Alexander Keith's Brewery is one of the oldest operating breweries in North America, founded in 1820 in the stone building that still anchors the lower waterfront. The brewery conducts immersive historical tours led by actors in period costume — the "historic tour" is a theatrical walkthrough of the brewing history, social history of Halifax, and Keith family story, culminating in beer tasting. It is unabashedly tourist-oriented, but it is well done and entertaining, especially if you have not done this kind of thing before.
The tap room at the brewery serves the full Keith's range alongside food, and it is a decent place to stop for a pint regardless of whether you take the tour. The brewery building itself is a handsome piece of nineteenth-century industrial Halifax, built in sandstone with original iron features. Tours run daily, with the costumed evening tours being the most popular option. Book ahead in July and August when the waterfront is busiest.