Our dog-friendly Halifax guide: the Lord Nelson, Citadel Hill and waterfront walks, welcoming Argyle Street patios and Garrison Brewing.
Halifax is my favourite Canadian city, and we returned in July 2026 to meet family arriving from Scotland. The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites again gave us a pet-friendly, central base for two nights.
With Tilly, we walked the grassy grounds around the Halifax Citadel and the busy waterfront, ate on the patios at Durty Nelly’s and The Stubborn Goat, and stopped for drinks outside at Garrison Brewing. Both restaurant patios brought Tilly a bowl of water right away.
Hill to harbour
Dog-friendly attractions
Halifax walks and practical stops we experienced with Tilly, from Citadel Hill to the waterfront and airport.
Visited with Tilly Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
A leashed walk around Citadel Hill’s broad grassy grounds, with elevated views across downtown Halifax and the harbour.
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Visited with Tilly Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Our family pickup point at YHZ, where Tilly and I waited outside because she could not wait loose inside the terminal.
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Visited with Tilly Halifax Waterfront
An easy harbour walk with Tilly, full of city sights, boardwalk activity and views across to Georges Island.
Read our notesHarbour pours
Dog-friendly breweries
Halifax brewery stops where Tilly joined us outdoors.
South Park Street
Dog-friendly lodging
The pet-friendly Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites where we stayed in Halifax.
Argyle Street patios
Dog-friendly restaurants
Halifax restaurant and pub patios where Tilly joined us, from the Economy Shoe Shop to Durty Nelly’s and The Stubborn Goat.
Visited with Tilly Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
A lively Argyle Street Irish pub where Tilly joined us on the patio and staff immediately brought her a bowl of water.
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Visited with Tilly Economy Shoe Shop
A Halifax institution with a dog-friendly section of patio, great food, a quick water bowl for Tilly and prime people watching.
Read our notes Visited with Tilly The Stubborn Goat Gastropub
An Argyle Street gastropub where Tilly sat with us on the patio and staff brought her a bowl of water.
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