Eighteen kilometers south of Halifax, near the village of Sambro, this gorgeous provincial park boasts three distinct beaches in separate coves; the third one out, toward the southwest, is clothing optional and gay friendly. An 8.5km hiking trail begins just inland and heads through barrens, bogs and boulders to Pennant Point.
Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
Halifax
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Citadel Hill National Historic Site
12.59 MILES
Perched atop the grassy hillock looming over town, this star-shaped fort played a key role in Halifax's founding. Construction began in 1749; the current…
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
11.95 MILES
There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's…
12.33 MILES
Built on a former parking lot, this stunning modern library, composed of glass boxes stacked artfully on top of each other, was opened in 2014 and has…
17.58 MILES
The highlight of the cove is this picture-perfect lighthouse, built in 1914. It's supposedly the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, and for many…
12.65 MILES
The province's premier art institution is a must-see. It has a strong collection of local art, particularly the work of folk artist Maud Lewis, including…
12.28 MILES
Established in 1867 to mark Confederation, but formally opened to the public in 1875, Halifax's delightful 6.5-hectare public gardens are a fine example…
13.73 MILES
When the RMS Titanic sank, the bodies of those not lost at sea were brought to Halifax. Among other sites, there are 19 graves at Mt Olivet Catholic…
12.57 MILES
The oldest surviving building in Halifax is also the oldest Protestant place of worship in Canada. Established in 1749 with the founding of Halifax, St…
Nearby Halifax attractions
1. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
11.95 MILES
There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's…
12.28 MILES
Established in 1867 to mark Confederation, but formally opened to the public in 1875, Halifax's delightful 6.5-hectare public gardens are a fine example…
12.33 MILES
Built on a former parking lot, this stunning modern library, composed of glass boxes stacked artfully on top of each other, was opened in 2014 and has…
4. St Mary's Cathedral Basilica
12.36 MILES
You can't miss Halifax's most ornate cathedral, which has the largest freestanding granite spire in North America.
5. Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery
12.38 MILES
Brewing the good stuff since 1820, this is one of the oldest breweries in North America. Now part of a complex of shops, bars, gift stores and the…
12.44 MILES
Natural history with a Nova Scotian bent is the modus operandi of this interesting museum, where informative exhibits cover everything from the gold rush…
12.57 MILES
The oldest surviving building in Halifax is also the oldest Protestant place of worship in Canada. Established in 1749 with the founding of Halifax, St…
12.58 MILES
Commissioned in 1941, HMCS Sackville is the last survivor of the 123 Canadian corvettes tasked with escorting Allied convoys during the perilous Battle of…