Halifax Harbour

Saltwater
Harbor

Halifax Harbour

Saltwater
Harbor

Sq. miles: 27
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 18

Halifax Harbour is a major estuary and sheltered coastal waterway that serves as the heart of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Once facing significant environmental challenges, the harbour has undergone a remarkable transformation and now provides consistent and accessible saltwater fishing opportunities right within the urban core. Its deep, protected waters and extensive shoreline offer anglers a unique blend of convenience and productivity, making it a popular destination for both casual shoreline fishing and more dedicated boat-based pursuits.

Ns licenses and regulations3 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Halifax Harbour and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

American Plaice

Hippoglossoides platessoides

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Atlantic Herring

Clupea harengus

Atlantic Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Blue Shark

Prionace glauca

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Monkfish

Lophius americanus

Pollock

Pollachius virens

Porbeagle

Lamna nasus

Silver Hake

Merluccius bilinearis

Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

Thorny Skate

Amblyraja radiata

White Hake

Urophycis tenuis

Winter Flounder

Pseudopleuronectes americanus

Yellowtail Flounder

Limanda ferruginea

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Halifax Harbour. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The Halifax Waterfront, particularly near historic Pier 21, is a renowned and easily accessible shore fishing location. Dingle Park on the Northwest Arm offers a scenic shoreline fishing opportunity. The Dartmouth side of the harbour and Dartmouth Cove are also productive shore access points. Bedford Basin is a popular area for both shore and boat anglers. Underwater structures like wharf pilings, rocky points, and the deep channels of the Narrows and Northwest Arm hold fish.

Know where you can legally fish on Halifax Harbour

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Ns licenses and regulations

Nova Scotia Boating Regulations

This page explains what a Pleasure Craft License is, who needs one, how to apply for one, and how to keep your information up to date.

Learn more

Nova Scotia Fishing License

Official Government of Nova Scotia page to learn about and buy a recreational sportfishing (General Fishing) licence — who needs one, licence types (seasonal and 1-day), fees, and how to apply online or through vendors.

Learn more

Nova Scotia Fishing Regulations

Nova Scotia's official recreational sportfishing laws and regulations, linking the current Anglers' Handbook and the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations covering seasons, bag and size limits, gear rules, and where you can fish.

Learn more

Take Halifax Harbour with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Halifax Harbour to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Halifax Harbour to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Halifax Harbour and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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