, unaltered natural shoreline. Long Lake is a great place to spend several hours of a day traversing the lake and exploring the many inlets, two islands and the old dam that created the lake’s current shape two centuries ago.

Hosting the headwaters of Nova Scotia’s two finest rivers, the Medway Lakes Wilderness Area boasts small ancient lakes, sandy summertime beaches tucked in quiet coves and pine and hemlock sheltered campsites. I don't want to shower you with superlatives and risk this sounding exaggerated and/or cheesy (maybe I already transgressed above) but there really is something special about this paddling region. The lakes are generally small and studded with scruggy (yep, I made that word up) little islands and there just seems to be more beaches than any other place we offer tours. I try not to make much fuss about the wildlife because it’s just not something we can guarantee on a trip, but every night we listened to coyotes singing or owls hooting or beavers splashing about. This trip strikes a fine balance between rugged adventure and relaxing bliss.

Discover the beauty of Nova Scotia’s South Shore with a JFarwell sailing experience in St. Margarets Bay. Just a short drive from Halifax, this coastal paradise is known for its rugged shoreline, scenic islands, and as home to the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. This 2-hour sail is all about slowing down and soaking it in. You'll be greeted with a Nova Scotia crafted beverage as you step aboard your Beneteau Oceanis 45. Glide through the calm, sheltered waters of the bay as the sea breeze carries you past quiet coves and picturesque shoreline homes. It’s the perfect outing for families, couples, or anyone wanting a peaceful break surrounded by nature. - Duration: 2 hours with flexible sailing options - Depart from Shining Waters Marina, 25 minutes from Halifax - Ideal for all skill levels, no sailing experience needed - Private charters available for up to 12 guests

Go sailing at sunset in Halifax with this private yacht tour complete with wine and cheese. Climb aboard a boat for a scenic tour that includes a tasting of four Nova Scotia wines plus cheese and snacks. Set sail into the Northwest Arm to see local landmarks including the Dingle Tower and lush parks. Plan a romantic evening in Halifax with this private boat cruise and customize the itinerary if you wish.