Things to do in Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores
Team ASE
May 17, 2026
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
If you are traveling into Halifax for a shark cage diving expedition, your day on the water may be the reason for the trip — but it does not have to be the only highlight.
Our Halifax-area shark cage diving expeditions are based out of Sambro, a small coastal fishing community southwest of Halifax. For most visiting guests, the easiest plan is to stay in Halifax, enjoy the city, and build in time for classic Nova Scotia coastal sightseeing before or after your expedition.
Whether you are coming for a weekend, a few extra days, or making Atlantic Shark Expeditions part of a longer Maritime vacation, Halifax is an ideal base for exploring oceanfront boardwalks, seafood restaurants, historic sites, beaches, lighthouses, and nearby South Shore communities.
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. Discover Halifax is a useful resource for current events, restaurants, attractions, tours, and local travel ideas.
Good Halifax add-ons include:
The Halifax waterfront is one of the easiest and most enjoyable places to explore if you are visiting the city for the first time. You can walk along the boardwalk, visit shops and cafés, see boats in the harbour, and stop for seafood, ice cream, or local drinks. Learn more.
This is a great option for the day you arrive, the evening after your expedition, or a relaxed day before flying home. Consider adding an amphibious tour on the Harbour Hopper that combines a city and harbour tour by land and sea. Looking for an on-water booze and cruise tour with an island vibe? Consider a Tiki Tour! Looking for something more relaxing? Consider pampering yourself at The Wine Spa.
Some great eats along the waterfront for the foodies out there, including the top rated options like The Bicycle Thief, Salt & Ash, Drift, and Mystic (Note these restaurants would all require reservations way in advance). Also be sure to check out the Beer Garden for live music and cold drinks on the water!
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site overlooks the city and harbour. It is a good choice for guests interested in history, views, and a classic Halifax landmark. Learn more.
The Public Gardens are a peaceful stop in the middle of the city. They are especially nice if you want a slower activity between travel days or after a long day offshore. Learn more. Similarly, the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is an exciting new destination for families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages! Located in the Steele Ocean Sciences Building at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Beaty Centre brings the underwater world of Nova Scotia to life through interactive exhibits, live local species, hands-on activities, and real research happening right here in Nova Scotia.
The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is a new destination for families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages! Located in the Steele Ocean Sciences Building at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Beaty Centre brings the underwater world of Nova Scotia to life through interactive exhibits, live local species, hands-on activities.
Available in 24, 48 and 72-hour, the Halifax Experience Pass is an all-access ticket to some of Halifax’s best attractions, museums and tours over a set time period. Learn more.
A shark cage diving trip is a marine adventure, and Halifax has plenty of ways to continue that coastal experience on land. From lobster rolls and fish and chips to oysters, chowder, and waterfront dining, Halifax is a strong food destination for visitors. Learn more.
Be sure to check out this curated list of best of restaurants by cuisine type.
Halifax has a lot of kid-focused activities too, from the Discovery Center to Harbour tours to the new Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. Here are some ideas.
Your Atlantic Shark Expeditions trip takes you out of the city and toward Nova Scotia’s rugged Atlantic coast. If you have a rental car, it is worth adding some nearby coastal stops after your excursion:
Crystal Crescent Beach is one of the best beach stops near the Halifax/Sambro area. It offers white sand, ocean views, walking trails, and a classic Atlantic coastline feel. It is a good low-key activity after your expedition, especially if you want to spend time outdoors without committing to a full-day road trip. Learn more.
If you have one full extra day in Nova Scotia, the best add-on from Halifax is a South Shore day trip.
A strong route is:
Halifax → Peggy’s Cove → Mahone Bay → Lunenburg → Halifax
This gives visiting guests a mix of famous coastal scenery, small-town charm, historic architecture, seafood, and classic Nova Scotia views. Nova Scotia’s official South Shore itinerary highlights Peggy’s Cove, Chester, Oak Island, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, beaches, trails, seafood, UNESCO sites, and coastal communities as part of the South Shore experience.
If you are making a visit to or past Mahone Bay, consider pampering yourself at the SENSEA Nordic Spa. This hidden gem is surrounded by nature, with outdoor hot baths, wooden saunas and even specialty treatments. If you have a few hours to relax, this is worth the stop. Learn more.
Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most famous coastal destinations. This is really a wonderful quick stop off along a South Shore drive and an iconic spot! The lighthouse, granite coastline, fishing village, and ocean views make it a popular stop for first-time visitors. Learn more.
Mahone Bay is a scenic town known for its waterfront, shops, restaurants, and relaxed pace. It is a good place to stop for lunch, coffee, or a walk between Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg. Learn more.
Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic towns and is well worth visiting if you have the time. Its colourful waterfront, historic architecture, restaurants, and maritime character make it one of the best day-trip destinations from Halifax. Learn more.
For Halifax-based ASE guests, Lunenburg is about as far down the South Shore as we would generally recommend for a comfortable add-on day. It gives you a memorable Nova Scotia road trip without making the itinerary too rushed.
Stay in Halifax and keep things simple.
Suggested plan:
This is the best option for guests flying in for a short trip.
Use one day for Halifax and one day for the South Shore.
Suggested plan:
Explore Halifax waterfront, restaurants, museums, and local attractions.
Visit Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg.
This gives you a strong mix of city, coast, and small-town Nova Scotia.
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 visiting Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg. You may even have time for treating yourself to a Nordic Spa. If you want to stay in Halifax, definitely experience the waterfront and consider a Halifax Experience Pass.
For Halifax-area guests, these resources are especially useful:
For many guests, shark cage diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But your trip to Nova Scotia can include much more: a vibrant coastal city, historic waterfronts, seafood, beaches, lighthouses, and some of the most scenic shorelines in Atlantic Canada.
If you are flying into Halifax for Atlantic Shark Expeditions, consider giving yourself at least one or two extra days. Your expedition may be the reason you came — but the coastline, culture, and communities around Halifax can make the entire trip unforgettable.
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
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
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. USD amounts shown are estimates. Check with your bank or card provider for the current rate. No additional international fees are charged by Atlantic Shark Expeditions. Early Bird and promotional pricing available for limited time only, there is no guarantee promotional pricing will be available at the time of booking.