The Narrows Public House

In the heart of the historic North End district of Halifax, lies a unique establishment — The Narrows Public House. This is not just a classic pub, but a true immersion into the maritime culture that Canada carefully preserves. Housed in a majestic late 19th-century building, the pub combines a cozy retreat with a living museum of Nova Scotian history.

The interior of the pub transports guests back to the era of seafarers and early settlers. Here, every object — from old photographs to schooner models — tells its own story. The Narrows Public House has become an important cultural hub for locals and a must-see for tourists seeking an authentic East Coast experience.

The special significance of this place lies in its atmosphere as a "traditional public house," where hospitality comes first. It is the perfect space to feel the spirit of old Halifax, enjoy the quiet of the library, or warm up by the wood-burning fireplace after a walk through the city.

For information regarding availability or to book a table, you can use the establishment's official communication channels.

A visit to this pub is, above all, a gastronomic journey into the past. It is worth trying dishes prepared according to recipes from vintage maritime cookbooks. On the menu, you will find hearty chowder, classic fish and chips, and even rare specialties like boiled beef or traditional bologna sandwiches. For dessert, be sure to order the legendary sticky toffee pudding.

For beverage enthusiasts, the pub offers an impressive craft beer list from the best local Nova Scotia breweries. You can choose from a variety of draught ales, cider, or try signature cocktails. For those who want to feel like a local, a great activity is a game of cribbage — a popular card game here, with sets always close at hand.

In the evenings, especially on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the rooms fill with the sounds of live music. Local fiddlers perform traditional tunes, creating a unique backdrop for relaxation. If you prefer quiet, head to the local library or simply admire the unique collection of taxidermy birds, ship models, and archival photos that make the pub's interior feel like an explorer's study.

The establishment is located at 2720 Gottingen Street in the North End district. While this spot is slightly off the usual tourist routes of the central downtown, getting here is quite simple. If you prefer public transport, Halifax city buses run regularly along Gottingen Street, connecting the neighborhood with other parts of the city.

For those who value comfort, the best option would be a taxi or car-sharing services — the trip from the central waterfront takes only 5–10 minutes. The North End is also popular among cyclists, and the pub provides parking spots for two-wheeled transport.

If you plan to arrive by private car, it is recommended to use a GPS navigator, as the pub is located in a residential area. Please note that you will need to find parking on the adjacent streets, which may take some time during popular evening hours.

The building that houses the pub today is a true architectural monument, erected in 1896. Originally, this Victorian mansion belonged to Hugh Russell Silver, an influential merchant from Lunenburg. Interestingly, it was this man who played a key role in financing the construction of the legendary schooner Bluenose, which became a symbol of the region's maritime glory.

The house, officially known as the H.R. Silver House, has a remarkable history: it miraculously survived the catastrophic Halifax Explosion of 1917, which leveled a significant portion of the city's northern neighborhoods. The walls of this building hold the memory of many decades of urban life — before becoming a pub, the house served as a family home for many years and then operated as a cozy bed & breakfast for nearly thirty years.

The modern chapter of the site's history began thanks to owners McDow and Baldwin. They spent eight years on a meticulous restoration, striving to preserve every historical element and the rustic charm of the interior. Thanks to their efforts, The Narrows Public House has turned into a kind of "living heritage," where vintage photographs and artifacts tell the city's story better than any textbook.

To fully soak in the atmosphere of this place, visitors are recommended to set aside 1.5 to 3 hours for their visit. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy traditional dishes and explore the numerous historical artifacts decorating the rooms.

If you only plan to stop by for a glass of local ale, an hour will suffice; however, on live music nights or if you decide to join a game of cribbage, time will fly by unnoticed. An evening visit on weekends usually lasts longer, as the cozy setting by the fireplace invites long conversations.

The establishment welcomes guests daily except for Tuesdays, offering an excellent opportunity for a late dinner or an evening cocktail.

Opening Hours:

• Monday: 11:00 – 00:00
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 11:00 – 00:00
• Thursday: 11:00 – 00:00
• Friday: 11:00 – 01:00
• Saturday: 11:00 – 01:00
• Sunday: 11:00 – 00:00

The North End district, where the pub is located, is famous for its eclectic atmosphere and historical flavor. A walk through the neighborhood after your visit will allow you to better feel the spirit of the old port city and see how modern culture intertwines with centuries-old traditions.