Browsing Halifax
Take the ferry across to Dartmouth for a day and check out the other side of the harbour. Alderney Landing is the site of The World Peace Pavilion, an art gallery, a park, a theatre and, throughout the year, numerous events and festivals. On Saturday mornings there is a Farmers' Market and on Sundays you will find craftspeople selling their wares.
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Housed in the old Dominion Building (1867), the AGNS proudly exhibits Nova Scotian and Canadian Art as well as a selection of international works. Highlights of the Atlantic Canadian collection include works by Lindee Climo, Alex Colville and Jack Weldon Humphrey. The permanent collection boasts 7,200 pieces and there are several temporary or borrowed collections for viewing at any given time. The gallery offers classes, lectures, and other venues for anyone, young or old, to learn more about art and artists.
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This is the largest ocean research center in Canada, and worthy of a visit. Bring the kids along—everyone will enjoy the opportunity to get up close and touch all manner of marine life from lobsters to sea cucumbers. Take a free 45-minute tour Monday through Friday (by appointment only), and see what the ocean sciences are all about. Perhaps one or more of the five huge research vessels will be at anchor when you visit. The Web site has excellent directions to the Institute.
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Canadian Black culture was born in Nova Scotia; this Centre is dedicated to its preservation and promotion. Guided tours are available or you can wander alone through the archives. There are displays, some audio-visual items focusing on a rich musical tradition, as well as a library. In the amphitheatre you may take in a cultural performance or hear a lecture on the history of the people who have lived in Nova Scotia since the 1600s.
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A replica of the world famous
Bluenose, this beauty was launched in 1963 and has been thrilling ship lovers ever since. Public sailings are offered aboard the landmark vessel, running from Halifax, Lunenburg, Pictou, and various other ports throughout the summer. Be sure to call well in advance to reserve space; this is a very popular excursion. All voyages are, of course, weather permitting.
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Hundreds of ways to gamble! World-class acts, restaurants, and a hotel on-site. Open 24/7 except for Good Friday, Easter Monday, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Day. Halifax's only casino is located on the waterfront and is connected to the rest of the downtown core through a climate controlled, above-ground pedway.
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The cornerstone for this imposing Cathedral was laid in 1908. The architecture is amazing, and even after suffering through the Halifax Explosion, quite beautiful. There are numerous stained glass windows, oak carvings and other artifacts to examine. This Anglican Church is the seat of the Archbishop of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Call, or visit the Web site, for service hours. Tours are self-guided, but there's someone on site to answer questions.
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This is a fine place to check out a farmer's life back in the 19th century. Wander through barns, houses, a blacksmith shop and more, for a first-hand look at the hardworking existence of those who filled the markets in those days. Gardening is done here the old fashioned way. Herbs and perennials await your nose and eye. Admission is free. On site is the Rose & Kettle Tearoom where a body can have a cuppa after wandering the farm. And, of course, the museum is full of fascinating information.
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This is the must-go place for the child (and adult) who loves science and technology. At this center, you can get inside a bubble, send your voice into space or learn if you have what it takes to be an astronaut! Subject yourself to optical illusions in the Ames Room and find out just how funny you look in the mirrors in the foyer. The Discovery Centre Shop has books about dinosaurs, model building kits, microscopes and a myriad of other educational toys for the budding scientist.
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In Eastern Passage there is a village that you must see. Restored to its original look and feel, its residents still fish for lobster. Wander the boardwalk and check out the little shops for some local art and crafts. Have lunch at one of the smaller take-outs or indulge in a larger meal at Boondocks Dining Room and Lounge. Take Route 111 to 322 South and on to Shore Road.
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In memory of one of the founding families of Sackville, the Fultz House Museum provides an intimate portrait of life, as it was hundreds of years ago. Here you can visit a cooper shop, take a look at a millstone dating 200 years back, and explore a blacksmith shop. Wander the pathways through ponds and flowerbeds as far at The Cenotaph, honoring armed forces personnel. Throughout the year the museum hosts Tuesday Teas, special Canada Day Celebrations and much more.
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This smoke-free pub is loaded with atmosphere. Tromp down narrow, worn stone stairs to reach the belowground level; beer-lovers tend to gravitate to this floor, where murky, paned windows help create the atmosphere of a small British pub. Upstairs is brighter and where you would go if your children were with you. The same great food and beer is served on both levels. Smoking is allowed in patio areas.
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You might need a full day to explore Citadel Hill, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada. A visit to the Army Museum includes watching "The Tides of History," and experiencing the day-to-day life of a soldier or his wife in the mid-Victorian era. Walk through the barracks, take a seat in an old classroom or have a look at the communications exhibit. Guided tours are offered and there are often special events during the summer months.
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The Metro Centre, with a capacity of 10,000, is home to junior hockey's Mooseheads and full to the rafters when the team is on ice. The Centre plays host to any number of large events: championship figure skating, basketball, and, in September, at least one NHL pre-season game. If sports are not your idea of a good time, don't despair, because concerts of all shapes and sizes occur throughout the year; another yearly highlight is the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Call for times and ticket prices.
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To walk through the iron gates is to step back a century; Canada's first public gardens have that effect. Since 1867, visitors have enjoyed the flowers, trees, fountains, a pond and winding paths that will make life seem a little easier. Feed the ducks and count their babies or sit on a bench near the Victorian bandstand and listen to the music and marvel at the beauty of a huge Rhododendron in bloom. Bring lunch; you'll want to stick around.
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An afternoon stroll along Halifax's Waterfront Boardwalk, said to be the world's longest, is a walk through the port city's warm and beating heart. Shops, restaurants, and historic buildings line the waterfront, and the area is crowded with a colorful mix of pedestrian and maritime traffic. The boardwalk winds through parks and open-air plazas and provides access to a number of museums and historic sites, such as Pier 21, the historic point of entry for countless immigrants to Canada.
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Harbourside Market is in a wonderful location; Historic Properties on the waterfront is one of the most popular places to go for locals and sightseers alike. Wander about through the shops and have a bite to eat in the huge food court. The choices are many: Captain John's Fish Company, The Brisket Boardwalk Deli, Wildfire Grill and Loaf Leaf N Ladle Bakery among others. Sit outside on the warmer days, or inside just to look at the decor. It's much more than interesting.
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The "Last Corvette" is a memorial to all who served in the Canadian navy. During World War II she spent her time escorting convoys to Ireland and met with quite a few adventures. Visitors are welcome aboard each summer to explore the fully restored ship, which is docked just behind the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. There's a gift shop where you can pick up a copy of the HMCS Sackville's history, and multi-media presentations at the Interpretation Centre.
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After the Halifax Explosion in 1917, the Hydrostone District was created and, within that area, the Market stands. A Federal Heritage Site, it has won the Nova Scotia Heritage Award and is well worth a stroll. Nine shops of pastries, woven treasures, household accessories, gourmet tasties and more, nestle side by side. Shop for a while and have a lunch outside on a sunny day. Wander about the neighbourhood. It is truly one of a kind. Business hours vary but most shops are open 7 days a week.
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For those interested in getting around faster than everyone else, this is the place to go. With 20,000 sq. ft. of space and a 1/8-mile track, there's plenty of room. The karts (Sodi-built electric models, with three times the acceleration of a traditional gas-powered kart), promise the thrill of a lifetime. Kartbahn can provide a seminar to get you up to speed. If you want to entertain guests, check out the corporate and group rates. A yearly membership offers discounts.
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The Khyber is an artist-run space featuring a great number of up-and-comers. Home is a grand old Gothic building on Barrington Street, which contains three galleries and the Khyber Club where you can mix with young artists, have a drink and talk of the finer things. Kids aged 6-12 may be interested in KhyberKids Art Camp. Find camp information on their web page.
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From May to October, you can explore the hydrographic research vessel CSS Acadia, which is berthed at this museum's wharf. At other times, content yourself with wandering through the William Robertson & Son Ship Chandlery. Find out just what connects Halifax to the ill-fated Titanic. Watch a film depicting the tragedy that was the Halifax Explosion. Check out more than 40 small watercraft and thousands of artifacts. Souvenirs can be purchased in the Museum Shop.
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McNabs Island is paradise for the nature lover. Located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, it can be accessed by boat through McNabs Island Ferry in Eastern Passage or Murphy's on the Water in Halifax. Here is four hundred hectares of wilderness, wildlife, trails and beach, all under the care of its very own society: The Friends of McNabs Island. Check out their web page for the fascinating history of the island as well as information on how to get there.
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Neptune Theatre, extensively renovated in 1997, is gearing up for the summer months when tickets go like hotcakes. Popular productions have included
The Compleat Wrks of Wlm Shkspr (Abridged),
Jesus Christ Superstar, and
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, a musical look at relationships. Neptune is in the heart of downtown so make a night of it with a little dining and dancing.
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Within walking distance of downtown, this museum is a must see. Beautiful exhibits show life as it was for Nova Scotia natives. Examine the exquisite bead and quillwork on ancient clothing or check out the displays of local animals and insects. There is a see-through beehive that allows you to watch the critters go about their business. Kids especially love to pet Gus the turtle, find the hiding places of tiny mice and voles, and watch butterflies in the summer months.
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Did you know that Halifax played a role in the first basketball game ever played? Or that the original rules for hockey were brought to McGill University by a Halifax resident named James G.A. Creighton, giving Halifax a legitimate claim to having invented the game? The Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame honors great athletes and other contributors to sports with displays about their lives and accomplishments. Sports fans of all ages will love the Hall of Fame’s Sports Simulator, in which you get to battle head-to-head with virtual versions of the world's best athletes.
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The only producers of crystal in Canada, NovaScotian Crystal takes pride in helping to preserve the Irish tradition of creating beauty from sand and heat. The exquisite goblets, bowls, vases and more are made the way they have always been, with care and an almost intuitive feel for the materials. As corporate gifts or additions to your own collection, these pieces may be just what you're looking for. During the summer months, take time out of your walk along the harbour front to watch the glassblowers work their amazing craft.
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Between 1928 and 1971, one million immigrants reached Canada via Pier 21. Tens of thousands of war brides, refugees and displaced persons first glimpsed their new world in Halifax. In 1988, restoration of this essential port of entry began. Today, visitors can examine the exhibits and trace their connections to those immigrants. At the south end of the harbour, Pier 21 is easily accessible to the downtown area via the waterfront walkway.
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This park offers squirrels, blue jays, woodpeckers and 185 acres to explore. Although it is located a few minutes from downtown, it feels like being in the country. You can walk by the water or through the forest; there are a variety of paths. Bring a picnic lunch or barbeque a few hotdogs; the park has pits for cooking and plenty of tables. Spend a relaxing day exploring the old forts, watching for seals, or mingling with the dog walkers and joggers.
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Charles Dickens thought this old building interesting and so might you. Located downtown and easily found on your sightseeing stroll, Province House has the distinction of being the oldest seat of government in this country. The structure demands investigation. Tours are given on a first come-first served basis. Arrive early in the day to hear the great stories of the old days in the house and see the amazing art and architectural detail of this Georgian building.
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In 1786, a small group of Quakers traveled from Nantucket to set up a whaling station in Nova Scotia. They left behind what is now the oldest house in Dartmouth, lovingly restored to its original decor and ready for visitors. Take the ferry across the harbour from Halifax and you are almost there; it's a very short walk. Each summer, tour guides in full costume will give you all the details.
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Here's a funky step away from the day-to-day. Treat yourself to a seaweed facial at this spa; do it yourself or go for the full deal. You can also have a pedicure or manicure, waxing and tinting, Aromatherapy or Swedish massage; and if you really can't drag yourself away from your room, arrange a mobile massage. They'll come to you if you are in the downtown area. Therapists are fully certified. There is local art on the walls and a jewelry display for your soul. What more could a person ask?
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Established by the Tibetan Buddhist, Chogyam Trungpa, the Halifax centre presents his teachings through a series of public events and courses. Here is where many begin their meditation practice. Visitors are welcome to view the beautiful Shrine Room, but should call ahead if more than a couple plan to visit. "The Banner", published monthly, has extensive information about current happenings and is available at the front desk. Personal meditation instruction can be arranged. Admission to events varies.
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An impressive aviation museum that is sure to fascinate anyone interested in airplanes and flight, Shearwater boasts a collection of no less than 10 real aircraft, including a fully refurbished Fairy Swordfish, a unique World War II era bi-plane. Aside from the exhibits of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, the museum has excellent exhibits about the role of aviation in Canadian military history, and if you are a fan of World War II history, you will probably be interested in a map used by the Eastern Air Command that shows U-boat positions and defenses along Canada’s Atlantic coast. The museum also has a library, archives, an interactive flight simulation exhibit, and a gift shop.
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This park on the former grounds of a summer house built by Sir Sandford Fleming, who constructed Canada’s first transcontinental railroad, is known locally as the Dingle Park, after a large tower that Sir Fleming ordered constructed in 1908 to commemorate 150 years of representative rule in Nova Scotia. Aside from its connection to Sir Fleming, who also invented the concept of standard time zones, the park is known for its stunning views of Halifax and the Northwest Arm. Two walking trails in the park wander through forests, heaths, marshes, and a pond, and the park also boasts a small sandy beach.
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The Spring Garden Library, in operation since 1951, contains a great reference section, all the books you would want to read, video and audio tapes and the latest magazines. You have to be a resident to borrow items, but all are welcome to have a seat and read, or use the computers and reference library. There are often interesting classes presented for adults and children, as well as readings and other activities. The building itself is lovely and worthy of a visit.
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The second church constructed on this piece of land, St Mary's was built in 1820, and its Gothic Revival facade invites a close look. Attend services or simply stop in for a visit; the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Canada still celebrates daily mass. The church is quite fascinating to look at outside (sporting a 128 foot spire), and inside you will find a museum where you can learn about St Mary's grand history. There is a tour guide on site Monday through Friday.
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New England's Dissenters (among others) worshipped at St. Paul's Anglican Church until they built their own. In 1859 they relocated from that first construction to the present day St. Matthew's, which is still in use. Sunday service is held at 11am. There is a large and wonderful award-winning choir and the organ, recently refurbished, is the finest in the city.
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St. Paul's was founded in 1749 and still holds services on Wednesday and Sunday. Architectural plans for the church follow those of St. Peter's in London, and the original timbers from Boston are still intact. Visitors are welcome to view the church Monday through Friday all year round. Tours can be arranged during the summer, except on Sundays; call for details. Visit St. Paul's Cemetery (The Old Burying Ground) while you are exploring. It is located on the corner of Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road.
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