Wherever you go in Halifax, you’ll hear references to the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax played a major role in that story as the closest port and base for rescue operations. An exhibit in Maritime Museum of the Atlantic chronicles the disaster, with artifacts that include a Titanic deck chair.

The six-hour Halifax Titanic Historical Tour visits more sites related to this disaster, explores the city’s role in both world wars, and includes a tour of the Citadel. Tours are timed to see the Changing of the 78th Highlander Sentinel Guard and firing of the traditional noon gun. The tour also visits the working fishing village of Fisherman’s Cove.

Foodies can discover the city’s vibrant dining scene on an Eat Halifax Tour, with five tasting stops to sample fresh-caught seafood, Halifax donairs (this eastern Canadian street-food staple originated here) and ciders from Chain Yard Urban Cidery. The Beer Bus Tour, also by Halifax Food Tours, explores Halifax’s craft beer scene with stops at breweries, brew pubs and cideries.

Perhaps the most iconic sight in Nova Scotia, the lighthouse and rocky ledges of Peggy’s Cove lie a few miles from Halifax, and farther along the south coast is the historic shipbuilding town of Lunenburg. Anchor Tours can take you to both on an eight-hour excursion that allows time to enjoy the towns as well as savor the scenery. On the Peggy’s Foodie Adventure, Halifax Food Tours pairs this scenic coastal drive and photo ops with more tastings. Expect to find seafood chowder, lobster rolls, traditional rappie pie and local craft beers on the menu.

Just as you are never far from the sea, the sea plays a role in almost everything in Halifax. Viewing it from the water gives you a different perspective of the city, seeing it as so many immigrants and sailors first did. A tour on the Tall Ship Silva gives a mariner’s view and a chance to help hoist sails on the 130-foot schooner, the harbor’s largest sailing ship.