Halifax, My Home

Accomodations

General Accomodations

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Barracks in the Fortress Citadel Photo - Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Halifax has most of the main hotel chains and a few independent hotels, Bed and Breakfast/Inns, a hostel or two. There are a few campgrounds on the outside of the city. I think St. Mary's University and Dalhousie may offer summer accomodations in student housing.
For B&Bs, search for Halifax at BBCanada
Independents:
Lord Nelson
Prince George
Haliburton Inn
Waverly Inn
Citadel Inn
Cambridge Suites

Chain hotels:
Holiday Inn
Marriot
Westin
Delta
Sheraton Four Points
Howard Johnson
Future Inn
Ramada
Radisson Suites
Quality/Comfort Inn

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Marriott Halifax Harbourfront

Hotel | "Great Service, Rooms and Location"

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I have stayed at the Marriot once since it's been owned by this company and one other time when it was the Casino Hotel. There are up to 6 floors though most of the rooms are on 2-5. There are junior and full size suites as well as king bedded rooms or rooms with two beds. The decor is very nice and as of 2008, they have been refurbishing, a section at a time. The rates were average, about $130 - $175 for a king room depending on time of year and special offers. The bathrooms have toiletries and lovely towels and lots of hot water. There is a flat screen television with webTv access for a cost. They also provide data jacks for high speed internet in the rooms. The hotel is connected to qui...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 29, 2008

Marriott Halifax Harbourfront
1919 UPPER WATER ST
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J3J5
1 902 4211700

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Haliburton House

Hotel | "Historic Hotel in Halifax Downtown"

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Haliburton House is set in a lovely old house in Halifax right across from historic Government house which is the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the province. Government House was built in the late 1700's into early 1800. There are only 29 rooms and suites in the hotel, all en suite facilities, furnished with antiques. Rates vary between Canadian 150 to 350 off season depending on the room. The top end gets you a suite with a fireplace and whirlpool bath. The lower end is a room with a double bed so price is affordable unless you have a taste for the luxurious!Haliburton House is in a trio of heritage houses dating back to 1809 and is just off Barrington Street, which is one of Ha...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 10, 2010

Haliburton House
5184 Morris Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1B3
(902) 420-0658

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Waverly Inn

Hotel | "Historic B&B Style Hotel Downtown"

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Another really unique downtown hotel is the Waverly Inn. The building dates back to the mid 1800s and has been operating as a hotel since 1876. Some famous guests have included Oscar Wilde, George Vanderbilt and P.T. Barnum. The hotel is extensively furnished with antiques, some rooms have a jacuzzi as well and all are en suite. There are twin rooms as well as doubles all with hardwood floors. A hot breakfast buffet is included and there is free Wireless internet in the rooms as well as a computer available for guests at no charge. There is on site parking, too. The location is on the south end of Barrington Street, one of the main downtown streets. It's not far from the train station and...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 10, 2010

Waverly Inn
1266 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

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General tips

What's Going On?

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Event Notice Boards Photo - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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There are several ways of finding out what's going on in Halifax, as far as venues, gigs and other events. Of course there's the main daily newspaper, The Chronicle Herald, but for less than mainstream alternative gigs, or for notices of meetings, rallies, sales, and all sorts of things, you can check out the notice posts. There are about a half dozen scattered around downtown Halifax. These were built to attempt to stop people from taping and stapling notices to telephone poles and fences around town. People still do that, but it has cut down a bit on that. Another way to find out what's on, including good listings for the clubs, cinema and galleries is the free and totally irreverent weekl...Read More

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Brewdebaker's Tap and Grill

Restaurant | "Brew pub/Restaurant in Dartmouth"

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Brewdebaker's is a locally owned and run restaurant with twolocations in the metro Halifax area. The original is attached to the Sleeman's Brewery in Dartmouth on Windmill road. It's a little off the beaten track but it's well worth the trip to get there. The food is always excellent, the service usually pretty good, perhaps a tad slow at times. They have a very good beer selection, not just the Sleeman's which is brewed on site but some other good micro brews and national brands as well. I've never had a bad meal there and the prices are not too bad either. There aren't too many nice places to eat on the Dartmouth side of Halifax harbour but this is one of the best. Lots of free parking, ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 10, 2011

Brewdebaker's Tap and Grill
612 Windmill Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
(902) 468-1059

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Halifax Harbour

Attraction

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Halifax Harbour is a source of transportation, recreation and the waterfronts of Halifax and Dartmouth are also the sites of lots of activities. There is a ferry that crosses the harbour in two locations (see another review for details). There are pleasure boats that will use the harbour in good weather. It's not uncommon to see white sails dotting the water in the breezy sunny days we get in the summer. Halifax harbour is industrial. There is a major shipyard betweet the two bridges, a power plant, an oil refinery as well as a naval base and a Canadian Coast Guard base on its shores. There are two major container ports so there's always massive ships plodding slowly up and down the water, f...Read More

Halifax Harbour is a source of transportation, recreation and the waterfronts of Halifax and Dartmouth are also the sites of lots of activities. There is a ferry that crosses the harbour in two locations (see another review for details). There are pleasure boats that will use the harbour in good weather. It's not uncommon to see white sails dotting the water in the breezy sunny days we get in the summer.

Halifax harbour is industrial. There is a major shipyard betweet the two bridges, a power plant, an oil refinery as well as a naval base and a Canadian Coast Guard base on its shores. There are two major container ports so there's always massive ships plodding slowly up and down the water, followed closely by tugboats.

At the end of the Halifax Peninsula, there's a large natural park, Point Pleasant Park, which looks out on the mouth of Halifax Harbour. This also has trails where dogs can go off-leash and on the water side, there are picnic tables and places to sit and watch the world go by.

In the downtown Halifax side of the waterfront, a boardwalk stretches from the Casino to the container piers in the south. Along here are shops and restaurants, several museums and a crystal factory. This is also where you will find several festivals through the summer including the very popular Busker festival in August. The Tall Ships dock here every few years and draw in thousands. There are also celebrations in conjunction with holidays such as Canada Day and the city's "birthday" Natal Day, the first weekend in August and at those times, you will probably find marquees set up with music and entertainment with fireworks being shot over the water at night.

On the Dartmouth side, there's a lovely park, and the ferry terminal building also houses the public library and a theatre and farmer's market. Outside this building, there is an events plaza with an outdoor stage. Here's where you will have concerts and festivals such as the Multicultural festival. The plaza will have tents and marquees set up for food and displays with performances going on on stage.

On the Eastern Shore of Dartmouth, there's another boardwalk lined with little craft shops and restaurants, called Fisherman's Wharf. This is also a nice place to spend an afternoon.

In the harbour are several small islands. George's Island used to have a fort on it and you can still see the remnants of it now. It's not accessible to the public but one of the larger islands, McNab's, can be accessed via a ferry from the Fisherman's Wharf area in woodside. It's a popular spot for camping or picnicking. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 24, 2008

Halifax Harbour
Halifax Harbour
Halifax
(902) 426-8222

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Natal Day weekend

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Natal Day parade - Mounties Photo - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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The first Monday in August is a holiday, many provinces in the country have it as a civic holiday or ank holiday if ou will. Here in Halifax it's something a little more special. It's to celebrate the founding of Halifax and Dartmouth and is called Natal Day. Halifax was founded in 1749 and Dartmouth in 1750. Each city used to have it's own celebrations around the middle of the summer, each on a separate weekend but when the cities and surrounding county amalgamated in 1996 to create one political district, Halifax Regional Municipality, the birthday celebrations were also combined. IT's a great weekend, usually starting on Thursday or Friday. The Halifax waterfront has a big beer tent and...Read More

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Halifax Explosion

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December 6 is Halifax's "day that lives in infamy". On Dec 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax harbour, the Imo and the Mont Blanc. The Imo was carrying relief supplies for WWI and the Mont Blanc was carrying explosives for the war effort. The Imo was leaving port as the Mont Blanc was arriving, both sailing in the same channel, one being the wrong one but neither ship seemed intent on changing it's course. At the last minute, the Mont Blanc pulled over into another shipping lane and the Imo went into a reverse to stop it's progress and by doing that, its course shifted the ship into the same lane the other ship had pulled into. They were still on a collision course and the Imo struck the Mont Bla...Read More

December 6 is Halifax's "day that lives in infamy". On Dec 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax harbour, the Imo and the Mont Blanc. The Imo was carrying relief supplies for WWI and the Mont Blanc was carrying explosives for the war effort. The Imo was leaving port as the Mont Blanc was arriving, both sailing in the same channel, one being the wrong one but neither ship seemed intent on changing it's course. At the last minute, the Mont Blanc pulled over into another shipping lane and the Imo went into a reverse to stop it's progress and by doing that, its course shifted the ship into the same lane the other ship had pulled into. They were still on a collision course and the Imo struck the Mont Blanc side on.

The sparks set the barrels of flammable explosive on the deck of Mont Blanc on fire. The crew abandoned ship but because they were French, most people on shore did not understand their warnings. Fire crews attempted to put out the fire on the ship as it drifted towards the Halifax shore but at 9:05 a.m. it exploded sky high. It was and is still the biggest man made accidental explosion ever and the largest before the nuclear age, and leveled the north end of Halifax and Dartmouth on either side of the harbour.

Hundreds of people had been on the shore watching the fire. As the warnings finally spread, one heroic railway worker warned a train that was approaching Halifax and would have progressed along the rails along the waterfront at the spot where the ship was on fire. Vince Coleman managed to warn the train in time so it was able to stop, but he died in the explosion minutes later. Two thousand were killed and thousands more were injured, many blinded from flying glass. A tsunami rose in the harbour from the force of the blast and washed many of the onlookers into the harbour. The Imo was lifted by the water onto the Dartmouth shore and most of the crew on board were drowned by the wave.

The anchor of the Mont Blanc landed 3 miles away by the Northwest arm and a gun barrel was found 2 miles away from the harbour in Dartmouth (just around the corner from where I live. It's now mounted with a memorial plaque)

Thousands were homeless and windows broke all over the city. China rattled on shelves as far away as Truro and New Glasgow, some 75 miles away. The next day, a winter blizzard blew in.

The army set up rows of tents for temporary shelter. Schools and churches were turned into hospitals and mortuaries all over the city.

The city of Boston immediately sent a train full of supplies and medical help, the first among many other places to offer help. Every year for the last 35 or so years, Nova Scotia donates a Christmas Tree for Boston's city square in thanks.

The city slowly crawled to its feet, rebuilding began in the spring. There is a memorial on Fort Needham in the north end and a service there every year on the anniversary. There are still a few people who survived the explosion alive, in their 80's and 90's but slowly the last survivors are passing away. There are a lot of artifacts and photos from the Explosion at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront.

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Transportation: Metro Transit

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Halifax only has bus and a passenger ferry for public transportation at the moment. The bus network is fairly good and will take you most anywhere you need to go. Some routes are less busy and only run hourly but most run on a 20 - 30 minute schedule, some more frequently during morning and afternoon rush hours. Schedules and route maps are here on the Metro Transit website.There is an Access-a-Bus service for disabled passengers (you must register) and many of the regularly scheduled busses are low-floor accessible busses that have space for up to 2 wheelchairs. The busses are in the process of having global ...Read More

Halifax only has bus and a passenger ferry for public transportation at the moment. The bus network is fairly good and will take you most anywhere you need to go. Some routes are less busy and only run hourly but most run on a 20 - 30 minute schedule, some more frequently during morning and afternoon rush hours. Schedules and route maps are here on the Metro Transit website.

There is an Access-a-Bus service for disabled passengers (you must register) and many of the regularly scheduled busses are low-floor accessible busses that have space for up to 2 wheelchairs.

The busses are in the process of having global satelite systems installed and there will be a real-time schedule that you can see on screens at central points or hear over the phone from each stop. It's called GoTime and that's available now but it just gives you the next scheduled bus. If the bus is late, it won't tell you that yet, but it will do. Each bus stop sign has a number on it to call.

Busses currently (2010) cost $2.25 per trip. The driver does not make change so you must have the exact amount. Seniors, children and students cost less. Students need to have ID. You can then ask for a transfer and will be given a slip of paper, colour coded by day. Show that to the driver of the next bus. Transfers are good for about an hour and a half. You can use the transfer to return on the same bus you started out on. Transfers are also good for the ferry.

There are three express routes as well, though more are planned. One goes from Cole Harbour in Dartmouth to downtown Halifax, one goes from the Woodside ferry to the Cole Harbour terminal and the other from Sackville to downtown Halifax. They cost an extra 50 cents on top of the regular fares but there is no reduction for students, only seniors and children. The Woodside route only runs at morning and afternoon rush hour to coincide with the Woodside Ferry which also only runs during morning and afternoon peak on weekdays. The other two only run weekdays but run all day. You can get a transfer to another bus or the ferry and you can use a regular transfer plus 50 cents to get on one. These busses are air conditioned and have comfy seats and because they are called "MetroLink" you will often hear people calling it The Link for short.

There are no day passes available at this time but you can buy a monthly pass which is good for a calendar month, i.e. June. These are available from about the 20th of the previous month until the middle of the month they're for. There is no reduction for buying it after the first of the month. It costs $70 for an adult, less for seniors and students. Students must display the pass with an id. A Metrolink pass costs $85 with no reductions for seniors or students.

Tickets can be purchased for $18 for an adult and student (cheaper for children or seniors), this is a sheet of 10 tickets. They can be used on the MetroLink plus 50 cents. Use a ticket, ask for a transfer as above.

Another service that Metro Transit offers in conjunction with the Downtown Business Association is FRED which stands for Free Rides Everywhere Downtown. This is a free, low floor accessible shuttle that runs a circular route around the downtown core between the casino on the north end of the downtown area to Pier 21 in the south end. It goes up to the fortress on Citadel Hill and up Spring Garden road to the Public Gardens as part of it's route. find out more information and a route description here. Read Less

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Transportation: The harbour ferries

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Halifax Ferry Photo - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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There has been a ferry across Halifax Harbour connecting the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth since 1752, shortly after the cities were founded. Currently it is a foot passenger ferry (and bikes) but previous to the first suspension bridge built in the 1950s, the ferry carried cars and, before that, I imagine, horses and carraiges. The ferry is a nice way to see the Halifax skyline from the water as well. Ferries run all day from about 6 a.m. weekdays until midnight. The cost is $2.00 per trip, less for seniors, students and children. Kids under 5 are free. You can get a paper transfer that will then let you catch a bus from either side as it's all part of the Metro Transit system. That mea...Read More

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Dip Your Toes in the Atlantic Ocean

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Martinique Beach, Halifax County Photo - Nova Scotia, Canada

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There are quite a few beaches within an hour and a half drive from Halifax harbour, both east and south along the Atlantic coasts of the province. Some have picnic facilities, toilets and canteens. Some are hugely popular and generally always crowded and some are a bit further away but worth the drive. Most have supervised areas in summer. None of them are going to have warm water. This is the North Atlantic but by August you won't go blue quite so fast. You may, however, make the trip on a hot sunny day from the city to find fog at the beach.Cole Harbour (turn off Cole Harbour Road at Bissett Road, Dartmouth): Rainbow Haven, has boardwalks, facilities, tends towards families and younger p...Read More

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Restaurants

Jamieson's Irish House and Grill

Restaurant | "You Won't Find Better!"

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Jamieson's is an Irish pub/restaurant in Dartmouth. It's a bit out of the way for visitors to Halifax but if you have a car, it's well worth the trip to Cole Harbour area of Dartmouth. It's found in a "strip" mall or shopping centre at the corner of Cole Harbour Road and Cumberland Drive (the other side of Cole Harbour Road is the Forest Hills Parkway). There's a Blockbuster video store on the corner that you can see from the main road, that's how you know you're there! Jamieson's has wooden tables and chairs, some soft, comfy chairs in the lounge area and a bar that has a very good beer selection and an even better scotch whiskey selection. A lot of the fittings and fixtures are recycled ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 17, 2008

Jamieson's Irish House and Grill
5 Cumberland Drive, Dartmouth

(902) 433-0500

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Durty Nelly's Irish Pub

Restaurant | "Down in the Durt(y)"

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Durty Nellie's advertises itself as an authentic Irish pub. I can't say that it's any more authentic than any other and there are certainly a wide variety of styles of pubs in Ireland so probably you could say that about most pubs! Anyway, that's beside the point.Durty Nellie's is located on Argyle Street, the street lined with pubs and restaurants in downtown Halifax. It's been open for about a year and then some and I've only just recently had a chance to try it. I've heard good things about it and they were right on the money.The music piped in is mainly Irish and Celtic oriented. The servers are neat and tidy and wear black logo aprons and are efficient and friendly. The re...Read More

Durty Nellie's advertises itself as an authentic Irish pub. I can't say that it's any more authentic than any other and there are certainly a wide variety of styles of pubs in Ireland so probably you could say that about most pubs! Anyway, that's beside the point.

Durty Nellie's is located on Argyle Street, the street lined with pubs and restaurants in downtown Halifax. It's been open for about a year and then some and I've only just recently had a chance to try it. I've heard good things about it and they were right on the money.

The music piped in is mainly Irish and Celtic oriented. The servers are neat and tidy and wear black logo aprons and are efficient and friendly. The restaurant space is large and roomy with lots of windows. There are booth type banquette seats, regular chairs and higher barstool type seating so there's something that everyone will be happy with.

They have live Irish entertainmen on weekends. There's a good selection of draft beers, some from good local micro breweries, Irish imports, some generic US brews and crowd pleasers like Rickards and they have their own Durty Nelly's brand lager on tap as well. Bottled beers are mainly the usual unsurprising offerings but they do have a Mill Street Organic from Ontario and Erdinger from Germany. The wine list seems pretty good, small but eclectic.

The food is very good. There are a number of Irish dishes on the menu as well as other tasty looking items. Prices are a bit higher than run of the mill pubs but average for a restaurant but the quality is excellent and the food fresh.

In summer there's an outside patio to enjoy your drink and meal in the sun. There are a few tables when you come in then a few steps down into the restaurant. Toilets are on a level to the restaurant, no stairs and the stalls are very roomy.

Right across the street from Neptune Theatre so it's perfect for pre or post theatre.

They have a very good whiskey and whisky menu, there's a few classic and some creative cocktails and the desserts looked yummy but we had no room!

I had a grilled chicken and brie panini and my friend had toasted turkey club and we were both quite happy with our meals. She's been a few times in the past and said she's always been satisfied.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 25, 2011

Durty Nelly's Irish Pub
Corner Of Argyle And Sackville Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
902-406-7640

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Q Smokehouse and Barbeque

Restaurant | "Smokey goodness in Halifax"

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Halifax has two new similar restaurants, both based on slow smoked and barbequed meats. One is called Q Smokehouse and the other is Boneheads Both profess to be authentic Southern (U.S.) style barbeque. Both have similar menus though the Q one seems to have a bit more choice. This review is for Q Smokehouse since I've not tried Boneheads yet but I'm guessing it will be similar in flavour and quantity of portions. Q Smokehouse is a very casual restaurant on Argyll Street in downtown Halifax. The menu is a meat lover's paradise with ribs (both pork and beef), chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork. There's a coupl...Read More

Halifax has two new similar restaurants, both based on slow smoked and barbequed meats. One is called Q Smokehouse and the other is Boneheads Both profess to be authentic Southern (U.S.) style barbeque. Both have similar menus though the Q one seems to have a bit more choice. This review is for Q Smokehouse since I've not tried Boneheads yet but I'm guessing it will be similar in flavour and quantity of portions.

Q Smokehouse is a very casual restaurant on Argyll Street in downtown Halifax. The menu is a meat lover's paradise with ribs (both pork and beef), chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork. There's a couple of salad choices, a couple of desserts and a handful of "sides" such as macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, fries, beans and cornbread. They also do large groups with 48 hours' notice for feasts of 1/2 lamb or goat, a whole suckling pig, or half a saddle of beef to name a couple of items. There are 4 or 5 different sauces you can choose from mild to fiery hot.

The restaurant itself is casual. There are tables and chairs and booths with extra chairs as well. There is no table service. You go to the counter and order off a menu on the wall, pay, and they will shout out your name to come get it. Most items are served in paper lined baskets which I wasn't too fond of as the paper will eventually get soggy and bits can get in your food as you cut it. Portions are a decent size and the fries were nice, not greasy. I had the beef ribs which were very tender and tasty, with the sweet potato fries as a side. You can get quantities of ribs in 2, 3, 4 and 5. The pork ribs come in half and full racks. My dining partner had the beef brisket and said it was nice as well. My choice of sauce was Texas which is described as "mild" though I'd put it a bit "warmer". It's not mouth burning unless you really prefer blander foods. I thought it had just the right kick to it.

Sandwich (pulled pork, chicken etc) prices are under $10 while the meat entrees range between $9 and $17. Most entrees come with one or two sides but extra sides are $2.50. They have beer and wine and soft drinks. You can bring your own wine for a corkage fee of a reasonable $10.

And if you make a bit of a mess? They have a big communal hand washing station by the bar and provide lots of napkins.

Would I go back again? Maybe. I did find it a bit loud and noisy. I'd like to try Boneheads for a comparison though they don't have quite as many choices on the menu.

Q Smokehouse is at 1580 Argyll Street, at the southern end of the street near Blowers Street. They're open from 11:30 to 10:00 p.m. and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Call 902.407.4006 but there's no reservations except for the group table and orders. Tasty food, and lots of it. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 19, 2010

Q Smokehouse and Barbeque
1580 Argyll Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(902) 407-4006

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Willman's

Restaurant | "Best Fish and Chips in Town"

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Willman's has been in business for 60 years and has only changed hands a few times. The latest owner has been there about 18 months and has revived a sagging Willman's back up into the highest ranks of fish and chip shops in the city that it always used to be. I remember Willman's from when I was young and Dad would bring it home for a treat. The current owner has perfected his mouth watering recipes and uses nothing but fresh ingredients. His batter is delicious and he uses nice, fresh oil for frying. He also does scallops, clams, chicken burgers and pizza but the seafood is what draws 'em in. He offers four different kinds of vinegar and lots of different kinds of soft drinks as well. Ma...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 29, 2008

Willman's
5644 Kane Street
B3K 2B4
(902) 454-0929

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The Press Gang

Restaurant | "Pressed into Service"

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A Press Gang is a gang of men that used to troll the drinking holes along the harbourfronts of sea towns, more or less kidnapping men and boys for service in the navy. Needless to say this isn't done anymore! The building the Press Gang restaurant is in was built over 200 years ago, spent quite a few years as the old Carlton Hotel and now houses bedsits and flats mainly rented to ex-service personel. On the Argyle Street level there is a little coffee shop/bakery that uses all organic ingredients and on the Prince Street side, you will find the Press Gang restaurant.This is a more formal restaurant, fine dining and fine prices to match but a nice place for a special night out. Food is exqu...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 29, 2008

The Press Gang
5218 Prince St
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3X4
+1 902 423 8816

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Parkside Pub

Restaurant | "Local pub in Dartmouth"

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The Parkside Pub is the latest incarnation of a pub in the Highfield Park neighbourhood in North End Dartmouth. There have been a few others in the building in the past but this one seems to be sticking. And there's a good reason for it. The pub is a good sized venue, with a private room at the back and another room with a bar. The food is pretty good though still standard pub grub and the wait staff are cheerful and usually pretty efficient. They have occasional live music and also karaoke and DJ on weekends. Wednesdays and Thursdays are Wing Night along with the Karoke which can be good fun. It's a local neighbourhood pub with a nice atmosphere and decent food. It's got an outdoor patio ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 19, 2010

Parkside Pub
14 Highfield Park Drive
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
(902) 464-1310

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Argyle Bar & Grill

Attraction | "Wood Fired Pizza on the Patio"

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The Argyle is a little gem of a bar/restaurant. It's near the south end of Argyle street, which is lined with eateries. Why should you choose the Argyle? It's got very good food, and specializes in pizza. Their pizza is thin crusted and baked in a wood fired oven. They have many gourmet styles or you can build your own. They also have lots of pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches. They have weekend brunches and a DJ at night on the weekends. There is a downstairs bar, called the AQUA Lounge, with a dance floor that can also be hired for private functions. On the main level is a restaurant and small bar area. There's also an outside patio in summer.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Argyle Bar & Grill
1575 Argyle St
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2B2
+1 902 492 8844

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Split Crow Pub

Attraction | "One of my favourite Halifax pubs"

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When Halifax was founded in 1749, a tavern was opened and called the Spread Eagle. Because of the sign, a double eagle, it was nicknamed the Split Crow. In the late 1970s, not on the same location as the original "Crow", the current Split Crow was opened and it's been a mainstay ever since. It's a traditional sort of pub, with a bar in the centre, a small stage, and several floor levels though only a few steps between them and only a few tables on the main ground level. There is also a private room in the lower level where the toilets are. Thus, though it is accessible for mobility challenged people, you won't be able to get to the loo! The menu contains the usual pub grub but also some go...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Split Crow Pub
1855 Granville St
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1Y1
+1 902 423 4366

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Mongolie Grill

Restaurant | "Healthy and Tasty "

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The Mongolie Grill is a franchised restaurant but it's new to Halifax. It's a good sized, open plan restaurant on two levels with lots of windows. It's a different concept. You are given a stainless steel bowl and you put fresh vegetables, noodles, nuts and meat (chicken, beef, seafood or there's also tofu). You add on from a selection of 18 or so homemade sauces (there are descriptions of what goes well together if you want to combine 2 or 3). the bowl is then weighed and you pay $2.89 per 100grams. They say average cost is between $9 and $15 which is what most of our table paid. The meal comes with a small bowl of soup, steamed rice and they bring thin wraps if you want to put some of the cooked foo...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 8, 2010

Mongolie Grill
1645 Granville Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(902) 406-4004

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Fireside Restaurant

Restaurant | "Excellent casual dining"

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One of my favourite restaurants is the Fireside. It's centrally located on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Brunswick Street, right across the road from the Library. The main restaurant is below street level though there's also an atrium just above street level and an outdoor patio for warm summer days. The atmosphere is relaxed with a variety of seating available, from high bar type chairs, regular seating and big, comfy arm chairs. There's an atrium as well, with comfy chairs and a well stocked bar. The food is really very good. It's the usual appetisers, soup. sandwiches, salads and some hot meals (chicken, steak, lamb). There are some choices for vegetarians as well. (...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 10, 2010

Fireside Restaurant
1500 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(902) 423-5995

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The Henry House

Restaurant | "Henry House"

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The Henry House is another of my favourite restaurants/pubs. It has dining over two floors in a historic listed building on the south end of Barrington Street, downtown Halifax. The house was built in 1834 built of ironstone and granite. The main floor is a restaurant and the lower floor is a pub. There is also a private dining area on the upper floor. This used to be the home of the Granite Brewery which was the name of the building for awhile but the brewery facilities have been moved elsewhere though their very excellent ales are still on tap here. Their menu offers traditional pub fare as well as fresh local seafood and divine desserts. There is a kids' menu and brunch is served on...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 5, 2008

The Henry House
1222 Barrington Street
Halifax
(902) 423-5660

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Celtic Corner

Restaurant

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Across the harbour from Halifax, in Dartmouth, you will find Celtic Corner, another Irish style pub with excellent food. It's easy to get to by the ferry, it's right across the street from the ferry terminal/library complex. Many busses stop nearby, traveling from the Dartmouth bus terminal just across from the McDonald bridge. From downtown Halifax, the 61 will take you right there, or you can transfer from a 1 or 10 (Westphal) which are the main two busses that travel from downtown Halifax to Dartmouth. The Celtic Corner specializes in pub grub and features entertainment with origins from the U.K., Ireland and the east coast of Canada mainly from...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 5, 2008

Celtic Corner
69 Alderney Drive
Dartmouth B2Y 2N7
(902) 464-0764

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Bish

Restaurant

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Bish is one of the top restaurants in Halifax and can hold its own against any world class restaurant. This is the place to go for fine dining, that means it will cost you plenty but Bish is an experience you won't forget if you really want to splurge. They are located on the south end of the Halifax Waterfront in the Bishop's Landing development. There's a bit of parking nearby but there are also parking lots along the waterfront and you can stroll the boardwalk to get there on a nice summer night. You can sit outside in the summer if you wish and watch the boats on the water and people strolling by.The food is exquisitely prepared and present...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 6, 2008

Bish
1475 Lower Water Street
Halifax B3J 3Z2
(902) 425-7993

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Opa!

Restaurant

Quote:

Opa! is a Greek phrase for Good Health, Cheers, and Glad to see you all rolled into one! Opa! is also the name of a great Greek restaurant in downtown Halifax. It's on the end of Argyle Street, next to the Argyle Bar and on the corner of Argyle and Blowers Street. The building used to be a bar that closed after many years. Several bars and restaurants tried the location but until Opa! none of them were successful. Opa is decorated in true taverna style and has two sections. The back section is in a room with a wall of windows and it's like an atrium. They can open the windows in summer to let the breeze in, too. I believe there are a few steps to g...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Opa!
1565 Argyle St
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2B2
+1 902 492 7999

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Perk's

Restaurant

Quote:

Perk's isn't strictly speaking a restaurant though they do offer light lunches. It's a coffee shop with a location on Quinpool Road but it's one of the great ones! They have two locations in local malls (MicMac and Halifax Shopping Centre) as well. They offer a custom European style blend of coffee. They do all the special coffee and tea drinks (chai, lattes, cappucino, etc. They have smoothies and Italian sodas. They have very yummy desserts and cakes! They offer free wi-fi as well.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 17, 2008

Perk's
1781 Lower Water Street
Halifax
(902) 429-9386

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The Old Triangle

Restaurant | "Old Triangle"

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The Old Triangle is an Irish pub downtown, just a block from the waterfront and across the street from historic Province House. It has three levels with live music on the main level and a couple of cosy nooks to hide away in in the back/ third level, The Snug. The food in this pub is excellent. I've never had a bad meal there yet. The menu has items with Irish theme names which might be a bit twee but don't let that put you off. You will find the food fresh and well prepared and very, very tasty. They have seafood, pasta, salad, sandwiches, pub grub and some Irish favourites like Guinness and Steak pie and Irish Stew. There's everything from starters to pub grub to main dishes. They have a...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 28, 2008

The Old Triangle
5136 Prince Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(902) 492-4900

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Things to do

Halifax Public Gardens

Attraction | "Halifax Public Gardens (The)"

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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,...Read More

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. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 29, 2008

Halifax Public Gardens
Spring Garden Road and South Park Street (Office: 375 Cowie Hill Road)
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3T 2M3
+1 902 490 4895

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Peggy's Cove

Attraction | "Overrated or Picturesque? You Decide"

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I've been to Peggy's Cove many, many times over the years. My best friend grew up in the village, you see. Peggy's Cove is a working fishing village about a 45 minute drive from Halifax on Highway 333. The lighthouse perched on the granite rocky coastline is quite well known and one of the, if not *the* most photographed spot in the area. It's very pretty, quaint and picturesque. There's a little wooden church, wooden houses and a harbour with fishing boats, lobster traps and wharfs. There's a restaurant by the lighthouse and a smattering of craft and gift shops along the narrow road. And there are tourists. Ye Gods, there are tourists!!! In the summer, they come by the bus load. There are...Read More

I've been to Peggy's Cove many, many times over the years. My best friend grew up in the village, you see. Peggy's Cove is a working fishing village about a 45 minute drive from Halifax on Highway 333. The lighthouse perched on the granite rocky coastline is quite well known and one of the, if not *the* most photographed spot in the area. It's very pretty, quaint and picturesque. There's a little wooden church, wooden houses and a harbour with fishing boats, lobster traps and wharfs. There's a restaurant by the lighthouse and a smattering of craft and gift shops along the narrow road.

And there are tourists. Ye Gods, there are tourists!!! In the summer, they come by the bus load. There are two parking lots, one near the entrance of the village and a larger one behind the restaurant by the lighthouse and on sunny days, they're both filled with busses and cars. Crowds of people crawl over the rocky shoreline, often getting too close to the water. They don't realize how dangerous it is! Trust me. Every year there are a few people that get washed off the rocks by a rogue wave. The waves on a windy day are very pretty to watch. But not from out on the rocks which can also be slippery from the sea spray. As tempting as it is, don't get too close to the edge!!!!

The gift shops do have some nice items and the restaurant is pretty good. The lighthouse has a post office in it though the queues to get your postcards stamped there can be long.

There's a gallery of paintings by William DeGarthe who lived here and his paintings are very good. There's also his sculpture along a rock face just before you get to the harbour. That's worth having a look at as well.

Peggy's Cove *is* picturesque but in the high tourist season, it's a bit of a mad house with so many people. If you can come in the off season, that's a far better time. It's spectacular in the winter with ice covering the rocks. It's even more so after a storm when the waves are crashing high on the granite boulders. Obviously you stay well clear and watch from a safe distance but the views then are impressive.

All along that highway from Tantallon and around St. Margaret's bay are lots of pretty spots and craft shops. The whole peninsula is worth driving around the loop. Take some of the little side roads to places like Prospect or McGrath's Cove or Shad Bay. Continue down through Hubbards and on to Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 15, 2010

Peggy's Cove
(45 minutes down the Halifax shoreline)
Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Halifax Seaport Farmers Market

Attraction | "Seaport Market covers all bases"

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The old Farmer's Market split into two markets. There is still a market in the old Keith's Brewery but the new market is in one of the old container pier buildings, renovated to hold the new market. It's really hopping all day Saturday and Sunday with quite a lot available on Fridays too. Eventually it's aim is to open all week but it's still a growing concern for those days. Your best bet is visiting on the weekend. There is a lot of free parking in the area and there's a bus, the number 8 that goes from Scotia Square to the market and Pier 21 museum next door. The market has pretty much everything you would expect, from fruit and veg, to meat, sausages, cheese, bakeries, fish, seafood, w...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 10, 2011

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
1209 Marginal Road, Pier 20
Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Neptune Theatre

Attraction | "The Jewel in the Crown"

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There are quite a few small theatres and troupes in Halifax but the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Neptune Theatre. The site has hosted a theatre for many, many years before that, beginning in 1915 but spending 30 years as a movie house. It was established and rebuilt as a theatre in 1963 and has grown with many successes since then. After an expansion in the 1990s, the theatre has a mainstage and a smaller more intimate stage and there's a theatre school and summer camps as well. Check the website for information there. The theatre puts on a variety of performances, from musicals, to classic plays to new plays by Canadian write...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Neptune Theatre
1593 Argyle St
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2B2
+1 902 429 7070

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Tall Ships

Attraction | "Relive Past Centuries of Sail"

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The Tall Ships come to Halifax every few years and when they do, the waterfront seems transported back 100 or 200 years to the age of Sail when the harbour was lined with ships and masts and sails. The waterfront is buzzing with thousands of people walking the boardwalks and looking at the wonderful ships, some wooden, some converted steel hull and all sizes from schooners to four masted barques. You will be able to get a pass to board some of the ships and have a look around the decks, talk to the sailors and imagine what it must be like to be out on the open seas under the skies. There are ships from all over the world that visit. The waterfront is lined with souvenir kiosks and tents with top ente...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 23, 2008

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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Attraction

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The centre of Halifax is dominated by a big hill and on top of the hill is a restored Citadel, a star shaped fortress that was constructed shortly after the city was founded in 1749. There have been several forts here over the years, the current one dates to 1856. The fort was built for defence but has never fired a gun in aggression. The only cannon that goes off these days is one that fires to mark noon every day. The Citadel is open mainly from May to October though the grounds are open all year round. There are no services for tourists in the winter with one exception. The fortress holds a Victorian style Christmas celebration on several Sundays in December. The cost is $11.50 for an adu...Read More

The centre of Halifax is dominated by a big hill and on top of the hill is a restored Citadel, a star shaped fortress that was constructed shortly after the city was founded in 1749. There have been several forts here over the years, the current one dates to 1856. The fort was built for defence but has never fired a gun in aggression. The only cannon that goes off these days is one that fires to mark noon every day.

The Citadel is open mainly from May to October though the grounds are open all year round. There are no services for tourists in the winter with one exception. The fortress holds a Victorian style Christmas celebration on several Sundays in December. The cost is $11.50 for an adult during June to September, with a lower cost in May and October. The fortress is free on Canada Day, July 1, when there are demonstrations, music and activities to celebrate Canada's birthday.

The soldiers you see dressed in period costume belong to the 78th Highlander regiment and most are summer students. Many will wear kilts and the rest wear regular uniform. they are trained in rifle and cannon drills as well as learning the history of the fort so that they can take turns guiding the visitors. You can usually join a walking tour around the fortress for free. This takes you into the barracks, in and around the compound and inside the walls themselves.

The view from the Citadel overlooks the downtown core and harbour and the hill itself is popular for sunbathers and kite flyers. The site is designated a National Historic site and is run by Parks Canada. It's well worth a visit with lots of displays and things to see. There's a military museum in the barracks as well as a gift shop, coffee shop and toilet facilities.

It's easy to get to. Find the hill. Walk up. There are stairs on the harbour side, and two roads lead up to the hill. Drive slowly, though as the road is narrow and there's a stop light as you come into the parking lot. Bus tours of the city drive up the hill and stop here and the free city centre shuttle that runs in the summer also comes up. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 30, 2008

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sackville And Brunswick Streets
Halifax B3K 5M7
(902) 426-5080

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St. Paul's Anglican Church

Attraction | "Historic St. Paul's Church"

Quote:

st. Paul's is the oldest Anglican church in Canada and the oldest structure in Halifax. It was built in 1750, a year after Halifax was founded. It was also the first Anglican cathedral in the Maritime provinces as well, and was the seat for the bishop until the mid 1800s. It's a little wooden church on the Grand Parade Square in downtown Halifax, across from City Hall. The white wooden frame church can now seat over 1400 though has a much smaller regular congregation these days as the residential centre has moved out of the downtown core. The current church has some expansion over the years but looks very like the original building. One interesting fact is that the wood was all imported fr...Read More

st. Paul's is the oldest Anglican church in Canada and the oldest structure in Halifax. It was built in 1750, a year after Halifax was founded. It was also the first Anglican cathedral in the Maritime provinces as well, and was the seat for the bishop until the mid 1800s. It's a little wooden church on the Grand Parade Square in downtown Halifax, across from City Hall. The white wooden frame church can now seat over 1400 though has a much smaller regular congregation these days as the residential centre has moved out of the downtown core.

The current church has some expansion over the years but looks very like the original building. One interesting fact is that the wood was all imported from Boston as the timber there grows straighter than here where the winds tend to give the trees curves. During the Halifax Explosion in 1917, all the stained glass was shattered and one upper gallery window had a piece of glass blown out with the resulting shape formed by the hole which resembled the profile of an earlier pastor, Reverend Jean-Baptiste Moreau, an assistant at St. Paul's from 1750 to 1753. It does resemble a cleric with the type of hat you often see in paintings! The broken glass remains today with a protective glass over it. The tourists are often told that the glass has been replaced 3 times and the profile returned every time. This is, of course, untrue! There is one small window with stained glass from 1868 that was salvaged from the explosion damage and put back together. It "lives" on an interior wall to avoid any further damage. There is also a window sill of another building embedded in the wall of the entryway.

Another unique feature are the eight "Hatchments" that hang in the church. These are the diamond shaped paintings of coats of arms and is one of the largest collections in Canada.

There are many memorials in the church and about 20 or so people are buried under the floors in a crypt. There appears to be a blue and white organ at the altar, with pipes on both sides. These pipes are decorative only, with the real pipes for the Casavant organ located behind them. There is also a small Royal pew at the front with a crest and armed padded section of the padded bench pew for Royal visits.

I stopped into the church at lunchtime recently and was offered a tour by a summer worker there who was very informative. The church is really very interesting and definitely worth stopping in if you are in the downtown area. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 3, 2010

St. Paul's Anglican Church
1749 Argyle St
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K4
+1 902 429 2240

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Point Pleasant Park

Attraction

Quote:

Point Pleasant Park is on the south tip of peninsular Halifax. When the city was founded in the 1700s, there was a garrison here, built to monitor the comings and goings in and out of the harbour. There are still some remnants of batteries and a Martello tower in the park. The park has been used for recreation since the mid 1800s and is a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike who want to get away from the city streets and enjoy the sunshine. The park also has a small beach but currently, it's not advised to swim there as the harbour is polluted. There is a harbour cleanup project underway, so maybe in future years, you'll be able to ...Read More

Point Pleasant Park is on the south tip of peninsular Halifax. When the city was founded in the 1700s, there was a garrison here, built to monitor the comings and goings in and out of the harbour. There are still some remnants of batteries and a Martello tower in the park. The park has been used for recreation since the mid 1800s and is a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike who want to get away from the city streets and enjoy the sunshine.

The park also has a small beach but currently, it's not advised to swim there as the harbour is polluted. There is a harbour cleanup project underway, so maybe in future years, you'll be able to swim there again but it's still a good place to sit or let the kids play in the sand.

There are roads and paths through the wooded park and clearings where you can spread a blanket and have a picnic. Along the shore road, there are some picnic tables as well. At the Cambridge Battery, about a 10 minute walk from the upper entrance, all summer long, there are performances by the Shakespeare by the Sea company, every evening except Mondays and weekend matinees. They charge about 10 dollars per performance, and will provide chairs or you can bring your own blankets to sit on.

PPP is also partly a dog-park. You can let your dog run off leash in the interior of the park (not along the coastal roads or in the parking lots) but you must have control of your animal and locally owned dogs must be licensed according to Halifax's bylaws. You must pick up after your dog, as well.

The views from the park, over the harbour and NorthWest Arm (inlet) are great! On a sunny day you can watch the sailboats along with regular harbour water traffic (tugs, container ships, etc.) In 2003, a hurricane decimated the tree population of the park. There are some areas that lost 70% of the trees. Restoration work is ongoing and someday this park will be fully forested again.

The park is at the south end of the peninsua. Follow Barrington Street to the end, where it turns a corner into Inglis Street. At Tower Road lights, turn left and follow to the end of that road. Turn left and follow Point Pleasant drive to the parking lot of the park. If you turn right, you'll see the upper parking lot on the left as well for the other main entrance. Bus number 9 goes right into the parking lot and serves Tower Road, Inglis Street and Barrington street in the downtown area, up to the bus terminal (Via Duffus, Lady Hammond and Connaught) at the West End shopping mall area. There are toilet facilities through the park as well as at the main entrance. There's a snack bar at the main entrance and an ice cream shack by the beach as well. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 2, 2008

Point Pleasant Park
Tower Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3A5
(902) 490-4700

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Fishermen's Cove

Attraction | "Fishermen's Cove Off the Beaten Track"

Quote:

Fisherman's Cove, in Eastern Passage, Dartmouth, was and is still a working fishing village and has recently been developed with a boardwalk and shops. There is a large restaurant, Boondocks and several smaller restaurants, cafes and a pub and there are a line of small "shacks" housing craft and gift shops. There is a long boardwalk as well that goes out to the harbour and there are a couple of small beaches as well. Good views and a great place for a walk on a sunny day. See the website for descriptions of all the great little shops. You can also get a ferry from here to McNab's Island in the harbour, a good spot for hiking and a picnik!Directions on how to get there on the website. Also ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 3, 2010

Fishermen's Cove
Eastern Passage
Dartmouth

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Dartmouth Heritage Museum Quaker House

Attraction

Quote:

On the Dartmouth side of Halifax Harbour is an often overlooked historic house. Quaker House only small, just a few rooms down and a few up but it's one of the oldest houses in Dartmouth and dates back to 1785. It's been expanded since then but restored to that era. It was owned by a barrell maker who came to the area as one of a group of Quakers who came here for the whaling industry. There are some interesting displays in the house including a preserve whale's eye in a jar and some wonderful scrimshaw, which is carvings on whale teeth. The museum is only open from early June to very early September. It's closed for lunch ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Dartmouth Heritage Museum Quaker House
57 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth
Halifax, NS

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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Attraction

Quote:

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is one of the "must see" attractions in Halifax, along with the Citadel. It explores the seagoing history of Halifax including merchant, military, fishing and other aspects of the ocean. This is the oldest Maritime museum in Canada (60 years old in 2008) though not at this location. In fact, it lived part of it's life in the Citadel. The current building opened it's doors in 1982. There is also an excellent exhibit on the Halifax Explosion which was the largest man made explosion before the nuclear age. (This was caused by two ships that collided in the harbour, on December 6, 1917. One was carrying ex...Read More

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is one of the "must see" attractions in Halifax, along with the Citadel. It explores the seagoing history of Halifax including merchant, military, fishing and other aspects of the ocean. This is the oldest Maritime museum in Canada (60 years old in 2008) though not at this location. In fact, it lived part of it's life in the Citadel. The current building opened it's doors in 1982.

There is also an excellent exhibit on the Halifax Explosion which was the largest man made explosion before the nuclear age. (This was caused by two ships that collided in the harbour, on December 6, 1917. One was carrying explosives and combustible materials for WWI). You can learn about shipwrecks, about building boats, you can find out about Canada's navy in the wars. There are models, photos, artifacts. Another big attraction is an exhibition on the Titanic. Many of the Titanic victims are buried in Halifax and the museum has quite a few artifacts salvaged from the wreck.

You can see scale models of tall ships, cruise ships, steam powered liners. There is a replica of a ship carpenter's shop, a sail loft displaying sail makers' tools and other artifacts. There's a gift shop as well.

The museum is on the Halifax waterfront on Lower Water street. There's a pay-and-display parking lot beside it and a parking garage a few blocks away. There is no cafe on site but there is no shortage of places to find some good food and drink within steps of the museum.

The museum opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5 in the winter and 5:30 in summer but is open all year round on Tuesday nights until 8. In winter, November through the end of April, it is closed on Mondays and it's closed Dec. 24, 25, 26 and Jan. 1. It is fully accessible for people with mobility issues. The adult entry price tops at $8.75 but about half that price in winter. There are seniors and kids' discounts and you can also get a family pass. You can also get a season pass that lets you return all year for $22.50 per adult, an amazing value. Also included in the price is access to the CSS Acadia which is an old scientific research ship docked outside the museum. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 5, 2008

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
1675 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1S3
(902) 424-7490

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Halifax, the city of festivals

Attraction

Barbequed smelts from Portugal Photo - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Quote:

Halifax is a city of festivals in the summertime. The season starts off in early June with the Greek festival. This is held on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church in Herring Cove. They feature music, dancing and food, glorious food! That's the main reason people go there, to enjoy the wonderful food, all made by members of the Greek community. There are outdoor barbeque pits and inside, you will be able to get platters of Greek specialties like spanakopita and stuffed vine leaves as well as syrupy sweet baklava. Limited parking, along the road mainly but there are busses that go there from the West End mall terminal.The next big festival is the Multi...Read More

Halifax is a city of festivals in the summertime. The season starts off in early June with the Greek festival. This is held on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church in Herring Cove. They feature music, dancing and food, glorious food! That's the main reason people go there, to enjoy the wonderful food, all made by members of the Greek community. There are outdoor barbeque pits and inside, you will be able to get platters of Greek specialties like spanakopita and stuffed vine leaves as well as syrupy sweet baklava. Limited parking, along the road mainly but there are busses that go there from the West End mall terminal.

The next big festival is the Multicultural Festival. This is held near the end of June or early July in the Dartmouth events plaza at the ferry terminal. There are large marquees erected, some of which feature crafts and displays from many countries in the world. The most popular tent is the food tent where there are vendors of many foods and delicacies from around the world for you to try. Go hungry, come home full to bursting! You'll have to have a bit of cash in your pocket though, it costs to get in to the festival (though they do offer family passes and you can get advance weekend passes at any branch of the Royal Bank after June 1) and each item of food you want to try costs anywhere from 1 to 3 or 4 dollars. I generally go with $20.00 and have a scope about to decide which looks appetising. I like to try some different things that I wouldn't normally be able to get, such as sweets from Portugal, or something smoked from Iceland. Outside under the canopy on the events stage there will be an amazing array of performances from all cultures. The music and colour, the grace and talent are enough to keep you there all day watching. You can pay for a weekend pass or just a day pass.

The Busker festival takes place in early August for 10 days. Street performers from all over the world put on their acts in front of crowds all along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk. The event is free but most of the acts will ask you for donations. There will also be vendors of all sorts set up along the boardwalk. There are a lot of acrobatic type acts, many musicians and a few performance artists.

The JazzEast festival in July attracts lots of people to various venues around the city. There are usually free outdoor concerts happening and there's an outdoor marquee and stage on Spring Garden Road as well. Many of the venues will charge admission, of course, as tickets and seating will be limited. If you like Jazz, it's a fine time to visit Halifax.

Other cultural weekend festivals include the Italian festival in September at the Italian Cultural Centre at 2629 Agricola Street (again, go for the most excellent homemade food!!), Lebanese festival at the Lebanese cultural centre, and the Polish Festival (at a local church), all usually later in the summer. The Halifax Comedy Festival was held in April in 2008 but has been a summer festival as well in the past.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 5, 2008

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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Attraction | "Pier 21"

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Betweem 1928 and 1971 over 1.5 million immigrants passed through Halifax on their way to new lives in Canada. They arrived by ship and landed at Pier 21 in the south end of Halifax. The museum is housed in the last remaining immigration clearing shed in Canada and is named for it and it's mission is to explore the immigration experience that so many thousands went through. The facility is also a research centre for people wanting to trace their geneology. The museum aims to celebrate all immigrants to Canada from the early days after the country was formed in 1867 onwards, bringing a large multicultural building block to Canada. The original Pier 21 was a complex of buildings that include...Read More

Betweem 1928 and 1971 over 1.5 million immigrants passed through Halifax on their way to new lives in Canada. They arrived by ship and landed at Pier 21 in the south end of Halifax. The museum is housed in the last remaining immigration clearing shed in Canada and is named for it and it's mission is to explore the immigration experience that so many thousands went through. The facility is also a research centre for people wanting to trace their geneology. The museum aims to celebrate all immigrants to Canada from the early days after the country was formed in 1867 onwards, bringing a large multicultural building block to Canada.

The original Pier 21 was a complex of buildings that included access to the trains. Now it houses a bright museum, with a wall of windows overlooking the harbour and George's Island. The cruise ship docks are also just next to it. There are thousands of photographs, written histories from people who want to tell their stories, interactive displays, artifacts and even an old railway car with a video of highlights of the country from coast to coast. There is of course, a gift shop and cafe and there are research facilities as well. It is wheelchair accessible.

The museum is located at the south end of the city on Marginal Road. Easiest way to get there is to go down Barrington Street to South Street where you will see the Westin Hotel and Train station. Turn left on South Street, a short left and a quick right onto Terminal Road. Follow that down and round to the right. You can also go south on HOllis Street as far as the road goes, then turn left onto Terminal Road as above. There's a parking lot there that costs $2 per hour. Alternatively, park anywhere along the waterfront or take the ferry to Halifax and walk the boardwalks all the way down. It would take about 15 minutes (or longer if you're strolling) to walk from the Halifax ferry terminal to Pier 21. There is no bus that serves Marginal Road but in the summer months you can catch the free downtown shuttle, FRED, that goes right to the door. Metro Transit bus numbers 9 and 7 go down Barrington to the train station area.

The museum is open 7 days a week in summer from 9:30 to 5:30. Winter hours (November 29 to March 31) 10:00 to 5:00, closed on Sunday and Monday. In April the winter hours are in effect but they are only closed on Sunday. Closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. Costs are $8.50 for an adult with discounts for children and senior. There's a family rate as well.

As of 2010 the museum has been named as Canada's National Immigration Museum so will be awarded more funds for expansion. Very good news for Pier 21! (No, i don't think it will have an actual name change, just a designation change)

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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 13, 2008

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
1055 Marginal Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P6
(902) 425 7770

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Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Attraction | "Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (The)"

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The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is soon to celebrate their 100th year. It began life as the Nova Scotia Museum of Fine Arts and has has many homes, including a powder magazine in the Halifax Citadel. It moved into it's current building, a fine old Victorian heap, in 1988 and 10 years later, the AGNS took over two floors of a neighbouring building as well. The two are connected underground by another exhibition space. The main building is the 1865 Dominion Building at what used to be called "Cheapside" but is now flanked by Hollis Street and Bedford Row. It is only steps from the ferry terminal and waterfront where there is a pay and display parking lot. The Art Gallery has permanent exhibit...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 26, 2008

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
1723 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V9
(902) 424-7542

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Seahorse Tavern

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The Seahorse was founded in 1948 and is one of the oldest pubs in Halifax. It's a basic bar, not pretty, not fancy and it's got an eclectic mix of clientele. You might see university students, art students, military (sailors), office workers and the like. The menu is standard pub grub and it's pretty darn good grub, too. They often have live music as well as DJ nights and and Open Mike night. Square and long scarred wooden tables, vinyl booth seats and wooden chairs, the bar has more character than style but those that like it, like it a lot. It's underground so there is no outdoor light. Find it on Argyle Street, a block south of the Parade Square on the harbour side. You'll see the Seahorse sign ove...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Seahorse Tavern
1665 Argyle Street
Halifax B3J 2B5
(902) 423-7200

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Novascotian Crystal

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Something unique on the waterfront is a crystal shop where you can actually watch the craftsmen blow the crystal the old fashioned way. They open the side to the parking lot so people can stand and watch. They blow the molten crystal, shape it and engrave it all by hand with traditional methods. I've been on a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory in Ireland and although this is much smaller, the traditions and skills are every bit as good. The founders of NovaScotian Crystal are in fact skilled craftspeople from Ireland where jobs were becoming thinner on the ground. They came to Halifax in 1996 and opened the factory here to huge success. The shop shows off the exquisite pieces large and ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 10, 2008

Novascotian Crystal
5080 George Street, Halifax
Halifax B3J 1M4

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Alexander Keith's Brewery

Attraction | "Alexander Keith's Brewery Tour"

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Keith's Brewery is the oldest working brewery in North America. Alexander Keith founded it in the early 1800s and his beer has been brewed here in one location or another ever since. The current location is in the old stone brewery building near the waterfront. Alexander Keith owned this building as well as a home on Hollis Street, just above it (Keith Hall). The beer was brewed in the Olands' brewery for some time but moved back to the historic listed building which also houses the Halifax Farmers' Market, also one of the oldest markets in Canada. Currently, they offer a brewery tour with costumed actors as guides. The tour ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 17, 2008

Alexander Keith's Brewery
The Brewery Marketshop, 1496 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1R9
(902) 455-1474

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Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival

Attraction | "Highland Flinging - Och Aye!"

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The Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival is held on a Saturday in July every year. Up to this year (2008) it has been held at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, near the foot of Citadel Hill. This year the organizers were a bit late booking the field and lost the venue so scrambled to find a new one. They found a field and booked it. They used the Dartmouth Commons on the other side of the harbour and the venue was perfect! There is a large ball field behind Bicentennial school by Dartmouth High School and all the tents and events were set up there. The Commons below that was an ideal space for practicing and setting up "camp" for the various pipe bands and groups. They have a row...Read More

The Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival is held on a Saturday in July every year. Up to this year (2008) it has been held at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, near the foot of Citadel Hill. This year the organizers were a bit late booking the field and lost the venue so scrambled to find a new one. They found a field and booked it. They used the Dartmouth Commons on the other side of the harbour and the venue was perfect! There is a large ball field behind Bicentennial school by Dartmouth High School and all the tents and events were set up there. The Commons below that was an ideal space for practicing and setting up "camp" for the various pipe bands and groups.

They have a row of marquees set up to feature various clans with geneology information, photos and people to talk to. Some of the booths are selling items of interest and there are also other booths selling Celtic jewelry, souvenirs and accessories that you might need if you are in a pipe and drum band or if you compete in the dance and folk competitions. Lots of plaid everywhere! There is usually a kiosk set up by a travel agent with information on Scotland and Ireland and this year there was also a representative of the Dartmouth Heritage Museum. Over one area that has a life as a baseball field in it's everyday life, you will see various pipe bands and drummers competing. There's a main stage for the opening ceremonies and which later is the scene for the dancing competitions. Girls in kilts or folk costumes fling and stomp and dance in various categories ranked by age and type of dancing.

The day starts off with a parade of the massed pipe and drum bands and let me tell you, when hundreds of bagpipes raise the call of the Highlands, your heart pounds! The pipes must have truly sounded fearsome back in the days when it was the call into battle! These days, the pipes and drums are played by people of all ages, male and female. There was a demonstration of the 78th Highander drill team in full dress uniform. These men work at the Halifax Citadel all summer long as guides and guards and putting on demonstrations for the tourist so they do learn the maneuvers for real, recreating life as a soldier in the garrison.

The popular event, however, is the heavy events area. This is where you will see tall, burly men with arms the size of tree trunks hefting and throwing boulders, rocks on sticks and chains, and flinging 20 foot poles nearly the size of a telephone pole end over end. That's the "glamour" event, the caber toss. It takes a lot of strength but also a huge amount of skill to overend it just right. The aim is to heave it high enough so that it lands on one end and falls over in a straight line from the person that threw it, a "12 o'clock" throw. If the caber doesn't flip over, the angle it falls is measured in degrees instead of clock time. This is usually the last event of the day. I can't imagine how they must have any energy left after all the heavy throwing all day!

This was the first year for the event at the Dartmouth venue but it was very successful and it appears they may return there in future. It cost 12 dollars for an adult entry to the grounds this year. There were lots of places you can lay a blanket or portable chair. They also have a few food kiosks and a beer garden area too where later in the afternoon, you will be able to hear some local entertainment. All in all a very enjoyable day and the weather this year couldn't have been more perfect for it! Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 26, 2008

Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival
Sackville Street and Bell Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Z3
+1 902 469 2023

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