The New Neighborhood in Halifax That Offers Fine Dining and Jaw-Dropping Art

Just steps from Halifax attractions like the Citadel, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, Queen's Marque, a recently completed 450,000-square-foot development in Nova Scotia's capital, delivers sleek modern architecture that houses boutiques, restaurants, and a hotel. Located on the site where the British landed in Halifax in 1749, its public spaces celebrate Halifax history through art and invite the community to connect with the waterfront and one another. With the recent debut of Mystic, a fine dining destination, there's even more reason to visit now that Queen's Marque is complete.

What to Do

Whether you're here to launch a kayak, admire art, stock up on local goods, or hear a free concert, every activity at Queen's Marque is imbued with Nova Scotian spirit. Celebrated local architect Brian MacKay-Lyons' "born of this place" design ethos highlights Halifax history through materials like local sandstone, reclaimed cobblestone, and Muntz metal walls — once used to protect ship hulls. Strolling through Queen's Marque, you'll notice nods to maritime history like nautical poetry and symbols stamped on the Muntz metal, cable spools referencing the city's role in the first transatlantic cable, and wire boxes containing rocks — ship ballast from trading partners like Cuba and Galway, Ireland.

The connection to water continues in Queen's Marque's public spaces and public art collection, an investment of more than $6 million. An ethereal 20-foot wire mesh sculpture by Edoardo Tresoldi, "Sail," glows at night like a ghost ship. Admire the sparkling light display of "Tidal Beacon" by Ned Kahn, a 40-foot sculpture timed with the rise and fall of the tides that towers above a central building called Rise Again. Climb the stairs of Rise Again for views of the Halifax Harbor or descend directly into the harbor to dip your toes or cast a fishing line via granite steps named Queen's Landing. 

Stock up at shops like Peace by Chocolate, created by Syrian refugees who brought their culinary tradition to Nova Scotia. At the Halifax-based 7 Virtues Perfume Atelier, you can design and name your own fragrance made from sustainably sourced ingredients. 

Alternatively, join in on the district's community programming from yoga and dance classes to live music. See the full schedule here.

Where to Eat

The dining room at Mystic feels like entering a ship with its curved ceiling recalling a hull and expansive glass walls overlooking the harbor. Prepare to be transported by its fine dining tasting menus that elevate Nova Scotia ingredients like caribou moss and sea buckthorn for a surprising culinary experience. Start with decadent Acadian caviar, savor lamb that grazed on salty grasses by the ocean, and finish with smoked bone marrow and fudge. Chefs take regular foraging trips, and the marble wall lined with glass jars of fermenting produce isn't merely decoration; the ingredients are destined to end up on your plate or in your cocktail.

"At Mystic, we honor Nova Scotia's land, sea, and air by celebrating its local biota, highlighting the province's flora and fauna through refined, seasonal tasting menus," shared Malcolm Campbell, chef de cuisine, formerly of the Ritz Hotel in London and Toronto's Auberge duPommier. "Working with local foragers, fishers, and farmers, we blend global techniques with the changing seasons to create a truly immersive dining experience."

For a bold wine bar setting, visit Peacock, where Top Chef Canada season 11 finalist Chef Moira Murray serves seasonal dishes like seared scallops with peas and apricot or agnolotti with chanterelles, ricotta, corn, and pineapple weed. Under a curved ceiling covered in wooden scales, ToriDori mashes up Asian culinary traditions in playful and flavorful combinations like crispy spam musubi or slap noodles slathered in Nova Scotia lamb and hot chili.

Where to Stay

End your visit to Queen's Marque with a stay at Muir, a luxury hotel recognized with one Michelin key. The stylish 109-room property is inspired by Nova Scotia's landscapes, from the coastal and driftwood tones in the guestrooms to photographs of lichen-covered boulders lining the hallways and regionally curated art at True Colours Art Gallery. Muir guests can rent complimentary kayaks and bicycles or unwind at the Winward Wellness fitness center’s halotherapy salt room, infrared sauna, or eucalyptus steam room. Book a tour on Muir’s yacht or motorboat for an additional fee. Even if you're not staying the night, don't miss the Atlantic Canadian cuisine at Drift, which includes refined takes on traditional dishes. For example, hodge podge, a classic Nova Scotian vegetable stew, gets a seafood spin with the addition of halibut cheek, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and clams. Muir's exclusive rooftop bar, BKS, is a destination in itself where every craft cocktail has a historic backstory. Her Majesty's Displeasure is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's habit of sipping Champagne before bed, where cava gets a boozy infusion and is garnished with gold leaf fit for royalty.

A few blocks away at the base of Citadel Hill, Prince George Hotel offers elegant and slightly more budget-conscious accommodations. The four-diamond hotel delivers upscale design with modern finishes in clean lines and dark wood. Enjoy impressive city views from the hotel’s hilltop location, including an arched window overlooking the indoor pool. Sip a drink al fresco on the lush outdoor patio and enjoy Italian fare like sunchoke ravioli and osso buco at Gio. The Prince George Hotel is connected to the Downtown Halifax Link, a convenient pedway connecting downtown buildings for less-than-perfect weather days.

When To Go

High season (May to October) is the most popular time to visit Halifax due to its warm, sunny summer weather. The city will be more crowded with visitors enjoying the waterfront and outdoor attractions like Sail GP, an international sailing competition in June, and Great Outdoors Comedy Fest in August. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer the best value for your visit, as well as mild weather and fewer crowds. Spring (March to May) is warm and sometimes rainy. Autumn (September to November) delivers crisp weather and stunning fall colors. Sci-fi and fantasy fans shouldn’t miss the annual Hal-Con convention in November. 

Winter (December to February) can be like visiting a winter wonderland with snowy weather and few visitors to enjoy outdoor activities like ice skating and Evergreen Festival, a free, outdoor winter celebration.

How To Get Around

Queen's Marque and downtown Halifax are compact enough to explore on foot. After checking out the Queen's Marque district, continue strolling the 2.5-mile Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk for views of the harbor. 

How To Get There

Most visitors will arrive at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, located 21 miles from Queen's Marque. Halifax is a two-hour flight from destinations like New York City and Toronto. From the airport, take the Maritime Bus 320 to Downtown Halifax and exit at Duke St Before Albemarle St. You can also take a taxi or rideshare. Queen's Marque has a paid underground parking facility and is located steps from the Halifax ferry terminal.

Combine With

Halifax is a perfect starting point if you’d like to explore Nova Scotia’s natural beauty outside of the city. Take a scenic drive along Nova Scotia's Lighthouse Route, home to more lighthouses than any other Canadian province. Don’t miss the coastal charm of Old Town Lunenburg, a planned British colonial settlement that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Raise a glass of wine in the Annapolis Valley, featuring its own Tidal Bay wine appellation.