Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, offers world-class dining and
entertainment in a picturesque seaside environment that is steeped in history
and culture. The city itself presents a blend of old and new – from fantastic
250-year-old architecture and landmarks such as
Citadel Hill,
the Public Gardens,
Alexander Keiths Brewery,
Pier 21 and the
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
, to great shopping on
Spring Garden Road
and exciting games at the
Casino Nova Scotia.
Halifax is a perfect starting point for fabulous day trips to some of the
most photographed spots in Nova Scotia – the rugged beauty of Peggy’s Cove, the
Bluenose II
in the
UNESCO
World Heritage town of Lunenburg,
the 3 churches of Mahone Bay
and the wild surf of
Lawrencetown
Beach.
Halifax is also home to a great variety of festivals, art, music and
theatre venues and outstanding restaurants featuring fresh Atlantic seafood and
exotic international cuisine. The Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage has an extensive website that covers the
cultural heritage,
cuisine,
events, scenic attractions and night life.
Alexander Keith Brewery
Originally established in 1820, Nova
Scotia's oldest brewery is new again. Join us for a walk through brewing history
that you'll never forget. From the moment the Warden greets you, until the inn
keepers of the Stag's Head tavern say farewell, you'll be entertained and
educated by the costumed guides. We're in the Brewery Market at 1496 Lower Water
Street.
Alderney Landing
Alderney Landing is located on the
Dartmouth waterfront, adjacent to the ferry terminal. Alderney landing provides
visitors with a multitude of sources of entertainment. Wander through our
Gallery, experience traditional Maritime hospitality in our indoor Market, or
take in a live show in our fully-equipped 285 seat theatre -- the perfect
destination for a night on the town
Bluenose II
Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador, the
Bluenose II is the symbol of Nova Scotia recognized around the world. Launched
in July 24, 1963 Bluenose II was built from the identical plans as Bluenose, in
the same shipyard of Smith and Rhuland and by some of the same men. Call
1-800-763-1963 for schedule and reservations. 2-hour
harbour sailing tours run from June 1 to September 30.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Located across from Province
House; Nova Scotia’s major arts institution exhibits 6,000 works in a permanent
collection; historic and contemporary Nova Scotian, Canadian and international
art are on display, as is an acclaimed collection of folk art.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Constructed between 1828 and 1856, this citadel is an impressive star-shaped masonry
structure complete with its defensive ditch, ramparts, musketry gallery, powder
magazine, garrison cells, guard room, barracks and school room. On the guided
tour, visitors may see the 78th Highland Regiment in action, hear the beauty of
the bagpipes and ask a soldier's wife what life was like back then.
More at wikipedia...
Peggy's Cove
Possibly one of the most photographed
location in Canada. Peggy's Cove is a small picturesque fishing village
(population 120) that surrounds a narrow ocean inlet. The lighthouse built on
the smooth wave washed rocks is one of the most noticeable features.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is located on the bustling waterfront of
Lunenburg, a
UNESCO World Heritage town, where fishing vessels, cruise ships, and sailing
boats come and go. Celebrating and honouring all things related to Lunenburg and Nova Scotia’s
seafaring and fishing heritage, this award-winning museum is open
from mid-May to mid-October.
Fisherman's Museum
A hearty welcome awaits you in this
Nova Scotian fisherman's house from the early 1900s. Come enjoy the music of a
pump organ in the parlour, see the handmade rugs and decorations around the home
owned by Ervin and Ethelda Myers and their 13 daughters in the early 1900's.
Tidal Bore
The moon and sun create gravitational forces
that act on the waters of the world giving us high and low tides. Thanks to the
unique shape and conditions present in the Bay of Fundy these changes are
greatly amplified. In fact, the Bay of Fundy is home to the highest recorded
tides in the world. The nutrient-rich Bay of Fundy is home to some amazing marine life. The finback
whale, the second largest animal on earth, comes to the Bay of Fundy to feed and
play along with the Right whales, Minke whales and Humpbacks. A whale
watching tour will give you a new definition for "awesome".
Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park lies on a rocky 75-hectare (185 acre) promontory jutting
into the Atlantic Ocean at the eastern end of the Halifax peninsula. This
park has been a place of recreation for the citizens of
Halifax since the city's founding in 1749. Before that, it was a hunting,
fishing, and ceremonial area for the indigenous Mi'kmaq people. Until 1866,
Point Pleasant was primarily a military bastion, but in that year it was leased
to a newly formed commission for a public park. Trees were planted in its early
years as a park and it soon became an urban forest where citizens could find an
oasis of peace close to the bustling city. A map onsite identifies all walkways and
points of interest, including
the ruins of several fortresses. During the summer a local entertainment troupe
runs live Shakespeare plays outdoors. Halifax rents the site from the British
Government for 1 shilling (about 10 cents).
In late September 2003, Hurricane Juan, a category two hurricane, made landfall
in Nova Scotia, not far from Point Pleasant Park. The maximum force winds from
the eastern eye-wall of the hurricane that swept over the park, and the city,
caused millions of dollars of damage, and destroyed more than 75,000 trees in
Point Pleasant Park alone. Point Pleasant Park closed in order for work crews
to perform cleanup operations. Nine months later, the Park was reopened to the
public. With
almost 85 per cent of the trees removed and its shoreline damaged,
the Park is undergoing a new challenge to rebuild.
Halifax International Busker Festival
Each year Buskers
from around the world gather in Halifax to entertain the over half million
visitors to the Halifax waterfront in August. Join the Buskers while they amaze
and humour you. What a way to spend a day!
Neptune Theatre
Since opening in 1963 the Neptune Theatre
has entertained more than 4 million patrons with live theatre. Recently
renovated in 1997 the Neptune Theatre also boasts and elegant arts &
conference centre and two stages for showings. Please call for our current live
show, ticket pricing & availability. 429-7070 or 1-800-565-7345
Nova Scotian Crystal
Located in along the scenic Halifax
Waterfront, Nova Scotian Crystal specializes in mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal
using traditional tools and equipment. Drop by Nova Scotian Crystal to see our
master craftsmen and apprentices at work and realize Nova Scotian Crystal makes
truly wonderful gifts.
Casino Nova Scotia
There's always
something new and exciting at Casino Nova Scotia! Blackjack, slot machines,
poker tables, craps, roulette all await you at Nova Scotia's largest casino.