Aerial drone view of the Halifax downtown/waterfront with a departing ferry.
Nothing says summer quite like a cold adult beverage on a breezy rooftop—and the capital of Nova Scotia does rooftop drinking and dining extremely well. It helps that Downtown Halifax is nestled along the Halifax Harbour; the city gets a decent sea breeze come summertime that is best experienced on an open-air patio that overlooks the city and sea.
The warm weather and long sun-flooded days are not too far off—so if you’re planning a weekend in Halifax and are a sucker for a decent view and a cold drink, you’ll want to read on. The following bars and restaurants offer some of the best views, breezes, and brews in the city:
Black Sheep
Black Sheep on Lower Water Street is well-loved for its cocktail program—there’s perhaps nothing more refreshing than the Rose Tinted Eyes with local Willing to Learn Gin—but the rooftop patio brings the gastropub to new heights. The rooftop is walk-in only which is something to keep in mind if you’re a bigger group.
Celtic Corner
Looking for an excuse to hop on the ferry to Dartmouth? Celtic Corner is within walking distance from the ferry terminal and offers some of the best rooftop views in the HRM. It’s positioned right on the waterfront which means you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of the Halifax skyline with a cold pint in hand.
Your Father's Moustache
Your Father's Moustache is kind of a legend when it comes to rooftop patios in Halifax; the family-run restaurant has been a mainstay on Spring Garden Road for over thirty years and continues to be one of the best rooftops in the city. The bar and restaurant places emphasis on local beer and spirits and also has a well-rounded pub menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well.
LevelBar
Located within the Prince George Hotel on Market Street, LevelBar offers a cozy escape from the city complete with expertly crafted cocktails and a great wine list. The rooftop patio is nestled among neighboring buildings on Grafton Street and Carmichael Street which gives a distinct big city feel within humble Halifax.
The Decks on Argyle
This multi-level rooftop complex offers incredible views of the Halifax Harbour and downtown core and serves as a great spot for watching the sunset on long summer days. It’s also worth noting that The Decks on Argyle has a DJ each night which adds to the breezy summer vibe.
