Where to Go: the 7 Best Live Music Experiences in Canada

1.Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise Ft. a Live Musician

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 289 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40Our pick

Board the tall ship Silva at Halifax Waterfront for a two-hour harbor cruise with live acoustic music, onboard drinks, and commentary. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge, Cable Wharf, Georges Island, McNab’s Island, and more. When conditions allow, you can help raise the sails. Musician Gary or Jackson may add songs and requests to the trip.

“We all enjoyed this very much. Would definitely go again and recommend to anyone visiting Halifax. But the fact I have to put a longer comment is annoying”

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2.Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 2 hours · from $42

Board the three-masted Tall Ship Silva at Cable Wharf for a two-hour Halifax Harbour cruise with live music, commentary, and views of Georges Island, Historic Properties, the waterfront, and Northwest Arm. If conditions allow, you can help raise the ship’s large sails. Performers such as Gary and Tommy keep the trip lively, though the narration is fairly light.

“Ship is a real beauty. Get there early for choice seats not too close to the live music. Crew were excellent and helped the many kids on board to raise the sails.”

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3.Halifax Sunset Cruise Ft. a Live Musician

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41

Spend about 90 minutes aboard the tall ship Silva, sailing from downtown Halifax while a live musician performs. You may help raise the sails, spot ferries and naval vessels, and watch the sunset near Georges Island and Fort Charlotte. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard, with clean restrooms available.

“It was a bit crowded & not everyone had a spot to sit. Entertained was good and fun. Definitely worth seeing the pier.”

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4.Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Best value

Join Ambassatours Gray Line for a two-hour, adults-only happy hour cruise from Halifax’s Lower Water Street. You’ll hear live music, cruise Halifax Harbour and the Northwest Arm, and buy discounted drinks onboard. Snacks such as popcorn, hotdogs, and sausages are available for purchase. Bring government-issued photo ID and a credit or debit card.

“My wife's sister was visiting from Ontario. she had a wonderful time along with my wife and I. lots of laughs and great music from Marty. Thanks - Mike”

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5.Smugglers Blues – Canmore Outdoor Escape Game

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)

Smugglers Blues sends your private group of 2 to 5 people on a roughly 3 km walk through Canmore. Use a free phone app to read clues, solve puzzles, and follow the mystery through outdoor signs and plaques. Plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours, with hints available and no deadline to finish.

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6.Halifax’s Happy Hour Cruise Ft. a Live Musician

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $25Top rated

Sail from Halifax’s historic Cable Wharf for about two hours, with waterfront views, a look at Georges Island, onboard restrooms, drinks for purchase, and live music from Party Marty. The $25.66 fare covers the cruise and performance, but not food or drinks. Arrive early if you want a proper seat.

“Relaxing, and fun with music. Good for dates, friends or special events. Would go again, and recommend it for everyone.”

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7.Black & Jazz History of Montreal with Ruby Roy Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Ruby Roy, a licensed Montreal guide, for a private two-hour walking tour through Little Burgundy. You’ll connect Black and jazz history with Rufus Rockhead, Jazzman Park, murals, community gardens, residential streets, the Lachine Canal, and Atwater Market. The tour is offered in English and can finish at the market between 11:00 and 17:00.

“Amazing!!!!!! Such a fantastic and educational tour. Ruby is the absolute best and so incredibly knowledgeable. Everyone should do this tour. Wish it was a little longer so could see more.”

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