Halifax Harbour Sailing Cruise: Tall Ship Silva Live Music

Two hours on the water with sails you help raise and a musician playing live

A two-hour sailing cruise aboard the Tall Ship Silva departs from Halifax Waterfront, where passengers help the crew hoist the sails and then cruise past Georges Island, Cable Wharf, and Historic Properties while a live musician performs. The voyage includes access to Murphy's Pub onboard and time to relax on deck as the ship moves through Halifax Harbour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Afternoon sailing cruise on Halifax Harbour

• Depart from Halifax Waterfront
• Pass by Halifax Harbour Bridge
• See Cable Wharf and Waterfront Boardwalk
• Sail by Georges Island National Historic Site
• Help crew hoist sails
• Enjoy beverages onboard
• Relax and enjoy the water views

The experience

Two hours is the full span of this cruise, and it starts the moment you board at the Halifax Waterfront. The Tall Ship Silva is a working vessel, not a tour boat dressed up as one: passengers are invited to actually help the crew hoist the sails, which means you're part of how the ship moves. Once the sails are up, you settle into the rhythm of the harbour, passing under the bridge that spans it, then gliding past Cable Wharf and the Waterfront Boardwalk before sailing by Georges Island National Historic Site. A live musician performs throughout, so there's always something happening without it feeling rushed.

Murphy's Pub operates onboard, so you can order a drink or a snack if you want one. Nothing is forced on you, and the crew's main job is to let you sit back and watch the water and the city recede. The vessel is comfortable and stable enough that the experience works for most people, though the washrooms are below deck and reached by stairs, and the deck itself has uneven surfaces. Dress in layers: it's roughly 10 degrees Celsius cooler on the water than on land, even on a day that feels warm ashore.

What’s included

• Live musical performance throughout the cruise.
• all activities including helping to hoist the sails.
• access to Murphy's Pub onboard where beverages and snacks are available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (10 to 15 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 72

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Murphys Sailing Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?The cruise asks you to be comfortable on an uneven deck and to dress warmly for wind and water temperature, but it does not require any sailing knowledge or physical exertion beyond what you choose: helping with the sails is an invitation, not a requirement, and most of the two hours is spent sitting or standing at your own pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 15 years); Child (6 to 9 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does it mean to help hoist the sails on the Tall Ship Silva?

Passengers are invited to work alongside the crew to raise the sails. It's a hands-on moment that's part of how the ship operates, not a staged photo opportunity. The crew guides you through it, and it's one of the things that sets this cruise apart from sitting passively on a tour boat.

What is there to do for two hours on the water?

You help raise the sails early in the cruise, then you can watch the harbour pass: Georges Island, Cable Wharf, the Waterfront Boardwalk, and Historic Properties all appear from the water. A live musician performs throughout, and Murphy's Pub is open if you want to order food or a drink. Most of the time is yours to spend however you like on deck.

Is parking included with the cruise ticket?

Parking is not included, but public transportation options are available near the Halifax Waterfront departure point, so you can reach the ship without a car.

What should I wear for a two-hour sail in Halifax Harbour?

Dress warmly in layers. The water is roughly 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the air on land, so even a warm day ashore will feel cold once the ship is moving. Closed-toe shoes with grip are practical for the uneven deck surfaces.