The Halifax Citadel looms over this 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship host city (co-hosting with Moncton) and is one of many Atlantic Canada attractions for hockey fans to check out when not at the rink.
photo: Acorn Art Photography / Discover Halifax
Hockey fans in Halifax and Moncton are in for a treat. Between games at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship (26 December to 5 January), there’s plenty to see and do in the largest cities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick respectively.
After you’ve enjoyed the live music, entertainment, mascots, merchandise, and big-screen viewing parties at the #ExploreNB Fan Fest at either arena, keep the fun going with some local tourism.
Whether you’re seeking great food and drink, an intriguing museum, a fun-filled shopping expedition, or simply some fresh air and exercise, there’s something for every visitor’s taste.
In honour of 2023, we’ve compiled a list of 23 things to do in Halifax and Moncton. Enjoy!
1. Tour the Halifax Citadel: You can walk around the giant star-shaped fortress atop a hill overlooking the harbour. This National Historic Site, a former British stronghold, was built in 1856. Don’t miss the daily firing of the cannon at noon by gunners in 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery uniforms.
2. Visit Resurgo Place in Moncton: At this striking, 2014-completed building, just a 20-minute walk from the Avenir Centre, check out on-site attractions such as the interactive Transportation Discovery Museum and the photograph-laden Moncton Museum.
3. Sample Halifax’s famous seafood: At Salty’s Seafood Restaurant, located on the waterfront, you can dig into Nova Scotia lobster chowder, steamed mussels, and pan-seared crab cakes. Right by Scotiabank Centre, Five Fishermen tempts diners with tuna tartare and pesto-crusted halibut.
4. Investigate Moncton’s craft brewing scene: Named Best Brewery of the Year at the 2022 Canadian Brewers Choice Awards, Tire Shack Brewery attracts beer fans with Bumbleberry Sour and Candy Cane Stout. The 1999-opened Pump House Brewpub serves everything from Moncton’s biggest burgers to wood oven pizzas to accompany its Cadian Cream Ale and Blueberry Ale.
5. Reflect on the Titanic at Halifax’s Fairview Lawn cemetery: Director James Cameron (Avatar, The Terminator) visited Halifax to film Titanic in 1996. Cemetery visitors frequently view the real-life grave of J. Dawson. The coal trimmer, whose name sparked Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie character, is one of more than 100 victims of the 1912 nautical disaster buried here.
6. View the tides at Bore Park in Moncton: The Bay of Fundy has the world’s highest tides. The sea level can rise more than 17 metres between high and low tide. From a small amphitheatre at Bore Park, you can view the remarkable phenomenon of a standing wave travelling upstream (a tidal bore) on the Petitcodiac River. Check the tide times online before you go
7. Explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Halifax’s Pier 21: Featuring wearable period costumes, historical films, and searchable immigration records, this popular museum – a former passenger terminal and ocean immigration shed (1928-71) – has been called Canada’s answer to Ellis Island in New York.
After you’ve enjoyed the live music, entertainment, mascots, merchandise, and big-screen viewing parties at the #ExploreNB Fan Fest at either arena, keep the fun going with some local tourism.
Whether you’re seeking great food and drink, an intriguing museum, a fun-filled shopping expedition, or simply some fresh air and exercise, there’s something for every visitor’s taste.
In honour of 2023, we’ve compiled a list of 23 things to do in Halifax and Moncton. Enjoy!
1. Tour the Halifax Citadel: You can walk around the giant star-shaped fortress atop a hill overlooking the harbour. This National Historic Site, a former British stronghold, was built in 1856. Don’t miss the daily firing of the cannon at noon by gunners in 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery uniforms.
2. Visit Resurgo Place in Moncton: At this striking, 2014-completed building, just a 20-minute walk from the Avenir Centre, check out on-site attractions such as the interactive Transportation Discovery Museum and the photograph-laden Moncton Museum.
3. Sample Halifax’s famous seafood: At Salty’s Seafood Restaurant, located on the waterfront, you can dig into Nova Scotia lobster chowder, steamed mussels, and pan-seared crab cakes. Right by Scotiabank Centre, Five Fishermen tempts diners with tuna tartare and pesto-crusted halibut.
4. Investigate Moncton’s craft brewing scene: Named Best Brewery of the Year at the 2022 Canadian Brewers Choice Awards, Tire Shack Brewery attracts beer fans with Bumbleberry Sour and Candy Cane Stout. The 1999-opened Pump House Brewpub serves everything from Moncton’s biggest burgers to wood oven pizzas to accompany its Cadian Cream Ale and Blueberry Ale.
5. Reflect on the Titanic at Halifax’s Fairview Lawn cemetery: Director James Cameron (Avatar, The Terminator) visited Halifax to film Titanic in 1996. Cemetery visitors frequently view the real-life grave of J. Dawson. The coal trimmer, whose name sparked Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie character, is one of more than 100 victims of the 1912 nautical disaster buried here.
6. View the tides at Bore Park in Moncton: The Bay of Fundy has the world’s highest tides. The sea level can rise more than 17 metres between high and low tide. From a small amphitheatre at Bore Park, you can view the remarkable phenomenon of a standing wave travelling upstream (a tidal bore) on the Petitcodiac River. Check the tide times online before you go
7. Explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Halifax’s Pier 21: Featuring wearable period costumes, historical films, and searchable immigration records, this popular museum – a former passenger terminal and ocean immigration shed (1928-71) – has been called Canada’s answer to Ellis Island in New York.
Magnetic Hill Winery produces award-winning fruit wines and other wines in Moncton.
photo: Tourism New Brunswick
8. Sip a vintage from Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Winery: If you assumed New Brunswick doesn’t have a wine industry, think again. Owner Zach Everett has garnered awards for his Mystique cranberry wine and Framboise raspberry dessert wine.
9. Go to Halifax’s Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: This waterfront museum vividly spotlights everything from the sinking of the Titanic to the 1917 Halifax Explosion to the era of World War II convoys. Plan your visit with holiday hours in mind: it’s closed 25-27 December and 1-2 January.
10. Shop at the Marché Moncton Market: Head to 120 Westmorland Street in downtown Moncton for this Saturday market (08:00 to 14:00), which bills itself as “over 100 Atlantic Canadian growers, producers, artisans and culinary enthusiasts, all under one roof!” You can buy everything from hot sauce and cupcakes to jewellery and soap.
11. Eat at a Halifax vegetarian restaurant: Slovakia’s Zdeno Chara and the U.S.’s David Backe are among the NHLers who have tried a more plant-based diet for health and fitness. Heartwood, established in 1995, specializes in vegetarian delicacies, from curry burgers to spicy tofu pizza to peanut butter cheesecake.
12. Take the kids to Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Zoo: Home to Amur tigers, North American river otters, and colobus monkeys, the 16-hectare zoo is lit up throughout the holiday season with the “Wild Lights” extravaganza.
9. Go to Halifax’s Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: This waterfront museum vividly spotlights everything from the sinking of the Titanic to the 1917 Halifax Explosion to the era of World War II convoys. Plan your visit with holiday hours in mind: it’s closed 25-27 December and 1-2 January.
10. Shop at the Marché Moncton Market: Head to 120 Westmorland Street in downtown Moncton for this Saturday market (08:00 to 14:00), which bills itself as “over 100 Atlantic Canadian growers, producers, artisans and culinary enthusiasts, all under one roof!” You can buy everything from hot sauce and cupcakes to jewellery and soap.
11. Eat at a Halifax vegetarian restaurant: Slovakia’s Zdeno Chara and the U.S.’s David Backe are among the NHLers who have tried a more plant-based diet for health and fitness. Heartwood, established in 1995, specializes in vegetarian delicacies, from curry burgers to spicy tofu pizza to peanut butter cheesecake.
12. Take the kids to Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Zoo: Home to Amur tigers, North American river otters, and colobus monkeys, the 16-hectare zoo is lit up throughout the holiday season with the “Wild Lights” extravaganza.
Emera Oval, a popular outdoor skating venue in Halifax, is the size of three NHL rinks put together.
photo: Dean Casavechia / Tourism Nova Scotia
13. Go skating at Halifax’s Emera Oval: You may not play for a World Junior team, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the ice at Canada’s biggest outdoor, artificially refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City. It’s as big as three NHL rinks. The Oval opened this year on 19 December, and has free equipment rentals and public washrooms.
14. Relax at Usva Spa Nordik in Moncton: If you’re rooting for a Scandinavian team, you’ll relish Usva Spa Nordik’s thermal experience with a dry sauna, steam, and outdoor cold pool. The Magnetic Hill-area venue also offers massages, facials, and other treatments.
15. Treat yourself to a cocktail in Halifax: Drift, the Muir Hotel’s in-house restaurant, offers an acclaimed cocktail program. The Seafoam Royal Gin Fizz – incorporating local gin and lavender and featuring a distinctive purple colour – has been a crowd-pleaser ever since opening day in 2021.
16. Visit Doiron House in Moncton: This historic 1841-built house (open Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00) belonged to a well-to-do Acadian farmer who doubled as an author and a justice of the peace. It’s another interesting cultural touchstone in Moncton, which became Canada’s first officially bilingual city (English and French) in 2002.
17. Head to Halifax’s Museum of Natural History: At this downtown Halifax attraction, check out permanent exhibitions like “Rocky Shore: Our New Coastal Aquarium” and “Sable Island: Over the Dunes, Beyond Wild Horses.” Keep an eye out for Gus, who lives here as reputedly the oldest known gopher tortoise at age 100.
18. Enjoy fine dining in Moncton: Lobster papardelle, blackened haddock with squash, and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin are signature dishes at the St. James Gate Restaurant. Noted for using fresh, local ingredients, it’s a 10-minute walk from the Avenir Centre.
19. Let the good times roll at Halifax’s Lower Deck: The 1974-founded pub features a beer market and tap room for private events. It’s a beloved harbourside showcase for local musicians. Expect plenty of jaunty dancing and jovial sing-alongs.
20. Experience the great outdoors at Moncton’s Centennial Park: Weather permitting, this popular 94-hectare park – a five-minute drive from the hockey arena – offers Canadian winter activities like snowshoeing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. Rentals are available. A 1950’s CF 100 Canuck fighter jet is displayed in the park.
14. Relax at Usva Spa Nordik in Moncton: If you’re rooting for a Scandinavian team, you’ll relish Usva Spa Nordik’s thermal experience with a dry sauna, steam, and outdoor cold pool. The Magnetic Hill-area venue also offers massages, facials, and other treatments.
15. Treat yourself to a cocktail in Halifax: Drift, the Muir Hotel’s in-house restaurant, offers an acclaimed cocktail program. The Seafoam Royal Gin Fizz – incorporating local gin and lavender and featuring a distinctive purple colour – has been a crowd-pleaser ever since opening day in 2021.
16. Visit Doiron House in Moncton: This historic 1841-built house (open Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00) belonged to a well-to-do Acadian farmer who doubled as an author and a justice of the peace. It’s another interesting cultural touchstone in Moncton, which became Canada’s first officially bilingual city (English and French) in 2002.
17. Head to Halifax’s Museum of Natural History: At this downtown Halifax attraction, check out permanent exhibitions like “Rocky Shore: Our New Coastal Aquarium” and “Sable Island: Over the Dunes, Beyond Wild Horses.” Keep an eye out for Gus, who lives here as reputedly the oldest known gopher tortoise at age 100.
18. Enjoy fine dining in Moncton: Lobster papardelle, blackened haddock with squash, and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin are signature dishes at the St. James Gate Restaurant. Noted for using fresh, local ingredients, it’s a 10-minute walk from the Avenir Centre.
19. Let the good times roll at Halifax’s Lower Deck: The 1974-founded pub features a beer market and tap room for private events. It’s a beloved harbourside showcase for local musicians. Expect plenty of jaunty dancing and jovial sing-alongs.
20. Experience the great outdoors at Moncton’s Centennial Park: Weather permitting, this popular 94-hectare park – a five-minute drive from the hockey arena – offers Canadian winter activities like snowshoeing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. Rentals are available. A 1950’s CF 100 Canuck fighter jet is displayed in the park.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax has a permanent collection with more than 18,000 works.
photo: Acorn Art & Photography / Tourism Nova Scotia
21. Check out the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: Halifax’s central art gallery currently features exhibitions like folk artist Maud Lewis’s paintings of cart horses and cats and “The Shape of Cities,” which explores 20th-century urban and rural industrial landscapes
22. Shop at Reads Books & Coffee in Moncton: Thousands of well-loved books in every category, including rare first editions, await avid readers at this jam-packed bookstore on Mountain Road. Get a caffeine boost and literary boost on a chilly day.
23. Watch sports at the HFX Sports Bar & Grill: Boasting more than 90 TV screens, this capacious Halifax sports bar is another great option for catching up on World Junior highlights and other hockey action. Devour crispy cauliflower bites with blue cheese or fish tacos with jalapeno salsa as you gear up for the next game at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
22. Shop at Reads Books & Coffee in Moncton: Thousands of well-loved books in every category, including rare first editions, await avid readers at this jam-packed bookstore on Mountain Road. Get a caffeine boost and literary boost on a chilly day.
23. Watch sports at the HFX Sports Bar & Grill: Boasting more than 90 TV screens, this capacious Halifax sports bar is another great option for catching up on World Junior highlights and other hockey action. Devour crispy cauliflower bites with blue cheese or fish tacos with jalapeno salsa as you gear up for the next game at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.