Private tour in Halifax Garry J

Historic Halifax City - Peggy's Cove Private Shore Excursion

4.9

(52) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Garry J.

5.0

Guide rating

139

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

Greetings, My name is Garry. I am a resident of Halifax Nova Scotia born and raised here. My wife and I have ten grandchildren two cats and a back yard complete with bees. We are outdoor people who have a passion for exploring the villages, trails, coves and beaches of this area. An interest in exploring has served my tour business well. I came to this excursion business 21 years ago. In grade school, high school and university I always enjoyed and elected for history classes. There was no way of knowing that this interest in history would lead to being a tour guide. After starting this business I was in for some surprises. Among them was the extent to which the history of Nova Scotia would be of interest to others. In this case, my customers, who have told me how entertained they were by the stories of Nova Scotia's past. Yet another surprise was that an environment full of sea coast scenery, that I took for granted, could awe visitors. Likewise, the food that I grew up with and thought mundane turned out to be memorable for many of my clients. An interest in history has lead to a job that has been more enjoyable than any I have ever had. In fact, this is the only job I have had that comes with so many well wishes and thanks simply for showing people the place where I live. Of course, I am mindful of where credit is due. As much as I would like to take full credit for my success entertaining people who visit here I cannot do that. This is because Nova scotia and Halifax are hidden gems that could entertain all on their own. The history and the scenery and the food give me a palette to work from that I could not ask for more. That palette includes Victorian architecture abundant here and the Victorian Public Gardens Park. Among some of the historical themes we explore is the arrival and demise of the first European settlers here the French Acadians. We explore the arrival of the British in 1749 by visiting the Citadel Fortress they built. We explore the history surrounding the wartime explosion that destroyed much of the city in 1917. A visit to Halifax includes an explanation of the curious and crucial role Halifax played in the Titanic disaster. Among the curiosities is the fact that almost all of the Titanic victims are buried in Halifax and a visit to the Titanic gravesites is a very solemn example of this part of our history. The travel to and from Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg and the Bay of Fundy is full of unique scenery that is a true picture of East Coast Canada There is much to see, to do, and to taste in your visit here. So much that you may consider customizing your tour. At Peggy's Cove For example, instead of planning a restaurant stop, you could opt to save time to see more tour highlights. You can save time by enjoying one of our maritime delicacies the "lobster roll" served in the picnic area of Peggys' Cove. Quick and delicious. There is customizing you can do to better serve interests such as photography. I will be glad to assist you with this. I am licensed with the municipal and provincial licensing authority in Halifax Nova Scotia. I am able to do this job because of the special class 4 license from our provincial government. I have 22 years of Tour guide experience before coming to Tours by Locals. My years of entertaining people here in this picturesque and historical city are at your disposal. None

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Garry J.

Overview of your Halifax tour

We will first explore many highlights of Halifax both the historic and picturesque with walkabouts scheduled for many. We will pass by architecture from the Victorian era, see university campuses and abundant parks. The Citadel fortress is a photographer's must-see with its splendid view of our downtown and the harbor. Halifax played a major role in the history of the Titanic disaster. that role includes providing the final resting place for most of the recovered Titanic victims. A visit to that cemetery is unforgettable. A visit to Nova Scotia is not complete without seeing Peggy's Cove, arguably the most attractive fishing village in Nova Scotia. The drive there is a "Seascape Excursion" a true photographers' playground. Photo ops abound and at the cove, you will see the most photographed object in N. S. Peggy's Cove lighthouse. A walkabout is suggested at the cove. While in the cove you might try a Nova Scotia delicacy, the "lobster roll". Lobster rolls at Peggy'd cove are among the best anywhere.

Recent Reviews

Lawrence D.United States
1 day ago

Garry was a terrific tour guide. Easy to understand, accommodating, with good communication throughout the experience. Van was very comfortable and he took us to all the highlights we were expecting allowing us time to enjoy each stop. This was a great introduction to Halifax.

Monique L.United States
2 weeks ago

Garry was a very organized, informative, fun, knowledgeable guide. We would highly recommend him

John B.United States
3 weeks ago

Garry was very, very knowledgeable about Nova Scotia and its complex history and shared that knowledge with us as we rode many hours in his vehicle. We especially enjoyed the visit to the titanic cemetery. When our flight home was cancelled for 2 days, he extended our tour of the Annapolis valley at the last minute.

James M.United States
3 weeks ago

We saw a great deal of Halifax in a short time. Very knowledgeable and the visit to the cemetery was handled with such care. Garry was personable and willing to show us the things that interest my family. Thank you for a great tour and the maple syrup.

Ann A.United States
July 2026

What makes a great tour? When you have an experienced, knowledgeable guide who is also a history buff. I like it when my guide explains the usual dates, events, background. I LOVE it when my guide offers factoids and trivia that only a local would know! Garry’s tour was exactly that. He loves history as much as I do so whether it was seeing the site of the devastating Halifax Explosion or paying our respects to Titanic victims in the cemetery or remembering Swissair 111 at the Peggy’s Cove seaside memorial, I learned new things about these 3 disasters. We also met the owner of a lobster shack who told us all about what happens once a lobster leaves the fisherman’s boat. Five stars!

Scott L.United States
November 2025

We enjoyed this tour. It was our first time to Halifax and we learned a lot from Garry. He shared lots of history and local knowledge.

Your Halifax tour itinerary

Halifax is large enough to have the trappings of a capital city yet small enough that many of its attractions can be seen on our tour. Halifax is awash with an interesting history and photo-worthy scenery. Here are some of our targets for this tour we'll take into view the older parts of Halifax and its Victorian homes, Moving on we will visit the Halifax Citadel first started in 1750 and perfected between 1826 and 1856. The old downtown of Halifax grew up in the shadow of the Citadel Fortress. One such tradition is the noon cannon fired every day at noon. We may have time to witness this. Next, the Halifax Public Gardens is on our list. It is our botanical garden and one of the oldest formal Victorian gardens in North America. This city oasis had its start in 1753 as a private garden. Departing the city we'll witness the changing landscape on our way to Peggy's Cove where we will allow you to self explore for some time before returning to Halifax. I can customize this tour to suit your requests

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Luxury grade SUV. The Yukon holds 7 guests plus your guide

What's included
Other: 1 small bottle of water per person
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Layover
History
Tour reference number
806065
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Halifax best suited for?

This private tour in Halifax is perfect for travellers who want to explore the historic and scenic aspects of the city, including those interested in photography, history, and picturesque landscapes. It's also ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience with a local guide like Garry J., who can offer deeper insights into the area's history and culture.

Can this private tour in Halifax be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Halifax suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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