Halifax is a regional municipality and is the capital of the Province of Nova Scotia in Canada. It is considered to be one of the top places to live in the country because of its strong economy and wide resource industries such as fishing, agriculture, mining and natural gas. It is this abundance of resources along with an incredible history that make Halifax worth traveling to.
Getting Around
Traveling to Halifax allows you to witness its highly celebrated heritage. A memorable visit typically starts with a walking tour around the municipality’s historic downtown and harbor. Other communities and attractions can easily be reached by riding public transportation or by driving a car. You may also take a ferry that runs from Halifax main harbor to Dartmouth to get a great view of the harbor and the surrounding islands.
Historical Sites
One very important interesting site to visit is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which is actually a naval station located on top of the hill. Citadel a living museum equipped with animated, full-costumed guides who will show you garrison cells and well-preserved old weapons. Another fascinating spot is the Canadian Museum of Immigration, located at Pier 21. This 20th century museum effectively demonstrates the powerful history of early Canadian immigration (as much as Ellis Island in the US).
St Paul’s Church is both an important landmark for history and religion. Built in 1750, it is the oldest building in the area, and it also gets the credit for being the first Protestant Church in all Canada. Other historic sites you can explore are the SS Atlantic Heritage Park, Dartmouth Heritage Museum and the Old Town Clock. If you have the time, make sure to try the Dartmouth’s Heritage Walk, which allows you to see all the significant historic structures and sites that contributed to the success of Halifax today.
Outdoor Fun
The Halifax region is a haven for outdoor sports and activities. You can choose to play at any of its numerous golf courses, including the world-famous Glen Arbour Golf Course. During the winter, the Emera Oval found at the Halifax Common becomes a nice ice skating ground. Saint Margaret’s Bay and East Dover are great kayaking spots while Lawrencetown Beach is highly populated by surfers. If you feel more adventurous, then you can also try rafting on the Shubenacadie River or hike challenging trails of Musquodoboit, TransCanada and Tailor Head.
The Seaside
The Halifax Regional Municipality officially covers the area from Dartmouth to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. This is where you can find seaside villages, bays and sandy beaches. If you head towards the east, you will encounter the Musquodoboit Harbour, a town surrounded by river that bears the same name and produces the finest trout and salmon in the region. Right beside Musquodoboit is the Martinique Beach Park, which is the longest beach in the province.
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
No smart tourist will visit Halifax and not stop by Peggy’s Cove. The words “breathtaking” and “picturesque” may not be sufficient to describe the beauty you will witness when you go for the Lighthouse Trail scenic drive. The sight of the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, which also houses a post office, can fittingly culminate your journey.
