If you’ve ever visited Halifax, even for the briefest of times, you’ll know what it’s like to wish you were a full-time Haligonian. I’ve been living there since 2013, and can honesty say that as soon as that salty east coast air hits my face, I feel the stars align. The Hali life is like no other with its small town feels in a big(ish) city way. Between the green space, the proximity to the ocean, and unreal local cuisine, leading the “Halifornia” life is one I can’t recommend enough (give or take a snow storm or two). So if you happen to find yourself in the city over the next few months, here are a few things that every local and tourist alike will do no matter what the climate might be.

Shop local

Saturday and Sunday mornings at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is like a grab bag of everything east coast related. You’ll find everything from hand-made crafts to locally grown food, to more food. But if you’re looking to satisfy breakfast craving check out Norbert’s Good Food , where all the food comes from an organic local farm.

Grab a pint of craft beer

Every Haligonian waits for the day when it finally gets warm enough to set foot on a patio and sip a crisp locally-made brew or two. And theres no better way to taste a beer than directly from the source, so here are a few favourites: North Brewing Company, Good Robot Brewing Company, Garrison Brewing Company, and of course Alexander Keiths.

Walk the waterfront

Halifax is surrounded by sparkling ocean so it makes sense that you should  take a walk on one of the worlds longest downtown boardwalks. Checkout four kilometres worth of seaport views, seafood restaurants, and local shops.

Catch a swell

There aren’t many places in the world where you can find a sick swell so close to a downtown core. Sink your feet in some white sandy beaches and hang ten at these beaches that are only an hour outside the city: Lawrencetown Beach, Martinique Beach,  and Cow Bay.

Discover a hidden gem

Some of Nova Scotia’s true gems are hidden, tucked away on side roads, scenic coves, or harbours. For a quick excursion, you can find amazing heights at Dover Island and Joggins Fossil Cliff, and see some serious seaside views at Peggy’s Cove. But finding these gems isn’t for the faint of heart (they require a serious hike), but trust me when I say the payoff is huge.