When people think of Halifax, they think of Theodore Tugboat. Maybe lobster. Sometimes wind. All of these are fair and accurate descriptions, and none do the full city justice.

Halifax is a real, terrific “Canadian” city — it’s inescapably laid back, culturally vibrant and very, very local. Understand that because Halifax isn’t really en route to anything, it has necessarily evolved to be extremely self-reliant. The best parts of the city are totally unique: local craft beer, the ever-fresh farmer’s market, constantly active bands and theatre troupes. It’s hard to catch all of that in a guide book. In truth, guide books just don’t.

This is a true local’s guide to Halifax. You’ll do a fair bit of walking (or biking, if you prefer) and explore everything the city proper has to offer, beyond the big tourist attractions (though those are included), from choice favourite restaurants with rotating seasonal vegetable dishes to the city’s favourite farmer’s market vendors to select homegrown organic coffee shops. If it all sounds a little hipster-ish, well, Halifax sort of is. This is what young and middle-aged Haligonians do on any given sunny Saturday. But you can also enjoy the benefits in a two-day span without growing a Maritime beard and dressing in flannel. That is, unless you want to.

You can buy the full two-day tour on Unanchor. Only five bucks!