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Halifax Public Gardens

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Re Carroll
Re Carroll
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4 out of 5
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2
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Halifax Public Gardens (The)

  • April 29, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by tvordj from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Halifax Public Gardens (The)

There has been a formal garden in this general spot in Halifax since the early 19th century. The Horticultural Society established and opened formal Victorian gardens to the public in the mid 19th Century and the Halifax Public Gardens is deemed a historic site now. The Gardens are open between mid May and the end of October. Thousands of people, both tourists and locals alike, love to come to this little oasis in the city centre to enjoy a warm, sunny, summer day. There are many lovely flower beds and rare trees in the gardens as well as a large duck pond populated with ducks, of course, and a smaller pond where two white swans generally hang out. There is also a little stream near the main entrance, crossed by a small stone footbridge which is very picturesque.

One of the main attractions and photo stops is the red and white gazebo/bandstand in the centre. There are rows of park benches there and there is often a concert on a Sunday afternoon. Summer will see many wedding parties having their photos taken against the beautiful flowers and trees.

You cannot walk on the grass through most of the park but there is an area near one end where you can lay on the grass or let the little ones run around. There are fountains and ponds, flowers and trees.

In 2003, Hurricane Juan did a lot of damage to the Gardens but thanks to contributions, there has been a lot of restoration work done. There are fewer trees than there used to be, but the gardens still look lovely and it's still a great place to come.

There's a small cafe and new toilet facilities by the gazebo and nearby Spring Garden Road has restaurants and coffee shops where you can pick up a snack and a drink and take it into the park to enjoy. Along the fence on Spring Garden Road, craft vendors and artists show and sell their wares as well.

The Public Gardens is located on Spring Garden Road between South Park Street and Summer Street. Any bus that goes down Spring Garden Road will stop there and the free summer city centre shuttle, FRED (Free Rides Everywhere Downtown) stops there as well. It's a short walk from Citadel Hill and the fortress and the Natural History Museum is just around the corner further down Summer Street.

From journal Halifax, My Home

Halifax Public Gardens

  • December 1, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Re Carroll from Abbotsford, British Columbia
Halifax Public Gardens

One of the first public gardens in Canada, it was officially opened in 1875 and was modelled after St. James Park in London. British influence is reflected in the Victorian era bandstand as well as the statues throughout the park, including Sir Walter Scott and Scottish poet Robbie Burns. The large oak tree just inside the Spring Garden entrance was planted in 1939 by King George.

The giant wrought iron gates at the Spring Garden Road entrance were shipped from Scotland and installed in 1907. Inside this main entrance a plaque describes the garden’s history.

The bandstand was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. At one time, military bands used to serenade visitors to the gardens. Now the bandstand is only used on special occasions. We lucked out during our last visit and got to enjoy the music of a piper, complete with kilt and full bagpipes - I think he was part of a bus tour that was visiting the park.

There is a small lake that is home to ducks, swans and lots of pigeons. They are very used to visitors and are quick to hover around anyone who they think might have some food. Throughout the park, statues and fountains provide a centre point for the multitude of colourful trees and flowers. In the summer, there is a concession stand that sells drinks and light snacks.

This is a wonderful place to come to get away from the noise and traffic congestion.

From journal Happy in Halifax

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