Overview
With your local guide, explore Halifax's Harbourwalk with it's unique combination of scenic views, artwork, architecture, and history. Your guide will stop and explain the history of the national Immigration Museum at Pier 21, Georges Island, HMCS Sackville, the Halifax Explosion, and much more.
At a leisurely pace, visitors interested in history, architecture, art work, photography, can participate in this tour and get a sample of the culture and lives of Haligonians.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Tour Guide
Snacks
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you in front of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, across from the railway car, holding a sign with the name of the tour.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
5 min
Pier 21 is the former ocean liner terminal and immigration shed used from 1928 to 1971. Over one million immigrants passed through the gates. Today the facility is our National Immigration Museum, and part of the Halifax Cruise Ship Pavilion.
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Samuel Cunard Statue
5 min
The statue is in honour of the man who was born in Halifax in 1787. Founding director f the Halifax Steamboat Company and later founded the Cunard shipping line, today famous for the four Queens, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the Queen Anne.
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Georges Island National Historic Site
5 min
From the shore line, view George's Island with it's lighthouse and fortifications used to defend the entrance to Halifax Harbour.
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HMCS Sackville
10 min
The last remaining Corvette that served in the Second World War, providing protection for the merchant navy as convoys sailed the dangerous waters of the North Atlantic bringing vital supplies to the Allies in Europe.
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C.S.S. Acadia
5 min
Launched in 1913, she is the first vessel specifically designed to map Canada's North. She is also the only known vessel still afloat that survived the Halifax Explosion.
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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
5 min
Along with the HMCS Sackville and C.S.S Acadia, the Maritime Museum is home to great exhibits about Halifax's connection to the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion, plus other exhibits pertaining to Nova Scotia's connections to the sea.
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Historic Properties
5 min
Also known as Privateers Warehouses, the buildings constructed in the early 1800's were used by cargo merchants and privateers. Today they are home to restaurants, and shops.
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Province House
10 min
Constructed between 1815 and 1817, it is the oldest legislative building still in use in Canada.
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Old Burying Ground
5 min
The oldest cemetery in Halifax, St. Paul's has headstones dating back to the founding of Halifax in 1749.
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The Volunteers
5 min
The art work recognizes the contribution of women to the Second World War war effort.
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The Emigrant Statue
5 min
The artwork celebrates the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who first step foot in Canada along the waterfront.
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The Grand Derangement
10 min
A monument on the Halifax waterfront, with George's Island in the background. George Island was a location where French Acadians were imprisoned in 1755, before being deported from Nova Scotia to various places in the world
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The Wave
10 min
Created by Donna Hiebert in 1988, captures the sense of Halifax's connection with the sea.
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The Last Steps Memorial Arch
5 min
The Last Steps symbolizes the last time hundreds of thousands of Canadian soldiers in World War One and World War Two felt Canadian soil before departing for Europe.
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The Cable Wharf
10 min
Halifax played a vital role in the building of communication lines on the ocean floor that stretched from Europe to North America. Halifax was a landing point for some of these communication cables. The Cable Wharf was used as a base for cable ships to store supplies and make repairs.
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HMC Dockyard Clock
10 min
Canada's oldest working clock. Installed at the navy dockyard in 1772.
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Halifax Harbour Ferry
10 min
Oldest salt water ferry service in North America.
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Grand Parade
15 min
Considered the center of town in 1749 when Halifax was founded, the Grand Parade consists of Halifax City Hall, monument to the fallen police officers of Nova Scotia, the cenotaph honouring our war veterans, and St. Paul's church, the oldest Anglican church in Canada.
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St. Mary's Basilica
5 min
Consecrated in 1899, St. Mary's has the tallest granite spire in North America, at 189 feet.
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Government House
5 min
The official residence of the lieutentant governor of Nova Scotia. Constructed in 1800, it is a fine example of Georgian architecture.
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The Westin Nova Scotian
5 min
Built in 1927, it is one of the 'grand dame" hotels in the city, hosting many heads of state and members of royal families.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Halifax).
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with walking or mobility issues.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Halifax Waterfront Discovery Tour by Foot
Can I cancel Halifax Waterfront Discovery Tour by Foot for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
Your guide will meet you in front of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, across from the railway car, holding a sign with the name of the tour.
What's included?
- Tour Guide
What's not included?
- Snacks
Which places does it visit?
It visits Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Samuel Cunard Statue, Georges Island National Historic Site, HMCS Sackville, C.S.S. Acadia, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Historic Properties, Province House.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by TayMac Tours
