Enjoyable walking tour noting major events in Halifax founding and development.



The Historic Halifax by Foot tour provides visitors an opportunity to sample the history, architecture and hospitality the city has to offer. Your local guide will lead you on a comfortable paced tour through the downtown area, with multiple stops at various locations for photos and conversation. With a small group size, guests will be able to enjoy a more personal tour.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
With your local guide, enter the Oldest Victorian Gardens in Canada, through the main gates. Inside the Gardens your guide will explain the history and monuments found inside. Free time will also be provided to explore on your known.
The Old Burying Ground is Halifax's oldest cemetery, founded in 1749. Your route will take you by the site featuring restored headstones, the only Crimean War memorial in North America and interesting tales of those laid to rest.
Providing a commanding view of downtown Halifax and the harbour, walk to the top of Citadel and join your guide as they explain the importance of Halifax as a military establishment and the importance of the Citadel. Great photo opportunity. This tour does not go inside the Citadel National Historic Site.
Founded in 1749, St. Paul's is the oldest Anglican church in Canada, as well as the oldest building in Halifax. From the Grand Parade, your guide will explain it's connection to the Halifax Explosion.
Your guide will stop at this historic military parade square dating from the founding of Halifax in 1749. At the north end of the Grand Parade is the Halifax City Hall, the seat of municipal government in Nova Scotia's Halifax Regional Municipality. At the south end is St. Paul's Church. In the middle of Grand Parade is the cenotaph built originally to commemorate the soldiers who served in First World War, Second World War, and the Korean War. Your guide will also take this time to talk about the Halifax Explosion, the worst man made explosion prior to the Second World War bombing in Japan.
Constructed between 1817-1819, Province House is Canada's longest serving legislative building in Canada. The structure is considered one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in North America. It is also the location of a famous court case in 1835 which lead to freedom of the press in Canada. Your guide will provide details about the unique events that have taken place at Provinces and the people who have governed Nova Scotia.
The Old Town Clock is one of Halifax's most famous landmarks. Constructed to provide the correct time to the local garrison, it has been helping Haligonians keep on time since 1803. Your route from Citadel Hill will take you past the front steps of the clock.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 197 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Historic Halifax by Foot lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 7 stops.
Prices start at $35 per person for this Halifax experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 8 departures a day between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Children aged 2–5 pay from $14, adults from $35.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meet your guide across the street from the Canadian Immigration Museum. You will see a railway passenger car in front of the museum. Your guide will be across the street from the railway car. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 276 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by TayMac Tours.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Enjoyable walking tour noting major events in Halifax founding and development.
Thoroughly informative, not too challenging, gives a valuable insight into the history of Halifax, its maritime and military.
Duncan was fantastic. One of the best walking tour guides I’ve ever encountered. Tour was longer than expected which was great.
This was one of the best walking tours we have taken on our international travels. Our tour guide, Duncan, is born and raised in Halifax, and was extremely knowledgeable with an encyclopedia of information to share. Highly recommend, but ask for Duncan as your guide.
Victor was an excellent tour guide. He gave us an excellent overview of Halifax. Got us to the Citadel in time for the noon firing of the cannon. He was extremely patient with us as we had confused the meeting place. Thanks Victor Norma
Easy walk , perfect amount of architectural sights and history! Adrian was knowledgeable and friendly, really enjoyed the tour!
A great introductory tour of Halifax led by Rhonda. We learnt so much about the city that we would have missed if just walking ourselves, and we loved all the recommendations and local knowledge! Would highly recommend for anyone visiting the city for a short period.
First (only?) trip to Halifax - the tour gave a good overview of the city and history of the founding and growth. The group was large but tour was split to about 15 ppl. The only issue was we kept running into / overlapping other tours - think they may have varied the route to not overlap. The guide was interesting and informative - unfortunately the group straggled a bit and felt we did not hear all of the commentary. I think wireless headsets for the attendees would be a nice addition. 2.5 hours was plenty of walking!!
Thanks for the review and feedback , thanks for the suggestion of the headsets for the customers , we are hoping that as thso techonogy advances its cost will become more affordable. guides are equipped with headset speakers. Hoep you enjoyed your time in Halifax and thanks for taking our tour.
The guide was very personable and knowledgeable! You also get a great lay of the downtown area for the rest of your trip.
Thanks Chelsea we do hear that's its a great way to identify places to further explore if you are here for a multiday trip . Thanks for visiting our city and joining us for Historic Halifax on foot
Glenn walks very, very quickly. There was a couple with walking aids that couldn’t keep up and had to drop out. When Glenn got to something he wanted to point out he started talking before everybody could catch up. It was a 2 1/2 hour walking tour with no bathroom break.
Thanks for your feedback Mary we recognize your concern. We typically have a bathroom break at the Public Gardens , We will check in with Glenn on your concerns to provide feedback.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Historic Halifax by Foot | 2h 30min | 4.7 (276) | $35 | |
Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour | 55 min | 4.7 (1,553) | $58 | View |
Peggy's Cove Small-Group Express: Scenic Tour from Halifax | 3 hours | 4.2 (912) | $57 | View |
Wine and Lunch Escape | 6h 30min–7h | 4.9 (617) | $170 | View |
Halifax Premium Tour: Peggy's Cove, Citadel & Titanic Cemetery | 4 hours | 4.4 (514) | $93 | View |
Small Group Tour - Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, the Annapolis Valley | 8h 45min | 4.9 (457) | $172 | View |
Peggy’s Cove & Halifax Historical Tours | 5 hours | 4.5 (392) | $118 | View |