We will be stopping on our cruise ship in Halifax for 1 day. What are the top suggestions to do? Should we go on our own or book a tour through Cunard.

Thanks

Halifax is small and very navigable (is that a word?) on your own; I don't think you need a tour. What you do with your day depends on your interests, of course. There is the Citadel and the tour is great and if the weather is clear, you get a wonderful view of the harbor. I like Pier 21 but have a strong interest in immigration/WW2, etc. Just walking along the waterfront area is wonderful. Do try to go "up" a few blocks, though...don't just hang out along the water. Read beforehand about the Halifax explosion of 1917. Also, there is much Titanic-related in Halifax.

Cunard is a great crusie line; stands to reson it would have figured out what appeaals most to its customers.

Yes, you could wander around the harbour on your own, and walk to the citadel, but the tour would probably get you to Peggy's Cove and Chester.

BAK

I agree that perhaps if you have only 1 day, a Cunard tour might be organized to show you the highlights, including those outside of the city that might be awkward for you to get to on your own. On one hand, if you are looking forward to a little "alone" time, exploring the pleasant and vibrant Halifax Harbour district might be appealing. You can stroll the waterfront boardwalk, browse the shops in the Historic Properties, maybe visit a couple of the museums or the Casino if these interest you, explore the Farmers Market if it's Saturday morning, walk up to the Citadel a few blocks away, stop in a pub on the waterfront or nearby, etc.
On the other hand, if the tour includes sites like those mentioned by BAK, you might want to opt for this - spots like Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg are pretty unique.

These are the tours being offered by Cunard. I know that I would love to see Peggy's Cove. What is your opinion of these excursions.
BEST OF HALIFAX WITH LUNCHEON
Make the most of your day in Halifax on this excursion that includes visiting all of the major attractions and enjoying a savoury traditional lobster wrap lunch. (more...) Approximate Duration: 7 hours
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Peggy’s Cove - Board your climate-controlled transportation for the scenic drive to the famous and picturesque Peggy’s Cove. Follow your guide around this historic area as he/she provides history and interesting insights into this quaint fishing village.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Take a step back in time as you stroll through Nova Scotia’s marine history. View displays relating to the age of the steamships, small crafts, the Royal Canadian and Merchant Navies, World War II convoys, The Battle of the Atlantic, the Halifax Explosion of 1917, and Nova Scotia’s role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. The museum has the world’s foremost collection of Titanic memorabilia, including the only surviving deck chair.
Halifax Citadel Fortress - Visit the Halifax Citadel Fortress which is located prominently in the centre of Halifax overlooking the city. This 19th-century fort is complete with defensive ditch, earthen ramparts, musketry gallery, powder magazine, garrison cells, guardroom, barracks, and schoolroom. Learn about the historic significance of the Halifax Citadel in its role as a key naval station and how this contributed to Halifax’s importance in Canadian history.
Halifax Public Gardens - The Halifax Public Gardens are the oldest original Victorian gardens in Canada. There will be ample time to independently explore the gardens or simply relax around the large duck pond.

LUNCHEON
Savour a delicious lobster wrap with salad, dessert, and coffee or tea at Murphy’s on the Water Restaurant.

SHOPPING
Browse the gift shops at Peggy’s Cove and the Maritime Museum for that special souvenir of Nova Scotia.

Adult Price: $149 / Child Price: $119 (12 & under)


HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL PARK & PUBLIC GARDENS
For more than 250 years, Halifax has been the “The Warden of the North” - a military, commercial, and political powerhouse. Learn the story of the city's founding, of the pirates and privateers who wa (more...) Approximate Duration 3 hours
Adult Price: $39 / Child Price: $31 (12 & under)


CITY OF HALIFAX
Explore Halifax’s maritime past and walk the battlements of the citadel that symbolized British domination in the New World on a panoramic tour of Halifax. (more...) Approximate Duration: 3 hours
Adult Price: $44 / Child Price: $35 (12 & under)


COASTAL DRIVE TO PEGGY'S COVE
Visit Nova Scotia’s stunning Peggy’s Cove, where a lonely lighthouse stands atop a granite outcrop lashed by the sea. It’s a scene that has inspired artists and photographers for decades. (more...) Approximate Duration: 3.5 hours
Adult Price: $44 / Child Price: $22 (12 & under)


HALIFAX BY TROLLEY
View the highlights of Halifax and the Titanic cemetery onboard a uniquely styled trolley coach. (more...) Approximate Duration: 2 hours
Adult Price: $39 / Child Price: $20 (12 & under)


TREASURES OF RMS TITANIC
This informative tour explores Halifax’s ties with the legendary disaster of 1912. RMS Titanic sank 750 miles (1,207km) east of the city on April 15, 1912. (more...) Approximate Duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $49 / Child Price: $39 (12 & under)


CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE - THE HALIFAX CONNECTION
Explore Halifax’s long-standing association with Cunard Lines as you tour the historic sites and museums of Samuel Cunard’s hometown. (more...) Approximate Duration: 3.5 hours
Adult Price: $59 / Child Price: $30 (12 & under)


COBBLESTONES & CARRIAGE TROLLEY
Take a trip back in time and tour the sights of Halifax from a comfortable horse-drawn trolley. (more...) Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
Adult Price: $49 / Child Price: $39 (12 & under)


HALIFAX CITY & HARBOR DUCK TOUR
Take a narrated drive through historic Halifax onboard your amphibious vehicle and then splash into the harbour for a scenic amphibious ride. (more...) Approximate Duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $49 / Child Price: $39 (12 & under)


PEGGY’S COVE LIGHTHOUSE WITH LOBSTER LUNCH
Experience Nova Scotia’s scenic beauty on a full-day excursion that visits the lighthouse at stunning Peggy’s Cove, surveys the major sights in Halifax, and includes luncheon with lobster Nova Scotia- (more...) Approximate Duration: 5.5 hours
Adult Price: $119 / Child Price: $95 (12 & under)


V.I.P. - PEGGY'S COVE & LUNENBURG WITH LOBSTER LUNCHEON
Travel in ultimate style and luxury in an executive coach along Nova Scotia’s coastal shores. Relax in the high back leather seats with large windows for viewing, or in the many other seating areas th (more...) Approximate Duration: 6.5-7 hours
Adult Price: $359 per person / Child Price: $287 (12 & under)


WALKING TOUR OF HALIFAX
Explore historic Halifax on a walking tour. Stroll through the Public Gardens and take in the city’s most historic sites, from the Citadel to the oldest Anglican Church in Canada. (more...) Approximate Duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $29 / Child Price: $15 (12 & under)


AFTERNOON TEA AT THE HALIFAX CITADEL
Savour tea and scones at the historic Halifax Citadel and then have time to independently explore this magnificent fortification. (more...) Approximate Duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $69 / Child Price: $55 (12 & under)


HOP ON/HOP OFF - HALIFAX AT YOUR OWN PACE
Design your own customized tour of Halifax with an all-day pass that’s good for the city’s double-decker buses. Take a scenic tour or hop off and on to visit the attractions that interest you. (more...) Approximate Duration: Varies
Adult Price: $49 / Child Price: $25 (12 & under)


LOBSTERS & LIGHTHOUSES BY BOAT
Learn all about “lobstering” and view several of the colourful and picturesque lighthouses surrounding Halifax. (more...) Approximate Duration: 3.5 hours
Adult Price: $99 / Child Price: $79 (12 & under)


PEGGY'S COVE BY LUXURY LIMOUSINE
On this exclusive tour to beautiful Peggy’s Cove ride in comfort and style in a stretch limousine that accommodates up to six guests. (more...) Approximate Duration: 3.5 hours
Adult Price: $179 per person / Child Price: n/a


TIDAL BORE RAFTING ADVENTURE
Discover the world-famous tidal bore in this exhilarating rafting adventure. (more...) Approximate Duration 5.5 hours
Adult Price: $229 per person / Child Price: n/a

Well, if it was me (again - personal tastes?) - I would probably choose the "BEST OF HALIFAX WITH LUNCHEON" which seems to include Peggy's Cove, the Citadel and at least some of the Halifax Harbour. The "V.I.P. - PEGGY'S COVE & LUNENBURG WITH LOBSTER LUNCHEON" might be nice, but seems awfully expensive for day trip at $359 per person. (I haven't investigated but I wouldn't be surprised if you could book a local tour yourself directly which included these sights and cost less than this - might be worth checking out).

For the in Halifax only tours, I would do my own thing.

Right across the parking lot from where your cruise ship docks is the first stop for FRED (Free Rides Every Day). FRED is a free bus that stops at pre-determined stops near the major attractions around downtown Halifax, including Maritime Museum, Citadel, Public Gardens. It completes the circle every 40 minutes, so it's very easy to use FRED to get around yourself.

If you did the Peggy's Cove Tour at 3.5 hours, that would still leave you with an additional 3.5 hours to peruse Halifax as you wish. And you could enjoy lunch anywhere (the lobster wrap at Murphy's is good, but there are many other options for lunch).

Hi, I really agree with Toedtoes, if you are really excited by a visit to Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg then one of the excursions would make sense (but still seem incredibly expensive!) but you can easily make your own way around Halifax and see all and any of the sights mentioned.

This would leave you free to decide your own timing, according to your own interests and let you decide when, where and what you want for lunch.