January – the month of empty pockets. We get it, date night can get expensive! Between dinners at restaurants, going out to the movies, and local activities and events, it can all add up quickly.
To help you recover a little from the costly holiday season, we’ve created a list of 5 free winter date ideas in Halifax to try this month!
1. Tour the Halifax Public Gardens
There are many free audio tours available on The Friends of the Public Gardens website that you can access for a self-guided walking tour of the gardens. Download the audio from the website to your phone, share some wireless earbuds with your date, and pack some hot chocolate or apple cider to sip on while you explore the grounds.
Audio Tours Available:
Royal Connections Audio Tour – explore the historic connections between the Public Gardens and Canada’s Royal Family. (40 min)
Camp Hill Cemetery Audio Tour – Explore the stories of some key historical figures that helped shaped the history of Halifax. (50 min)
Camp Hill Cemetery Naval and Military History Audio Tour – This tour covers 10 individual sites in the cemetery, with grave markers of sailors, soldiers, and airmen from the First and Second World Wars.
2. Ice Skating at The Oval
Ice skating is back at the Emera Oval and it’s one of our absolute favourite free winter date ideas! This Halifax skating spot is the largest outdoor, artificially-refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City – equivalent in size to 3 NHL hockey rinks!
Covid protocols include a maximum capacity of 230 participants per skate time and access will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. Residents must show full proof of COVID-19 vaccination and identification, practice physical distancing, and wear a mask at all times.
Equipment rentals, including skates and helmets, will not be available at this time so be sure to bring your own gear!
3. Tobogganing Down Citadel Hill
Tobogganing is a winter date must for Canadians and Halifax has a prime spot for some sledding fun! Located right at the centre of the city, Citadel Hill has multiple levels of steepness to choose from, but be sure to take caution as the runs all end near roads. Word on the street is that The Wanderer’s Grounds side has a steep hill and a long landing area.
P.S. be sure to pack some hand warmers and warm drinks in an insulated mug to enjoy during your tobogganing breaks!
4. Take a Stroll Through Point Pleasant Park
This wooded urban park located on the south end of the peninsula features 39 km of winding trails and wide paths. It’s the perfect place for a wintery stroll with your loved one.
The park also has off-leash dog walking areas so it would be great for a puppy play date too!
5. Bake a Tasty Treat At Home
Halifax Public Libraries host tons of free events throughout the year and this month you can pick up a homemade apple crumble kit from the Captain Willian Spry Public Library to bake at home with your date!
The Library will provide the apples and the dry ingredients – all you need is a bit of baking time and a few simple ingredients from your pantry. Register here to pick pick-up your take-home food kit on January 26 from 6-7 p.m.!
Need more winter date ideas? We’ve got you covered! Click here for more winter activities in Halifax.
