Expect a warm welcome in Halifax, Nova Scotia

November 28, 2009

By Sid Kaplan    
Travel Writer
Troy Media

Sid Kaplan

HALIFAX, NS, Nov. 28, 2009/ Troy Media/ — Before our family visited Halifax, I thought of it as way-y-y-y north. It sort of sounded like some place remote and cold to me.

But we soon had that misconception dispelled. As a matter of fact, it is at the same latitude as Bordeaux, France and Southern Oregon. And it’s not exactly remote. You can easily get there by air directly from Toronto and Montreal in Canada. There are also flights from New York, Boston and Chicago in the U.S and from London and Amsterdam, among others.

It has the world’s third largest oceanographic institute, five universities, and is one of North America’s most popular convention sites according to their tourist bureau and, of course, it’s the capital of the province of Nova Scotia. Boy, were we uninformed about Halifax!

It’s a medium sized city. About one third of Nova Scotia’s population lives there. On our recent trip to Nova Scotia, we left Halifax for the end of the trip, concentrating on small towns and the tides of the Bay of Fundy. We only explored the capital city for a day at the end, but we’re glad we didn’t miss it.

Halifax is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean, but it sits on a beautiful harbor, the second largest natural harbor in the world. One fun fact we learned is that this city is closer to Europe than any other east coast port of call.

The first site we visited was the Citadel Fort , located high on a hill overlooking the harbor. This star-shaped fort was completed in 1856 and it is now a National Historic Site of Canada. During the summer months, you’ll see period-uniformed soldiers drill and bagpipers play on the parade grounds. You can take guided tours of the buildings.

There is another fort on a bluff overlooking the harbor — York Redoubt. If you visit, you’ll have a spectacular view of the city and surrounding area.

Just below the Citadel is the big white tower with the Town Clock, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

You have to visit the waterfront area. Pier 21 was recently named as the National Immigration Museum. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has exhibits relating to the Titanic, and there are old ships moored nearby. The whole waterfront area has lots of historic buildings. Most have been converted into shops and restaurants. It’s all very entertaining.

Everyone wants to see “Theodor Tugboat ,” the funny little tugboat painted up with a funny little face and baseball cap. You can take harbor tours from the area. You can even take a town AND harbor tour in an amphibious vehicle known as a “duck,” which will take you on streets and the water. Who cares if it’s touristy . . . you’re a tourist!

There’s plenty of parking all along the waterfront, as well as many hotels too, large and small, if you want to stay right in the action. And with all the restaurants and fast food places, you won’t have to worry about eating.

So if you plan to visit Nova Scotia, don’t miss Halifax. That Maritime climate makes it warmer than we expected . . . and you’ll have a warm welcome with lots to see and do.

If you’ve been to Halifax, or even if you live there, tell us what about your favorite spot in the comment box below.