HALIFAX: A Breath of Fresh, Salty Air
Credit: Discover Halifax
Not too big, and not too small – Halifax is just the right size for your next event.
The gorgeous, vibrant city is surrounded by natural beauty and wonder and is chock-full of culture and experiences for all of your guests to enjoy from sunrise to sunset.
The ocean city, known to the Mi’kmaq as Kjipuktuk, is rich with Maritime history that can be discovered around every corner.
It’s large enough to have theatre, a symphony, and a wide variety of renowned dining, but small enough for guests and visitors to stumble across hidden gems that locals enjoy.
So it’s no wonder Halifax has one of the highest conference attendance rates in the country. Read on to see what you can discover in beautiful Halifax.
EXPERIENCE
Photo by: Travis MacRae (@Tmacrae)
Waterfront Boardwalk – Halifax wouldn’t be Halifax without it. The jaw-dropping waterfront boardwalk is the province’s most visited attraction for a reason: it boasts a working port, local artisans, restaurants, and shops, and is also surrounded by sparkling ocean. The boardwalk is also one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world at just over four kilometres. It’s a must-see while you’re in the city.
Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by: Acorn Art Photography
Halifax Harbour Tours with Ambassatours Gray Line – Experience all Halifax has to offer on land and sea with these exciting tours that suit every kind of visitor. Want something fun and fast-paced? Try the Harbour Hopper Tour where you board an amphibious vehicle that shows you the best of Halifax on and off land. Want something a little more intimate? Try the Dinner Cruise where you can view the sights and taste the flavours of the city all in one.
Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by: James Ingram
The Halifax Citadel Distilled Experiences – For a truly unique experience, take your visitors to one of the three Halifax Citadel Distilled Experiences. The tasting tours include three unique spirits, aged in oak barrels made collaboratively by the Halifax Citadel Society and Compass Distillers. Choose between three distinct tasting experiences, including their Toast and Tasting, Raise Your Spirits, and The Proof is in The Barrel programs.
VENUE
Credit: Halifax Convention Centre
Halifax Convention Centre – For a truly Nova Scotian experience, look no further than the Halifax Convention Centre to host your next event. The centre boasts 120,000 square feet of flexible event space right in the heart of downtown Halifax. It connects to more than 3,000 hotel rooms and is just steps away from world-renowned dining and fantastic arts and culture. It’s also a visually gorgeous space to host your next convention, meeting, or event as the interior was designed and inspired by the natural beauty of the Nova Scotian landscape.
Credit: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – Looking to host somewhere closer to the iconic Halifax waterfront? Book your next event at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This award-winning venue and national historic site is suitable for any and all kinds of functions and puts your guests right by the water.
Credit: Discovery Halifax
Discovery Centre – The Discovery Centre is the inventive choice for a one-of-kind event in Halifax. The centre is Atlantic Canada’s largest science centre which boasts an impressive interior including a four-story atrium, a glass elevator, a large video screen, harbour views, and sky-high ceilings. Enjoy the more than 40,000 square feet of floor space to accommodate up to 800 guests.
FOOD
Credit: Drift
Drift – Drift is the latest addition to Halifax’s culinary landscape on its waterfront. The restaurant, which bills itself as a serving up “a modern take on classic regional fare,” is located in the new Muir Hotel in the Queen’s Marque District. Enjoy East Coast favourites here, like Lobster Bisque and Fish Cakes.
Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo By: Adam Hill
Cable Wharf Kitchen & Patio – Currently under construction, Cable Wharf Kitchen & Patio is set to open this coming May 2022. Formerly known as the ever-popular Murphy’s Restaurant & Patio, the restaurant is being reimagined and transformed into something new. Rest assured, this will be a hot spot when you visit Halifax next.
Credit: Grafton Connor Group
The Decks – If eating outdoors with the backdrop of stunning harbour views is more your speed, try The Decks. It’s the newest addition to Argyle Street’s Grafton Connor Complex that serves a variety of tasty food and drink options for both small and large bookings. Local DJs will set the tone for an unforgettable experience here.
BEVERAGE
Credit: Discover Halifax
Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery – Beer lovers and historians alike won’t want to miss this. Take a tour of one of the oldest working breweries in North America – Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery, complete with tastings, songs, and stories for every guest to enjoy. You can even book your event here if that suits the mood you’re going for. The brewery can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Credit: Durty Nelly’s Authentic Irish Pub
Durty Nelly’s Authentic Irish Pub – Halifax’s culture is heavily influenced by the Gaelic, Scottish, and Irish immigrants who made their way to Nova Scotia way back when. Durty Nelly’s brings those influences to life. Enjoy a pint here, at this pub that was designed and built entirely in Ireland, shipped across the Atlantic Ocean, and put back together in the heart of Halifax’s entertainment district.
Credit: Bianca Aperitivo Bar
Bianca Aperitivo Bar – For a unique cocktail experience, look no further than Bianca Apertivo Bar, which serves up a plethora of inventive drinks in its European-inspired lounge. It’s perfect for happy hour, or can even be suitable for a private meeting of up to 40 guests.
For more information on everything Halifax has to offer, please visit DiscoverHalifaxNS.com.
This article was written in part with files from Discover Halifax and the Halifax Convention Centre.
CMEExpo will be travelling to North America’s most exciting destinations and reporting on what they have to offer in terms of experience, venue, food, and beverage. To have your city nominated, contact sonia@newcom.ca today and explain why your destination should be featured next.