A traveler arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with expectations so low they required spelunking gear, only to find a vibrant, foodie, Instagram-friendly city packed with things to do. The author admits, "I actually had quite low expectations of Halifax in Canada - figured it would be a gritty more industrial town. What a surprise."

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was the highlight, featuring a Titanic exhibition with such relics as a deck chair. The author also learned about the Halifax Explosion, a shocking but fascinating story, and recommends the photogenic museum.

The Halifax waterfront stretches 10 blocks from Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia, offering restaurants, sculptures, hammocks, bike and Segway rentals, and plenty of photo ops. It's one of the longest downtown boardwalks in the world, so perhaps walk and roll. For two-wheeled exploration, check out I Heart Bicycles. For a water-level view, Kayak Halifax offers harbour trips, including a Glamping and Culinary adventure on Georges Island with a private tour, gourmet meal, local wine, and sunset bonfire.

Farmers markets are a must for local flavor, and Halifax Farmers Market is no exception, with vendors required to be local. For a quack-tastic time, the Harbour Hopper Halifax, Atlantic Canada's number one tour, offers amphibious sightseeing.

The Halifax Central Library, open since 2014, is high-tech, sustainable, and photogenic. Grab a coffee at Pavia cafe on the top floor for views. The number one activity on Trip Advisor? The Halifax Public Gardens, open since 1875.

Wine enthusiasts should try Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia's first wine appellation, made from 100% Nova Scotia grapes. Variations abound, and Wolfville wineries offer tastings. For a unique experience, Wines on the Water Wednesdays features a 5-course sampling menu aboard the Tall Ship Silva, sailing from 7-9 pm.

Seafood is outstanding. Classics include The Five Fishermen and The Bicycle Thief, while The Press Gang offers a classic lobster dinner, and Bar Kismet serves sophisticated cocktails and seafood. The Halifax Citadel is a top historic site, and don't miss the Old Town Clock.

The North End is the "trendy" area (author hates that word) with cool coffee shops, boutiques, and colourful houses. Start on Agricola Street. Hydrostone Market, completed in 1929, rose from the ashes of the Halifax Explosion and is an English-style garden suburb with boutiques and eateries like Julien's Bakery and The Ostrich Club. For shopping, hit 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery and Lady Luck Boutique. Dee Dee's offers vegan options and has a kiosk at Pegg's Cove in summer.

Rum is a big deal here. Halifax Distilling Company on the waterfront offers tours, tastings, and a restaurant. Ironworks Distillery in Lunenburg operates at Halifax Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Titanic victims were brought to Halifax; wealthier ones went to Jon Snow's funeral home on Argyll Street, now the Five Fishermen restaurant. It's said to be haunted, with ghosts most common in the bathrooms - alas, only seafood and wine were encountered.

Orange hammocks on the waterfront are photogenic. A 15-minute ferry ride to Dartmouth offers a walkable downtown with local businesses. Try The Canteen, Battery Park, Il Trullo, the Wooden Monkey, Evan's Fresh Seafood, and U Pick Fish Seafood Shack. The waterfront features the Drunken Lampposts, bent light posts that became permanent due to popularity.

Amos Pewter crafts lovely pewter products; the author bought earrings. The Rum Runners Trail from Halifax to Lunenburg is a 119 km path through Mahone Bay - perfect for cycling.

Lunenburg, a UNESCO site since 1995, is 4 square km with 2,263 residents and Instagram-worthy colourful houses. The Annapolis Valley and Wolfville are wine country, with wineries, cider houses, and breweries. Peggy's Cove is home to Peggy's Point Lighthouse, famous since 1868, and still beautiful despite popularity.

For food tours, Taste Halifax Food Tour offers 6-7 stops, and Local Tasting Tours runs the Open Kitchen Food Tour. Fisherman's Cove, a 200-year-old fishing village, is a 20-minute drive from downtown and now a colourful destination with artisan shops.

The Queen's Marque, the latest waterfront development, features the Tidal Beacon, a 60-foot installation that changes with the tides, including an 8-minute "Lunar Crest" light display. Check tide forecasts to catch it.