Things to do in Halifax
Team ASE
May 16, 2026
If you are traveling into Halifax for a shark cage diving expedition, your day on the water may be the reason for the trip —
If you are traveling to Nova Scotia for one of our Yarmouth-area Great White Shark Expeditions, your trip will take you to one of the province’s most distinctive coastal regions.
Atlantic Shark Expeditions’ great white shark trips depart from Lower West Pubnico, near Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores. This part of Nova Scotia is known for working fishing communities, Acadian culture, seafood, beaches, lighthouses, dark skies, coastal drives, and access to rich marine wildlife.
For many guests, the expedition is the main reason for visiting. But because most people are traveling a long distance to get here, it makes sense to build a larger trip around your time on the water.
This guide is designed for guests who are either:
The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region is one of Nova Scotia’s most underrated coastal travel areas. It is a strong fit for ASE guests because it offers marine culture, working wharves, seafood, lighthouses, beaches, and nature-based experiences.
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores highlights regional experiences such as Cape Forchu, the Yarmouth Buoy Wall, Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, Deep Sky Eye Observatory, beaches, local food, and guided tours.
Cape Forchu Lighthouse is one of the signature attractions near Yarmouth. It offers rugged coastal views, walking areas, ocean scenery, and one of the most recognizable lighthouse landscapes in the region. Learn more.
Lower West Pubnico and the surrounding area are deeply connected to Acadian history and fishing culture.
Good options to visit include:
These stops help guests understand the community and region where the expedition is based.
Want to see more of what the area has to offer, consider taking a guided tour. For guests who want another ocean-based activity, Tusket Island Tours can be a strong add-on. Yarmouth & Acadian Shores describes the experience as a lobster boat tour through the Tusket Islands that introduces visitors to the region’s Acadian culture and fishing history.
Did you know the region is the heart of North America’s only Starlight Tourist Destination? Stargazing can be a great evening activity if you are staying locally and want a quieter experience after a day on the water. Check out the Deep Sky Observatory! Learn more about stargazing opportunities here.
Fishing is part of the local culture. Spend a full or half-a-day going on fishing charter with knowledgeable guides. Catch your own Haddock for dinner. Learn more.
Seafood should be part of the trip. Lobster, scallops, haddock, chowder, fish and chips, and other local dishes are all part of the coastal Nova Scotia experience.
After a full day offshore, a relaxed seafood dinner in Yarmouth or the surrounding area is one of the best ways to end the day. Some good options here.
For guests flying into Halifax, saying in the city for day or even the drive down to Yarmouth can become one of the highlights of the trip.
Rather than driving straight through, consider building in time for some of Nova Scotia’s most popular coastal stops.
Halifax is one of Canada’s great coastal cities. It has a walkable downtown, a busy harbour, excellent seafood, historic sites, and easy access to the ocean. See our companion blog on things to do in Halifax.
Peggy’s Cove is one of Canada’s most iconic spots! It is a strong first stop if you are leaving Halifax and beginning a South Shore route toward Yarmouth. Learn more.
Mahone Bay is a scenic waterfront town with shops, restaurants, and classic Nova Scotia views. It is a good place to stop for lunch, coffee, or a relaxed walk. Learn more.
Lunenburg is one of the most popular destinations on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Its historic waterfront, colourful buildings, maritime character, and restaurants make it a worthwhile stop for guests traveling between Halifax and Yarmouth. Learn more.
Guests with extra time and a strong interest in marine wildlife may also consider a side trip to Brier Island for whale watching. The location is a few hours away from Lower West Pubnico, where the shark expeditions takes place. So this type of excursion is best treated as an additional day or overnight extension, not something to squeeze into an expedition day. Brier Island involves extra driving and ferry logistics, but it can be an excellent add-on for guests who are building a broader wildlife-focused Nova Scotia trip.
For Yarmouth great white shark guests arriving by ferry from Maine or traveling by car, Brier Island may be especially appealing if you have enough time and flexibility in your schedule. Learn more here.
If you are making the long drive from Halifax to Yarmouth / Lower West Pubnico. We suggest making optional stops at Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, or Lunenburg on the way down or back. If you are staying a few extra days in the area, consider visiting visiting Cape Forchu or exploring Yarmouth before returning to Halifax. Alternatively, drive up to Halifax to spend the day exploring this amazing coastal city (see our companion blog on things to do in Halifax)
For guests arriving by ferry from Maine, Yarmouth or Lowest West Pubnico becomes the natural base for exploring Cape Forchu, Pubnico, Acadian Shores, local wharves, beaches, or Tusket Islands. If you have a few extra days, consider checking out the South Shore or make the trek out to Brier Island for whale watching. This option works especially well for guests traveling with their own vehicle.
Shark cage diving is an ocean-based activity, and weather always matters. If your schedule allows, avoid packing your trip too tightly. Keep some activities flexible so you can adjust if marine conditions affect your expedition. If you get weather cancelled, we definitely suggest making the most of your visit to Nova Scotia by exploring some of the local experiences listed above or making a day trip to the South Shore and checking out Lunenberg.
For Yarmouth great white shark expedition guests, these resources are especially useful:
For many guests, seeing a great white shark in Atlantic Canada is a bucket-list experience. But the trip does not have to begin and end at the dock.
By giving yourself time to explore Yarmouth, Lower West Pubnico, Acadian Shores, the South Shore, Halifax, or even Brier Island, you can turn your Atlantic Shark Expeditions trip into a larger Nova Scotia coastal adventure.
If you are traveling into Halifax for a shark cage diving expedition, your day on the water may be the reason for the trip —
You don’t have to be a grown-up or a scientist to help conserve sharks. Kids and schools can make a difference! Sharks are amazing animals
Many students imagine the daily life of a shark scientist as tagging Great Whites every afternoon, diving constantly in crystal clear water, or travelling to exotic locations. While those experiences can certainly be part of the career, the real path regarding how to become a shark researcher is much broader, more analytical, and more flexible than most people realise.
📊 Cage Diving – Halifax
📊 Great White Expeditions
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