Let’s be real—figuring out what to do after dark can be a bit of a challenge. I, yet, consider myself an expert on the odd and out of the ordinary. Whether you’re out on the town or vibing from your couch with some of the best casino sites Canada has to offer, it’s time to ditch the same-old same-old and try one of these alternatives.
Parks Canada runs spooky walking tours through Halifax’s most haunted landmarks—only until early November, though, so don’t miss out. It starts at the Clocktower on Citadel Hill and ends at the waterfront boardwalk! From my experience, the hosts guide you on a 70-minute walk. You’ll dive into a world full of spirits and rich history. You’ll be so engaged that you won’t notice you walked what usually feels like 30 blocks. Tours run nearly every night at 8:30 PM. You can get tickets on Eventbrite. Pre-booked tickets cost $19.45, while tickets at the Citadel kiosk are $17.24. Pro tip: bring a buddy—you’ll want someone’s hand to grab when things get creepy.
If you’re craving something hands-on and low-pressure, head to DIY Studio in Dartmouth. This cozy pottery café is open Tuesday to Saturday evenings. It’s great for beginners. Everything you need is provided, so no art experience is required. You can choose from a huge selection of dining ware, figurines, and more! And yes—true to its name—they’ve got a full café inside, serving up tasty snacks and drinks while you paint. I suggest their lemonade!
Climb Your Way Through Halifax’s Indoor Gyms
You’ll find East Peak right where Oxford meets Quinpool— a stone’s throw from Studley Campus. It’s a short walk from Studley Campus. East Peak welcomes non-members from 3 to 10 pm on weekdays and from 3 to 9 pm on weekends. When I first came to Halifax, climbing was new territory for me. So, walking into a gym as a new climber felt daunting. I was curious but also a bit nervous. East Peak offers courses for new climbers. Their intro classes break everything down and build your confidence fast—you’ll be scaling walls like a seasoned climber in no time. Student prices are available. A day pass costs around $30, and it includes equipment rentals. If you plan to visit more than once, get the 10-day pass. It’s flexible, never expires, and offers great value over time.
Seven Bays Bouldering, tucked away at Gottingen and Cogswell, is another great option. They offer beginner classes, student discounts, and a 10-visit punch card. This card is great if you’re not ready to commit. Open late most nights, it has a cozy café. You can enjoy a cinnamon bun and watch people while your friends climb the walls. It makes for a fun experience for everyone, even those who aren’t big fans of climbing. Honestly, kicking back with a cinnamon bun and laughing at your friend’s face-planting off the wall might be the highlight of the night.
Let your inner actor—and eater—shine at a dinner theatre
Looking for a fun, unique outing with friends? Looking for something totally out of the ordinary? Head to Grafton St Dinner Theatre for a live show that pulls you right into the action. The current performance, “Somebody to Love,” drops you into a wedding reception. It’s a mix of romance and chaos. It’s three hours of laughs, good food, and student-friendly pricing—the perfect night out.
Let’s face it—by week two of the semester, I’m already teetering on the edge of a meltdown. If so, I suggest finding a place where you can safely and legally throw heavy, sharp objects at plywood! HaliMac Axe Throwing has one-hour sessions that are fun and budget-friendly. It’s even better when you’re throwing axes with friends! If you all work until 9, don’t worry! They’re open until 11 PM most nights.
Show off Your Putting Prowess at Mini-golf
Craving some serious childhood nostalgia? Check out Putting Edge! It’s Halifax’s glow-in-the-dark mini-golf adventure! At $14 per person, mini-golf is affordable for even the poorest university students. Trust me, I’ve tried it. Eighteen glow-in-the-dark holes later, you’ll feel like you scored big for a few bucks. If mini-golf isn’t your thing, you might be happy to know there’s an arcade too—one that glows in the dark! It’s all open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays!
Support Some Fellow Dal Students
Dal students are constantly crushing it—on the field and off. Check out the varsity schedule to catch a Tigers game at Dalplex, Wickwire Field, or even the Halifax Forum. Don’t sleep on club sports either: rugby, football, lacrosse, field hockey—you name it. Grab your black and gold and show some support!
The Fountain School has incredibly talented performers. They put on plays, concerts, and recitals all year. They regularly take the stage in plays, concerts, and recitals at the Dal Arts Centre. Who knows—you might catch the next big thing before they hit Broadway.
Cheer on the Pros and Semi-pros
Halifax has great high-level sports. They provide fun entertainment at a low cost. The Halifax Mooseheads hit the ice every season in the QMJHL, and their home games at Scotiabank Centre bring serious energy. Their regular season starts in late September. It takes place at the Scotiabank Centre in downtown.
Prefer your sports without the ice? The Halifax Thunderbirds bring high-speed action and a party atmosphere to every National Lacrosse League game at Scotiabank Centre. Yet, you’ll need to wait until early December for the season to begin.
