Few cities in Canada can match the beauty of Halifax in the summer or fall. You can spend your morning at the iconic Citadel Hill, your afternoon at one of the many beaches within 45 minutes of the city and your evening strolling along the waterfront.

There are so many great picnic spots within city limits that we could have easily made this a list of the 50 best places. However, here are five that jump out at us.

Public Gardens

The Public Gardens is a Victorian-style park that opened in 1867 in the heart of Halifax. The 16-acre botanical garden is open daily from 7 am until an hour before sunset and offers one of the nicest views in Halifax. You can pack a lunch or stop by the restaurants on nearby Spring Garden Road for takeout.

Fisherman’s Cove

If you want the full East Coast experience, stop by this restored fishing village in Eastern Passage that’s located about 20 minutes from downtown Halifax. You can also get there via the #60 public bus if you don’t have access to a vehicle. Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk, sit on the beach, browse in the gift shops, or order up a fresh plate of fish and chips.

Point Pleasant Park

Point Pleasant Park is located at the end of the Halifax Peninsula near Saint Mary’s University and offers a great view of the harbour. The more than 39 km of walking trails will help you build up an appetite before lunch. You can even take a dip at the beach or check out the military ruins dating back to the 1700s.

Alderley Landing

If you take the ferry across the harbour to the Dartmouth side, you can check out the hidden gem known as Alderney Landing. The best part about being on the Dartmouth side is that you can watch the sunset over the Halifax skyline as you eat.

McNabs Island

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a day, McNab’s Island is only a 15-minute chartered boat ride away. It’s the largest island in the mouth of the Halifax harbour and contains the remains of several forts including Fort Ives built in 1865. You better bring your binoculars as well since the island is home to more than 200 types of birds.